Ji Zizhao understood that Old Madam Zhong had never met her and would not have given her such great face.
Yet, Old Madam Zhong had come.
It was clear that the person who had proposed this matter had left Old Madam Zhong with no room to refuse.
Thinking this, Ji Zizhao knew.
It was likely the intention of Old General Zhong.
With this thought, Ji Zizhao truly felt relieved.
The Zhong family coming to recognize a godchild was an obvious attempt not to owe her a favor.
This suggested that her proposal to Old General Zhong in her letter had worked.
She really didn't know how long it would last, but as long as Old General Zhong stopped prosecuting the Seventh Prince, it would be good.
The people in the room looked at Ji Zizhao, each with their own thoughts.
Although being a god-grandchild was just a title, being associated with the Zhong family was something many people dreamed of.
Unexpectedly, a big pie fell from the sky and landed directly on Ji Zizhao's head.
Old Madam Zhong remained silent, her expression shifting between happiness and anger.
Although she didn't like Old Madam Zhong poaching her granddaughter, if Sister Zhao could truly connect with the Zhong family, the Ji family would surely rise with the tide.
This deal was undeniably profitable.
How could Gu Peilan bear to watch Ji Zizhao climb higher and higher? She mumbled, "Did all the people in the Ji family die? Now they're taking in adopted relatives."
Madam Yang was displeased upon hearing this but only looked at Ji Zizhao and said, "Since it's Zizhao being adopted, this matter is Zizhao's own. The final decision should be based on the child's own opinion."
Old Madam Zhong seized the opportunity and turned to Ji Zizhao, "What is the eldest daughter of the Ji family's opinion?"
"It is my greatest honor."
Four simple words, clean and decisive.
Since this favor was from Old General Zhong, she naturally could not refuse.
After the wedding, the allegiances would become even clearer.
The Zhong family was the Empress's maternal family; if not now, then when?
However, the Ji family was in such disarray internally that Ji Zizhao did not want to involve Old Madam Zhong, which was why she only said these four words, hoping Old Madam Zhong would understand.
Old Madam Zhong naturally understood.
Not only did she understand, but she was also relieved.
Anyone with eyes could see that the Ji family's new wife was not to be trifled with.
If Ji Zizhao had acted pitiful or miserable at this moment, Old Madam Zhong would have had to step in to protect her.
But Ji Zizhao did not.
Clearly, she did not want to cause her any trouble.
Looking at Ji Zizhao's calm and confident demeanor, Old Madam Zhong felt a moment of daze.
It seemed...
She saw Ji Zhengyong in his youth.
She remembered that he was just like this back then, unfazed by honor or disgrace, neither servile nor overbearing...
She had thought this trip would be a waste of time.
Unexpectedly...
She was truly convinced.
"Since that is the case, I will make the decision to set the date for five days from now. At that time, the Zhong family will personally send invitations to the noble families of the imperial city to grace us with their presence." Old Madam Zhong was decisive. Once something was decided, there was no need to hesitate.
When Gu Peilan heard that all the noble families in the imperial city would be attending, she felt unbearably jealous.
She glanced at Old Madam, and seeing that she had no intention of stopping it, Gu Peilan gnashed her teeth even more. "Sister Zhao is fortunate to be appreciated by the Zhong family, but she is a junior, and our Ji family has always preferred to keep a low profile. It would be more appropriate to handle this matter casually." Gu Peilan certainly did not want Ji Zizhao to attract more attention, or her own daughter would be eclipsed.
However, Gu Peilan's petty tricks were nothing in the eyes of Old Madam Zhong.
"How can the Zhong family lose face when we handle affairs? That day, the Zhong family will host a grand banquet, making sure everyone in the imperial city knows that the Zhong family has recognized a god-grandchild." Old Madam Zhong spoke with powerful conviction, making the final decision.
As she spoke, she didn't give Gu Peilan any chance to speak and got up to leave.
Ji Zizhao personally escorted Old Madam Zhong out. When she returned to the main courtyard, she saw Old Madam beaming with joy.
"Five days is indeed a bit rushed, but not everything can be prepared. Sister Zhao need not panic. I will personally arrange your attire and jewelry for your visit to the Zhong family that day."
Now that Ji Renran was unreliable, it was only natural for her to be abandoned by Old Madam.
Moreover, the current situation was clear to Old Madam, and it was not something she could choose.
Ji Zizhao did not need her grandmother's arrangements, but seeing Gu Peilan's darkened face, she smiled and said, "Then I will trouble Grandmother to take care of it."
Gu Peilan: "..."
After exchanging a few more pleasantries with her grandmother, Ji Zizhao left with Madam Yang.
Upon leaving the main courtyard, Ji Zizhao took her aunt's hand and said, "I know you have a lot you want to ask, but it's getting late today. You must be tired from your journey, so why don't you rest first? Tomorrow, Zizhao will personally visit you."
Madam Yang had come to visit her niece, not to cause trouble. Seeing that Ji Zizhao had put it that way, she naturally agreed.
Ji Zizhao specifically asked Shui Ling to summon Madam He to arrange accommodation for her aunt in the guest courtyard.
Old Madam no longer dared to underestimate Ji Zizhao. Upon hearing from Madam Xu that Madam Yang had been arranged in the east courtyard, she immediately instructed Madam Xu to personally go to the kitchen and order some delicacies to be sent to Madam Yang's courtyard.
Faced with such importance from Old Madam, everyone in the Ji family soon learned about the Zhong family's intention to recognize a god-child.
The wives of each branch squeezed into Zhaoyuan courtyard under the cover of night, holding clothes and jewelry they usually wouldn't wear.
Seeing this, Ji Ziyun simply had the meals sent to Zhaoyuan courtyard.
When Old Madam heard about it, she not only did not stop it but also had Madam Xu add a few more dishes and send them over.
Now, no one in the Ji family dared to look down on the eldest daughter.
Even the servants in the main courtyard had to be on high alert, not daring to neglect the people in Zhaoyuan. Su Dan Novel Network.
Ji Renran, who had been confined to her own courtyard, was so angry upon hearing the news that she couldn't even eat.
But what could her anger do?
Compared to Ji Zizhao, who was ascending higher and higher, she was falling further and further behind.
In Zhaoyuan, there was constant laughter.
Ji Zizhao chatted and laughed with the ladies of each branch, but her calculations never stopped.
Five days was indeed a rush, but it was also a good opportunity to cut the Gordian knot.
After all the ladies from each branch left, Ji Zizhao called Mo Hen to her side, "Go to Xuanyi Pavilion and tell her to make preparations. She will accompany me to the Zhong family in five days."
Mo Hen naturally knew who this "she" referred to.
Ji Zizhao then looked at Madam He and said, "Tomorrow, help me send an invitation to the Xue family."
Madam He nodded and asked, "Does Miss want to invite the eldest daughter of the Xue family?"
Ji Zizhao nodded, then shook her head. "Not just Xue Yinuo and Madam Xue, but also Xue's concubine and Xue Xiaochun. Furthermore, spread the word that the banquet hosted by the Zhong family that day is the best opportunity to forge connections with the powerful families of the imperial city."