Luo Zhiheng saw Consort Li's eyes light up, her face filled with greed and surprise as she looked at the bottle of ointment, as if she couldn't wait to snatch it and keep it for herself.
Luo Zhiheng smiled sarcastically to herself. Such a petty, lowly thing to call herself a royal princess? The Li family is indeed all extremely low-class. (17419965)
Luo Zhiheng didn't expose her, but smiled and said, "I know this is your treasure, so don't worry, I won't mistreat you. This ointment is for Consort Li. Consort Li, you must use the medicine properly according to Madam Huoyun's instructions, so that you won't have any scars."
Lady Huoyun immediately snorted coldly, somewhat reluctantly saying, "Little Princess, you still don't know. The magic of this thing is not only that it can heal wounds and scars, but also that it has the effect of making skin as smooth as ice and bones as jade. Even an ugly person would become extremely beautiful after using this thing. If a woman has skin as smooth as ice and bones as jade, how ugly can she be?"
Luo Zhiheng exclaimed in shock, "Really? There are such magical things in the world? Do you have this treasure?"
"Of course not. Do you think I'm a treasure chest? I had a lot of trouble getting this from someone else, and it was a huge loss, but it's not something that can be bought with gold or silver, so let's not talk about it." Madam Huoyun said with a regretful expression.
Suddenly, his hand was empty. Li Fa snatched the porcelain bottle from Madam Huoyun's hand, a forced smile on his face that wasn't exactly charming: "Whatever this is, since you've already said it's for me, I'll accept it without hesitation. Thank you in advance."
Consort Li's smile could only be described as smug and provocative. She had snatched the treasure that Luo Zhiheng had also coveted, and it was a treasure she recognized. How could she not be happy and want to possess it? Luo Zhiheng couldn't possibly take it from her. It was all Luo Zhiheng's fault for being so foolish as to give away such a treasure.
When Consort Li laughed, Luo Zhiheng also laughed. However, her laughter seemed very unfathomable. She glanced at Madam Huoyun, then turned and walked out: "Get Consort Li ready as soon as possible, then bring her out. The young prince and I will wait in the front hall."
Foolish woman! She's already fallen into a trap and doesn't even realize it. She's relentlessly walking into it, laughing so arrogantly and smugly even though disaster is imminent. Now she's trying to gain a small advantage, but she'll suffer a huge loss later.
Luo Zhiheng and Mu Yunhe talked for a while in the front hall before Consort Li arrived. The two exchanged a glance and then sat down. Mu Yunhe's expression could be described as indifferent, while Luo Zhiheng wore a smile. Clearly, one was playing the good cop, and the other the bad cop.
This was the first time Consort Li had seen Mu Yunhe in months, and at first glance, she couldn't remain calm. She was almost the person who knew Mu Yunhe best besides the Princess. She knew how weak and emaciated Mu Yunhe was, and she knew even more that Mu Yunhe's face would always be pale.
But the Mu Yunhe before me at this moment was spirited, handsome, aloof, and had a strong aura. Sitting there, he was like an unshakable mountain, inspiring awe and worship.
Shocked by Mu Yunhe's drastic changes, she began to feel uncertain and doubtful. What had happened to Mu Yunhe? How could he have changed so much in just a few months? Wouldn't a Mu Yunhe who had survived be even harder to eliminate? What would happen to her son? What would happen to her position as queen?
As long as Mu Yunhe lives, Mu Yunjin cannot rightfully inherit the title of the young prince. Therefore, she cannot legitimately become the princess consort. Mu Yunhe is the biggest obstacle preventing her from rising to a higher position.
Consort Li panicked a little. She was staring blankly at Mu Yunhe when she felt a powerful and cold gaze shooting straight at her. Consort Li was startled and felt her scalp tingle. Upon closer inspection, she realized that it was Mu Yunhe looking at her. For a moment, she didn't dare to look Mu Yunhe in the eye and quickly lowered her head.
"Please sit down, Consort Li, and serve tea." Luo Zhiheng adopted the demeanor of a head of the household, and did so quite properly.
Consort Li was in pain all over, and there were still many thorns stuck in her body that she couldn't say. Naturally, she was restless and wanted to leave as soon as possible. However, Mu Yunhe was here, and his attitude was indifferent. She was a little restrained, and even her smile seemed fake: "I came here specifically to apologize. I have already done the apology with a thorn on my back. Please forgive my oversight this time."
