Imperial Noble Consort Rou was the birth mother of Murong Ying. Because of her gentle and yielding nature, the late Emperor had bestowed upon her the title "Rou" (Gentle).
Her father had been a mere fourth-rank military official who died on the battlefield in her early years, so she was considered the scion of a loyal family. Upon entering the palace, she was immediately made the head of the Nine Concubines, and after giving birth to the Third Prince, she was promoted to a second-rank consort. However, her mild temperament—one that neither fought nor vied for favor—meant her status never rose any further, eventually allowing Noble Consort Shu and Noble Imperial Consort Xi to surpass her and climb over her head.
Now, held in the clutches of Murong Fu and subjected to daily torment, she lived a life worse than death. Murong Fu had already tormented several other consorts to their deaths, but he was clever enough to keep Imperial Noble Consort Rou alive; though he used cruel means to torture her, he was careful not to inflict any life-threatening injuries. Murong Ying, currently unable to act freely and with his mother held hostage, had no choice but to obey Murong Fu.
Chapter 126