"What on earth do you want to do?"

Concubine Zhang exclaimed.

But in a flash, her gaze towards Shen Nanzhi gradually turned cold, and her tone was also somewhat mocking: "Do you think that you can threaten me by threatening to die? I am not afraid!"

Before Shen Nanzhi opened her mouth, Concubine Liu Shu said nervously, "Sister, please do not provoke me again. If something happens to Miss Shen here today, the army will be furious and the people will be resentful. Even the emperor will have a hard time calming down the public anger! Have you forgotten the example of the previous Concubine Chen?"

Although the previous dynasty was gradually declining, it should not have collapsed so quickly. This was largely because the last king and his favorite concubine, Concubine Chen, were extremely licentious and indulgent.

The most widely circulated story is that the Concubine Chen was jealous of the beauty of Jiang Li, the daughter of the General Protector of the Nation, and thought that Jiang Li's existence would threaten her position in the heart of the tyrant emperor. At a palace banquet, she deliberately embarrassed Jiang Li in public and humiliated her with words. Jiang Li could not bear the humiliation and died on the spot by hitting her head against a pillar. This not only aroused more public anger, but also led to rebellions. The General Protector of the Nation, who was supposed to serve the king, retired due to disappointment and excessive sadness. The tyrant emperor had no one to use, and the capital, which had been impregnable, was conquered all the way.

Although it may be an exaggeration to compare Concubine Liu to the previous dynasty, and Concubine Zhang was not the Concubine Chen, Shen Nanzhi was the legitimate daughter of the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion, and was the girl that the entire Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion held in their hearts and minds.

If she were to be humiliated here today, her influence in the court and her reputation among the people would be no less than that of the previous dynasty's concubine.

As soon as Concubine Liu Shu finished her words, Concubine Zhang immediately scolded her in a deep voice: "You compared me to that evil concubine!"

Concubine Liu Shu didn't care about the cruelty and coldness in her eyes, and quickly explained: "Sister, you know me, I definitely don't mean that. It's because you don't mean that that I'm worried that you'll make a big mistake because of a momentary thought! Please think twice!"

Although Concubine Zhang knew the consequences, she still didn't believe that Shen Nanzhi would really commit suicide.

She winked at the two maids who were frightened by Shen Nanzhi.

The two men immediately took a step forward, one on the left and one on the right, trying to hold Shen Nanzhi and take the broken porcelain pieces from Shen Nanzhi's hands.

But with their skills and reactions, they were no match for Shen Nanzhi.

She turned her ankle and tripped one of the maids.

When another maid grabbed her fingertips and tried to snatch the broken porcelain pieces from her hand, Shen Nanzhi turned over the fingertips holding the broken porcelain pieces and directly cut the maid's palm with the broken porcelain pieces.

The palm of the nanny was instantly covered in blood. Before she could scream, Shen Nanzhi wiped the blood off her palm with his hand and kicked her over.

"You are so rebellious! Someone, come here! Someone, come here for me!"

Seeing the two maids knocked to the ground by Shen Nanzhi, Concubine Zhang screamed, "How dare you cause trouble in the palace! I want to see how many lives you have! Go and call the imperial guards!"

She also realized that ordinary palace maids, nannies and eunuchs were no match for Shen Nanzhi.

So, she directly sent someone to call the guards.

This is what Shen Nanzhi was waiting for her to say.

At this moment, her fingertips clenched the broken porcelain pieces and pressed them against her neck. Her neck, which was originally as white as porcelain, was now bright red.

There was blood not only on her neck, but also on her palms, fingertips, and even the collar of her clothes that she had just changed.

This scene stunned everyone.

Concubine Zhang, who originally thought she was just pretending, was also stunned.

At this time, Shen Nanzhi said with a determined look: "Since Your Majesty has humiliated me to this extent, there is no need to call for help. I will die to show my determination!"

Shen Nanzhi turned to look at Concubine Liu Shufei and said, "My Lady Shufei, please tell my family that the Imperial Concubine bullied and humiliated me, and that I have not brought disgrace upon the reputation of the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion! If there is an afterlife, I will definitely repay them well."

As he spoke, Shen Nanzhi's eyes darkened and his wrist was raised.

Seeing this, the originally arrogant Concubine Zhang also panicked.

"Wait!"

Although she was angry, she had been in power for so many years that she was not yet blinded by anger.

Seeing the bright red on Shen Nanzhi's neck becoming more and more glaring, she knew that Shen Nanzhi was not just saying it, nor was he pretending.

Coupled with what Concubine Liu Shu just said, she was really scared!

The reason why she has been favored in the six palaces for so many years is not only due to the emperor's favor, but also because of her ability to observe people's words and expressions and to adapt to circumstances.

The Shen Nanzhi in front of him was clearly serious.

If she really gets into trouble because of me today, she won't be able to explain to the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion alone, and there will be no one to worry about. In addition, there will be criticism from all the civil and military officials in the court, public resentment, and other noble families who will take advantage of her misfortune... By then, even the emperor may not be able to protect her!

