Tied Hands

The Empress always knew her second son was considered one of the cruelest men in the palace, if not, his generation. 

It was a miracle that his horrid deeds garnered so many followers. Many praised his strength, others complimented his intelligence. He had the presence of a leader and the aura of a ruler.

"So early in the morning and you're causing this ruckus," the Empress chastised. She took a step into the courtyard, but immediately wished she didn't.

From the corner of her eyes, she saw the mangled body of her lady-in-waiting. The Empress's lips dipped into a frown. She observed the courtyard, where maidservants were kneeling in fear, heads bent in greeting.

"You said the punishment would be lenient," the Empress deadpanned. She knew it was unwise to trust her son's words.

"This," Yu Zhen said and gestured to the unconscious Xu Jiaqi. "Is mercy."