ARTTEDSBGT Chapter 83

Li Zhizhi denied it, and Zhao Shaner nodded, agreeing, Thats right.

After exchanging a few words, Zhao Shaner suddenly stopped talking, her gaze fixed in one direction. Following her gaze, Li Zhizhi saw a familiar figure there, facing them. The girl was dressed in a crimson dress with scarlet sleeves, adorned with a high bun, and adorned with golden and jade hairpins. It was the county princess of Rongan, Xiao Man.

The expression on Zhao Shaners face suddenly turned cold, and she snorted, saying, What bad luck.

These two had been at odds for a long time, showing no signs of reconciliation. Even when they encountered each other in the academy, they maintained a cold and distant att.i.tude, as if sworn enemies.

Li Zhizhi tentatively asked, Is that the county princess? Does Sister Zhao want to go and greet her?

Who wants to greet her? Zhao Shaner showed disdain and said arrogantly, Dont mention this person in front of me. Just hearing about her makes me nauseous.

But Li Zhizhi hesitated, whispering, Sister Zhao, you used to have such a good relations.h.i.+p with the county princess. Dont you feel regretful?

She brought this upon herself, Zhao Shaner said coldly. I have given her opportunities, but she doesnt know how to appreciate them. She plotted against me just to climb higher. What wouldnt she do for personal gain?

She spoke, then suddenly looked at Li Zhizhi, pulling her aside. When they were sure no one else could hear, she said, I investigated the matter you told me about last time. Why do you think she lied to us about going to pick flowers planted by Consort Chun?

Li Zhizhi pretended to be surprised, Isnt it because the flowers are beautiful?

Heh, youre also naive, Zhao Shan sneered and said, Originally, it was to please Consort Rong. Consort Rong and Consort Chun dont get along. After the incident at the Spring Banquet, Consort Rong treated her much more warmly. You think, as a county princess, with legitimate imperial relatives, why would she go out of her way to please a consort? Whats her motive?

Upon hearing this, Li Zhizhi had a vague guess in her mind. Zhao Shan looked disdainful and continued, Isnt it just to bask in Consort Rongs favor, to show her face in front of the Emperor, so that he remembers he has a niece and grants her a t.i.tle? You dont know, shes almost gone crazy wanting to become a princess. She even tried to persuade me to ask my father to help her with a memorial. Fortunately, I didnt agree.

Li Zhizhi recalled the stolen painting, no wonder Consort Rong presented the painting to Emperor Jingming that day. She was familiar with the Emperors temperament; perhaps he would inquire about the artist and then use the opportunity to promote Xiao Man. However, they didnt antic.i.p.ate the unexpected appearance of Li Zhizhi.

Even Li Zhizhi hadnt expected things to be so coincidental. On that day, she and the Grand Princess entered the palace, and at that very moment, Consort Rong came to present the painting.

If Li Zhizhi had not known the Grand Princess, Xiao Mans plan might have succeeded. Li Zhizhi thought back carefully and vaguely remembered that in her previous life, Xiao Man had been conferred the t.i.tle of Jingan County Princess around June or July

Shortly afterward, Li Zhizhi was framed for stealing something from a fellow student, forced to leave Mingyuan, and later, the incident at the heirs residences flower pond.

Now upon careful reflection, she realized that behind each of these incidents was the hand of Xiao Man.

Li Zhizhis heart grew cold as she looked again at the figure not far away. Xiao Man seemed to have noticed her and walked towards them. Li Zhizhis expression froze for a moment, and then Xiao Man walked over.

Unlucky thing, Zhao Shan muttered under her breath, as if she intended to turn and leave.

How could Li Zhizhi let her have her way? She immediately reached out and grabbed her, saying, Sister Zhao, it seems like the county princess is looking for you.

Zhao Shan couldnt break free for a moment, so she had no choice but to stand there, watching Xiao Man approach. She rolled her eyes, turned her head away, and Xiao Man looked at the hands of the two holding together, lightly laughed, and said, I didnt know about your relations.h.i.+p before. It turns out that Miss Zhao doesnt fancy me, the county princess. Only the Princess can catch your eye.

Zhao Shan was instantly annoyed and retorted, Forget about the county princess or Princess. As long as someone is a good person and doesnt offend me, its worth making friends. Its just that some people, while making a big show of themselves, are still stuck in the same place.

Xiao Mans face darkened, Zhao Shan, be careful with your words.

What is there to be careful about? Zhao Shan raised her eyebrows contemptuously. I dont need to fawn over anyone, are you afraid of me?

