Zhong Shaowen had always seen Ji Renran as delicate and frail, never imagining such a person could harbor ill intentions. Coupled with the ongoing gossip in the main city about the Ji family's eldest madam returning to her ancestral clan, he gradually came to believe everything Ji Renran said. Especially after being so thoroughly rebuffed by Ji Zizhao at the Zou family's residence, the stark contrast made him even more convinced of Ji Renran's words.
However, upon hearing Ji Renran’s current words, he subconsciously replied, "The Ji family's eldest daughter is quite busy with her duties in the palace. How could she have the time to constantly chat with Xin Yi? I fear, Sister Renran, you are overthinking."
Ji Renran: "..."
This was not how she had imagined it! Normally, after hearing his words, shouldn't Zhong Shaowen go and warn Zhong Xin Yi to stay away from Ji Zizhao? But now...
Unsure of what was happening, Ji Renran grew flustered. Her expression became even more pitiful, her cherry-like lips trembling as she spoke, "What I think doesn't matter. In any case, I wouldn't dare blame Eldest Sister. At home, Eldest Sister always has the final say. I don't even dare to speak loudly."
Her words made it sound as if Ji Zizhao could devour people at home.
"It's not as exaggerated as Sister Renran claims. I find the Ji family's eldest daughter to be a bit cold in personality, but she is a good person." His grandfather had told him that anyone who could face the world squarely must possess a righteous heart. Yesterday, while accompanying his grandfather through the bustling streets, he had witnessed more scornful glances and harsh words than meals he had eaten over the years. Yet, his grandfather had told him that in times of disaster, looking out for oneself was human nature. Perhaps it was after experiencing the vicissitudes of life that he truly understood gratitude.
Initially, he hadn't understood what it meant to face the world. But today, as he held the heavy chest filled with silver, he finally grasped the meaning of those words. With Tonglin in turmoil, everyone in the imperial city stood by indifferently. Yet, there was one person willing to contribute to Tonglin's cause. One person who, in the darkest hour of the Zhong family, offered a glimmer of hope. And that person, even now, stood behind everyone, silently dedicating everything. If he hadn't experienced it firsthand, Zhong Shaowen would never have believed that person to be Ji Zizhao. She was merely a woman, yet superior to many men.
Seeing Zhong Shaowen like this, Ji Renran felt inexplicably annoyed. Why was he defending Ji Zizhao? "Brother Zhong, have you misunderstood me? Or has my Eldest Sister said something to you, that's why you're being so distant towards me today?"
It was Ji Zizhao again! It wasn't like Ji Zizhao had said anything, she wasn't even here! For some reason, Zhong Shaowen found Ji Renran, standing before him, rather irritating. Even the most innocent person, if they started subtly accusing others from the first word, would become tiresome after a while.
"I believe the Ji family's eldest daughter is an excellent person. I was small-minded before. If Miss Renran sees the Ji family's eldest daughter, please convey a message for me: when she has time, I, Zhong Shaowen, will personally host a banquet and offer my apologies!" A man should admit his mistakes. With that, Zhong Shaowen entered his own gate without looking back.
Ji Renran: "..."
Utterly bewildered. Why had he suddenly started defending Ji Zizhao! Why had he suddenly changed her address to "Miss Renran"! What had that damned Ji Zizhao done?
As Ji Zizhao finished her work and returned to the manor, she coincidentally encountered Ji Renran, who was also returning. Upon seeing Ji Zizhao, Ji Renran's already depressed heart felt even more heavy. Ji Zizhao had no time to admire Ji Renran's gloomy face and directly stepped over the threshold. To her surprise, Ji Renran followed, "Eldest Sister, you might not know yet, but people from the four major medical halls came today, specifically Shopkeeper Xin from Hui Chun Tang. I heard Shopkeeper Xin is most skilled in surgery, and he's currently treating Brother. Would Eldest Sister like to join us?"
Ji Zizhao's expression was calm. "A crowd is not conducive to a physician's treatment. I shall not go."
Ji Renran naturally knew Ji Zizhao didn't want her brother to recover, so she insisted, "Perhaps after some recuperation, Brother's illness will be completely cured. Such great news should be celebrated properly. Eldest Sister will have to trouble you to make arrangements then."
Ji Zizhao stopped, her calm eyes colder than the autumn wind at night. "Sister Renran's thoughts are good, but treating an illness is not a fantasy. If everyone could be cured just by thinking about it like Sister Renran, then there would be no need for us physicians."
Ji Renran's heart ached with anger, and her small face contorted in distress. "I just hope..."
"Hope is a good thing, but it shouldn't be on one's lips all the time. Excessive brooding can lead to stagnation of vital energy and blood, causing liver depression, disharmony between the liver and spleen, and deficiency of both heart and spleen. Don't let it be that while Brother Zongyou's illness isn't healed, Sister Renran develops hysteria. That would be a net loss."
This time, Ji Renran's eyes truly welled up with tears, and her heart ached with anger. These words were clearly a curse! Ji Zizhao had no intention of being gentle. After speaking, she left with Fu Bao. While she didn't know what had stimulated Ji Renran, her attempt to seek a sense of presence in front of her was still too naive. However, she hadn't expected Xin Bi to act so quickly; she had only sent word yesterday, and he had already arrived today.
In Zhaoyuan, Qingzhu had been waiting for a long time. Seeing her mistress return, she followed her into the room. "Shopkeeper Xin arrived some time ago and is still in Ji Zongyou's courtyard. Does the mistress require me to go and greet him?" Her mistress had gone to great lengths to avenge Xinlan. If Xin Bi were to successfully treat him, wouldn't everything her mistress had done so far be in vain?
"No need. Uncle Xin will know what to do." Trusting those who are employed, and not employing those who are doubted. Ji Zizhao naturally trusted the people around her.
Before dinner was served, Ji Zizhao decided to write a letter to the Fourth Prince. Just as the letter was finished, a series of pig-like screams echoed from Ji Zongyou's courtyard. Shui Ling, being a curious sort, immediately ran out to inquire. Qingzhu, upon hearing that Xin Bi had left Ji Zongyou's courtyard, also hurried out the back door to meet him.
When Qingzhu returned with the bank notes, Ji Zizhao was astonished. Fifty thousand taels! Even within the Ji family, that was enough to sustain the entire family for two years. Qingzhu was also somewhat surprised. "I didn't expect the Fifth Prince to be so generous to Miss Renran."
"Effort and reward are directly proportional. Whatever she takes from him now, she will have to return tenfold in the future," Ji Zizhao thought, her heart heavy. The Fifth Prince kept Ji Renran in his grasp to monitor the Ji family. Now, with the Fifth Prince investing so much silver in Ji Renran, he likely had even greater plans.