Faced with Ji Zizhao's immediate departure, Gu Peilan was clearly taken aback.
She had been expecting Ji Zizhao to bring Ji Zixiu to apologize.
But Ji Zizhao had just left without a word?
"This is not the Ji family. If Xiu Jie'er caused trouble and injured someone, it's not appropriate for Zhao Jie'er to leave without so much as an apology," Gu Peilan said, gritting her teeth.
How had she never realized Ji Zizhao was so thick-skinned before!
Ji Zizhao stopped in her tracks at the sound of her voice and turned, her expression shifting to one of feigned surprise. "Apologize for what?"
Gu Peilan watched Ji Zizhao's blatant act of playing dumb, her face darkening with anger.
"Since I returned to the Ji family, I have always kept my head down, prioritizing the sisters in the household in everything I said and did. Yet, even so, Fourth Sister attacked me with swords the moment she saw me, and now Second Sister has gone to my maternal grandmother's home and caused chaos. Eldest Sister, please tell me, what am I not doing well enough? I will change, won't I? Grandmother is old, please consider her a little!" Ji Renran clung to Gu Peilan, sobbing and speaking earnestly.
Hearing this, Ji Zixiu's hand, which was gripping the whip, began to itch again.
Today's incident was entirely her doing, what did it have to do with her elder sister?
"What Renran sister says is too harsh. Second Sister came today simply to deliver an invitation to Renran sister," Ji Zizhao clasped Ji Zixiu's hand, thus framing her and trying to force her to apologize with Second Sister.
But was she, Ji Renran, worthy of that?
Gu Peilan couldn't accept this. "Xiu Jie'er came and immediately started whipping people. Now my mother's doormen are lying on the ground, covered in wounds. Doesn't Zhao Jie'er see that?"
Was this delivering an invitation or a death sentence?
What kind of invitation was delivered like this!
Ji Zizhao smiled calmly, her brows serene. "Second Sister just returned from the army today. The family was so happy they drank a little too much. Second Sister actually cares about Renran sister, otherwise, she wouldn't have thought of helping Renran sister deliver an invitation while intoxicated." Su Dan Novel Network.
Gu Peilan: "..."
Was she trying to fool a ghost?
Ji Zixiu stood there with a powerful voice and immense strength, more steady than she was, showing no signs of being drunk!
Ji Zizhao, however, insisted, "Second Sister did indeed drink a lot of wine. Perhaps in her delirium, she did something less than graceful. If the remarried First Madam truly wants to investigate clearly, it's not impossible to bring a doctor to check her pulse."
As long as she was there, any pulse could be faked.
Gu Peilan was about to go crazy, really wanting to find a doctor to check.
However, Ji Renran secretly tugged at her mother's clothes and whispered, "Mother, no."
Disrespecting elders was a serious offense. Would being petty with a junior sound better?
Therefore, even if she knew Ji Zixiu was not drunk at all, she could not invite a doctor.
Otherwise, once this matter spread, her mother and she would be confirmed as bullies who bullied the young and were cruel.
Gu Peilan calmed down after Ji Renran's reminder. Although she was relieved her daughter had stopped her in time, she was still furious watching Ji Zizhao leave with Ji Zixiu.
The Tong family's old madam, who had been silent all this time, broke the awkward silence with a smile. "I've long heard of the reputation of the Ji family's eldest daughter. Now that I see her, she is indeed as renowned as they say."
Ji Zizhao lowered her eyes slightly. "Old Madam Tong is too kind."
"I heard that the Ji family's eldest daughter is also going into the palace this time. It's a blessing for Renran to accompany the Ji family's eldest daughter into the palace. However, the palace is strictly regulated and not as relaxed as outside. This time, the Ji family's eldest daughter is going to a banquet, so she must not be negligent."
Old Madam Tong paused, her smile becoming even more amiable. Anyone would think they were family. "Speaking of which, we have a former palace governess in our mansion. She served near a concubine years ago. I originally intended to have the governess teach Renran some palace etiquette in advance. Since the Ji family's eldest daughter is here, why not learn the palace rules together with Renran at my place tomorrow?"
As Old Madam Tong spoke, she gestured to the governess beside her.
Although Ji Zizhao had been to the palace for a banquet before, Old Madam Tong's reasoning was impeccable.
Times had changed. But now, the Ji family had been posthumously honored as a marquisate, and she was personally ennobled as Princess Ronghe by the Emperor. This time, her entry into the palace would be scrutinized by everyone.
Soon, a governess with a straight back and chest held high walked out.
The governess's hair was neatly styled, and her clothes were lustrous and clearly patterned, very dignified.
Ji Renran understood that Old Madam Tong wanted to do Ji Zizhao a favor and make Ji Zizhao benefit from her goodwill. With red eyes, she stepped forward a few paces and gave a gentle smile. "It would be wonderful to learn from the governess with Eldest Sister. Eldest Sister, you don't need to overthink it; being at the Tong family's residence is just like being at the Ji family's."
Ji Zizhao naturally understood what Ji Renran was thinking.
Old Madam Tong bringing out a governess who had served in the palace was to bring glory to the Tong family, and also to force her to accept the Tong family's seemingly kind gesture.
However, judging by the governess's demeanor, she might also be intending to reprimand her.
Seeing that Ji Zizhao remained silent, Old Madam Tong turned to the governess and said, "This banquet in the palace is no small matter. I hope the governess can put in extra effort."
The governess lowered her eyelids and swept a glance over Ji Zizhao. Her upright tone was filled with a sense of rightful sternness. "Rest assured, Old Madam. This old servant served in the palace for decades. The concubines and ladies whom this old servant has guided have all lived comfortably in the palace. As long as the Ji family's eldest daughter is obedient and sensible, she will not be difficult to teach."
Hearing this, Ji Zizhao inwardly sneered.
Indeed, the intention to reprimand her was quite obvious.
If she truly came to learn etiquette at the Tong family's, even if this governess clearly made things difficult for her, she would be unable to defend herself, lest she be accused of being ungrateful.
Old Madam Tong was truly worthy of helping the Tong family establish a foothold in the capital over the years; she was indeed a woman of means.
It was just a pity.
She had no intention of cooperating.
However, before Ji Zizhao could speak, another carriage approached.
Seeing the Ji family's emblem hanging on the carriage, the people at the Tong family's entrance were stunned.
Gu Peilan instantly felt like she was facing a formidable enemy, fearing that another member of the Ji family had come to challenge them.
As the carriage door opened, two familiar figures stepped out.
The moment Ji Zizhao saw them, her dark eyes softened.
The newcomers also looked at Ji Zizhao with warmth and excitement, but they did not forget their manners. "Your servant Jian Qiu, your servant Fu Bao, greet Princess Ronghe."