This was a blatant mockery, and Xiao Mans beautiful face twisted for a moment. Li Zhizhi thought she would explode and argue with Zhao Shan, but unexpectedly, she restrained herself.

Xiao Man clenched her fists, veins standing out on the back of her hands, but she managed to suppress her anger. She said to Zhao Shan, People say not to expose others shortcomings when cursing. Zhao Shan, weve known each other for six years, and Ive treated you sincerely all these years. Even if Ive made some mistakes unintentionally, does it have to come to this?

Zhao Shaner didnt expect that she would yield on the spot. She looked stunned, didnt continue the confrontation, and only coldly threw a sentence before leaving, Take care of yourself.

After saying that, she led a group of people and left in a spirited manner, leaving only Li Zhizhi standing in place. Xiao Man turned her head to look at her and said, You have some skills. I underestimated you back then.

Li Zhizhi looked puzzled and said, What does the county princess mean? I dont understand.

What are you pretending to be now? Xiao Man coldly snorted. Dont think that youre someone just because youve climbed to the side of the Grand Princess and got the t.i.tle of Princess. In the end, youre still surnamed Li, not Xiao, fundamentally an uncouth and lowly person.

Li Zhizhi sensed the malice in her words but remained calm. Instead, she smiled slightly and said, I know in my heart what my status is. Theres no need for the county princess to remind me. The county princess comes from the royal family, naturally more n.o.ble than me. I am just an outsider with a bit of luck, picking up the t.i.tle of a Princess.

With each mention of county princess and Princess, her tone sounded extremely humble, but her eyes revealed a blatant sense of satisfaction. This made Xiao Man grit her teeth, wis.h.i.+ng to tear apart Li Zhizhis beautiful face.

As Zhao Shaner said, she had put in a lot of effort, and all she sought was the t.i.tle of a Princess. Yet, she still hadnt achieved it. She was the emperors own niece, with imperial blood running through her veins. Why did someone like Li Zhizhi, a commoner raised in the countryside, have the right to be a Princess?!

Xiao Man could tolerate Zhao Shaner, but at this moment, she couldnt swallow this resentment.

Li Zhizhi leisurely enjoyed the expression on the other sides face. After a moment, she remembered something, tilted her head, and said, By the way, my mother told me that from now on, I am the Princess. Except for those n.o.ble ladies, anyone of lower status should bow and salute when they see me.

She arched her eyebrows, sweetly smiling, and said, Let it go this time. Remember next time, theres a difference in status, County Princess.

Xiao Man struggled to catch her breath, glaring at her with a venomous gaze, as if she could grind her teeth and drink her blood, wanting to devour her alive.

Before long, Li Zhizhi returned to the flower hall. When the Grand Princess noticed her, she smiled and said, I was just about to send someone to find you. How was it? Where were you playing just now? Did you have fun?

Li Zhizhi obediently replied, I met Miss Zhao Shaner and County Princess Rong An, talked for a while, and had a good time.

She was somewhat happy, but as for the happiness of those two people, she had no idea.

After attending the banquet at General Wu Weis residence, Li Zhizhi and the Grand Princess had just returned to the Grand Princesss residence when a servant came in to report that someone from the Li family had arrived, wanting to see Li Zhizhi.

Li Zhizhi was stunned, and her heart sank rapidly. Since the last visit to the Crown Princes mansion, no one from the Li family had come. She never expected it to happen again today. She knew Madam Li would not give up easily.

The Grand Princess frowned and asked, What does she want?

The servant replied, Madam Li is unwell and wishes for Miss to come and visit.

This The Grand Princess looked at Li Zhizhi and asked, What does Zhizhi think?

In the gradually tightening sleeves of Li Zhizhi, her heart did not feel surprised. Even the excuse of being sick was brought up. It seemed that she had to go back this time. At least on the surface, Madam Li was indeed her stepmother. If she continued to ignore it now, it would give others a handle and a valid reason.

With her thoughts turning, Li Zhizhi lowered her eyes and said softly, Mother, then I will go back to visit her.

The Grand Princess contemplated for a moment and said, How about I accompany you back?

Li Zhizhi shook her head and refused, Ill go alone. After all, she is the one who is sick. You are of n.o.ble birth, and if something happens to you after visiting, what should I do? Its too ominous.

She was more worried that if the Grand Princess went and saw the ugly faces of the people in the Li family, it would be like stepping into a dirty mud puddle, indeed ominous.