The room suddenly fell into an eerie silence.
Empress Zhong was quite happy to see the Emperor's predicament, but while she laughed, she knew to stop at the right moment. Otherwise, if the Emperor became unhappy, it would be her sons who would suffer in the end.
"Back when the Eldest Daughter of the Ji family first entered the palace for duty, His Majesty praised her profusely. I was somewhat skeptical then, but now it seems His Majesty had foresight." Empress Zhong was not lying about this, though whether the Emperor's praise was an affirmation of Ji Zizhao or a compensation for the Ji family's past debt was unknown.
Emperor Xiaochang cast a gratified glance at the Empress, then smiled at Ji Zizhao and said, "No wonder Zhang Shuzhong, that old fossil, took a final disciple at his age. Meeting her today is indeed worthwhile."
Princess Wenhui was surprised that even the Emperor held such a high opinion of Ji Zizhao, and her heart churned even more. However, on the surface, she maintained an elegant and dignified demeanor.
Ji Zizhao performed the rites of subject to ruler, "It is my duty as a subject to share His Majesty's burdens."
Emperor Xiaochang nodded and leaned back on the couch, saying no more.
Seeing this, the other ministers wisely took their leave.
Ji Zizhao naturally discerned that the Emperor intended to stay there for the night, and she busied herself with departing as well.
Princess Wenhui rose and bowed, "Your humble daughter also takes her leave."
Emperor Xiaochang genuinely cared for this orphan, "You have just arrived at the temporary palace; you are likely still unfamiliar with the routes. Let Fenggu escort you back to rest, and you can explore the temporary palace tomorrow."
"My father, you toil day and night. It is rare for you to come to the temporary palace for a moment of relaxation. If I cause you worry, then I will not smile. However, this would mean... I fear it will trouble my Fourth Brother." Princess Wenhui looked at Xie Jinglan, who was slightly behind, her almond-shaped eyes sparkling with a gaze that was both longing and innocent.
Ji Zizhao, "..."
This Princess Wenhui was indeed an interesting one.
Emperor Xiaochang glanced at Xie Jinglan and said thoughtfully, "Fourth, you were always close to her from a young age. It's no wonder you are close to Fourth now. Since that is the case..."
"Since that is the case, let Fourth escort the Eldest Daughter of the Ji family back first. It is not too late for him to escort Wenhui later. It has been many years since we last met, and I have so much I wish to say to Wenhui," Empress Zhong directly took over the conversation, and before finishing, she winked at the Emperor.
Emperor Xiaochang, "..."
Ah, he remembered. The marriage between Fourth and Ji Zizhao was already settled.
Princess Wenhui suddenly stepped forward, "Mother..."
Before she could finish speaking, Xie Jinglan had already proactively taken his leave and chased after Ji Zizhao in the direction she had gone.
Empress Zhong acted as if she hadn't heard Princess Wenhui's call, and merely looked at the Emperor and smiled, "It has only been a few days, and it feels like seasons apart. The children of today are not half as reserved as I was back then."
Emperor Xiaochang thoughtfully looked towards the now empty doorway, and after a long pause, nodded with a pensive expression, "I never expected Fourth, with his temperament, to be so proactive. I recall that even when he used to cling to Wenhui's side, he would only follow silently behind her."
"Then was then, and now is now. Seventh has always had a good relationship with Fourth. If he hadn't seen that Fourth genuinely liked her, how would Seventh have dared to take the risk and make a deal with His Majesty."
Emperor Xiaochang nodded, and the flicker in his eyes finally settled.
Having been up to this point, Emperor Xiaochang was truly weary. He instructed Fenggu to prepare a bath and went inside to wash first.
Empress Zhong smiled and bowed, watching the Emperor leave before turning to Princess Wenhui, "Don't just stand there, sit down."
Princess Wenhui, "..."
She could only obediently sit back onto the chair.
Ji Zizhao walked quickly and was unaware of the subsequent events. Returning to her sleeping quarters and seeing that it was not yet late, she began to sort the medicinal herbs she had brought with her. Unexpectedly, as she was sorting them, a pair of slender, fair-skinned hands appeared among the bottles and jars.
A wide, snow-white sleeve, embroidered with a vigorous bamboo pattern, hung down slightly, partially obscuring the back of the hand.
Under the candlelight, the two whites reflected each other, shining brilliantly.
Ji Zizhao looked up and saw Xie Jinglan sitting at the low table opposite her.
Their eyes met. Xie Jinglan curved his lips into a smile, "I heard that you were quite the formidable presence in the temporary palace during my absence. You even interfered in the marriage affairs of our Eighth Brother."
Ji Zizhao was not surprised by Xie Jinglan's well-informed nature, "It was a coincidence. It was merely others' misinterpretations."
"Huo Nian Gong would never misinterpret."
Ji Zizhao paused, surprised that Xie Jinglan had left Huo Nian Gong behind in the temporary palace after his departure.
"At the time, I left the temporary palace under my father's order to escort Wenhui back. I left in such haste that I didn't have time to bid you farewell. However, I never received any news from Huo Nian Gong while I was away, so I knew you were safe." Xie Jinglan's voice was light, as if he were stating something that was naturally understood.
Ji Zizhao's heart skipped a beat.
If Tang Di was the visible guard, then Huo Nian Gong was the hidden death warrior.
Yet, Xie Jinglan had left such an important figure behind in the temporary palace to protect her from the shadows. Most importantly, Xie Jinglan had said it so naturally, as if it were a matter of course...
Xie Jinglan saw Ji Zizhao's thoughts at a glance and smiled gently, "Protecting the safety of his future mistress should be a matter of great honor for him."
Ji Zizhao, "..."
I thank you on behalf of Huo Nian Gong.
"After you returned, did you go to visit the Fifth Prince?" The events of today made Ji Zizhao ponder increasingly curiously.
Xie Jinglan nodded, "As you suspected."
Ji Zizhao let out a sigh of relief. Her guess was correct, then.
"To gain His Majesty's trust, he truly went to great lengths. Although after this incident, the Fifth Prince's standing in His Majesty's heart will undoubtedly rise, risking one's own life in such a gamble is still too great."
She feared that the Fifth Prince's true intentions lay further ahead.
Xie Jinglan handed Ji Zizhao the last medicinal bottle from the table, "I have already dispatched people to investigate this matter."
Ji Zizhao took the bottle and nodded.
The commotion caused by the Fifth Prince this time was likely not friendly. It would be more prudent to know one's enemy in advance.
"Fourth Prince, Princess Wenhui says it's time to go." A maid's voice came from outside the door.
Xie Jinglan saw that it was getting late and stood up, "Get some rest early."
Ji Zizhao said little and rose with him, following him towards the door.
She could sense the discord between Wenhui and Xie Jinglan, but upon reflection, she felt there was no need to inquire.
If he wanted to say, he would tell her truthfully even if she didn't ask.
If he didn't want to say, her asking would only be a waste of time.
Lost in thought, Ji Zizhao didn't notice that the person walking ahead had stopped, and she suddenly bumped into a solid, firm back, her nose stinging.
"And then..." Before she could finish the word "then," she saw the man with his back to her suddenly turn around, his long arms instinctively reaching out and trapping her against his solid chest.