Zhao Jiaqi found this kind of person utterly speechless. In the past, he could still feign a docile appearance. But whether he was docile or not was irrelevant, as long as he didn't clash with them.
However, his ulterior motives were now laid bare, and he openly voiced them, maliciously speculating about her and her husband. This was truly a stab to the heart.
She chuckled softly, her laughter laced with sarcasm. "You are the Emperor of Yun country. Who you choose to ally with is your decision; it has nothing to do with me. But if you wish to stir up trouble, I don't mind a fight to the death. It's uncertain who will win and who will lose then."
With that, she rose to leave. She glanced down at the maidservant sobbing softly on the ground. Regardless of whether this maidservant had intentionally climbed into the Emperor's bed or had truly been violated by this fool, she was still her person for now.
Zhao Jiaqi had no other special talents, but everyone knew she was protective of her own. Those who bullied her people would not get off so easily. It was absolutely impossible for them to simply forget about it.
"Huangfu Xi, my person has been wronged by you. Tell me, what do you intend to do?"
Huangfu Xi glanced at the person on the ground, his brow furrowed tightly, his eyes filled with disgust. Compared to the concubines in his harem, this one was of the lowest caliber.
Snorting coldly, he said dismissively, "A lowly maidservant. A bit of silver will suffice. Do you expect her to become one of my imperial consorts?"
After the insult, he added, "She's not even worthy!"
Zhao Jiaqi heard this and knew that while it was an insult to the maidservant, it was undoubtedly also a jab at her and Fan Zehao.
At this, she didn't hesitate to retort, "Even a dog's owner must be considered when striking it. Does Yun Huang disrespect my Inner City? If so, then there's nothing more to say. My maidservant deserves this fate, to be gnawed by a dog."
"However, a maiden's most precious possession cannot be compensated with mere money. You will pay with your life."
Zhao Jiaqi finished speaking and glanced at the maidservant on the ground. "Let's go."
The maidservant, obediently wiping away tears, got up and followed Zhao Jiaqi. The moment they left, the door to the room was tightly shut. Many guards waited outside, surrounding the place, ensuring not even a fly could escape.
It was only then that Huangfu Xi truly believed Zhao Jiaqi's words were not a jest or a threat.
In his heart, he regretted it, but it was too late. They were already gone.
He rushed to the window and, through a gap, saw his own men being apprehended and taken away. The people in the courtyard had all become guards of the Inner City. Looking at the soldiers in armor, all spirited and alert, they must have been the mysterious special forces of the Inner City.
At that moment, Zhao Jiaqi returned to the royal manor.
Sitting on a chair in the front hall, she rubbed her forehead in annoyance, looking at the maidservant kneeling on the ground, and inquired about what had happened the previous night.
"My temper is generally not very good, and I only listen to the truth. If you fabricate your account of last night, I will not spare you. But if you speak the truth and admit to seducing Huangfu Xi, I will not punish you. At most, I will expel you from the manor. These two outcomes are vastly different. I only want to hear the truth."
Xiao Cai sobbed, recalling the events of the previous night, and a cold sweat broke out. She prostrated herself on the ground and cried, "Princess Consort, this servant is truly wronged. Last night, Yun Huang was drunk and dragged this servant..."
"The many guards on duty outside at the time heard it. I called for help, but no one came to my rescue. Princess Consort, you only need to question the guards who were on duty last night, and you will know."
Seeing that her account was logical and seemed truthful, Zhao Jiaqi ordered for the commander to be brought in.
"All of Huangfu Xi's people have been captured. Go and interrogate them. I want to know the truth."
The commander, having sharp ears, heard Zhao Jiaqi refer to herself as "this consort" and knew the Princess Consort was angry. He dared not be remiss.
Bowing respectfully, he replied, "Your subordinate has already dispatched people to investigate. I believe we will have results soon."
"However... Huangfu Xi is currently imprisoned, and if the emperors of the other vassal states inquire about the reason, how should we respond?"
Damn it, this was another difficult problem.
Zhao Jiaqi, sitting on the chair, pondered for a long time before deciding to teach Huangfu Xi a lesson. She said, "Tell them the truth. He wronged my person, and he shouldn't expect to get away with a bit of money."
The commander replied with an "Understood" and prepared to leave, but Zhao Jiaqi called him back. "Since Huangfu Xi is relying on his alliances with other countries and disrespects the Inner City, you shall go out and deliver a message: If anyone dares to befriend Yun country or form a marital alliance with Yun country, they will be considered enemies of the Inner City."
"The Inner City will eliminate all enemies swiftly, leaving no room for mercy."
The commander was slightly stunned. The Princess Consort was truly angry, and quite severely so, to resort to such harsh measures.
"Your subordinate will go now."
Not long after he left, someone came to report that the events of last night were exactly as Xiao Cai had described, without any deviation.
This made Zhao Jiaqi even angrier, but no matter how furious she was, she could not execute Huangfu Xi on the spot.
"Xiao Cai, I will get justice for you. However, your future marriage prospects may be... affected. If you are willing, you can stay in the manor. Or, if you feel it's not suitable and wish to find a place to live your own life, I will not force you. I will provide you with a new identity, a sum of money, and a manor, enough for you to live comfortably for the rest of your life."
Xiao Cai was deeply moved by the Princess Consort's words, tears streaming down her face.
Zhao Jiaqi helped her up. "While money cannot buy back your innocence, it can allow you to live on."
"Thank you, Princess Consort. Xiao Cai chooses to live a new life elsewhere."
Zhao Jiaqi understood her feelings. If she stayed in the manor, others would inevitably look at her with peculiar eyes.
After kneeling to thank Zhao Jiaqi, Xiao Cai rose and left.
When Fan Zehao heard from Helian Zhicheng that Huangfu Xi had been imprisoned by his wife, his brow twitched. He felt that something was amiss.
The brothers arrived one after another and saw Zhao Jiaqi sitting with a dark expression on her face. They exchanged a look and suddenly felt that a storm was brewing.
Fan Zehao stepped forward and asked caringly, "How did Huangfu Xi offend you? Tell me, and your husband will vent your anger."
Zhao Jiaqi glanced at him, seeing that his face was filled with sincerity. She recounted all the infuriating words Huangfu Xi had spoken to her, one by one.
Upon hearing this, Fan Zehao exploded with anger. "This bastard! He thinks that by allying with other countries, he can completely control us? What a daydream! If we don't show him some color, he won't know who the Great King is!"
Zhao Jiaqi snorted softly. "I have declared to the outside world that anyone who allies with Huangfu Xi will be our sworn enemy. I believe Huangfu Xi will soon be isolated. However... he bullied Xiao Cai, and this matter absolutely cannot be easily overlooked."
Fan Zehao comforted Zhao Jiaqi. "You are right. This matter cannot be easily let go. My dear, you rest assured and take care of your pregnancy. I will handle this matter, and I guarantee you will be satisfied."
Now, old debts and new grievances would be settled together.