ARTTEDSBGT Chapter 86

Looking at the slightly stunned expression of Li Suwan, Li Zhizhi sincerely said, Sister Waner, I understand your concerns. Youre afraid that now that Ive been conferred the t.i.tle of Princess, Mother and Brother Xingzhi will come to flatter me and neglect you. But sister, theres no need to worry too much. I wont compete with you for anything. Whether its Mother or Brother Xingzhi, they will always be your family. Since I willingly gave way to you before, why would I compete now?

She paused for a moment and smiled again, If Sister Waner still has concerns, I can write a statement.

No need! Li Xingzhi immediately stopped her, his expression complicated. He said to Li Suwan, Zhizhi doesnt mean that. Dont misunderstand her.

Li Suwan was at a loss for words and wanted to say something, but couldnt argue. She could only cry and say, I didnt, Brother, I didnt misunderstand her

Li Xingzhi interrupted her, So, you werent really unwell today, right?

Li Suwans face changed slightly. The room was scattered with various objects. Who, when feeling unwell, had the energy to throw a tantrum and break things? It could only be said that Li Suwan did it intentionally to vent her dissatisfaction.

With things at this point, Li Zhizhi was too lazy to continue watching their sibling drama. She left Ziteng Court and returned to Shuyue Pavilion. Haitang and Grandma w.a.n.g were standing in the corridor, talking. When they saw her coming in, they were pleasantly surprised and hurriedly greeted her.

Miss!

Oh, Miss is back.

Since returning to the Li residence until now, Li Zhizhi finally showed the first genuine smile. Holding Grandma w.a.n.gs hand, she affectionately said, Grandma, its been a while. Hows your health?

Good, good! Grandma w.a.n.g said with a smile on her face, This old womans legs are still strong, just dont know how the young lady is doing? Are you comfortable living in the Grand Princesss mansion?

Im fine too, Li Zhizhi smiled, Just sometimes I miss you all.

Oh, Grandma w.a.n.g couldnt stop smiling, Thank you to the young miss for not despising me and still thinking about my old bones. Its just a pity that I cant be with you to take care of you.

This time when Li Zhizhi came back, the Grand Princess also had her bring many maids from the Grand Princesss mansion. Since there were no specific orders, they were waiting outside and ready to obey any commands.

Grandma w.a.n.g glanced at them and couldnt help but sigh, Young ladys style is becoming more and more impressive. It seems that the Grand Princess treats you really well, and this old woman can rest a.s.sured.

As they chatted, they walked into the house together. Li Zhizhi suddenly felt something was wrong, looked around, and asked, Wheres Yulan? Why dont I see her?

If it were any other day, that girl would have come running out already. However, today, there was no sign of her, which was quite unusual.

Grandma w.a.n.g and Haitang exchanged a glance, and Li Zhizhi furrowed her brows, asking, Whats wrong?

That girl, Grandma w.a.n.g sighed, is just someone who cant keep her mouth shut. Ive scolded her countless times, but she never changes. And now

Haitang spoke softly, Yulan today, while chatting with other servants, said some things. Unfortunately, Miss Suwan, accidentally heard it, got very angry, and punished Yulan to kneel in the garden. She wont be allowed to get up until tomorrow.

Li Zhizhis expression changed upon hearing this. Just at that moment, a servant came in, bowed, and respectfully said, The master and madam have sent a servant to invite Miss Zhizhi to the dining hall for a meal.

Li Zhizhi thought for a moment and said, No need, just say Im not in the mood and wont go to the dining hall.

After saying that, she paid no more attention to the maid and headed towards the direction of the garden with her entourage. Haitang led the way, and by the faint light of lanterns, Li Zhizhi could see someone kneeling in the corridor from a distance it was the long-unseen Yu Lan.

Yu Lan had been kneeling for the entire afternoon, feeling a stabbing pain in her knees, almost unbearable. Suddenly, she heard someone calling her name, turned her head towards the voice, and after a moment of surprise, her expression became extremely astonished. Miss! How did you come back?

Li Zhizhi quickly walked a few steps and personally helped her up. Upon seeing the bruises on her cheek, she furrowed her brows tightly and asked, Does it still hurt?

