The eunuch who delivered the message was still standing in the courtyard. Upon seeing Ji Zizhao emerge, he quickly approached, "Eldest Daughter of the Ji family."
Ji Zizhao noticed he hadn't left and knew he had more to say. "There are too many trivial matters at home, I apologize for keeping Your Grace waiting."
The eunuch felt a surge of pleasure upon hearing this.
In truth, he had decided to wait there on his own initiative, but the Eldest Daughter of the Ji family had taken responsibility for the delay. Though it was a small matter, it was through such trifles that one could discern a person's character and way of handling affairs.
No wonder Grand Eunuch Li and the others from the Emperor's presence never spoke ill of the Eldest Daughter of the Ji family. Now, it seemed her reputation was indeed well-deserved.
"Although this matter has been decided, His Majesty's anger has not entirely subsided. The Empress's intention is for the Eldest Daughter of the Ji family to remain at your residence for a period. Once things in the palace have truly settled, it would be more appropriate to resume your duties at the palace."
Ji Zizhao naturally did not believe the Empress would voluntarily ask her to take leave.
This matter had already been thoroughly cleared by the Fourth Prince, and even with the Emperor's strict investigation these past few days, no fault had been found with her. For the Empress to ask her to take leave now would be akin to signaling to others that she was guilty.
Ji Zizhao knew the Empress would not fail to consider this.
Therefore, this matter could not have originated from the Empress's true intentions.
And to make the Empress accept this as a step back, even to the point of taking the responsibility upon herself, there was likely only one person in the imperial palace who could achieve this.
Consort Xi.
Understanding everything, Ji Zizhao smiled, "I trouble Her Majesty the Empress for worrying about this humble servant. It is I who have caused Her Majesty to fret."
The eunuch was surprised that Ji Zizhao had understood so quickly. A flicker of astonishment crossed his eyes. "If Her Majesty the Empress learns that the Eldest Daughter of the Ji family understands, she will surely be pleased."
"There are gains and losses. To insist on holding onto everything would be a true failure to grasp the situation."
Consort Xi's current pressure on her was merely to vent her frustration.
And Ji Zizhao had already achieved her objective, so paying any price was justifiable.
Moreover, a temporary leave of absence was not the same as being permanently removed from the Imperial Hospital.
She had entered the Imperial Hospital through legitimate examinations. Even Consort Xi had no power to permanently dismiss her.
Seen from another perspective, it might even be good news.
At the very least, it proved that Consort Xi's influence was not absolute and could not allow her to do as she pleased.
The eunuch had been prepared for the Eldest Daughter of the Ji family to cry and make a scene. Instead, she was more understanding than he, the messenger. Not only did she maintain a smile throughout, but she also pressed a bag of silver fragments into his hand... SuDan Novel Network.
Such composure was impossible to fake, even if she were grinding her teeth in frustration!
Upon returning to the palace, the eunuch made a special trip to Fengyi Palace.
The Empress was accompanying Zhinan to the Imperial Study to deliver soup to the Emperor. The reception was handled by Nanny Dai.
The eunuch praised Ji Zizhao profusely in front of Nanny Dai.
When Empress Zhong returned, Nanny Dai quickly conveyed the news.
Empress Zhong was surprised. "Did Ji Zizhao truly say that?"
Nanny Dai smiled. "Since it came from an attendant of the Emperor's presence, it is likely true. Moreover, this old servant has interacted with the Eldest Daughter of the Ji family before. She is indeed an insightful and steady young woman."
Empress Zhong smiled and nodded, genuinely pleased and somewhat envious.
When she was Ji Zizhao's age, she had been struggling and enduring hardship.
If she had even half of Ji Zizhao's composure back then, she wouldn't have suffered such a terrible fall.
"Zhinan."
"Your servant is here."
"Go and open my small storeroom..."
Under normal circumstances, no matter how happy Empress Zhong was, she could not openly send gifts to Ji Zizhao.
But now was different. Ji Zizhao was her future daughter-in-law, and the Emperor was aware of this. Now that her daughter-in-law was being forcibly suspended from duty by Consort Xi, as a mother-in-law, it was only right and proper for her to offer comfort in both heart and action.
In short, I like her, I'm willing, I love her.
Zhinan knew the Empress truly favored the Eldest Daughter of the Ji family and did not hold back when selecting gifts for Ji Zizhao.
The Empress's ostentatious display shocked the citizens of the imperial city.
Many served in the palace, but none had ever received such treatment when taking leave.
Yet, Ji Zizhao did!
Wasn't that infuriating!
But considering the giver was the Empress, no matter how uncomfortable they felt, they had to endure it.
Ji Zizhao was astonished for a long time upon receiving the gifts from the Empress.
She knew the Empress was always protective, but she hadn't expected her to be so fiercely protective.
A translucent jade Ruyi, jewelry crafted from pure gold, and tribute brocade...
Ji Zizhao...
Why did she suddenly feel a sense of overwhelming pressure?
While Ji Zizhao's hands were full with gifts, Ji Renran was not as fortunate.
Ji Renran could feign unconsciousness to escape the main courtyard but could not stop the Old Madam.
Upon recovering, the Old Madam immediately went to Ji Renran's courtyard with Nanny Xu. The Old Madam was truly furious this time. Facing the granddaughter she had doted on since childhood, she raised her hand and slapped Ji Renran several times, drawing blood from her lips.
Gu Peilan, distressed by her daughter's beating, quickly moved to intervene.
However, the Old Madam did not stop. She continued to beat Gu Peilan as well, leaving them both bruised and battered.
When Shui Ling returned with the news, she could not stop stifling her laughter. "Miss, you should have seen it. The Old Madam is old, but she has great strength. In just a short while, she had beaten both the remarried First Madam and Miss Renran to the ground, unable to get up."
Ji Zizhao was not surprised, but she was pleased.
As much as Gu Peilan and her daughter had pranced before their grandmother, they were now suffering the harsh retribution of her slaps.
When Ji Zongyou had an accident, the grandmother had placed all her hopes on Ji Renran. To her disappointment, the granddaughter she expected to benefit from had become a concubine. "Deeply disappointed" was an understatement.
Ji Zizhao had not directly exposed Ji Renran's lie; she had waited for this moment of her grandmother's backlash.
As much as Gu Peilan and her daughter had pranced before their grandmother, they were now suffering the harsh retribution of her slaps.
"Where is Grandmother now?"
"When this servant returned, the Old Madam was just being helped back to the main courtyard by Nanny Xu."
Ji Zizhao nodded, then looked at Jian Qiu. "You will leave the manor now and find more workers to bring in. Do not mind the cost. The bigger the commotion, the better. If anyone asks, say that I am spending money to expand the courtyard for my younger brother Zongyou."
Jian Qiu...
Miss is clearly trying to add fuel to the fire!
But could she say, "Well done"?