newbobooks Chapter 1183 Ruoli was slapped again
Chapter 1183 Ruoli was slapped again
The emperor did not say the rest of the words.
But his tightly gripped hands and burning gaze were worth a thousand words.
Shen Zhinian understood.
Because she did not intend to deal with Shen Nanqiao privately, in addition to the above reasons, another reason was that she took into consideration Nangong Xuanyu's attitude.
Given this man's personality, if she really suppressed this matter for the sake of her family's reputation, it would probably leave a grudge in his heart.
How could she do something so unprofitable for Shen Nanqiao?
A hint of just the right amount of shyness and dependence appeared on Shen Zhinian's face at the right time.
Her fingertips curled lightly in the emperor's palm, and her voice softened, with a hint of anger at having her thoughts seen through: "What did your majesty say?"
"I simply feel that... there are some rules that can be respected, but there are some bottom lines that cannot be compromised even a little bit."
"Your Majesty is the sky. Your Majesty's majesty is more important than anything else!"
These soft words, like mellow honey, fell precisely on the softest part of the emperor's heart.
Nangong Xuanyu's Adam's apple rolled, and he held Shen Zhinian's hand tighter, as if he wanted to rub her into his bones and blood.
He looked at her drooping eyelashes, which seemed to still carry the coldness of frost and snow, but at this moment they showed warmth only for him.
The carriage was filled with warm fragrance, and the cold calculation brought about by Shen Maoxue's letter had been completely replaced by a surging love.
How fortunate he was to have such a person accompany him on the lonely road to power as an emperor.
The most important person in Nian Nian's heart is him.
This is enough.
……
The nights in early winter come especially early.
There was only a single lamp lit in Concubine Zhuang's plain carriage. The light was dim, stretching the shadows of the master and servant on the wall of the carriage into long and thin ones.
Concubine Zhuang twirled her Buddhist beads and closed her eyes to rest. The scent of sandalwood floated faintly in the cool air.
Ruoli gently massaged her legs while she couldn't help but babble about the gossip she had heard during the day: "Your Majesty, you haven't seen that the Royal Concubine Chen is now in a state of turmoil and prosperity!"
Her voice was filled with her usual clamor, low and low, but it couldn't hide the bitterness in her tone: "In my opinion, this is even more prosperous than when the Liu family was at its peak!"
"Tell me, who in this palace can surpass her now?"
"Your Majesty, I'm afraid there's only room for her in your eyes and heart..."
The only sounds in the tent were the subtle friction of the Buddhist beads and Ruoli's jealous muttering.
Concubine Zhuang closed her eyes, like an old monk in meditation.
Seeing that Concubine Zhuang didn't react, Ruoli seemed to grow bolder, her words becoming more eloquent, with a hint of arrogance: "Back in the enclosure, Concubine Chen and Minister Gu stayed together all night in a state of confusion!"
"I don't know why His Majesty still dotes on her so much..."
Upon hearing this, Concubine Zhuang suddenly opened her eyes. Her eyes, usually gentle and peaceful, filled with compassion and Buddha-like nature, were now like the edge of an icy blade.
"shut up!"
"How dare you make up stories about Concubine Chen and Minister Gu?!"
Ruoli was so frightened that her soul was about to be shattered. She fell to her knees with a plop, her knees slamming heavily on the cold felt blanket. She trembled like a leaf in the autumn wind: "Your Majesty, calm down!"
"This slave... This slave deserves to die!"
"I just... I just feel unworthy for you..."
Concubine Zhuang looked down at Ruoli who was kneeling on the ground and said in a deep voice, "Is it not worth it for me?"
"Do you know what you just said? Those are heartbreaking words that could cost your entire family their lives!"
Her finger, pointing at Ruoli, was trembling slightly. "What happened to the minister who dared to slander Concubine Chen's reputation in the enclosure that day? He was executed on the spot by His Majesty!"
"Your Majesty's words are golden. Anyone who dares to spread such nonsense will be killed without mercy!"
The three words "Kill without mercy" hit Ruoli's heart hard, making her turn pale in an instant.
"Your servant... Your servant just spoke carelessly..."
Concubine Zhuang looked at Ruoli's instantly pale face and distraught look, took a deep breath, and suppressed the emotions surging in her heart.
If Ruoli's words were to get out of her carriage and be used by someone with ulterior motives...
The consequences...she couldn't even imagine it!
Concubine Chen is now in the prime of the emperor's favor, and His Majesty is the one who protects her the most.
Any spark may lead to a fire!
"Slap me in the face!"
Concubine Zhuang's voice was filled with unquestionable determination: "Beat me until you know what to say!"
"Empress?!"
Ruoli suddenly raised his head, his eyes filled with incredible astonishment and grievance.
In the past, she was quick-witted and sometimes said something wrong. The Empress would just frown and scold her with words like "no manners" or "be careful with your words".
Never... never punished her so harshly, let alone made her slap herself in the face...
This is such a huge humiliation!
However, facing Concubine Zhuang's gaze that left no room for maneuver, Ruoli dared not hesitate any longer, let alone beg for mercy.
She raised her hand tremblingly, and with all her strength, slapped herself hard in the face!
"Snapped!"
The clear and loud sound was particularly harsh in the silent carriage.
Ruoli's left cheek suddenly swelled up hotly, and clear five finger marks appeared.
"Snapped!"
Another hit, on the right cheek.
She didn't dare to hold back and slapped herself hard again and again.
Ruoli sobbed suppressedly, tears of humiliation and fear mixed together and covered her face.
Concubine Zhuang looked at her coldly until Ruoli's cheeks were swollen and blood oozed from the corners of her mouth. Then she slowly spoke, her voice returning to a calm tone: "That's enough."
Ruoli's hands froze in mid-air, and her whole body collapsed to the ground as if exhausted, her shoulders shaking violently as she cried silently.
“Remember the lesson of today.”
Concubine Zhuang hammered at Ruoli's heart with every word, "Every word you just said, if it gets out, will bring you catastrophic disaster!"
"I discipline you so strictly because I don't want you to make mistakes and lose your life in vain."
"Understand?"
Ruoli's eyes suddenly showed a trace of gratitude: "I understand, thank you for your teachings..."
If the Queen really doesn't care about her, just hand her over.
The Empress taught her so strictly because she cared about her so much.
Concubine Zhuang's voice was filled with fatigue: "Alright, go down and apply the medicine."
"You are in your prime, how can you look good with a swollen face?"
Ruoli kowtowed again as if he had been pardoned: "Yes..."
The heavy curtains fell, blocking out the dim light in the carriage.
Only Concubine Zhuang was left inside.
She slowly sat back on the cushion, her eyes dim and filled with a hint of fear.
Concubine Zhuang wants to get rid of Concubine Chen who is blocking her way more than anyone else!
But at the same time, Concubine Zhuang understood that this matter was a sore spot for His Majesty. Anyone who dared to spread rumors and stir up trouble would be courting death!
She couldn't let Ruoli do anything stupid.