Yu Lan shook her head repeatedly and then smiled, Miss, youve really come back!

She was still smiling foolishly, making Li Zhizhi feel a mixture of heartache and self-blame. In the comfortable days she had spent in the Grand Princesss residence, she had forgotten that Yu Lan and Hai Tang were still in the Li Mansion. Given Li Suwans jealousy towards her, how could she not vent her anger on the servants of Shuyue Pavilion?

Although Yu Lan and Hai Tang had served her for a short time, they were gentle and honest, especially when Li Zhizhi first arrived at the mansion. They did not treat her with disdain like the other servants did. They were loyal and devoted, doing their best in everything.

Now that she was not in the mansion, she couldnt protect them. What should be done in the future? Thinking about this, a nameless anger ignited in Li Zhizhis heart. She grabbed Yu Lans hand, instructing her and Hai Tang, Pack your things now; Ill take you away.

Huh?

Yu Lan was somewhat surprised and asked, Go? Miss, where are we going?

To the Grand Princesss mansion, L Zhzh said calmly. If you and Haitang, as well as Grandma w.a.n.g, are willing, you can all come with me to the Grand Princesss mansion. We wont be in the L residence from now on.

Really? Yu Lans eyes lit up, and she happily exclaimed, Does that mean this servant can follow Miss again!

Haitang whispered, But our indenture contracts are still with Madam

Dont worry, I will retrieve them for you, L Zhizhi a.s.sured.

Soon, news of Li Zhizhis departure reached the ears of others in the L residence. Madam L stood up in disbelief and asked the servant, Is she really going back to the Grand Princesss mansion now?

Nonsense! L Cen frowned and said, She was fine just now. Why is she causing trouble again?

Looking at L Xingzhi beside him, he asked, You went to visit Waner with Zhizhi just now. What happened exactly?

They had originally gone together, but only Li Xingzhi returned. When they sent someone to call Li Zhizhi, the reply was that she was in a bad mood, didnt want to dine, and now she wanted to leave.

Seeing his father asking questions, Li Xingzhi hesitated to speak. Madam Li, noticing this, continued to inquire, and finally, the whole story was revealed. Li Cen was immediately furious, scolding Madam Li, Look at what kind of daughter youve raised! Hysterical, causing chaos, not a bit like a refined young lady. If she behaves like this in her husbands family, will it not be a constant disturbance?

Madam Li was scolded, and in her heart, she resented Li Suwan for not understanding current affairs and being so ignorant. Now that Li Zhizhi was gaining popularity, she just didnt want to avoid her sharp edges, but also dared to confront her.

At present, Li Zhizhi expressed her intention to leave, but Li Cen naturally refused. He personally went to Shuyue Pavilion and saw several maids busily packing luggage. His expression darkened, and he said to Li Zhizhi, What are you doing? Quickly have them put everything back. You just returned to the mansion, and now you want to leave. What kind of behavior is this?

After that, he said kindly: If Waner really made you angry, I will ask her to come and apologize to you. She has been spoiled by your mother since she was a child, and she has no sense of propriety in what she says -

Without waiting for him to finish, Li Zhizhi interrupted, Father is worrying too much. Im not angry.

Li Cen furrowed his brows in confusion and asked, If youre not angry, then what is this about?

Li Zhizhi smiled and said, I just feel that I cant stay in the Li Mansion any longer, so I decided to leave on my own.

Who said you cant stay? Li Cen said in a deep voice. If you have something to say, say it clearly today. Dont throw a childish tantrum here.

If Father says so, then lets speak frankly, Li Zhizhi looked at Madam Li and Li Xingzhi, who had just arrived. She said, Today, I not only want to leave the Li Mansion, but I wont come back in the future. Lets go our separate ways, and from now on, have no connection with each other.

Li Cens eyes widened, and he angrily shouted, Nonsense!

Im not talking nonsense, Li Zhizhi showed no fear on her face, just stared directly at him and said lightly, Every word has been carefully considered. If there is the slightest insincerity, let thunder strike me.

What nonsense is this child of yours talking about? Madam Li entered and immediately heard these rebellious words, nearly causing her to explode with anger. She advised, Zhizhi, dont argue with your father.

