Yun Zhang's face turned from pale to ashen, then hardened like iron. His clenched fists cracked, and his voice was so low it seemed to be squeezed out from between his teeth: "Yun He, how...how could you do this!"
This was the first time Yun Zhang had addressed Zhao Zhi by her given name. Clearly, he was furious beyond measure.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Zhi was not startled at all; instead, she chuckled lightly, her laughter carrying a hint of provocation and unruliness.
She slowly sat up, her robe half-open, her eyes alluring, and looked at Yunzhang with a gaze that held both mockery and undeniable authority: "Oh? Your Majesty, I merely found a male concubine to relieve my boredom, what's wrong with that? In this world, is there anything I cannot do?"
Yun Zhang laughed in anger, a cold smile curving his lips: "Your Majesty is in high spirits, but when did this Chunchao Palace become a place for Your Majesty to seek pleasure? Where is the affairs of state placed, and where are your subjects placed?"
Zhao Zhi waved his hand gently, signaling the man to step aside. He then leisurely straightened his clothes, his tone tinged with amusement: "Yunzhang, Yunzhang, when did you become so pedantic? State affairs are handled by the officials. What's wrong with me occasionally stealing a half-day of leisure? As for you, if you feel wronged, why not find a confidante and share the joys of life?"
Upon hearing this, Yun Zhang's anger intensified. He stepped forward, closing in on Zhao Zhi, his gaze piercing: "Your Majesty is mistaken! We serve Your Majesty for the sake of the nation, not as playthings for Your Majesty's personal desires! Where does Your Majesty's action place propriety and law? How will the people of the world view Your Majesty?"
Zhao Zhi chuckled, stood up, and faced Yun Zhang. Although she was shorter than Yun Zhang, her aura was in no way inferior: "Yun Zhang, you are wrong. I am the supreme ruler, and all things under heaven belong to me, including the people in this palace."
Etiquette and law? Those are nothing but shackles binding mortals; to me, they are nothing but empty words. As for how the world sees me, ha, why should I care?
Yunzhang trembled with rage at her arrogance, but he suppressed his anger and tried to reason with her: "Your Majesty, water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it. The support of the people is crucial to the safety of the nation. Your Majesty's actions may lose the hearts of the people!"
Zhao Zhi smiled slightly, a sly glint in his eyes: "Yunzhang, you are worrying too much. The people's hearts? I have my own ways to appease them. As for you, if you really care about me, you should learn to turn a blind eye instead of making a fuss here and ruining my mood."
Yun Zhang took a deep breath. He knew that arguing with Zhao Zhi was like casting pearls before swine.
But he was still unwilling to give up. In the end, he could only sigh helplessly, turn around and leave, leaving behind the words: "Your Majesty, please take care. I take my leave."
"Take care, and don't bother seeing me off!"
Zhao Zhi watched Yun Zhang's departing figure, a playful smile playing on her lips. But the next second, her smile froze, because her chin was gripped tightly by the man behind her.
"You look very impressive!"
"Male concubine?"
Zhao Zhi frowned. One Yun Zhang had left, and there was still the troublesome Shen Hanshan by her side!
“Yunzhang is a respectable and noble imperial prince, while I, Shen Hanshan, am just a shameful male concubine?!” Shen Hanshan said the last two words almost through gritted teeth.
Zhao Zhi felt a chill run down her spine. She knew Shen Hanshan's temper; he was never someone to be trifled with.
She tried to break free from his grip, but his hands were like iron clamps, preventing her from moving.
"Shen Hanshan, what do you mean by this?" Zhao Zhi tried to remain calm, but her voice trembled slightly.
Shen Hanshan sneered, a sinister glint in his eyes. "What do you mean? You know perfectly well. Yun Zhang is gone, do you think I'll let you off the hook?"
Zhao Zhi's heart tightened. She knew that Shen Hanshan had always been fond of her, but his possessiveness and controlling nature made her feel suffocated.
She tried to soothe him with words, "Shen Hanshan, I've only had marital relations with you, why are you jealous?"
Shen Hanshan, however, was unmoved. A hint of madness flashed in his eyes. "Zhao Zhi, you belong to me alone. No one can take you away from me. As for Yun Zhang, you'd better stay as far away from him as possible!"
Zhao Zhi was utterly speechless.
“Shen Hanshan, why involve Yun Zhang in our affairs? He and I are merely ruler and subject.”
Upon hearing this, a complex emotion flashed in Shen Hanshan's eyes. He released his grip on Zhao Zhi's hand, but his tone remained cold, "Zhao Zhi, you'd better remember, you are mine, and always will be."
Zhao Zhi rubbed his chin and said repeatedly, "Okay, okay, I remember. I, Zhao Zhi, will always belong to Shen Hanshan. Is that alright?"
"Not enough!" Shen Hanshan ripped open her clothes with a tearing sound, leaned down and pressed down on her, "I want you to show me with your actions that you belong to me alone!"
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