“I… I…” Fangju was so frightened that she could barely speak.
Zhou Li directly reached out, grabbed her by the throat, and lifted her into the air.
“You said you wanted the maids in my mansion to recognize what status?” Zhou Li asked coldly.
Fangju was already struggling to breathe, as if she might suffocate at any moment.
“Your Highness… spare me!”
Zhou Li loosened his grip and threw her to the ground.
Freed from his hold, Fangju gasped desperately for air.
“Didn’t you say I listen to your young mistress in everything? I’ll give you a chance now. Call your mistress to plead for you. Otherwise, I don’t mind chopping you up and feeding you to the spirit beasts.”
Upon hearing this, Lianxiang hurried toward the bridal chamber where Nangong Yan’er was staying.
…
At the same time, Nangong Yan’er was sitting before her mirror, finishing her grooming.
She sighed softly.
Last night she had cultivated for a while, only to discover that her cultivation speed was far slower than before.
It must be because Zhou Li took the jade necklace last night.
That bastard. What kind of madness was he in?
Just then, Lianxiang rushed in anxiously. “Miss, something terrible has happened!”
“His Highness wants to kill Fangju.”
Hearing this, Nangong Yan’er immediately stood up. “What?”
“Fangju argued with the maids of the Prince of Han’s Mansion this morning. His Highness overheard it and sent me to find you. He also said…”
Nangong Yan’er frowned. “What else did he say?”
“He said that if you don’t go, he will chop Fangju into pieces and feed her to the spirit beasts.” Lianxiang was nearly in tears.
Judging by Zhou Li’s expression just now, it did not seem like a joke.
“What?!” Nangong Yan’er was instantly furious. “Where are they? Take me there at once!”
…
On the other side, Zhou Li looked at Fangju, who was sitting on the ground, crying pitifully.
A mere servant dared to climb over my head. If the tiger does not show its might, you think I’m a sick cat?
“What happened this morning?” Zhou Li asked the other maids.
The maid who had argued with Fangju stepped forward angrily. “This morning, we were cleaning the courtyard.”
“Then Fangju suddenly came over and ordered us to clean Your Highness and the Princess Consort’s bridal chamber.”
“I asked her why she and Lianxiang weren’t doing it. As the Princess Consort’s personal maids, such tasks should be their responsibility.”
“After that, Fangju started cursing at me. I couldn’t hold back and argued with her. I did not expect to disturb Your Highness.”
“Please punish me, Your Highness!”
Zhou Li walked over to her, placed a hand on her head, and smiled gently.
“You did very well. Not only will I not punish you, I will reward you heavily. Go to the steward later and collect three high-grade spirit stones.”
Hearing this, the maid immediately knelt. “Thank you for Your Highness’s reward!”
“That’s enough. Get up.”
Zhou Li then turned to the other maids and said loudly, “In the future, learn from her. The Prince of Han’s Mansion does not provoke trouble, but we are never afraid of it. I do not want you to bully others, but if someone bullies you, hit back hard.”
“If you win, I will reward you. Do not worry about consequences. I have money.”
“Yes, Your Highness!” The maids looked at Zhou Li with admiration.
They used to think he was merely handsome. They had not expected him to be so decisive.
“Now, it’s your turn.” Zhou Li turned to Fangju.
“Your Highness, spare me! I will never dare again!” Fangju kowtowed repeatedly.
“You still think there will be a next time?”
Zhou Li casually took out a horsewhip from his storage pouch and handed it to the maid who had just spoken.
“Whip her properly. If it pleases me, there will be another reward.”
“Thank you, Your Highness!”
The maid immediately brightened, took the whip, and struck Fangju hard.
“Ah!” Fangju screamed in pain.
“Keep going. Stop only when I tell you to,” Zhou Li said.
“Yes!”
Another whip lashed down.
“Ah! Your Highness, spare me!”
But the maid did not stop. She had long been displeased with Fangju. With the promise of a reward, why would she hesitate?
At that moment, Nangong Yan’er arrived.
The first thing she saw was a maid whipping Fangju. How could she tolerate that?
“Stop at once!”
A powerful surge of spiritual energy erupted from her body, making everyone present except Zhou Li feel uneasy.
The maid paused in fright. Fangju, covered in wounds, saw Nangong Yan’er and burst into tears. “Miss…”
Zhou Li said coldly, “Did I say stop? Continue.”
“You dare!” Nangong Yan’er shouted.
The maid looked uncertainly between Zhou Li and Nangong Yan’er.
“In the Prince of Han’s Mansion, I am the master. Continue. The Princess Consort will not touch you.”
“Zhou Li!” Nangong Yan’er shouted angrily.
“Whip her!” Zhou Li ordered.
Receiving the command, the maid continued striking Fangju.
Fangju’s screams and pleas filled the courtyard.
Nangong Yan’er strode toward Zhou Li, fury blazing in her eyes. “What madness has taken you these past two days?”
Zhou Li replied calmly, “Your servant does not understand rules. I am disciplining her for you so she recognizes her status.”
“Fangju is my maid. I will discipline her. You have no right!”
“You are my Princess Consort. Even you belong to me, let alone a mere servant under you,” Zhou Li said lightly.
“You! Shameless!” Nangong Yan’er shouted in anger.
“Why have you become so crude?!”
“I have always been like this,” Zhou Li said with a faint smile.
“You!”
This bastard was using her own words from last night against her.
Nangong Yan’er bit her lip and clenched her fists.
“I have nothing more to say. Nangong Yan’er, reflect on yourself.”
With that, Zhou Li walked past her.
“Oh, right.” Zhou Li suddenly turned to the maid holding the whip. “You’ve whipped her long enough. Consider your anger vented. Let’s give the Princess Consort some face. Come with me to collect your reward.”
“Yes, Your Highness!” The maid happily followed behind him.
Suddenly, Nangong Yan’er called out, “Wait!”