At noon, the imperial city streets were at their liveliest.
Major taverns and teahouses were packed.
However, today, the topic of conversation during meals and breaks was solely one matter.
Tomorrow, the Fifth Prince would escort his family into the palace to celebrate the Empress Dowager's birthday.
The common folk of the imperial city understood perfectly who this so-called family member referred to.
In less than half an hour, the entire imperial city was abuzz with rumors: the Eldest Daughter of the Ji family was entangled with the Fifth Prince. While she publicly declared her intention to divorce him, she secretly maintained contact with him behind the scenes. The Fifth Prince, being sincere, remained devoted to her despite her stringing him along, which was why he was rushing to attend the Empress Dowager's birthday with her by his side.
Soon, these rumors reached the Ji family.
The moment she received the news, Nanny Xu rushed to Madam’s side. “Madam, do you require this old servant to bring some people out to quash these rumors?”
She did not know how these rumors had started in the imperial city, but she had clearly seen in recent days that the Eldest Daughter had been working tirelessly for the Ji family, losing sleep over it. If she truly wished to be with the Fifth Prince, why would she endure such hardship for the Ji family?
Madam fiddled with her prayer beads, her eyes remaining closed. “If the people in the city enjoy the gossip, let them spread it. Truth be told, it is Sister Zhao herself who does not know how to avoid suspicion. Otherwise, why would the rumors target her and not others in the city?”
“But Madam…”
“No need to say more. Suppress this matter and do not let anyone else in the mansion know.”
Madam naturally wished for Ji Zizhao to marry into the Fifth Prince’s estate. That way, even if the Ji family were to fall, she could still bask in glory as a royal relative.
Seeing this, Nanny Xu dared not say anything more and quickly turned to leave the room.
As instructed by Madam, Nanny Xu specifically told the gatekeeper to keep his mouth shut. However, as she passed by Zhao Courtyard, she could not help but go in.
“Eldest Daughter.” Nanny Xu was so anxious upon seeing Ji Zizhao that she did not know how to begin.
Ji Zizhao gestured for Xin Lan to place a chair behind Nanny Xu, then smiled and said, “Nanny Xu, there is no need to stand on ceremony with me. If there is anything I can help with, please speak quickly.”
Nanny Xu was surprised that the Eldest Daughter was still thinking of her at this time. She could no longer contain herself and whispered, “Eldest Daughter, you probably do not know, but there are widespread rumors in the imperial city that tomorrow the Fifth Prince will escort you to celebrate the Empress Dowager’s birthday. The people are saying… they are saying Eldest Daughter is acting high and mighty, toying with, toying with the Fifth Prince…”
Yong Mei, who was kneeling outside the room, heard Nanny Xu’s words and her lips curved upwards in a sly smile.
If she were not part of the Ji family, she would have long been disgusted to the point of vomiting by Ji Zizhao.
She clearly could not bear to give up the wealth and status of the Fifth Prince’s estate, yet she pretended to be indifferent, making the Fifth Prince fawn over her all day. It was truly nauseating. Su Dan Novel Network.
Indeed, the eyes of the people in the city were discerning; even they could see the young lady’s delicate affectation.
Inside the room, Xin Lan’s eyes widened as she heard this. “How can they speak of our young lady like this!”
Nanny Xu quickly covered Xin Lan’s mouth. “Keep your voice down. Madam has forbidden anyone to spread this news and has instructed the gatekeeper to remain silent. I came specifically to inform Eldest Daughter because I could not bear it.”
Ji Zizhao took a money pouch from a drawer in her dressing table and personally placed it into Nanny Xu’s hand. “Thank you for making this special trip, Nanny Xu. I appreciate your kindness. Xin Lan, escort Nanny Xu out properly.”
Nanny Xu hurried to refuse. “Eldest Daughter, you owe me a life-saving grace. How can I accept your gifts?”
“Since Nanny Xu knows our relationship is different, there is no need to be so polite. Nanny Xu is also without support in the Ji family now. It is good to save more money for your future.” Ji Zizhao never lacked money, but she only spent it on those who deserved it. For example, Nanny Xu, by offering sufficient benefits, could obtain information that others did not.
Nanny Xu felt that Ji Zizhao had spoken to her heart. She carefully put away the money and left with profuse thanks.
Ji Zizhao watched Nanny Xu’s receding figure, her smile slowly fading.
Shui Ling, who had been tending to Lian Ju in the inner room, came out. Thinking of Nanny Xu’s words, she said softly, “Miss, under normal circumstances, when such rumors spread in the city, shouldn’t Madam have summoned you for questioning? Why is Madam suppressing this matter so quietly? Is it because she trusts Miss too much, or…”
Shui Ling did not finish her words, but Ji Zizhao already understood.
Shui Ling was clever, intelligent, and good at analyzing advantages and disadvantages, which was why Ji Zizhao had kept her by her side.
Ji Zizhao felt that she did not have such deep affection for her grandmother that her grandmother would trust her so implicitly. Therefore, Madam’s discreet suppression of the matter by Nanny Xu likely hid other intentions.
Or, one could say she was paving the way for someone else.
After all, once she became associated with the Fifth Prince, whether as his main consort or a concubine, the remaining members of the Ji family would become royal relatives. This would, in turn, gild the person Madam had always kept behind her.
“Given the current state of the Ji family, it is only natural for Grandmother to have other plans.” The current Ji Zizhao had no extra energy to waste on her own family, especially with the Fifth Prince lurking outside.
The thought of the Fifth Prince sent a chill through Ji Zizhao’s heart.
First, he had Yong Mei secretly accept the invitation, and then he spread rumors in the city…
The Fifth Prince’s methods always managed to surprise her.
“Cough, cough, cough… cough, cough, cough…”
Lian Ju’s coughing could be heard from the inner room.
Suppressing the coldness in her heart, Ji Zizhao got up and went to the inner room. She first treated Lian Ju’s wounds, then sent Qing Zhu out of the city. Upon learning that Zhang Ji and others were still surrounding the Second Prince’s contingent, she called for Xin Lan to help her wash up and then peacefully lay down in bed for a sleep.
As long as there were no mishaps with the Second Prince, the imperial city would be temporarily stable.
Ji Zizhao’s sleep was restless. Her dreams were filled with memories of her grandfather, father, and uncles. The Ji family had been so prosperous and powerful then, but all of it was but a fleeting dream.
Ji Zizhao dreamed of herself at the age of five. Her father had forced her to practice martial arts with a saber, and she had refused by remaining silent. As a result, her father had whipped her more than ten times. It was only when her grandfather and uncles rushed in that they stopped her father from raising his whip again.
Her uncles shielded her and, facing her father, advised in unison, “Elder brother, do not worry. As long as we are here, we will protect Little Zhao from being bullied. From now on, if anyone dares to touch even a hair on our eldest niece’s head, we uncles will fight to our last breath to get justice for Little Zhao!”
Her grandfather held her in his arms, glaring at her father with fierce eyes. “You are rebelling, you little brat! My eldest granddaughter, whom I have doted on like the apple of my eye, you dare to hit her on a whim? Go and receive the family punishment yourself!”
That day, her father also received more than ten lashes.
Yet, despite his clothes being torn to shreds, her father did not return to his own courtyard. Instead, he knelt before her again. Looking at the crisscrossing whip marks on her body, he said with red eyes, “Xiao Zhao, your father is not forcing you to do anything. He is not demanding that you bring glory to our ancestors. Your father is only afraid that he cannot accompany you to the end, so you must stand up on your own to walk firmly on your path…”