This would make Pei Lian angry, and he would have Shen Zhi put to death.
It was a perfect scenario.
Liu Yan’s plan was beautiful, but unfortunately, things did not develop according to her expectations.
From the moment Pei Lian held that wooden hairpin, she felt she had been exposed.
Because Liu Yan had once worn this very hairpin, and she had even asked Pei Lian if she looked beautiful in it.
“Your Highness, this concubine is truly being wronged; I have never even seen this hairpin before.” Shen Zhi cooperated by pleading for mercy, her voice and expression displaying as much terror as one could possibly show.
Inwardly, however, she felt nothing but disdain.
Now that the evidence was laid before him, Shen Zhi did not believe Pei Lian could shield the other party any longer.
Liu Yan’s way of doing things remained the same as it had always been.
She never cared whether her work was well-executed or done covertly. As long as her goal was achieved, she was satisfied.
“I know you have been wronged.” When Pei Lian said this, his entire being exuded a thick, murderous aura.
He had always believed Liu Yan to be a kind and beautiful soul, but in the end, it had only been his own assumption.
Liu Yan was just like other women—cruel and ruthless, leaving no path open for her enemies. Everything she was doing now was intended to push Shen Zhi toward death. Even that incident where she fell into the water was the same.
“Many thanks, Your Highness.” A smile finally appeared on Shen Zhi’s face.
“Then Your Highness, how should these be handled?” Shen Zhi looked at the letter and the wooden hairpin and asked.
“Just pretend you know nothing of this; I have my own methods.” Pei Lian put down the wooden hairpin, his expression remaining terrifyingly grim.
That night, the two lay on the same bed, Pei Lian still radiating an aura that made one feel fearful. His face was cold, as if everyone in the world owed him money.
Shen Zhi, lying beside him, wanted to sleep, but with him like this, she found it impossible.
Damn man, acting all dramatic. Isn’t it just that your “white moonlight” isn’t as perfect as you thought? If you knew even more, would you be even more miserable?
But in order to make things more comfortable for herself, Shen Zhi shifted slightly closer to him.
Lying on her side, looking at Pei Lian, Shen Zhi made a bold move. She rested her head on Pei Lian’s shoulder and said softly, “Your Highness, what is wrong?”
“Why have you been so angry since seeing that hairpin?”
“If this concubine has done something to displease you, could you please tell me?”
“I am ready to accept any punishment you deem fit; I will have no complaints.”
As Shen Zhi spoke, her voice gradually became choked with sobs, and her almond-shaped eyes filled with tears.
In these nineteen lifetimes, she had learned many skills, such as the “green tea” performance art of Consort Bai. Start with weakness, follow with tears, and then speak. She took the blame upon herself while letting tears slide down slowly, creating the image of a beautiful and resilient woman.
Even though I am framed, as long as the Prince is happy, it is all worth it.
Shen Zhi continued, “Had I known it would come to this, I should not have shown you that letter, causing you unnecessary distress.”
Hearing Shen Zhi’s remorseful tone, his nose was constantly brushed by the faint, medicinal fragrance unique to her body. It was very subtle—the scent of the sleeping incense she burned every night, which had permeated her skin over time.
The candles in the room had not yet been blown out, so Pei Lian could see the tears swirling in Shen Zhi’s eyes.
She was blaming herself. She believed she had caused him such distress and even thought she shouldn’t have let him know about the matter—yet if he hadn’t known, the only thing waiting for her would have been death.
“Shen Zhi, having been framed like this, why do you have no complaints?” Pei Lian raised his hand and slowly wrapped it around her waist. At this moment, he felt just how thin her waist really was.
“This concubine’s status is humble; it is already an honor to be treated this way by Your Highness. How could I dare to have any complaints?”
Yes, I do! I have complaints! Hurry up and deal with Liu Yan; I don’t want to be poisoned anymore. I’m starting to get PTSD.
Hearing this, Pei Lian hugged her even tighter, unwilling to let go. “Rest assured, this time, I will certainly punish her severely.”
Punish her as you wish, you have no credibility with me anymore. Shen Zhi complained internally, but on the surface, she revealed a faint smile. “Then this concubine thanks Your Highness.”
That night, Pei Lian held Shen Zhi tightly, and she was forced to lean against him and sleep the entire night. When they woke the next morning, Pei Lian was still clutching her firmly.
Watching the sleeping Pei Lian, Shen Zhi cursed him silently.
Damn man, only knowing how to take advantage of me.
After returning from the morning greeting at the Crown Princess’s residence, Shen Zhi lay on the chair in the courtyard, quietly waiting for them to bring someone over. Suwen and Nanny Zhao did not know what was wrong with her; they only felt that today, their mistress was more solemn than usual. There was no smile on her small face, and she didn’t speak as she had before.
They waited for a long time, until not long after Pei Lian returned from the morning court session, the Crown Princess arrived at Lanxin Pavilion with a crowd in tow.
Behind them, they were escorting a man dressed in ordinary clothes, holding a pair of earrings in his hand.
The man held the earrings high and shouted, “Consort Shen gave these to me! These are the tokens of love she gave me!”
“I am not spouting nonsense! She even said she would elope with me!”
Shen Zhi watched the group walking in. Here it comes.
“Greetings to the Crown Princess, Consort Liu…”
Shen Zhi bowed to everyone present, and they looked at her with expressions of watching a show. Lin Shiya usually did not participate in their infighting, but this time, it touched upon the dignity of the Eastern Palace, so she was forced to come out.
She glanced at Shen Zhi and said, “Consort Shen, do you know your crime?”
“This concubine does not know what crime I have committed.” Shen Zhi shook her head, an expression of innocence and confusion on her face.
“You stole a man in secret and even gave your own personal belongings to him! A person as debauched as you should be drowned in a pig-slaughtering cage!” Liu Yan shouted at Shen Zhi.
Hearing this, Shen Zhi immediately knelt and cried out, “This concubine is wronged! Ever since I entered the Eastern Palace, I have been law-abiding and have never done anything improper.”
“Stealing a man is impossible! Consort Liu, you cannot bully me just because my status is low!”
“The witnesses and physical evidence are all here, do not try to quibble!” Liu Yan now wished she could beat her to death right here and have Lin Shiya deal with her. How could she possibly let Shen Zhi have a chance to rebut?
Just then, the man who was being held suddenly broke free from the guards, rushed out, and shouted at Shen Zhi, “Mother Shen, didn’t you say you would elope with me?”
“Why are you denying it now?”
“Look, aren’t these the tokens of love you gave me?” The man held the earrings high, ensuring everyone present could see them clearly.