Zhao Zhi stopped just a step away from Shen Hanshan. She looked at Shen Hanshan lying in a pool of blood, her hands, hidden under her embroidered robe, trembling slightly.
As everyone knows, she is now Empress Yunhe of the Yun Dynasty; Shen Hanshan is Prince Rui of the Great Xuan Dynasty and the consort of Princess Zhao Chunhua of Chaoyang.
Of all the people, only she, Zhao Yi, and Zhao Zhi knew that she was Yun He, the Empress of Yun Dynasty, Zhao Chunhua, the Princess of Chaoyang, and Zhao Zhi, the second daughter of Zhao Shouzhen, the former chief minister of Da Xuan.
She and Shen Hanshan were husband and wife, and should have been inseparable.
But those are all secrets that cannot be made public.
At least, it's not the right time yet.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, the closest distance between her and Shen Hanshan was no more than this.
"Summon the imperial physician immediately!" Zhao Zhi's voice regained its usual calmness, but her slightly trembling hands betrayed her inner anxiety.
She forced herself to look away from Shen Hanshan and focus her gaze on Yun Zhang.
When Yun Zhang saw Zhao Zhi looking over, his heart tightened for no reason. Just as he was about to explain, he saw her shift her gaze to Emperor Zhao Yi of the Great Xuan Dynasty.
Zhao Zhi took a deep breath and slowly said, "The responsibility for today's events lies entirely with me. As the ruler of the Yun Dynasty, I failed to properly manage the harem, which led to the Imperial Noble Consort's biased actions, harming the innocent. This is my grave fault."
After speaking, she gave a light bow, expressing her apology to the delegation from the Great Xuan Dynasty in an almost ceremonial manner.
"Hmph! The outside world is going crazy, saying that the Empress of Yun Dynasty favors the Imperial Noble Consort! Now that something has happened, she hasn't even said a word about punishment, but she, the ruler of the country, is the first to apologize!" "Yes, who knows if they're deliberately staging this!"
Yun Zhang felt terrible watching Zhao Zhi suffer controversy because of his impulsive act.
He didn't know what was wrong with him. He was usually calm and composed, meticulous in his work, and his years of planning had been flawless. Why did he become so flustered when it came to Zhao Zhi?
“Brother Zhao, Yunchao is willing to bear all the consequences. Whatever conditions you propose, Yunchao will accept them unconditionally to demonstrate our sincerity and remorse.”
Zhao Zhi continued to sincerely apologize.
Zhao Yi certainly wouldn't let this opportunity slip by.
He pondered for a moment, then slowly walked up to Zhao Zhi and said calmly, "He Mei, your sense of responsibility is admirable. With a ruler like you, Yun Dynasty will surely prosper. But our friendship is one thing, and state affairs are another."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Zhi understood the implication in Zhao Yi's words. He was simply reminding her that although they were siblings, in the Yun Dynasty, her Imperial Concubine's serious injury to the Prince Rui of Da Xuan was a matter of state.
Zhao Yi was not only her elder brother, but also the ruler of Da Xuan. He would inevitably try to use this matter to gain some benefits for Da Xuan. She could understand that.
Zhao Yi continued, “This matter is of utmost importance, concerning the face and peace of both nations. My conditions cannot be measured by gold and silver, nor can they be exchanged for territory or cities.”
Upon hearing this, Yun Zhang's face showed slight anger, and he said coldly, "This matter was done by me alone. You may kill me or torture me as you please, but do not make things difficult for our Emperor!"
"Shut up!" Zhao Zhi shouted angrily.
Yun Zhang reluctantly shut his mouth.
Zhao Yi was not annoyed that Yun Zhang had interrupted him.
He paused for a moment, his gaze sweeping over everyone present before finally settling on Zhao Zhi. He continued, “I desire something, not something external, but the hearts of the people. I have decided to expand the trade between Yun Dynasty and Da Xuan, but Yun Dynasty needs to send a high-ranking official to reside in Da Xuan long-term, serving as a bridge of friendship between the two countries, jointly supervising and promoting trade and cultural exchanges between them, and resolving any misunderstandings or conflicts that may arise in the future. This person must be someone of both prestige and wisdom within your Yun Dynasty, so that they can command respect.”
Upon hearing this, the envoys from Da Xuan exchanged bewildered glances. His Majesty hadn't mentioned this to them!
"I have heard that Your Majesty has a remarkable woman by your side named Zhu Sanniang. She is quite talented. I wonder if Your Majesty would be willing to part with her?"
Zhao Yi looked at Zhao Zhi, his eyes full of expectation.
"No!" To everyone's surprise, the first to object was none other than the Imperial Noble Prince Yunzhang.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
