Chapter 31: Mom, You Dare to Stand Up the Empress!?

Chapter 31: Chapter 31: Mom, You Dare to Stand Up the Empress!?

The controversy surrounding Lin Zhenxiang’s broadcast suspension continued to escalate. Public opinion on the Star Network was almost entirely one-sided. Of course, there were a few dissenting voices, but in the face of the massive online army, the opinions of this small group were far too weak. They were quickly drowned out in a sea of curses and insults.

Some of Lin Zhenxiang’s fans, having been muted on the Star Network for posting inappropriate content, actually organized an offline rally to denounce Shu Yao. They marched in the streets in an organized protest, holding up placards emblazoned with insulting slogans such as "Trash, apologize to my goddess," "Trash belongs in the dumpster," "Lower Star District peasants," and "Get back to Zone 9."

The situation grew increasingly severe, eventually alarming the Imperial Family. Empress Yudola personally stepped forward to placate the protestors. She publicly promised to mediate the conflict between the Lin and Shu families, vowing to give the concerned public a satisfactory explanation.

Shortly after, Shu Yao received an invitation from the Imperial Family. The invitation was written by the Empress herself, and it was addressed solely to Shu Yao. No other members of the Shu Family were on the guest list. This meant that no matter what awaited her, Shu Yao would have to face it alone.

Shu Xin felt deeply unsettled. "Yaoyao, I’m going to contact your Eldest Uncle right now and have him feel out His Majesty. If the situation doesn’t look favorable for us, we just won’t attend the Empress’s appointment!"

"Mom, you’d dare blow off the Empress!?" She was the mother of the entire Federation!

Shu Xin said earnestly, "I’m not joking! Don’t worry, your Eldest Uncle still has some influence with His Majesty."

"Mom!" Shu Yao was a bit helpless, but she patiently appealed to her logic and emotions. "If this matter is the Empress’s own decision, and we have Eldest Uncle use His Majesty’s trust in him to sway her choice, it’s very likely to affect the relationship between His Majesty and the Empress.

"Perhaps the Empress might even hold a grudge against Eldest Uncle because of this, and who knows how she might make life difficult for him in the future. I don’t want to put Eldest Uncle in a tough spot."

Hearing her be so considerate of her eldest brother, Shu Xin couldn’t help but be moved. "Yaoyao, there are some things I don’t want you to face all alone. I’m here, and your uncles are here..." As she spoke, Shu Xin’s voice choked with sobs. "You and Xiao Juzi have already suffered so much out there. I just want to protect you properly..."

"Mom," Shu Yao called out softly, then added in a gentle tone, "I’m not a child anymore. I believe the Empress will handle this impartially. She won’t favor the other side just because of my background or experiences."

Shu Xin nodded through her tears. Suddenly, she slammed a heavy slap onto Shu Chao Yu’s thigh. Shu Chao Yu, who had been lying flat on the sofa, forcefully absorbed the blow. He sat up, rubbing his thigh and grimacing in pain.

Shu Xin glared at him angrily. "Well, aren’t you going to think of a solution?!"

Shu Chao Yu hesitated to speak, his hand still massaging his thigh, though his movements slowed as certain thoughts lingered in his mind. Seeing his sister raise her hand again, he instantly scurried to the other end of the sofa and muttered, "Sis, you just love to worry over nothing. It’s not a big deal. Yaoyao isn’t a three-year-old kid anymore.

"Don’t assume she’s naive just because she came from Zone 9. From the way she avenged Xiao Juzi that day and then turned around to cause trouble for Lin Zhenxiang, anyone can see that her crisis management skills are better than mine and Eldest Brother’s combined!"

Shu Yao cast a faint, sidelong glance at him. "Do you have a problem with me getting back at Lin Zhenxiang, Uncle Chao Yu?"

"No! Absolutely not!" Shu Chao Yu emphasized repeatedly. "If I hadn’t seen Ah Bao with you at the time, I would have gone over and stood up for you and Xiao Juzi myself!"

He only breathed a secretive sigh of relief when he saw her withdraw her gaze. He had no idea why, but he had actually felt a little intimidated by his niece just now.

Shu Yao comforted Shu Xin. "Mom, it’s inevitable for Uncle Chao Yu to have some complaints."

Shu Chao Yu looked on the verge of tears. "I really don’t have a problem with it!"

Shu Yao ignored him, continuing to speak to Shu Xin. "I started this, so it’s only right that I settle it. Don’t worry, I won’t let myself be taken advantage of, nor will I embarrass the Shu Family or Zone 9."

Not embarrassing the Shu Family was one thing, but what did she mean by Zone 9?