It is normal for people from high-status residences like this to have disagreements.
However, everyone's status and upbringing are obvious. Even if they disliked each other immensely, at most, they would exchange a few sharp words. Who would resort to violence so readily?
The main hall of the Ji family was suddenly as quiet as a chicken.
When everyone slowly came to their senses, they saw that Madam Jiang's face, which had not yet healed from swelling, was even more swollen...
After Jiang Guang Sheng reacted, he instinctively reached out to shove the Third Madam, Yin Wen Ying. However, Han Xian stepped in front of the Third Madam first. Having followed the Ji family into battle, even though Han Xian had not fought for many years, his physical condition was not something Jiang Guang Sheng could match.
As a result, when Jiang Guang Sheng pushed with all his might, Han Xian stood his ground without moving an inch. Instead, Jiang Guang Sheng was propelled back several steps, crashing into the tea table.
The Third Madam, Yin Wen Ying, did not expect Han Xian to rush to her protection. She had, on more than one occasion, threatened him to stay away from her daughter...
"The Ji family is killing people! Killing people!" Madam Jiang, seeing her son at a disadvantage, immediately started shouting at the top of her lungs.
While Madam Jiang was indeed in the wrong regarding Ji Zi Yun's matter, if the Third Madam Yin Wen Ying took action, she would give them grounds for complaint.
Old Madam Tong, who had finally found a handle against the Ji family, also spoke, "No wonder the younger generation of the Ji family can be so vengeful. It turns out the Ji family's original family tradition is not proper. As people from a military family, they act like brutes. It is simply a disgrace to the Ji family's century-old military reputation!"
The Old Madam's face was extremely grim. She wanted to retaliate but could not find any words to do so.
Madam Jiang, supporting her son, declared even more ostentatiously, "Report to the authorities! Even if your Ji family doesn't report it, our Jiang family will definitely report it!"
The Third Madam, Yin Wen Ying, gritted her teeth and said, "If you report it, your Jiang family won't fare any better!"
"Our Jiang family is merely a small merchant family. No matter how the yamen punishes us, it will only involve spending some money. However, those who hold office in the imperial palace must be spotless. Even their family members cannot have the slightest stain."
Madam Jiang had truly decided to go all out this time.
Earlier, Madam Jiang had been afraid to report to the authorities because she worried the officials would only investigate Ji Zi Yun's beating. But now Madam Jiang was not afraid. Even if the authorities could not find fault with Ji Zi Zhao, everyone had seen the Third Madam of the Ji family hitting her just now. Once the imperial city knew that the Ji family's upbringing was improper, Ji Zi Zhao would not be able to hold her position in the palace!
The Third Madam, Yin Wen Ying, never expected things to turn out this way. She had just lost her temper and couldn't control herself. In her panic and apology, she looked at Ji Zi Zhao, not knowing what to say.
Gu Pei Lan's eyes darted around. She looked at the Old Madam and said, "It's best for both families to sit down and talk calmly about any issues. If that doesn't work... perhaps Zhao Jie'er can sincerely apologize to Madam Jiang. I believe Madam Jiang, being magnanimous, will absolutely not bother with a junior."
"If you speak any more nonsense, you can return to your own courtyard." Ji Zi Zhao was the face of the Ji family now. The Old Madam naturally had to protect her.
Gu Pei Lan shut her mouth sheepishly, sneering inwardly. No matter how much she tried to hold on, Ji Zi Zhao's backbone would have to bend today, whether she wanted to or not.
The several Madam s glared at Gu Pei Lan as if they could kill her, but it still wasn't enough to vent their hatred!
If Zhao Jie'er truly apologized, wouldn't she be taunted by the Jiang family for the rest of her life?!
Old Madam Tong, seeing that Gu Pei Lan had failed to sway the Old Madam Ji, turned to Ji Zi Zhao and said, "As the head of the Ji family, the eldest daughter of the Ji family must not only receive the Ji family's honor but also bear its responsibilities. Now that a member of the Ji family has made a mistake, does the eldest daughter of the Ji family truly intend to gloss over it?"
This was an attempt to force Ji Zi Zhao to apologize.
Ji Zi Zhao lowered her eyes slightly, a trace of coldness flashing in her eyes.
Third Aunt was indeed a bit impulsive, but the Tong family and the Jiang family wanting to see her make a fool of herself was simply wishful thinking.
"Old Madam, Old Madam..." Suddenly, a gatekeeper ran hurriedly to the entrance.
Granny Xu, who was by the Old Madam's side, frowned and reprimanded, "Shouting so loudly, what kind of decorum is this!"
The gatekeeper flinched and then continued, "Someone from the palace, someone from the palace is here, saying they are here to read an imperial decree!"
An imperial decree?
Everyone was startled.
The Old Madam quickly rose and said, "Quickly invite them in!"
The gatekeeper nodded repeatedly and turned to run towards the mansion gate.
The Emperor's imperial decree could not be ignored. Not only did everyone in the main hall have to come out, but even Ji Ren Ran, Ji Zi Yun, and Ji Zi Bi, who were not present in the main hall this time, rushed over.
Old Madam Tong and Madam Jiang exchanged glances. They could only consider themselves unlucky and left the main hall together. The imperial decree belonged to the Ji family, but it just so happened that they were there. Even though they knew it had nothing to do with them, they still had to kowtow together.
Soon, everyone stood neatly in the courtyard.
Gu Pei Lan deliberately walked to Ji Ren Ran's side and asked, "Is it an imperial decree setting the date for your marriage?"
"Daughter is also unclear, but when in the temporary palace, Noble Consort Xi had advised daughter not to worry. Since the Emperor has issued an imperial decree, daughter is now someone of the Fifth Prince's manor." Ji Ren Ran certainly knew that as a concubine of a prince, the Emperor would not issue decrees multiple times. She said this intentionally. Even if the decree had nothing to do with her, she showed her special standing with Noble Consort Xi and the Fifth Prince.
Gu Pei Lan listened to these words and was naturally extremely proud. "I didn't expect Noble Consort Xi to care so much about your marriage. When you go to the Fifth Prince's manor, you must take good care of the Fifth Prince on behalf of Noble Consort Xi."
Ji Ren Ran smiled gently, appearing very shy. "Mother, please rest assured. That is natural."
Seeing Gu Pei Lan and Ji Ren Ran acting so smug, the other Madam s almost vomited their undigested food.
Just a concubine, what was there to show off about?
Gu Pei Lan did not care at all, or rather, she had come to terms with it. Even if her daughter was a concubine, she was still the Fifth Prince's. Looking at the others in the manor, they were not as good as her daughter.
"Imperial decree arrives—!"
As the eunuch who walked in announced loudly, everyone in the courtyard respectfully knelt on the ground.
"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: It is heard that the daughter of the Ji family, Ji Zi Zhao, is skilled and dignified, with outstanding appearance and character. I and the Empress are extremely pleased upon hearing this. Now that the Fourth Prince has already reached the age of marriage, a virtuous maiden should be chosen to be his match. As Ji Zi Zhao is awaiting marriage in her chambers, she is hereby betrothed to the Fourth Prince as his consort, and a propitious date will be chosen for the wedding!"
It was like a thunderclap from a clear sky, exploding and leaving everyone utterly stunned.
Especially Old Madam Tong and Madam Jiang, they were completely dumbfounded!
Ji Zi Zhao is to become the Fourth Prince's consort?
How did Ji Zi Zhao become the Fourth Prince's consort!