"The Fourth Imperial Sister-in-law is truly fond of joking. Who in the imperial city doesn't know of your exceptional medical skills? If the Eighth Sister-in-law were truly in trouble, with your compassionate heart as a physician, you wouldn't be sitting here. All in all, the cause of today's incident stems from this servant. I implore the Fourth Imperial Sister-in-law to graciously lift your foot so I may interrogate them publicly." Zuo Xiuhua, though fuming, maintained a pleasant smile, constantly reminding herself, "Business first, do not let temporary impulsiveness ruin the grand plan."
Ji Zizhao hadn't expected Zuo Xiuhua to truly swallow her pride.
But then again, it made sense. To orchestrate this elaborate scene, it was likely Xie Jingzhou had invested considerable effort. Now, even if Zuo Xiuhua wished to storm off in anger, she probably wouldn't dare.
"The Fifth Prince's Consort speaks some sense..."
"Regardless, we must ascertain why this servant committed such an act."
"Indeed, a thorough interrogation is necessary. We cannot allow such a servant to continue their insolence."
The ladies surrounding them chimed in, their voices a cacophony.
Zuo Xiuhua, observing the tide finally turning in her favor, a hint of triumph flashed in her eyes. Yet, she addressed Ji Zizhao again, "When the incident occurred, only the Eighth Sister-in-law and the Fourth Imperial Sister-in-law were present. I believe the Fourth Imperial Sister-in-law would be more eager than anyone to know the truth, wouldn't you agree?"
By stating only Ji Zizhao and the Eighth Prince's Consort were present, she excluded everyone else. Thus, if Ji Zizhao continued to block the servant underfoot, she would undoubtedly arouse suspicion from those around her.
As Zuo Xiuhua finished speaking, all eyes indeed turned to Ji Zizhao.
Xu Meiqing, keenly aware of the underlying currents, felt cold sweat break out on her back. This Fifth Prince's Consort was truly cunning, deliberately forcing Ji Zizhao's hand!
Xing Jiqiu, unaware of the unfolding events, but observing Xu Meiqing's expression, guessed something was amiss and quickly began to strategize how to extricate Ji Zizhao.
Ji Zizhao suddenly said, "If that is the case, I shall lift my foot. However, this servant is exceedingly vicious. If they injure the Fifth Sister-in-law or any other madam, I cannot be held responsible."
"The Fourth Imperial Sister-in-law is joking again. No matter how bold that servant is, they wouldn't dare commit violence in broad daylight," Zuo Xiuhua said, though inwardly, she yearned to rush forward and lift Ji Zizhao's foot herself.
Once the servant spoke, Ji Zizhao would be unable to clear her name, even if she jumped into the Yellow River.
Ji Zizhao nodded and slowly shifted her body.
However, as she lifted her foot, her toe subtly brushed against the maid's spine, pressing down on a specific acupoint with force. The maid, who had thought she would finally get a moment's respite, felt a sudden tightness in her chest. Her vision then began to blur, and by the time Ji Zizhao lifted her foot, the girl was already prostrate on the ground, motionless.
The Eighth Prince's Consort looked at the maid lying on the ground like a dead fish, her heart sinking further into unease.
Ji Zizhao, however, appeared cautiously vigilant, warning the onlookers, "This maid is still holding the murder weapon. Everyone should remain careful."
Zuo Xiuhua, hearing this, nearly fainted on the spot from anger.
The person was unconscious, what was there to be careful about!
"Do you really think feigning death will let you escape? If we cannot interrogate her, the authorities certainly can!" Madam Wei directed all her fury at the maid on the ground, unwilling to let her off easily.
However, it was precisely this statement that reminded Zuo Xiuhua. Although they hadn't coordinated with the authorities beforehand, the Fifth Prince had contacts in the yamen. If they sent the servant there and the Fifth Prince worked his connections, wouldn't it be easy to frame Ji Zizhao?
"I also believe Madam Wei's words are reasonable," Zuo Xiuhua said, preparing to turn and order someone to take the maid away.
Just then, Ji Zizhao coincidentally spoke, "While today's incident can be considered a domestic affair of the Wei family on a smaller scale, given the Eighth Sister-in-law's established status, it now involves the imperial family. As this servant dared to act so audaciously as to harm a royal, thereby damaging the royal dignity, handing this matter over to the authorities may be inappropriate. It would be more fitting to request the Emperor's judgment."
Zuo Xiuhua: "..."
She wanted to shut Ji Zizhao's mouth even more!
"The Emperor is burdened with state affairs. Wouldn't it be even more improper to disturb him over such a minor matter?" Zuo Xiuhua tried to decline, as their earlier discussions had never involved alarming the Emperor.
Ji Zizhao smiled faintly, "Fifth Sister-in-law's words are somewhat amiss. The Eighth Sister-in-law's status is as it is. Even if sent to the yamen, which official would dare to meddle in imperial family matters? If word spreads throughout the city and then disturbs the Emperor, and the Emperor subsequently assigns blame, who would bear such responsibility?"
Zuo Xiuhua gritted her teeth and glared at Ji Zizhao. The talk of spreading rumors throughout the city was clearly a threat. If she dared to send the servant to the yamen, Ji Zizhao would report it to the Emperor.
Why was this Ji Zizhao so detestable!
"I also believe it would be more appropriate to present it to the Emperor for personal judgment and investigation. Seventh Sister-in-law, what do you say?" Xu Meiqing asked Xing Jiqiu.
Xing Jiqiu: "..."
So, should I agree or disagree?
Xu Meiqing wasn't sure if going to the palace was the best course of action, but if Ji Zizhao thought it was good, then it truly was good.
Seeing this, Xing Jiqiu decided to go all out, "Indeed, it is more appropriate to send it to the palace."
Among those present today, besides Ji Zizhao, the Fourth Prince's Consort, were the First Prince's Consort, the Sixth Prince's Consort, the Seventh Prince's Consort, and the Eighth Prince's Consort. While the First Prince's Consort remained silent, the Eighth Prince's Consort was already terrified and bewildered.
Seeing Xu Meiqing and Xing Jiqiu siding with Ji Zizhao, Zuo Xiuhua was truly at her wit's end.
With her single voice, she couldn't contend against three voices, even if she had a gift of gab!
Seeing Zuo Xiuhua fall silent, Ji Zizhao quickly requested Wei Hongzhao to personally escort the maid out. She herself boarded the carriage bound for the imperial palace.
Xu Meiqing and Xing Jiqiu, seeing this, also turned to take their leave. Once the matter reached the palace, their ability to help would be limited. What purpose would remaining serve?
Were they to stay for dinner?
Madam Wei, witnessing the situation escalate to such a degree, felt her heart in a turmoil. She had no mood to entertain guests and hurriedly saw everyone out.
Only when no one else remained in the room did Zuo Xiuhua turn to the Eighth Prince's Consort and demand, "How did you handle this!"
The Eighth Prince's Consort was also in a state of confusion. "I don't know how it turned into this. What should we do now? If this plan fails, how will I explain it to the Eighth Prince..."