It might even threaten the status of her son Xiao Qian'an!

For now, she could only give in and appease Shen Nanzhi, and not escalate the conflict any further. As long as she could stabilize her first, it would not be too late to argue with her later.

The life or death of Shen Nanzhi didn't matter, but the interests and connections involved behind it were too much for her to bear.

This time, Concubine Liu Shu did not need to persuade her. Concubine Zhang forced a smile and said, "Look at what you said. I was just joking with you and my words were a little harsh. How could you misunderstand me?"

After she finished speaking, she turned her eyes and glanced at the two maids who were covering their hands and feet. She said in a cold tone: "It's you, you little dogs. I haven't even said anything yet, and you dare to touch Miss Shen. Wait and see how I'll deal with you later!"

The two maids, who had already been injured and suffered losses, had no choice but to take the blame and admit their mistakes repeatedly.

Concubine Zhang then smiled and looked at Shen Nanzhi: "I always like to joke. I was too harsh in my words just now. Don't take it seriously."

She was just about to call for the killing of Shen Nanzhi, even at the risk of using the imperial guards, but in the blink of an eye she was able to act as if nothing had happened and was chatting and laughing with Shen Nanzhi. Concubine Zhang was very flexible and her ability to change her expression was even better than Shen Nanzhi had imagined.

Shen Nanzhi remained unmoved and continued, "So, Your Majesty is apologizing to me for what you just said?"

Concubine Zhang had already given Shen Nanzhi a way out, but she refused to accept it and instead pressed the issue further.

This is really a bit ignorant and overreaching.

But looking at the blood flowing out from the gaps between her fingertips, Concubine Zhang could only grit her teeth and said helplessly: "Yes, I said the wrong thing in a hurry. Miss Shen, can you forgive me? Don't make a big deal out of it. After all, this is not good for anyone."

The first half of the sentence is an apology, while the second half still carries a threat.

But Shen Nanzhi also knew the principle of quitting when things were going well. She threw away the broken porcelain pieces and bowed to Concubine Zhang, saying, "I dare not argue with the Concubine, but this matter concerns my reputation and the reputation of the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion. Please forgive my recklessness just now and don't argue with me."

Shen Nanzhi's attitude of admitting her mistake was very sincere, and she even looked a bit humble, completely different from the resolute and fearless woman just now.

The speed of her changing expression is only faster than that of Concubine Zhang.

Concubine Zhang felt even colder in her heart. Coincidentally, Shen Nanzhi took the handkerchief handed to her by Liu Jingya in front of her and wiped off the blood on her neck.

The skin on her neck was intact, without a single scratch.

Moreover, she looked calm, with a smile in her eyes, and she didn't look at all like she was determined to commit suicide.

What’s even more hateful is that it was only at this time that Concubine Zhang saw that blood was still oozing out of the nanny’s palm under the frantic gestures of the nanny next to her.

Only then did Concubine Zhang realize that she had fallen into Shen Nanzhi's trap!

Shen Nanzhi was just pretending, she didn't even want to cut her own wound, so she used the blood from the nanny's palm!

I hate that I was deceived by her!

Concubine Zhang was furious, but before she lost her temper, she first glanced down at her feet to make sure that the broken porcelain pieces had been cleared away. Then she cursed, "You bastard! How dare you plot against me!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Shen Nanzhi, who had been fine just now, suddenly staggered.

She looked pale and aggrieved at Concubine Zhang: "Your Majesty, why did you force me to this point?"

At this time, Liu Jingya, who had already received Shen Nanzhi's hint in advance, also spoke up: "My queen, Zhizhi fell into the water today. Her health was not good to begin with. You humiliated her repeatedly and forced her to die to prove her will. Now you still won't let her go..."

Before he could finish his words, Shen Nanzhi lost his balance and fell to the side.

Fortunately, Liu Jingya was quick to act and supported Shen Nanzhi's body.

It all happened so fast that before Concubine Zhang could get a word in, she saw Shen Nanzhi had fainted. Unfortunately, this scene was seen by Xiao Fang, the commander of the Imperial Guard, and others who had rushed to the scene with their troops after hearing the news.

Concubine Zhang, who was sitting in the main seat, finally realized that she had fallen into Shen Nanzhi's trap again.

She was so focused on stopping Shen Nanzhi from committing suicide that she even forgot to call the person who was delivering the message to the Imperial Guards.

Shen Nanzhi deliberately wiped the blood off her neck in front of her, deliberately provoking her and leading her to say such words in anger in front of Xiao Fang and others!

What a plan!

Good trick!

I underestimated her!

How could her son fall for such a difficult bitch!

Concubine Zhang was so angry that she almost broke her back teeth.

But Xiao Fang asked an inappropriate question here: "Madam, do you still want to capture Miss Shen?"

Concubine Zhang was so angry that she almost vomited blood.

It was Concubine Liu who said anxiously, "It's all a misunderstanding. The Imperial Concubine didn't mean to humiliate Miss Shen, nor did she mean to kill her. Someone below sent the wrong message and called you over. You should leave first and call the imperial physician immediately."

