Murphy, as Theresa’s political mentor, certainly did not treat her the same as the maids.
When she did something wrong, he would never be soft in his criticism.
They supported Princess Therese’s competition for the Imperial Throne because they believed she was gentle and kindhearted, capable of sympathizing with and caring for her subjects, which was completely different from Prince Hughes, who was surly and fond of aggressive military expansion.
Most of Hughes’s supporters were officers and high-level generals.
More supporters of Theresa were ministers.
In plain terms, this was a struggle between the pen and the sword.
A struggle of ideologies.
Neither side could afford to give in.
That was exactly why Murphy, upon hearing the news, rushed back anxiously.
They supported a princess who was kind-hearted and considerate of her people, and if Theresa was not such a figure, they could always switch their support to someone else who was satisfactory.
"I know you like Major General Fu Xing, and you are not pleased with him suddenly marrying a common girl, but please restrain your emotions. You are going to be the Empress in the future, and an Empress cannot have personal preferences."
"Unless you want to remain a Princess for life."
Murphy turned to the side, his gentle smile gone, yet his entire demeanor remained cultured and dashing.
"There are things I wouldn’t normally say, but those petty tricks you’ve been playing lately have been far too ridiculous."
Theresa’s face flushed red. She had been very subtle; why did everyone know about it?
"Put away your little ploys! Relying on those vulgar tricks will never make you the Empress. Moreover, you’re currently just a Princess, not even the Crown Prince, yet you’ve already become too arrogant in your heart, believing yourself to be the Empress. It’s causing you to be excessively inflated."
Murphy had never scolded Theresa in such a stern tone before, and she found it unacceptable, feeling both aggrieved and as if her dignity as a princess had been insulted.
It must be because her status had plummeted, which is why Murphy, like everyone else outside, had started to despise her.
In her heart, Theresa silently vowed that she would become the Empress, and when that time came, everyone who abandoned her or offended her would pay the price.
"I’m sorry!" Theresa apologized with shame, her expression sincere, "I know I was wrong."
Murphy shook his head in disappointment, wanting to ask Teresa what she was thinking, daring to oppose a Guardian Duke even before she had become the Crown Prince.
Didn’t she know the Royal Family had already lost control over the Seven Guardian Dukes?
Especially ten years ago, after Your Majesty seized power in a coup, he offended a large number of traditional nobles. The awkward moment during the coronation ceremony was still vivid in memory, not one of the Seven Guardian Dukes swore allegiance during the ceremony.
This was unprecedented in the entire history of the Mecklenburg Royal Family.
In recent years, Your Majesty had kept a low profile and his health had steadily declined, which was a reaction to the pressure of the Seven Guardian Dukes; this was why he had no choice but to adopt such an approach.
Murphy gazed at the young girl before him, beginning for the first time to doubt the correctness of his choice.
But the bet was placed, and there was no turning back.
"Keep a low profile for now, don’t stand out too much. Once this blows over, invest your energy in charity and public welfare to build a good reputation. The Military Faction has long leaned toward Prince Hughes, and the best way for you to ascend is to gain the support of more of the populace."
Murphy looked at Theresa with meaningful eyes, "Remember, you are no longer allowed to provoke core members of the Seven Guardian Duke Families. Anyone else might provoke them, but you, you cannot. Do you understand?"