Ji Zizhao watched the First Prince's Consort's smiling profile, a heavy feeling in her heart.
The First Prince's Consort was related to the Eighth Prince's Consort, so it was only natural that she knew some things others didn't. Ji Zizhao hadn't expected her to offer a reminder, perhaps in return for her help earlier in the courtyard.
As Ji Zizhao pondered, a line of maids entered, carrying soup.
Each maid held a soup bowl the size of a palm and lined up behind each of the ladies. All the maids kept their heads down, except for the one behind Ji Zizhao, who stealthily glanced at her before quickly lowering her head again.
Ji Zizhao's lips curled into a cold smile at the maid's subtle movement.
It seemed the main event of the day was about to begin.
The Eighth Prince's Consort was quite adept at conversation. Even a simple bowl of lily and lotus seed soup, in her words, transformed into a heartfelt wish for all the princes' consorts present to be united in love forever.
The attention of the princes' consorts was instantly drawn to the soup bowls.
Ji Zizhao knew this was her only chance to slip away, but she had no intention of fleeing halfway through the event.
"Please, esteemed sisters-in-law, sample the soup and tell me its taste," the Eighth Prince's Consort said as the maids placed the bowls before each consort.
Suddenly, the maid behind Ji Zizhao stumbled, and the soup bowl slipped from her grasp.
"Crack!"
The soup bowl shattered on the floor.
Everyone turned to see that Ji Zizhao's robes were already drenched in the soup.
"How could you be so careless!" the Eighth Prince's Consort berated the maid.
The terrified maid immediately knelt, banging her head on the ground, "This servant deserves death! Please, Madam, Fourth Prince's Consort, forgive me..."
Seeing this, Xing Jiqiu and Xu Meiqing both stood and approached Ji Zizhao. The thin fabrics worn in this weather would certainly be uncomfortable if she had to walk around wet.
"I have a cloak in my carriage, shall I have someone fetch it for you?" Xu Meiqing suggested.
Xing Jiqiu, however, said, "In this sweltering weather, a cloak might cause a heat rash. Why don't I accompany Fourth Sister-in-law back to change?"
Ji Zizhao understood their kindness, but before she could speak, Zuo Xiuhua interjected, "It's several streets from here to the Ji family. By the time Fourth Sister-in-law returns, the banquet will likely be over. Those who know will understand she's gone to change, but those who don't might think the Eighth Prince's Consort didn't provide adequate hospitality."
"Fifth Sister-in-law, are you suggesting Fourth Sister-in-law should endure wearing wet clothes?" Xu Meiqing frowned, looking at Zuo Xiuhua. She had a feeling the soup bowl incident wasn't an accident, and considering Ji Zizhao had mentioned earlier that the Eighth Prince and Fifth Prince were secretly colluding, she felt even more disgusted.
Zuo Xiuhua gave a cold smile, "I am merely stating facts. Sixth Sister-in-law, why make such harsh remarks?"
Xing Jiqiu then turned to Zuo Xiuhua and asked curiously, "Fifth Sister-in-law, what do you suggest?"
Zuo Xiuhua felt a pang of annoyance.
Of course, she wanted Ji Zizhao to stay, but she couldn't say it aloud. Nor could she suggest Ji Zizhao leave, as the drama wouldn't unfold without her.
Zuo Xiuhua clutched her handkerchief, looking at Xing Jiqiu. She hadn't realized the Seventh Prince's Consort was so shrewd, appearing as a demure, innocent flower while speaking so assertively.
"My chamber is not far from the main hall, just a covered walkway away. If Fourth Sister-in-law doesn't mind, you can change into my clothes," the Eighth Prince's Consort said, walking over after reprimanding her servant. Her expression was one of aggrieved innocence, as if Ji Zizhao would be an unforgivable villain if she refused.
Ji Zizhao smiled and said, "Then I shall trouble you, Eighth Sister-in-law."
The Eighth Prince's Consort seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, but quickly regained her composure. "This incident is due to my poor hospitality today. Please, Fourth Sister-in-law, this way."
Hearing this, Xu Meiqing instinctively held Ji Zizhao's hand.
Ji Zizhao smiled and patted her hand, signaling her not to worry. After all, "If you don't enter the tiger's den, how can you catch the tiger cubs?"
Xu Meiqing looked at Ji Zizhao's calm departing figure with genuine admiration.
Speaking of venturing into danger was easy, but how many could truly do it?
As Ji Zizhao followed the Eighth Prince's Consort out of the main hall, she saw Jian Qiu standing with maids from other households. Mo Hen stood further back, almost invisible if one didn't look carefully.
Upon seeing her mistress drenched, Jian Qiu hurried over, "Miss, what happened?"
As Jian Qiu moved, several matriarchs from the Wei family visibly tensed, their gazes shifting towards the Eighth Prince's Consort as if seeking an explanation.
Ji Zizhao feigned ignorance of the matriarchs' subtle actions and said to Jian Qiu, "I accidentally got soup on myself. You can accompany me to the back courtyard to change."
Jian Qiu nodded and naturally offered her arm to Ji Zizhao.
"It's just a few steps. I can accompany Fourth Sister-in-law. Why bother with others?" the Eighth Prince's Consort said with a smile, a flicker of panic quickly crossing her eyes.
Ji Zizhao looked at the Eighth Prince's Consort calmly, "Are you implying you will help me change, Eighth Sister-in-law?"
The Eighth Prince's Consort was speechless.
"Our lady sincerely wishes to make amends with Fourth Prince's Consort. Why must Fourth Prince's Consort be so aggressive?" A Wei family matriarch, who had been standing with Jian Qiu, stepped forward.
Jian Qiu looked at the matriarch and smiled, "I am of our lady's household. It is only natural for me to accompany her to change. How is it that in this mother's eyes, it becomes aggressive?"
The Wei family matriarch faltered, "Our lady merely means well."
"Good intentions are good when placed appropriately. What's the difference between misplaced good intentions and overstepping boundaries?" Jian Qiu couldn't argue with the Eighth Prince's Consort, but she wouldn't let an old woman speak to her so arrogantly.
The Wei family matriarch's heart pounded with anger, but she dared not speak further. It was already difficult enough dealing with the Fourth Prince's Consort, and now her servants were as sharp-tongued as if they had eaten chilies!
"This is all my fault today. It is only right that I personally accompany Fourth Sister-in-law to change. I am only worried that if my mother comes to check later and sees Fourth Sister-in-law's maid also absent, she will become suspicious. If she inquires about the reason, she might blame me."
The Eighth Prince's Consort, it must be said, was quite cunning. She knew how to use Madam Wei as a shield, and her words were delivered in a tone that suggested she could break down crying at any moment. If Ji Zizhao insisted on taking Jian Qiu, she would truly appear to be bullying.
"If that is the case, perhaps someone else should go," Ji Zizhao sighed helplessly.
The Eighth Prince's Consort clearly relaxed. But before she could suggest one of her own matriarchs accompany Ji Zizhao, Ji Zizhao added, "I recall Sixth Sister-in-law also brought her maidservants."
The Eighth Prince's Consort didn't want to refuse, but she was afraid of a complete refusal arousing Ji Zizhao's suspicion.