“Consort Li, your words are truly excessive. You have always worked diligently and conscientiously for the Prince’s residence, so tirelessly and without complaint. What crime have you committed? Why would you need to offer a humble apology? I was already quite puzzled when you offered to kneel before the door with thorns on your back. But because it was Consort Li who said it, I didn’t dare to refuse or ask, for fear of offending Consort Li. Now that Consort Li is saying this again, I really want to ask, Consort Li, what exactly are you offering to apologize for today?” Luo Zhiheng picked up her tea, then suddenly put it down, asking curiously.
Her feigned ignorance, her deliberate provocation, and her smiling demeanor made Consort Li wish she could rush up and scratch Luo Zhiheng's face.
But she had to endure it!
"Isn't it just because I didn't come out to greet you when you came back? That day, I was in the Princess's courtyard, and I called all the servants in for a lecture. I was afraid that these servants would be disobedient, didn't know their place, and wouldn't serve the Princess and the young prince well. You know, the Princess's courtyard is next to the Prince's courtyard, right in the center of the Prince's mansion. It's really too far away, so I didn't hear you knocking. It was just a coincidence that day. Why did you have to come back that day? I feel so sorry and regretful when I think about it now. If we had come out earlier, or if I had let one of them stay behind to listen to the lecture, we wouldn't have suffered such a great loss, and you children and the Princess would have had to wander outside."
"I know I was wrong. I was too meticulous. Can you forgive my aunt?" Consort Li spoke with great emotion, making it seem genuine. 15.
Luo Zhiheng suddenly admired Consort Li's ability to make anything sound plausible. Such a woman must be very good at fooling men, right? No wonder even a strong man like Prince Mu could be controlled by this woman for so many years.
Luo Zhiheng smiled innocently and said, "Oh, so that's what it is. There's nothing to forgive. You said you were just trying to teach the servants a lesson. We could feel your good intentions even from outside the door. Those servants were really irresponsible. No wonder Consort Li punished them like that. If they were responsible, how could they have taken so long to discover that horrific fire? So they deserved to die. Consort Li is an exceptionally good person, which is why you survived."
These words were a slap in the face. To lie through one's teeth, and to do so so vividly and convincingly, made even Consort Li's eyelids twitch and her heart race.
"Speak your mind quickly, I don't have time to listen to your trivialities here." Mu Yunhe finally spoke, his voice cold and his tone sinister.
Consort Li felt a chill run down her spine. After a moment's consideration, she said, "Here's the thing, I'd like to host a banquet at my parents' home and invite you all to dinner. Let's consider this a way of settling this matter. If you don't come, I really won't be at peace. Your presence will prove that you've forgiven me. Only then can this matter truly be over. You're all sensible and good children. How can family members hold grudges overnight? Don't you agree?"
Luo Zhiheng and Mu Yunhe exchanged a glance, both seeing a chill in each other's eyes. The same phrase simultaneously flashed through their minds: a trap!
350 was terrified! Time to reward those who contributed!
Updated: 2013-09-26 14:17:08 Word Count: 7740
Going to the Li family's house, especially with a banquet, is undoubtedly a trap.
It's quite impressive that Consort Li could devise such a vicious scheme against them. Judging from her current restraint, one can see how determined she is to eliminate them. If they really go there, they'll be like lambs to the slaughter. They really need to think things through carefully before making a decision.
"What? You don't want to go? Or you won't give me a chance to apologize? You're all good children, are you really unwilling to forgive your aunt for the mistake she made due to carelessness?" Consort Li said anxiously, her words even somewhat aggressive.
Luo Zhiheng sneered inwardly, "What a good actress! Let's see how long you can keep up this act."
"Consort Li, you're being too serious. It's not that we're unwilling to go, but this matter isn't as serious as you think. We haven't taken it to heart at all. Would going make people think we're blaming you? We're all family. If Consort Li really feels bad about it, then why don't we just have a meal at my General's Mansion, eat, drink, and have some fun? That way, this matter will be over. What do you say, Consort Li?" Luo Zhiheng said with a smile, but she wouldn't budge on the idea of going to the Li family.
Of course not! How could she set up a trap if she didn't leave home? Consort Li was anxious, but suddenly her eyes lit up and she said, "You don't know, Yun Jin is in a very inconvenient condition right now and really can't come out. If you go to the Li family, won't it be convenient for Yun Jin too? The young prince respects your brother very much, doesn't he? He certainly wouldn't let your brother go through all this trouble while he's injured, right?"
If Consort Li were to bring up this matter of kinship, and Mu Yunhe were to refuse, it would be truly unreasonable. Even if this were said outside, people would accuse Mu Yunhe of disregarding kinship, lacking ethics, and being utterly unreasonable.
