Ji Zizhao hadn't expected Xie Jinglan to leave so abruptly, but the thought of Xie Jingzhou's contorted face behind them made her unwilling to stop.
"I specifically came to congratulate Fifth Brother. Doesn't Fifth Brother intend to invite me in for a seat?" Xie Jingzhou's voice, disturbing the tranquility once again, echoed from behind.
Having dealt with Xie Jingzhou countless times, Ji Zizhao knew full well that he was the kind of insidious person who, if unhappy, would ensure no one else found peace.
Xie Jingzhou certainly wouldn't allow Ji Zizhao and Xie Jinglan to have an easy time. After all, he was there to offer congratulations. For the sake of his reputation, Fifth Brother wouldn't dare ignore him.
Xie Jinglan stopped and casually glanced at Xie Jingzhou. "Fifth Brother also sees that your future Fourth Sister-in-law has arrived. A gentleman should help others achieve their desires. Why must Fifth Brother try to spoil things? However, I accept your congratulations. The sky is growing late, and Fifth Brother should return soon."
With that, he turned and continued to lead Ji Zizhao into the manor.
Xie Jingzhou, "..."
How could Xie Jinglan dare?!
Ji Zizhao looked at the tall man beside her, finding nothing he couldn't dare.
The other princes dared not, because they all coveted that throne. But Xie Jinglan had never once had the throne in his heart. What was there for him to fear about his reputation?
Having experienced so many ups and downs, Ji Zizhao gradually felt that only by standing high could one see further. Yet now, she felt that perhaps it was good for a person not to harbor such great ambitions.
In the end, smaller ambitions meant fewer constraints.
In the courtyard, Tang Di's face lit up with joy upon seeing Ji Zizhao, his smile stretching almost to his ears. Even the usually taciturn Huo Nian Gong proactively lifted the curtain for Ji Zizhao.
Little did Ji Zizhao know that Tang Di and Huo Nian Gong had overheard her conversation with Xie Jingzhou. Upon entering, she discovered it was Xie Jinglan's study.
Xie Jinglan truly loved reading. Books of all kinds filled the interconnected shelves.
The small tea stove on the desk was at the perfect temperature, and the teapot continuously let out a "gurgling" sound.
Ji Zizhao sat down by the desk and looked at the teacup already placed before her. She raised her eyes and asked, "You knew I would come?"
Xie Jinglan poured a cup of tea for Ji Zizhao, then poured one for himself before sitting opposite her. "His Majesty suddenly bestowed this marriage. Given your nature, you would naturally be perplexed and likely come over quickly, so I prepared everything in advance."
Ji Zizhao was truly impressed by Xie Jinglan's astuteness. With that, she no longer needed to beat around the bush. "What exactly happened?"
"What you heard at the temporary palace is true. Seventh Brother is indeed severely injured. His Majesty wishes to bring him good fortune through marriage, hence today's imperial decree." As Xie Jinglan spoke, he handed a letter to Ji Zizhao.
Ji Zizhao took the letter. Although the seal had been broken, the imprint of the official seal of the court was still discernible.
At this time, only the court could exchange such correspondence.
As someone from a military family, Ji Zizhao knew that even in her most aimless days, private correspondence and the transmission of military information during wartime were strictly forbidden, especially in Dayu, where it was a crime punishable by the extermination of one's entire clan.
It was precisely for this reason that Ji Zizhao, despite her deep concern for Tong Lin, had not sent a single letter to her second sister.
The tone of the letter suggested it was from Old General Zhong. The content itself wasn't overly sensitive, merely a request for the Emperor to send someone from the Imperial Hospital to Tong Lin to treat the Seventh Prince's injuries.
Ji Zizhao silently opened the letter and narrowed her eyes after reading it.
Military doctors accompanying an army were required to have at least seven years of medical experience. After all, war was no child's play, and junior doctors wouldn't even qualify to enter a military camp, let alone accompany troops into battle.
In essence, those who served as military doctors were the elite of the medical profession.
"Western Rong excels in poison. Furthermore, due to its geography, Western Rong cultivates many herbs and poisons not found in other countries. I fear Seventh Brother was poisoned by Western Rong, and the military doctors were helpless, which is why Old General Zhong wrote for assistance." Xie Jinglan held his teacup, instantly deciphering the doubt in Ji Zizhao's eyes.
Ji Zizhao's brow furrowed even more deeply upon hearing this.
She knew that Xie Jinglan's certainty stemmed from his recognition of Old General Zhong's handwriting.
But the following question was even more serious!
"Are you sure this is related to Western Rong?"
Ji Zizhao had witnessed the Seventh Prince's martial arts. While not as formidable as Xie Jinglan's, it was still considered top-tier. Back in Luoyi, he hadn't fared poorly even against General Mu Man.
Therefore, if Western Rong had poisoned him on the battlefield, the Seventh Prince would have had a high chance of avoiding it.
Unless...
"What are you thinking?" Xie Jinglan asked instead of answering.
"I'm thinking, perhaps there's a traitor within the Dayu army." Ji Zizhao stared intently into Xie Jinglan's eyes. This seemed to be the most plausible speculation at the moment.
"Who do you think it is?" Xie Jinglan met Ji Zizhao's gaze without hesitation.
"Who I think it is doesn't matter. What matters is who *you* think it could be. After all, if this matter has nothing to do with you, then the person capable of doing this is clearly trying to put you in danger." Ji Zizhao clenched her fist, finally voicing the doubts in her heart.
In truth, she had wanted to say this for a long time but had never found the opportunity.
Now was perfect.
The false could not hide forever, nor could the true be concealed indefinitely. Some matters were simply black and white, not to be confused at will.
The atmosphere in the room suddenly grew tense.
Tang Di, guarding the door, was so startled by Ji Zizhao's words that his eyeballs nearly fell onto his feet. He stared at Huo Nian Gong opposite him, constantly questioning him with his eyes, asking if he had misheard. That secret from years ago had been so deeply buried; Miss Ji surely wouldn't know, right?
Huo Nian Gong looked at Tang Di expressionlessly, his right hand already gripping the hilt of his sword.
Miss Ji was far more intelligent than he had imagined. But unfortunately, her intelligence was misplaced. The secrets his master held concerned too many lives. If his master truly took things further with Miss Ji, he would have no choice but to act.
Inside the room, candlelight flickered, casting shadows.
After an unknown period, Xie Jinglan finally smiled faintly. "You know already?"
Ji Zizhao, "..."
He admitted it just like that?
Xie Jinglan took in the expression on Ji Zizhao's face. While her face showed a relieved burden lifted by finding an answer, her eyes twinkled with deep worry. It was his fault; he should have explained things to her sooner. After all, the later one knew certain things, the harder it was to let go.
Silence returned to the room.
After a while, Ji Zizhao finally composed herself and looked at Xie Jinglan again. "This time, should I change my address and call you the Prince of Western Rong?"