Empress Zhong glanced at the Emperor beside her, frowning slightly.
Ji Zizhao looked at Princess Wenhui and smiled, saying, "The nation has its laws, and families have their rules. The sovereign is the sovereign, and the minister is the minister; one must not overstep boundaries or break protocol. This is the Ji family's century-old teaching. Although Princess Wenhui is not the Emperor's own daughter, she is the orphaned descendant of a hero of Yulin. The loyal General served the Emperor with his life, his heart and soul dedicated to the people. As a descendant of the loyal General, Princess Wenhui is sure to inherit his integrity. How could she be bogged down by matters of romance or trivialities?"
These words had elevated Princess Wenhui to the highest pedestal.
Since the Emperor had brought Wenhui into the palace to raise her, it was evident how indebted and appreciative he was of the former loyal General. Ji Zizhao would have to be a fool to have Wenhui put on a show at this moment.
If you can cast a hat, I can cast two.
As she finished speaking, Ji Zizhao did not forget to ask again, "Princess Wenhui, do you think what this humble subject said is correct?"
Princess Wenhui remained stunned for a few seconds before smiling and saying, "Miss Ji, your command of language is impressive."
Ji Zizhao still wore a look of humility, "This humble subject merely states the facts."
Princess Wenhui: "..."
Xie Jinglan slightly pursed his lips, a faint curve appearing at the corners.
Emperor Xiaochang listened to Ji Zizhao's words with considerable emotion, "Miss Ji is indeed correct. The former loyal General is truly worthy of admiration. Fortunately, Wenhui is also exceptional. She showed great talent in medicine from a young age, apprenticing under Zou Li at the age of five. Her medical skills have grown exponentially through her travels in recent years. Today, the Fifth Prince's injuries were timely treated by Wenhui, and I fear your medical skills are unmatched even in the imperial city."
Ji Zizhao lowered her gaze slightly.
No wonder Zou Li had such standing in the Imperial Hospital; he had a princess as a disciple.
Given the current situation, Zou Li was clearly aligned with Consort Xi. Then, whose side was Princess Wenhui on?
Princess Wenhui's eyes reddened, and she quickly knelt on the ground, saying, "This subject is unworthy of such praise. Everything today is a gift from my father. Your Majesty need not worry about the Fifth Prince's injuries. As long as this subject is alive, she will ensure the Fifth Prince's safety."
Emperor Xiaochang nodded with satisfaction and raised his hand to signal Princess Wenhui to rise. Just then, Nanny Dai approached the door.
"Reporting to Your Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress, several officials request an audience."
Emperor Xiaochang's expression turned serious, "Let them in."
Empress Zhong naturally stood up, "As it happens, this subject is feeling somewhat weary and will retire to rest in the rear chambers."
Emperor Xiaochang nodded.
Princess Wenhui quickly walked to the Empress's side, "This subject will accompany Mother."
Empress Zhong smiled and patted Princess Wenhui's hand, her face filled with contentment.
Seeing this, Ji Zizhao and Xie Jinglan also knelt to pay their respects.
When officials seek an audience, even if there is no urgent matter, one must not overstep.
The officials arrived quickly, "Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress."
Emperor Xiaochang raised his hand, "My esteemed officials, please speak freely."
The officials had not known the Emperor would be present when they arrived. However, they felt there was no need to conceal their purpose from the Emperor, so they had Nanny Dai announce their request. Hearing the Emperor's invitation, they each raised their heads slightly, their gazes falling upon Ji Zizhao, who was already walking towards the door.
"Today, at Consort Xi's palace, my daughter was carelessly injured, and fortunately, Miss Ji's timely treatment saved her."
"My daughter does indeed have a delicate constitution. Fortunately, Miss Ji's diagnosis was timely."
"I heard that quite a few young ladies were injured at Consort Xi's residence today, but Miss Ji managed to examine each of them carefully and treat them properly. My daughter returned home full of praise for Miss Ji."
The officials kneeling on the ground, ranging from the Grand Tutor and Grand Preceptor to Grand Secretaries, with the lowest being a Second Rank official of the court, had never been unified in their opinions since they first stood in the imperial court. Yet, at this moment...
Not only was Emperor Xiaochang stunned by their words, but Empress Zhong, who was walking towards the screen, also paused.
Turning back, Empress Zhong's gaze shifted towards Ji Zizhao at the doorway.
So...
They had come specifically to thank her?
Ji Zizhao: "..."
In truth, she was also surprised.
Today, at Consort Xi's residence, she had merely done what was within her duty.
As an official of the Imperial Hospital, should she push people into peril instead of saving them from it?
The officials continued their expressions of gratitude. Ji Zizhao, seeing their earnestness, could only continue to politely decline. However, no matter how Ji Zizhao refused, she could not quell the officials' enthusiasm.
With the Seventh Prince achieving merit in Tonglin, he would undoubtedly be highly regarded by the Emperor upon his return. The Seventh Prince was raised by Her Majesty the Empress, so the Seventh Prince gaining favor with the Emperor would naturally elevate Her Majesty the Empress as well. Ji Zizhao was now an adopted granddaughter of the Zhong family. Even if Her Majesty the Empress had not expressed her stance, how could the Zhong family have adopted her without Her Majesty's consent?
Given Ji Zizhao's position as an official, these ministers truly had no need to express their thanks in person.
But if viewed from the perspective of the Zhong family...
These officials were all contemplating whether to offer a gift to better express their gratitude.
"Your Excellencies are too kind. This is merely what this humble subject should do." Ji Zizhao quickly helped the officials to their feet, having understood their intentions.
"Miss Ji is indeed the esteemed final disciple of Director Zhang. Her medical skills have truly opened our eyes!" This sentiment was genuinely expressed by several officials.
Upon returning home today, hearing their daughters mention their injuries, these fathers naturally felt immense concern. They had even sent their own invitations to summon Imperial Hospital physicians for examinations. While the diagnoses were largely consistent with Ji Zizhao's, their daughters had mentioned that Ji Zizhao's examination was far more detailed.
Their presence here today certainly had an element of flattery.
However, given Miss Ji's genuine talent, their flattery was delivered with full conviction.
Facing the officials' effusive praise, Emperor Xiaochang's expression flickered as if a dyeing workshop had opened.
He had just personally praised Princess Wenhui's medical skills as unmatched in the imperial city. Less than a moment later, he was not only proven wrong but by his own officials.
The taste was indescribably bittersweet.
Could Emperor Xiaochang dwell on this?
Of course not.
Ji Zizhao's entry into the Imperial Hospital had passed through rigorous examinations. If he were to deny her qualifications, wouldn't that mean he was negating his entire Imperial Hospital?
Emperor Xiaochang glanced at Xie Jinglan beside him, his intention to have him control the situation quite evident.
However, Xie Jinglan maintained a vacant gaze, his eyes fixed on his nose, his nose on his heart, and his heart on his dantian, acting like a wooden post that had gained sentience.
Empress Zhong, watching the Emperor's suffocating expression, was inwardly delighted.
"Serves you right for speaking so confidently just now!"
Princess Wenhui looked at Ji Zizhao, who seemed to be the center of everyone's admiration, her heart sinking, making it difficult for her to breathe.