A murderous glint flashed in Luo Zhiheng's eyes. Anyone who dared to harm Mu Yunhe would face her deadly. Since Consort Li had set her sights on Mu Yunhe, she would not tolerate it.
Luo Zhiheng stood up, walked slowly to the door, looked outside, and called out unhappily, "Why isn't the servant who's going to prepare the medicine for the young prince here yet? They're getting more and more unruly, daring to keep the young prince waiting for so long! Don't they know the young prince said that his health is precious and cannot tolerate the slightest mistake? If the young prince's health is even slightly compromised, how many of you would have the right to take responsibility? You wouldn't even be worthy to pay for the young prince's life."
Li Yi still hesitated. Luo Zhiheng's words were baseless; Mu Yunhe no longer needed medicine. But now, everyone in the General's Mansion was practically Luo Zhiheng's person, so she could say whatever she wanted without being exposed. And her words were clearly meant for Consort Li's ears, but no one pointed it out; even if Consort Li had her own grievances, she couldn't voice them. She had essentially slapped herself in the face.
Lady Huoyun was truly impressed. When it came to verbal sparring and the ability to insult and slander, if Luo Zhiheng claimed to be second, no one would dare claim to be first. Just look at her words—completely subtle, she could belittle someone to nothing, leaving them speechless and forced to swallow their bitterness. Truly formidable.
Consort Li's face shifted unpredictably, becoming extremely ugly. Her smile seemed to falter almost instantly.
Just then, there was a servant outside who responded to Luo Zhiheng's words. He said in a panic, "Miss, please forgive me. I don't know what happened. I will go and see immediately. If anyone's records have delayed the young prince from taking his medicine and recuperating, I will kill them first."
"Please spare me, Miss! It was I who was preparing medicine for the young prince, but the general's mansion was so lively just now. A mad dog came and ran by. I've never seen such a lively and fun scene before. I was so engrossed in playing that I forgot to prepare the medicine for the young prince. I deserve to die! Please, Miss, gouge out my eyes!" The maid's clear, tearful voice suddenly rang out.
Consort Li's expression changed rapidly. Her hand, which had been resting on the armrest of the chair, gripped it tightly. The back of her hand, swollen and bruised from Luo Zhiheng's trampling, seemed to reflect the dark and menacing mood she was in.
The maid's words were clearly an insult, calling her...a mad dog?!
Damn it, damn it, damn it! Just like master, like servant. Cai, Luo Zhiheng's servant, is just as detestable as her. He deserves to die!
Consort Li knew perfectly well that these people were putting on a show for her, but no one explicitly named her as the mad dog. So naturally, she couldn't lash out; who would willingly accept being scolded? There was a mess to settle. Because of Luo Zhiheng's cunning, Consort Li not only lost another round but was also publicly slapped hard—it really hurt!
Luo Zhiheng frowned and shouted, "How dare you! You actually ignored the young prince because you were watching the show? You deserve to die. Just because Consort Li is here today, you dare to be so careless and insolent? Do you think I would neglect to discipline you all just because we have a distinguished guest? You're all becoming more and more unruly! You've made a fool of yourself in front of everyone, how can I tolerate you? Guards, gouge out that lowly maid's eyes!"
"I also want to tell everyone in this General's Mansion that, whether she calls herself a master or a servant, she must remember her place! Without rules, there is no order. The only masters in this General's Mansion are my father, my brother, and myself. Now, there is also the young prince, who is a master. Everyone else is naturally a servant. Does she really think that just because she holds the title of master, she can rise to the top and cause trouble in this huge mansion? She's dreaming! As long as I, Luo Zhiheng, am alive, I will not abandon the General's Mansion until my father and brother return. If anyone dares to neglect their master or disobey them, I will kill them without hesitation. Don't blame me for not warning you then."
These words were undeniably harsh, spoken with righteous indignation and impeccable diction, all stemming from a sincere desire for the family's sake. However, only Consort Li herself truly knew the extent of the veiled criticism and subtle sarcasm within them.
The line about gouging out eyes was especially devastating, like a bolt from the blue.
She knew Luo Zhiheng was ruthless, but she never imagined she could be this ruthless. She knew Luo Zhiheng was speaking to her, subtly implying that she had overstepped the rules, acted improperly, and held absolute power in the Prince's mansion. But she was the Prince's woman; the Prince trusted her and bestowed upon her such honor, so she naturally had no choice but to act accordingly. It was truly not Luo Zhiheng's place, a mere woman from Ji'an, to criticize and ridicule her.
