When the matriarch of the Zhong family entered, the old madam was already seated on the luohan bed.
Looking at the bejeweled matriarch, the matriarch of the Zhong family twitched the corner of her lips speechlessly.
It was a blatant display of disdain.
This astonished Gu Peilan, who was standing beside the old madam.
Since she had come to the Ji family, no one had dared to disrespect the old madam in such a manner.
Naturally, the old madam noticed the matriarch of the Zhong family's contempt, but she had no intention of questioning it. She simply said coldly, "What wind blew you here today?"
The matriarch of the Zhong family sat down of her own accord, then said with a half-smile, "Of course I'm here for a reason. Do you think I'm so idle that I have time to come and stare at your old face?"
"I know you've held a grudge all these years because I was the one who won back then." The old madam hooked her lips in triumph. Many people had liked Ji Zhengyong back then, and she and the matriarch of the Zhong family were among them. But so what? In the end, she was the one who won.
"So much time has passed, and now we both have grandchildren. What's the point of bringing up the past? But if you insist on arguing, I'll accompany you."
The matriarch of the Zhong family was an open-minded person. She had indeed liked Ji Zhengyong back then, and there was nothing to hide.
Besides, Ji Zhengyong was so outstanding that he was worth her admiration.
But now, seeing someone flaunt their triumph so smugly, she simply couldn't stand it.
"So what if you're sitting here? You probably know better than I do whose heart Zhengyong truly belonged to. I let go back then. Since he didn't like me, I stepped aside. Unlike you, who clung to him stubbornly, even resorting to underhanded tactics to make him marry you."
Who didn't know who was what? Why pretend to be so important here?
Gu Peilan stood by, dumbfounded.
She had no idea the old madam had such a past.
Seeing Gu Peilan standing there like a block of wood, the old madam glared at her unhappily.
Gu Peilan: "..."
She felt so innocent.
The status and position of the matriarch of the Zhong family were undeniable. How could she dare to speak rashly?
Moreover, with the matriarch of the Zhong family's intimidating aura, she couldn't possibly interject!
Seeing Gu Peilan just watching the show, the old madam cursed her inwardly as useless.
"Are you here today just to argue with me?" The old madam's face darkened as she didn't expect the matriarch of the Zhong family to be so blunt.
The matriarch of the Zhong family smiled faintly. "I know you're old, but you can't be this forgetful, can you? Didn't I just say I have an important matter to discuss today?"
The old madam: "..."
Then why don't you say it!
The matriarch of the Zhong family was too lazy to beat around the bush. After a pause, she continued, "Is your eldest young lady at home?"
So she was looking for Ji Zizhao?!
The old madam and Gu Peilan exchanged a look, both somewhat puzzled.
After all, Ji Zizhao, being a mere woman, didn't seem like someone who would have any connection with the Zhong family.
However, upon further thought, the old madam understood.
The matriarch of the Zhong family was very proud. Her personal visit likely meant that Zizhao had done something to anger the Zhong family.
Since she was here to settle a score, the old madam naturally wouldn't stop her. "Go and fetch Zizhao."
Gu Peilan had also thought of this and quickly went to Zhaoyuan herself.
She was certainly looking forward to seeing Ji Zizhao's predicament!
As it turned out, it was quite inconvenient.
Ji Zizhao was not at home.
Seeing this, Gu Peilan could only return dejectedly.
Just as she returned to the main courtyard, she saw someone from the gatehouse rush over, "Succeeding Madam, there's a guest."
Gu Peilan frowned. "Who are they looking for?"
"They're looking for the eldest young lady."
Ji Zizhao again?!
Ji Zizhao had no idea how lively the estate was today.
Upon hearing Mohen's report that he had settled the person, she went to the Xuanyiguan.
The person standing before Ji Zizhao at this moment was the same woman who had been beaten by Sun Lu that day.
Under Ji Zizhao's arrangements, the woman was not only sent to the Xuanyiguan to recover but was also given a position, meaning she could live and eat at the Xuanyiguan if she wished.
Faced with Ji Zizhao's arrangements, the woman was grateful. "Thank you, young lady, for your help. I know I can't repay your kindness. If you ever need my help, please don't hesitate to ask."
She was clever.
Ji Zizhao nodded with satisfaction, saving her a lot of trouble.
"There is indeed something I need your help with, but it's not the right time yet."
This elaborate undertaking was not just to vent a simple grievance.
Before the right opportunity arose, Ji Zizhao had plenty of patience to wait.
The woman lowered her eyes and said, "Young lady, just call me anytime you need me."
"If you wish to stay, then settle down. The clinic may seem busy, but it's better than being idle. Besides, I've already instructed Uncle Gang that you'll receive a monthly salary."
After Ji Zizhao finished giving instructions, she had Mohen escort the woman out and then called for Chen Gang.
Sun Zhitian had already begun to take over from the imperial court, and Ji Zizhao had to provide full support from the shadows. By the time Ji Zizhao finished giving instructions to Chen Gang, the sky had completely darkened.
Seeing that it was getting late, Ji Zizhao took Mohen and left through the back door to get into a carriage.
As the carriage pulled up to the Ji family's entrance, she saw Xueying standing on the steps.
As soon as Ji Zizhao saw Xueying, she frowned.
After all, Xueying was not the type to show herself unnecessarily.
As expected, Xueying walked up to Ji Zizhao and said, "Miss, Madam Yang has arrived."
Madam Yang...
Her aunt?!
"When I finished my errands, I happened to meet Madam Yang on her way to the Ji family."
Thus, her aunt's arrival was a coincidence, and she knew nothing of what had happened.
As Ji Zizhao pondered this, she saw Granny Xu rushing over.
"Eldest Young Lady, the matriarch of the Zhong family has arrived. The old madam requests your immediate presence in the main hall."
Ji Zizhao: "..."
Was the estate this lively today?
Since the matriarch of the Zhong family had specifically asked for her, Ji Zizhao naturally couldn't refuse.
Moreover, from what Xueying had said, her aunt was also in the main hall.
Ji Zizhao instructed Xueying and Mohen to take Fu Bao back to Zhaoyuan first, while she herself went to the main courtyard with Granny Xu.
Granny Xu whispered on the way, "The old madam is in a bad mood. Eldest Young Lady, you must be careful."
Ji Zizhao stepped into the main courtyard and was about to ask for the reason when she suddenly heard the voice of the matriarch of the Zhong family, unhurriedly drifting from the direction of the house.
"The person I'm looking for hasn't arrived yet, so naturally, I can't leave. And yet the old madam of the Ji family keeps trying to get rid of me. What does that mean? Is that the upbringing of the old madam of the Ji family? In my youth, I never held any illusions about your upbringing, and I didn't expect that in old age, you would become even more disappointing."
Ji Zizhao: "..."
She seemed to know the reason for her grandmother's bad mood.