What father? Li Zhizhi turned her head coldly towards her, saying, Both my parents are deceased. Where is the father and mother? Next year during Qingming, I will probably burn incense in front of their memorial tablets, fulfilling my filial duty.

Upon hearing this, Li Cen couldnt contain his anger any longer and scolded, You wicked child!

He then raised his hand to slap her, but Li Zhizhi quickly stepped back, avoiding the blow. She mocked, Why is the lord so angry? Isnt this what you and madam wished for?.

Li Cen, with eyes burning red, pointed at her trembling and angrily, Nonsense! If you say one more word, I will discipline you with family rules today.

He roared, Guards, bring the family rules!

My lord! My lord, please dont! Madam Li quickly stopped him, pleading, After all, she is

Get out of the way! Li Cen pushed her aside forcefully, scolding Li Zhizhi, Youve become audacious after being bestowed the t.i.tle of a Princess. Even if the imperial decree hasnt arrived, in front of the Emperor himself, you are still my daughter, Li Cens daughter. Even if I have to beat you to death today, I dont need to consider anyones opinion!

The refined demeanor of the past was gone. Li Cens eyes emitted a fierce and furious light, like a raging beast. His face turned red, and veins on his forehead and neck bulged, as if ready to pounce at any moment. Li Xingzhi could barely hold him back, desperately signaling to Li Zhizhi, saying, Go away!

Unexpectedly, Li Zhizhi not only didnt leave but also sat down calmly, saying leisurely, If you hit me today, I will file a complaint tomorrow.

When these three words were spoken, Li Zhen immediately calmed down a bit. Li Zhizhi looked at him and continued calmly, Now everyone outside knows that my parents are dead, and you are just my foster parents. Even the Emperor is aware of this, otherwise, why do you think the Emperor would bestow upon me the t.i.tle of a Princess? Of course, its because I have no parents and can only rely on the Grand Princess for support.

Looking at the shocked expressions on the couples faces, Li Zhizhi even smiled and continued in a leisurely manner, Master is right. The imperial decree has not yet been issued, so I cant really be considered a Princess. What do you think the Emperor would think if I were to go and plead my case to him now? Would he think that the Li family deliberately plotted against the Grand Princess to sell their daughter for glory?

She shook her head gently and sighed, That would be a grave crime of deceiving the Emperor.

Despite her words, Li Zhizhis expression remained calm, in contrast to Li Cen. He had always been concerned about his reputation and never imagined that such a calamity would befall him. He was furious and kept cursing Li Zhizhi, calling her a sinful animal and a worthless thing.

Li Zhizhi didnt mind at all and even took a sip of tea before standing up gracefully and asking Yu Lan, Is everything packed?

The servants in the room were still in shock, staring dumbfounded at this grand spectacle. When they heard the inquiry, Yu Lan suddenly snapped out of it and, with less agility than usual, nodded repeatedly, saying, Yes, yes, all packed.

Then lets go. Oh, by the way, Li Zhizhi remembered something and turned to Madam Li, smiling politely, Could I trouble Madam to do me a small favor?

Madam Li looked at her with trepidation, afraid she might say something astonis.h.i.+ng again, and her voice trembled, What what is it?

Li Zhizhi said, The two maids I have in Shuyue Pavilion and a nanny named w.a.n.g, they are used to serving me. I thought of bringing them to the Grand Princesss residence this time, so I wanted to ask Madam for their indenture contracts. Of course, I wont let Madam suffer any losses.

Finis.h.i.+ng her words, she subtly gestured, and a maid from the Grand Princesss mansion approached. She took three silver ingots from her sleeve and placed them on the table. Li Zhizhi smiled and said, If the madam feels its not enough, we can negotiate further.

Dont give her anything! Get lost! Li Cen glared with anger, shouting, Youre already going to the Grand Princesss mansion, and you still want to take away servants from my Li mansion?!

Li Zhizhi glanced at him, and the smile on her face faded. She said, It seems that Master Li really wants me to file a complaint.

This was a blatant threat. Li Cen was so angry that his hands were shaking as he pointed at her, You wicked

My wickedness, Li Zhizhi smoothly continued, raising her eyebrows and smiling faintly, was all learned from you. In the future, dont ever mention that you are my real father and mother; its truly inauspicious.