The household was aware of the matter concerning the letter to the Yang family.
To prevent future instances of acting without prior approval, a clear example had to be made.
However, Ji Zizhao also knew that unilaterally intercepting the letter to the Yang family was insufficient.
As long as there was no news from the palace, Ji Renran would cling to the hope of a comeback.
But Ji Zizhao had already subdued her and would not give her another chance to rise.
Yet, this matter involved the imperial palace, and Ji Zizhao's influence could not reach that far.
To bring this matter to a swift conclusion, someone else was needed.
The next day, upon entering the palace, Ji Zizhao retrieved the cold stomach medicine she had prescribed for the Empress that day. She meticulously compared it with the Empress's previous prescriptions, carefully removing and adding a few herbs. Only then did she leave the Imperial Hospital, carrying her medicine chest.
At Fengyi Palace, Zhi Nan, who was currently leading the palace maids in cleaning the courtyard, heard that the eldest daughter of the Ji family requested an audience and personally welcomed her into the courtyard.
"I heard a few days ago that Her Majesty the Empress suffered from a cold stomach. According to the calendar, it's time for a follow-up visit. I have carefully compared the previous prescriptions and further refined the new prescription. Although the effect may be slower, the medicinal properties are gentler."
Zhi Nan did not expect the eldest daughter of the Ji family to be so meticulous. Smiling, she said, "If the imperial physicians in the palace were half as responsible as the eldest daughter of the Ji family, we servants would have much easier days."
Ji Zizhao dared not be modest, "Zhi Nan Auntie, you overpraise me. It is merely what I should do."
Zhi Nan naturally favored those who were good to the Empress. Leading Ji Zizhao to the entrance, she went in to relay the message.
After a moment, Zhi Nan came out to invite Ji Zizhao in, "Eldest daughter Ji, please come in."
In the sleeping quarters, Empress Zhong was drinking bird's nest soup. Upon seeing Ji Zizhao arrive, she signaled Zhi Nan to offer her a seat.
Zhi Nan thoughtfully brought over a comfortable armchair before leading the surrounding servants to withdraw.
The sleeping quarters instantly fell silent.
Empress Zhong continued to drink her bird's nest soup in an unhurried manner, her etiquette and upbringing evident.
Ji Zizhao did not rush, waiting quietly.
It was a quarter of an hour later when Empress Zhong put down her spoon.
Empress Zhong looked up and saw Ji Zizhao's calm demeanor, devoid of any impatience, and smiled with satisfaction. "I heard from Zhi Nan that you diligently studied my prescription?"
Ji Zizhao rose and bowed, presenting the prescription in her hand. "The previous prescription was indeed not problematic. However, due to the damp cold within Her Majesty's body, the former remedy could only maintain the condition for a period, treating the symptoms but not the root cause. To allow Her Majesty to fully recover her spleen and stomach, I believe it is necessary to first remove the dampness and cold for her."
Empress Zhong took the prescription and examined it carefully.
She did not understand medicine, but Ji Zizhao had thoughtfully marked the improvements made in both prescriptions.
This made the comparison obvious.
Even if Empress Zhong did not understand medicine, she could use the prescription to inquire with others.
This meticulousness and thoughtfulness made Empress Zhong's smile deepen. "Counting the time, you have been serving in the palace for some time, yet the general impression of you among the palace staff is negligible, indicating that you are not one to seek the limelight. To go to such lengths to see me now, I presume it is not solely to leave a good impression on me, is it?"
The Empress was indeed the Empress, her perceptiveness inspiring awe.
Ji Zizhao had no intention of hiding anything and knelt on the ground. "Your humble servant encountered hardship, and it was only through Her Majesty the Empress's guidance that I was able to avert disaster. I only wish to express my gratitude for Her Majesty's life-saving grace."
Empress Zhong put down the prescription, a half-smile on her face. "Is it truly just gratitude?"
She had known that Consort Xi would not adhere to her duties that day and had even learned that Consort Xi had whispered to Ji Renran.
Although she did not know Consort Xi's specific intentions, Empress Zhong had a general idea.
Therefore, Empress Zhong had instructed Zhi Nan to go to the Imperial Hospital in advance, using her cold stomach ailment as an excuse, to prompt Ji Zizhao and Ji Renran to meet earlier, and to allow Ji Renran to frame Ji Zizhao.
Empress Zhong's actions were both a reminder and a warning to Ji Zizhao.
Just as she had helped Ji Zizhao escape danger, she could also go with the flow and watch Ji Zizhao drown in the palace.
Having acted thus, Empress Zhong was not afraid of Ji Zizhao harboring resentment towards her.
After all, no one wishes to be trampled upon and tossed around.
However, she had not expected Ji Zizhao to come today to express her gratitude.
Empress Zhong suddenly felt that Ji Zizhao was more interesting than she had imagined.
In fact, as early as when Ji Zizhao encountered Ji Renran in the palace, she had guessed it was the Empress's doing.
Otherwise, how could it have been such a coincidence?
Why did the Empress suffer from a cold stomach that day?
Why did Zhi Nan arrive at the Imperial Hospital at that precise moment?
However, if she were to blame anyone, Ji Zizhao did not feel she had a justifiable reason.
If she truly intended to reconcile with the Fourth Prince, she would be an enemy in the eyes of the Empress. Standing on the opposing side, why should she expect the Empress to show mercy?
Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself.
Ji Zizhao was not without this self-awareness.
"Such a major incident occurred in the palace, yet it was kept suppressed. This demonstrates Her Majesty the Empress's earnest efforts. If I, your humble servant, do not even understand this logic, then being schemed against is only natural. I am grateful for the Fourth Prince's care and consideration. I am willing to pledge myself to him, but I fear that my status as a divorced woman would make things difficult for the Fourth Prince."
Ji Zizhao's words surprised Empress Zhong.
She knew her own son well. If the Fourth Prince had not fallen for the young lady, he would not have bothered with such matters.
Yet, Ji Zizhao was now taking all the responsibility upon herself, even demeaning her divorced status as unworthy of her Fourth Son...
Empress Zhong found Ji Zizhao increasingly pleasing to the eye.
What mother would not like to hear good things said about her son?
"Get up. Since we are to be family in the future, there is no need to be so restrained in front of me," Empress Zhong gestured with a slight wave of her hand, her smile taking on a layer of affectionate warmth.
Even though she knew Ji Zizhao was saying this to please her, Empress Zhong was happy to hear it.
Who doesn't like to hear compliments?
After carefully appraising Ji Zizhao again, Empress Zhong's eyes crinkled with her smile.
Good-looking, intelligent, well-mannered, composed...
She was indeed more likable the more she looked.
"The Fourth Prince has also spoken to me about your affairs. However, with such an incident occurring in the palace, the Emperor is also embarrassed. But matters that are to be settled will absolutely not undergo any changes. I can promise you this."
Empress Zhong's words were clear. The Emperor had suffered such a great shock, and he would need time to recover. Once his anger subsided, betrothal ceremonies would still take place as planned.
After all, they couldn't have all their sons remain unmarried, could they?