Ji Zizhao had anticipated Emperor Xiaochang's coercion.
Royal offspring were naturally suspicious, and those in the highest position were the most so.
This was the nature of the biting cold at the summit.
How pathetic and how laughable!
Inciting public sentiment, conducting private investigations—either offense, if pursued, would lead to imprisonment.
The Emperor's leniency, applying pressure only through marriage, indicated that in his heart, he still harbored guilt over the demise of the Ji family men.
Even the most severe ailments, with the right prescription, could be cured.
Ji Zizhao slowly raised her head at the sound, gazing at the Emperor seated high on his dragon imperial chariot, his eyes reddened, his voice trembling slightly, "This humble subject dares not defy Your Majesty's decree. However, the ceremonial burial garments of the Ji family men have yet to be laid to rest within the Ji estate. If Ji Zizhao, as the head of the Ji family, were to depart now, how could she face the heroic spirits of the Ji men who died in loyal service to the nation?"
A silent tear traced a path down her fair cheek, her pitiable appearance underscored by a resilience that was outwardly gentle yet inwardly strong.
"Grandfather once said, 'Worry before the worries of the world, and rejoice after the joys of the world.' A scholar must possess a broad and resolute spirit, for his responsibilities are heavy and his journey long. Grandfather also said that as long as he had breath, he would vow to protect every inch of Yulin's land for Your Majesty and the people! To be trustworthy and sincere in one's words! This was Grandfather's promise to Your Majesty and the people. Though I, a daughter of the Ji family, do not possess Grandfather's grand ambitions, I strictly adhere to his teachings and implore Your Majesty to first grant me permission to arrange the affairs of the Ji family's heroic spirits!"
As her words fell, Ji Zizhao prostrated herself on the ground, her head pressed heavily against the earth.
The matter of refusing the marriage had already become a major topic in the imperial city. The Emperor, however, had not uttered a word, only urging her to marry into the Fifth Prince's residence quickly. It was evident that the Emperor intended to feign ignorance and stubbornness to the very end.
Those who feign sleep can never be woken, but they can be startled awake.
Emperor Xiaochang, looking at the slender figure who, though bent as low as possible, displayed not an iota of subservience, suddenly found his vision blurring.
A long-lost figure seemed to silently overlay the person before him.
She… she truly resembled her.
Emperor Xiaochang knew in his heart that Ji Zizhao's words were merely a delaying tactic.
Yet, he found himself deeply moved by her speech.
He recalled when he first ascended the throne, the court was in turmoil, and foreign powers cast covetous glances. At that time, everyone distrusted him, this new emperor, and paid him little heed. Yet, it was Ji Zhengyong who, with the Ji family men, steadfastly supported him to this day.
And what Ji Zhengyong had said back then was precisely what Ji Zizhao had just spoken.
As scene after scene of the past welled up in his mind, how could Emperor Xiaochang not be moved!
Aunt Jianqiu suddenly hurried from a corner of the palace gate and knelt before the Emperor, saying, "Reporting to Your Majesty, during the previous encounter, the Empress Dowager took a great liking to the eldest daughter of the Ji family. Hearing of her arrival, she specially requests the eldest daughter of the Ji family to enter the palace for a conversation."
Emperor Xiaochang, who had already been considering concessions, now took the opportunity to say, "Since that is the case, the eldest daughter of the Ji family shall first enter the palace to visit the Empress Dowager. However… a ruler's word is his bond. It is hoped that the eldest daughter of the Ji family will honor her promise after attending to the Ji family's affairs."
"This humble subject thanks Your Majesty for your grace." Ji Zizhao slowly rose, her gaze inadvertently falling upon Ji Zibi, to whom she gave a slight nod. She then followed Aunt Jianqiu towards the palace gate.
Ji Zibi understood that her elder sister was asking her not to worry. As the Emperor ordered the cleanup of the mess outside the palace gate, she helped the First Madam, Lin Wanyun, to her feet. "First Madam, please do not worry. Eldest Sister will surely return soon. Let us go back and wait for Eldest Sister."
The First Madam Lin Wanyun was still somewhat uneasy, but she also knew that with the situation having escalated to this point, the Emperor was deeply troubled. To prevent further complications, she nodded gently.
The Ji family members rose with the First Madam Lin Wanyun. Ji Ziyan, however, took the opportunity while everyone was turning away to bow deeply to the surrounding populace.
Eldest Sister was right; public support was the Ji family's most reliable shield.
The other members of the Ji family were also deeply grateful to the people and, one after another, followed suit by bowing.
The shopkeepers of the Four Great Medical Halls stood together, looking at the scene with mixed emotions of gratitude and relief.
Chen Gang instructed Xin Bi and Wang Can beside him, "The two of you gather the people of Luoyi and continue to treat them in the medical halls. The master has instructed that expenses are to be covered as usual. Do not be stingy with money."
Although Xin Bi and Wang Can did not particularly care for these timid refugees from Luoyi, upon hearing the master's instructions, they felt a surge of strength. Remembering the source of their prosperity and staying true to their original intentions—this was indeed worthy of the master they admired and revered.
Sun Zhiting pondered for a long while, a frown on his brow. He let out a sound of surprise, "Cowardly, weak, and fearful of imperial power—these are things ingrained in the very bones of the common people. The more provincial the people, the more deeply this is rooted. How did the people of Luoyi suddenly discover their conscience?"
Seeing that the tide had turned, Chen Gang no longer held back. "Do you still remember the additional medicine the shopkeeper added at the end?"
Sun Zhiting seemed to understand something.
"If it were merely the royal family's harsh treatment of the Ji family, it would not have been enough to ignite the anger of the Luoyi refugees to its peak. The master had foreseen this long ago and therefore made some adjustments, allowing the people of Luoyi to resonate with the Ji family. When their emotions reached their extreme sensitivity, and they could empathize with the Ji family's plight, the situation would inevitably erupt."
Chen Gang's words were filled with admiration. It was likely only their master who could administer medicine without harming the bodies of the Luoyi refugees.
Sun Zhiting: "..."
Indeed, their master was still the most cunning.
Chen Gang: "..."
This is not cunning; this is exquisite medical skill! This is unparalleled insight!
You unlettered brute!!
The crowd gathered before the palace gate gradually dispersed, and the Ji family finally escaped from the tiger's maw.
Luo Hong, who had been standing in the corner, looked at the scene before her in disbelief, a scene she could never have imagined even in her dreams. Though filled with unwillingness, she could only turn back to report truthfully to the Fifth Prince.
Ji Zizhao followed Jianqiu for the time it takes to burn one stick of incense before arriving at Renshou Palace.
Unexpectedly, the Empress Dowager was not in her chambers. Ji Zizhao had been sitting in the main hall for a considerable time when she finally saw the Empress Dowager slowly crossing the threshold with Jianqiu.
"This humble subject, Ji Zizhao, pays her respects to the Empress Dowager." Ji Zizhao rose and knelt in greeting.
The Empress Dowager waved her hand. "Rise. Do not put on such a pretense before me."
Ji Zizhao, however, remained respectfully kneeling. "This humble subject thanks the Empress Dowager for her intervention and for her tireless efforts on behalf of this subject and her family."
The Empress Dowager slowly settled onto a soft couch, looking at Ji Zizhao kneeling on the ground, and smiled. "How did you know that I went to the palace gate?"