It would have been better if Concubine Liu Shufei had not said this. This statement, which made things even more obvious, further confirmed the speculations of Xiao Fang and others.

How could Concubine Zhang not hear that Concubine Liu was taking advantage of her misfortune?

But after just a few rounds and a few simple words, she fell into Shen Nanzhi's hands.

Concubine Zhang was so angry that she didn't even bother to explain to Xiao Fang and the others. Besides, they had seen it with their own eyes, so they might not believe her. The exasperated Concubine Zhang could only shout angrily, "Get out!"

Even though she knew that Shen Nanzhi might not be really fainted, it was not difficult to pretend to fall down, faint, or be sick. She was very familiar with these little tricks after being in the palace for a long time. Therefore, the current situation was completely unfavorable to her, and staying any longer would only bring humiliation to herself.

After saying this, Concubine Zhang was so angry that she stormed out and left, not wanting to even look at the "unconscious" Shen Nanzhi again.

Xiao Fang and the others left afterwards, but such a big scene in the Jinxiu Palace even alarmed the Imperial Guards, so the matter could not be covered up.

Coupled with the diligent "propaganda" of the palace maids and eunuchs in Jinxiu Palace, within an hour, the news that Concubine Zhang in Jinxiu Palace had humiliated Shen Nanzhi, intended to force Shen Nanzhi to death, and even mobilized the Imperial Guards spread throughout the entire harem.

Even those who were at the palace banquet had heard about it.

While Shen Nanzhi was still pretending to be unconscious in Jinxiu Palace, Emperor Shunqing had already issued a house arrest order for Concubine Zhang.

After hearing Qingluan's report from below, Liu Jingya couldn't help but clap her hands and said, "It's really gratifying! Sister Zhizhi, you are so awesome! By the way, are you really not injured? Is your hand okay? I was scared to death just now!"

All the palace servants were sent far away, and there were only the two of them and Qingluan who came to answer the questions.

Shen Nanzhi did not hide it. She smiled and spread her hands to look at Liu Jingya: "No, I'm not a fool. It must be painful to let my own blood flow. I took the opportunity to rub the blood of the nanny. She rushed over and tried to pinch my arm. It was not unfair for me to give her that blow."

What Shen Nanzhi didn't say was that in her previous life in Cuiwei Palace, the old nanny had often given her trouble.

Liu Jingya sat on the edge of the couch, looking at Shen Nanzhi with admiration and said, "My aunt has been bullied by Concubine Zhang for most of her life. This is the first time she has been so proud. You don't even know how she looked when she was summoned to the Taiji Hall to answer questions just now. You are really amazing!"

Apart from amazing, Liu Jingya really couldn't find any other words to describe it.

Shen Nanzhi waved her hands and smiled, "It's nothing, just a courtesy. Who asked her to slap me thirty times? Now it's her turn to lose her prestige and be confined to her room by the emperor for a month. She deserves it."

Anyway, she and Xiao Qian'an were already at loggerheads, and naturally she was irreconcilable with Concubine Zhang. Moreover, she had come today to teach Shen Nanzhi a lesson, so Shen Nanzhi certainly would not indulge her.

Even if she would whisper in Emperor Shunqing's ear, what would it matter? Compared to her, the favorite concubine, Emperor Shunqing trusted Xiao Fang, the commander of the imperial guards, whom he had entrusted his life and property to, more.

With Concubine Liu "testifying" on the side, it was clear who Emperor Shunqing trusted more in the end.

This incident would even cause the already suspicious Emperor Shunqing to become suspicious of her.

If we make use of Xiao Qian's investigation of the Second Prince, as well as the shadow of Xiao Qian's previous case at the Hot Spring Villa... with so many clues strung together, there is no need to worry that Emperor Shunqing will not be suspicious of Xiao Qian'an.

His desire to pass the throne to Xiao Qian'an and Xiao Qian'an's desire to seize the throne are two different things.

He did not have the ability to predict the future, and did not know that he would soon die of a serious illness in his prime. At this moment, he was like a lion king sitting on the throne, not allowing anyone to covet his throne and his kingship.

Not even Xiao Qian'an can do it.

If Shen Nanzhi wants to take revenge and protect the Shen family in this life, he must never let Xiao Qian'an sit in that position again.

She thought about it. Xiao Qian'an had Concubine Zhang in the palace, the Zhang family in the court, and the favor of Emperor Shunqing. It was no wonder that he had easily obtained the throne in his previous life.

If Shen Nanzhi wants to make a breakthrough, he can only start with Emperor Shunqing.

Concubine Zhang and the Zhang family are both helpers to Xiao Qian'an, but sometimes, they can also become his death warrant.

Therefore, facing the opportunity to sow discord between Emperor Shunqing and Concubine Zhang that came to her doorstep today, Shen Nanzhi would naturally not let it go.

Moreover, her calculations are more than just what is on the surface.

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