As the saying goes, experts in a contest move as swift as the wind.
But no matter how fast one strikes, or how superb the moves, there should still be a back-and-forth, a punch and a counter-punch. Yet, Ji Zizhao went for broke from the very first move. Who could withstand that?
And who would dare truly risk their life to block such a blow!
Faced with Ji Zizhao’s complete disregard for the rules of engagement, Consort Xi was so enraged she could find no words.
In comparison to Ji Zizhao, even the Empress seemed immensely likable!
Seeing the situation spiraling out of control, Xie Jingzhou's expression could no longer be described as merely displeased. He couldn't understand why, no matter how flawless his plans, everything always fell apart when he encountered Ji Zizhao.
The Eighth Prince had also not anticipated things escalating to this point. He wanted to speak again, but was immediately interrupted by Ji Zizhao. "I advise His Highness the Eighth Prince to think carefully before speaking. If you truly say something wrong, losing your own life is a small matter, but implicating everyone else's lives is the greater one."
The Eighth Prince: "..."
This woman has gone mad, daring to threaten him!
Ji Zizhao curled her lips with a mocking sneer. When these people had tried to frame her before, they should have foreseen this outcome. Who were they putting on such panicked faces for now?
"Fourth Prince Consort, you..." the Eighth Prince forced himself to speak, still trying to struggle.
Unfortunately, Ji Zizhao had no intention of giving him any more chance to prolong his agony. "His Highness the Eighth Prince should address me as Fourth Imperial Sister-in-law. However, I doubt there will be any future opportunities."
The Eighth Prince: "..."
Can't someone control this woman!
The Eighth Prince Consort, watching the Eighth Prince being utterly defeated by Ji Zizhao, felt an ache in her heart. She quickly rushed forward to support him and confronted Ji Zizhao, "Everything must await the Emperor's judgment. Why must Fourth Imperial Sister-in-law be so aggressive right now?"
Ji Zizhao looked at the Eighth Prince Consort before her, a genuine look of pity in her eyes.
Those who can be used by others are often pure of heart. If one were full of cunning, they wouldn't be treated as pawns. Such an Eighth Prince Consort might have been spared by others, but the words "woman's benevolence" were never associated with Ji Zizhao.
The Eighth Prince Consort did not grasp the meaning behind the pity in Ji Zizhao's eyes. However, the darkness that emanated from those eyes after the pity sent chills down her spine.
The Eighth Prince Consort, of course, did not know that on her person lay the sharp blade Ji Zizhao would use to turn the tide.
Originally, Ji Zizhao had been debating the opportune moment to reveal her trump card. Now that the Eighth Prince Consort had presented herself, she would naturally not miss such an excellent opportunity.
Ji Zizhao's thoughts raced, and the calm expression in her eyes began to shift to one of helplessness and panic.
Consort Xi, seeing this, inwardly thought, "This is bad."
Although she didn't know what this change signified, how could someone like Ji Zizhao, who seemed to be full of schemes, be flustered and helpless?
However, before Consort Xi could think of a way to stop it, Ji Zizhao had already grabbed the Eighth Prince Consort by the shoulders. "My Eighth Sister-in-law and I have no grievances. Why would you frame me like this? Or have I offended you somewhere before? If that's the case, you can just tell me directly, and I will apologize. There's no need to frame me like this!"
The Eighth Prince Consort was dizzy from being shaken. She struggled and said, "I, I don't understand what Fourth Imperial Sister-in-law means..."
Don't understand?
You will understand!
As the Eighth Prince Consort pushed back forcefully, Ji Zizhao suddenly released her grip. Completely unprepared, the Eighth Prince Consort tilted backward and then fell heavily onto the smooth floor.
"Clatter—!"
Something fell from the Eighth Prince Consort's sleeve, appearing before everyone's eyes.
In the brightly lit imperial study, the object was conspicuously displayed.
Feng Gu exclaimed, "Your, Your Majesty, it's another tiger-headed banner!"
Emperor Xiaochang's face changed drastically. "Bring it here for me to examine!"
Feng Gu did not dare to delay. He quickly walked over, bent down to pick it up, and returned to the Emperor's side, carefully presenting the tiger-headed banner.
Emperor Xiaochang placed the two tiger-headed banners before him and compared them closely. The more he looked, the darker his expression became.
At this point, it wasn't just the Eighth Prince Consort; even the Eighth Prince and Xie Jingzhou were bewildered!
How could there be another tiger-headed banner? Su Dan Novel Network.
Where did it come from!
The Eighth Prince Consort was already stunned by this sudden turn of events.
Consort Xi observed everyone's expressions. Her heart pounded. If there were one tiger-headed banner, it could still be framed as related to Ji Zizhao.
But where the previous tiger-headed banner came from, the Emperor saw clearly!
At this moment, it was no longer important to figure out how the Eighth Prince Consort still had a tiger-headed banner hidden on her person. The most crucial thing now was to find a way to extricate themselves.
"Eighth Prince Consort, I once saw that you were pure of heart, which is why I brought you and the Eighth Prince together. I never expected you to be this kind of person, daring to fabricate such a colossal lie to frame the Fourth Prince Consort!" Empress Zhong reprimanded the Eighth Prince Consort. Regardless of how Ji Zizhao had planted the item on the Eighth Prince Consort, now that it had fallen out, she could not let Ji Zizhao's efforts be in vain.
The Eighth Prince Consort, shocked and scared, broke down in tears. "No, Your Majesty Empress, please don't be angry. I don't know why that thing was in my sleeve. It wasn't me, it really wasn't me..."
The Eighth Prince Consort's tears were pitiful.
But what use was that?
The matter originated from the Wei family, and that maid was also taken into the Eighth Prince's mansion by the Eighth Prince Consort. Now, an identical tiger-headed banner to the one held by the maid had fallen from her sleeve. Even if she cried her eyes out, it would be difficult to explain.
"Who are you crying for now? The Wei family raising someone like you is truly a disgrace to the family name!" Emperor Xiaochang roared, throwing both tiger-headed banners in his hand at the Eighth Prince Consort, causing her to fall onto the ground.
The Emperor's stance was enough to indicate the direction of events.
Whether Consort Xi was unwilling or Xie Jingzhou was still unresigned, they could no longer turn the tide.
The imperial study was filled with the Eighth Prince Consort's wails.
The Eighth Prince, looking at his wife like this, felt even more anxious than an ant on a hot pan, plotting how to escape.
Ji Zizhao suddenly turned and walked towards the Eighth Prince Consort.
Consort Xi's right eyelid twitched violently.
Damn Ji Zizhao, what else does she want to do?!