Consort Li felt as if she had been kicked in the heart, a sharp, heavy pain that she could only suppress. But now, she truly couldn't hold it in any longer. Luo Zhiheng was relentlessly pressing and mercilessly humiliating her. If she remained silent and didn't refute her, wouldn't she truly become a coward?
"Why is Your Highness so angry? That maid didn't mean it. Judging from her voice, she's not very loud, probably just a child. Please don't make things difficult for her. After all, gouging out someone's eyes is too bloody. We can't bear to do it. Besides, it's not good for you to provoke such a bloody thing. If people find out, they'll gossip." Consort Li said with a forced smile, but her words were meant to provoke Luo Zhiheng.
As if determined to prove herself, Luo Zhiheng angrily retorted, "That won't do! Without rules, this family will be ruined! Then the master won't act like a master, and the servant won't act like a servant. Each servant will be more respectable than the master. I can't tolerate such disgrace."
Luo Zhiheng got more and more excited as she spoke, pointing outside and shouting angrily, "Drag that wretched maid up here! I'm going to deal with her today to vent my anger! I'm going to gouge out her eyes right in front of me. Let's see who dares to offend me after this! This is what happens if you offend me!"
"Dig! Hold that vile woman down and dig her out!" Luo Zhiheng's face was cold and her voice sharp and piercing.
Consort Li's eyes twitched wildly, and her heart clenched. Could it be that Luo Zhiheng really dared to do such a ruthless thing? She was only eighteen years old! Yet she was already so vicious and cunning; if she wasn't eliminated soon, the consequences would be dire!
The maid was pinned down in the courtyard, and surprisingly, she didn't struggle. She just tilted her little face up, as if she was willingly letting someone gouge out her eyes.
Consort Li couldn't help but look over, and saw a servant forcefully stab a hairpin into the maid's eye socket. A scream rang out, and blood gushed out instantly. Consort Li was instantly terrified, screamed herself, and turned pale.
Luo Zhiheng stood with her back to everyone, and seeing this scene, she couldn't help but twitch her lips. She wanted to say: Luo Erduo, your acting is too realistic! Look at the blood, listen to the screams, tsk tsk, you are truly a master actor!
A moment later, the maid, played by Luo Erduo, collapsed to the ground, convulsing and screaming in agony. Blood was everywhere.
A servant brought over the bloody things that had been dug out on a tray. Luo Zhiheng calmly looked at the two things, suppressing her disgust, and turned to Mu Yunhe with a cheerful smile, saying, "Look, so this is what eyeballs look like when they're gouged out."
Consort Li didn't fall off the chair. She couldn't help but glance at it, and saw that the two bloody beads seemed to be still spinning, which was truly terrifying and grotesque. Consort Li could no longer hold back and began to retch.
Luo Zhiheng asked with a puzzled look, "What's wrong with Consort Li? Are you scared? Don't be scared. This servant was disobedient and dared to leave her post to look at the mad dog, ignoring Mu Yunhe's medicine. Such a lowly servant deserves to die. This is just a small punishment. Don't be afraid."
"Don't be afraid?! This is outrageous!" Consort Li cursed inwardly. Although she was ruthless and unscrupulous, she had never treated anyone like this before. Killing someone always brought a quick death, but she never expected the younger generation to be so cruel and vicious! She also never imagined that Luo Zhiheng would actually dare to gouge out the craftsman's eyes while he was still alive. It was simply...
Luo Zhiheng had the items taken out, and as if nothing had happened, she sat back down and laughed, "I didn't expect Consort Li's list to be so small. I was reckless. I will never do such a bloody thing in front of Consort Li again. Consort Li, please have some tea to calm your nerves."
Consort Li was filled with rage and longed to leave immediately, but she couldn't. She couldn't leave without their clear answer. Trembling, she picked up the teacup, wanting to take a sip, but as soon as she opened the lid, the sight of bright red inside almost made her freeze. She lost her grip on the teacup, knocked it over, and finally collapsed limply into her chair.
The tea spilling from the overturned teacup was surprisingly bright red. (16934609)
"Oh! What happened? The tea has been sitting for so long, it shouldn't be too hot anymore, how did it get spilled?" Luo Zhiheng said in surprise.
"Blood, it's all blood!" Consort Li exclaimed, pointing at the broken teacup.
Luo Zhiheng smiled gently: "Consort Li is mistaken. That's black tea. Although the brewed color is reddish, it's definitely not blood. I prefer black tea, so it's mostly served to guests in the General's Mansion. If you don't like it, I'll have someone change it. Why don't you hurry up and clean up?"
Consort Li's lack of manners, refinement, and composure is truly laughable. It's pathetic of her; instead of enjoying a peaceful life, she insists on scheming against this young couple. And these two are both incredibly cunning and ruthless; knowing her wicked intentions and hidden malice, wouldn't they try to destroy her?
The tea was changed, but Consort Li would never drink it again. The thought of that bright red substance, like fresh blood, and those two eyeballs, made her stomach churn. She could no longer sit still and said, "What have you decided? I will prepare a banquet tomorrow. If you don't come, I may have to come and invite you myself."
This sounds a bit like coercion. It seems Consort Li has really been pushed too far and is losing patience.
Luo Zhiheng looked at Mu Yunhe, who had remained silent, like a submissive wife, and asked obediently, "Husband, what do you think? It seems that Consort Li is sincerely inviting us. If we don't go, wouldn't we be disrespecting our elders? Besides, it would also affect your brotherly relationship. But I'm still worried about your health."
At this point, Luo Zhiheng said to Consort Li with a worried expression, "You don't know, the young prince's health isn't as good as it seems to you. After all, he's been sick for so many years, it's not something that can be cured overnight. He's just barely hanging on. Haven't you seen how he has to keep taking medicine? If the medicine runs out even a little, I'll be worried for a long time. If we really can't go, please forgive us, Consort Li. As you said, the young prince and Mu Yunjin are brothers, so if the young prince is supposed to be considerate of Mu Yunjin, shouldn't Mu Yunjin also be considerate of the young prince?"
What a huge ball, kicked back so rudely and without any room for maneuver by Luo Zhiheng. In this verbal battle, Consort Li was at a disadvantage the whole time, suppressed by the imposing Luo Zhiheng, and had no chance to fight back!
"I will go. If there's nothing else, you can go back." Mu Yunhe finally spoke, making the final decision.
Consort Li was taken aback. She had been battling with Luo Zhiheng, but she hadn't expected it to be so easily resolved with Mu Yunhe. Had she wasted all her energy? But regardless, it was good that Mu Yunhe had agreed; she no longer feared Luo Zhiheng might betray her. As long as they went to the Li family tomorrow, she could ruin Mu Yunhe's reputation!
"Very well, Your Highness is so efficient. I'll hurry back and prepare. You two must come tomorrow. I'm leaving now." Consort Li immediately stood up, eager to escape this unbearable feeling.
As she stepped down the stairs, she saw the maid whose eyes had been gouged out lying in a pool of blood, seemingly lifeless and motionless, but her head was covered in blood.
Consort Li's mind went blank, a chilling feeling creeping over her. She wanted to get past the maid as quickly as possible, while also feeling a sense of satisfaction. That vile woman had just called her a mad dog; she deserved to have her eyes gouged out! Thinking this way, Consort Li felt a strange sense of relief and wasn't so afraid anymore.
But as she approached the maid, almost touching her, the motionless maid suddenly moved. She grabbed her calf, her bloodied hand gripping tightly, and cried out in a hoarse voice, "Master, please spare me! I'll never dare look at the mad dog again! The mad dog is ugly and always barking so horribly! The mad dog deserves to die! Master, gouge out its eyes too! I'm innocent!"
Hearing the maid's cries, Consort Li felt a surge of anger rising in her chest. She was so angry she wanted to kill the lowly maid, but she was so terrified by the maid's blood-covered face that she almost lost control of her bladder. She had no strength left, her legs went weak, and she was nearly pulled down onto the maid. At that moment, Consort Li also screamed without any regard for her image.
Consort Li's maid grabbed her and pulled her backward. Luo Zhiheng kindly sent people to help, but they only made things worse. Consort Li was bitten by the lowly maid several times, and the scene became chaotic in an instant.
Finally, Consort Li, unable to withstand the gravity, fainted.
Unconscious, she collapsed onto the lowly maid, who then frantically slashed her face several times, turning Consort Li's beautiful face into a bloody mess.
Only at this moment was Consort Li rescued and quickly carried away from the General's Mansion by the two terrified maids and Luo Zhiheng's men. With that, peace was finally restored to the General's Mansion.
Luo Zhiheng stood at the door, looking at the lowly maid who was still rolling around on the ground, with a strange expression.
Mu Yunhe walked to her side, his eyes filled with helplessness and affection, and said, "You've really gone too far. You're practically a theatrical troupe, and your skills are even more profound than those of the master actors who have been around for many years. You've even fooled the old fox's concubine, Consort Li, completely."
Luo Zhiheng tilted her head, blinked, and said in a clear voice, "Then, sir, did you enjoy watching the play?"