Xue Yinuo was a bit flamboyant, yet free-spirited and unrestrained.
Ji Zizhao appeared quiet, but was in fact magnanimous and composed.
When these two met, they hit it off wonderfully.
Xu Meiqing was also surprised by the Ronghe County Princess, who was the talk of the capital, to be like this. After only a brief chat, she felt incredibly comfortable. Su Dan Novel Network.
Xue Yinuo looked at Ji Zizhao and said, "Don't blame the young ladies in this courtyard for not taking to you. You're the daily topic of conversation for everyone in the capital now. First, you bravely went to Luoyi with your exceptional skills, and then you saved my father's life. With your radiance, anyone who stands beside you would feel like a mere backdrop."
Ji Zizhao smiled and replied, "Then let them be jealous."
Xu Meiqing was utterly astonished.
Even she would have put on a show of modesty if those words were applied to herself.
But looking at this Ronghe County Princess, she truly was…
Completely unaware of what modesty entailed!
Yet, why did she find it so pleasant to listen to?
The more renowned the young ladies of the capital were, the more they indulged in pretense. Having seen so many hypocritical facades, Xu Meiqing found Ji Zizhao's demeanor incredibly pleasing.
Even she now felt a sense of regret, wishing they had met sooner!
Xue Yinuo sighed, "You have such a calm demeanor. If all the young ladies in the capital possessed your magnanimity, perhaps even the air would be much fresher."
"Only by keeping a calm mind can one observe what others cannot," Ji Zizhao said, casting a glance towards a person painting by the distant covered corridor.
Xue Yinuo and Xu Meiqing followed her gaze and were both taken aback.
"This banquet is merely a pretense; the true purpose is to select consorts for the princes."
In Yulin, throughout history, the selection of imperial consorts for princes was always by imperial decree.
However, the Emperor was so busy that he had no time to concern himself with such matters.
Essentially, the imperial family would find an excuse to gather all the eligible young ladies of the capital. Then, artists would paint their portraits, and initially, the mothers of the princes would make their selections. Princes without mothers would have the Empress act on their behalf.
Finally, after the Empress reviewed the portraits submitted by various palaces, she would present them to the Emperor for the final decision.
Considering the name of the Hall of Painted Elegance, what else was there not to understand?
Xue Yinuo sighed, "No wonder they've summoned all the young ladies of the capital to the palace."
Xu Meiqing, however, said, "What's so good about becoming a prince's consort? It's best if one isn't selected."
Xue Yinuo jested, "I heard that after the new year, it's time for the imperial selection again. I'm afraid the young ladies who aren't selected this year will have to participate in the grand selection next year. Don't you want to be a prince's consort? Are you planning to become a stepmother to the princes?"
Xu Meiqing rolled her eyes, "You're the one planning to become a stepmother to the princes!"
This was the sorrow of women in this era.
These young ladies, who appeared to live lives of luxury and opulence, were in reality unable to make decisions about their own marriages.
However, Ji Zizhao was not worried. She was now divorced, and no prince would tolerate such a status.
As they were chatting, they saw Ji Renran walking over alone.
Ji Zizhao followed her gaze and saw that the eldest daughter of the Zhong family, who had been close to Ji Renran moments ago, was being led out of the courtyard by palace maids. She had likely been summoned privately by the Empress.
Just then, several young ladies who had witnessed Ji Renran's embarrassment on the palace road arrived late. They were chatting with the young ladies who had been with the Zhong family's eldest daughter.
It was likely that Ji Renran was feeling guilty and afraid of her recent humiliation being exposed, hence her seeking refuge with Ji Zizhao.
"I didn't see Eldest Sister earlier. It turns out Eldest Sister was here," Ji Renran was Ji Renran, even though she had deliberately distanced herself and ignored Ji Zizhao earlier, she could still utter pleasantries with remarkable naturalness.
However, before Ji Zizhao could speak, Xue Yinuo said, "Miss Ji Renran, at such a young age, your eyesight seems to be rather poor. In a courtyard this small, how can you not even find your own sister?"
Xu Meiqing looked at the instantly pale Ji Renran, showing no sympathy.
She and Xue Yinuo had actually been in the courtyard for a while, which was precisely why they were clear about how Ji Renran had deliberately neglected Ji Zizhao, and had even gathered a group of young ladies to gossip about her.
She could not condone such a two-faced sister.
"Is Eldest Sister angry? I know Eldest Sister resents my carelessness earlier, but I couldn't help it. There were already some disagreements between Miss Zhong and Eldest Sister. I originally intended to put in a good word for Eldest Sister with Miss Zhong, but I didn't expect the Empress to summon Miss Zhong at that very moment…"
Taking advantage of Miss Zhong's absence, she shifted the blame onto her.
Ji Zizhao smiled knowingly, feeling that even speaking was a waste of time.
Xu Meiqing, seeing Ji Zizhao remain silent, took the initiative to say, "Since you're here, have a seat."
After all, Ji Renran was her sister from Ji Zizhao's household. If they were to make things difficult for her, it would be awkward for Ji Zizhao back home.
Even though Xue Yinuo was usually uninhibited, she understood these matters.
However, after Ji Renran sat down, she deliberately spoke about things that Ji Renran couldn't understand.
Xu Meiqing, while inwardly marveling at Xue Yinuo's slyness, deliberately chimed in to support her.
From horse riding and archery to military strategy, Xue Yinuo spoke about whatever came to mind, some of which even surpassed Xu Meiqing's knowledge.
But Ji Zizhao responded with ease throughout, without any pressure.
Ji Zizhao had never led troops in battle, but the manuscripts her grandfather had brought back were not read in vain.
Xue Yinuo became increasingly excited as they chatted, her eyes shining as she looked at Ji Zizhao.
"Shall we become sworn sisters?"
Xu Meiqing: "..."
"Are you crazy?!"
Ji Zizhao smiled, "Even if we were to become sworn sisters, we would still need to choose an auspicious time."
Xu Meiqing: "..."
"Great, she's crazy too!"
Although Ji Zizhao was chatting with Xue Yinuo and Xu Meiqing, her gaze remained fixed on Ji Renran.
While she didn't fully understand Ji Renran's personality, they had interacted a few times.
Normally, Ji Renran would have been on the verge of tears, with a look that suggested everyone was bullying her.
But today was different.
Ji Renran couldn't understand Xue Yinuo's conversation and showed no strong emotional fluctuations throughout. She sat there quietly, listening attentively, not interrupting or causing trouble, her presence almost imperceptible.
If someone didn't know better, they might have thought Ji Renran was truly a well-behaved young lady.
The more she behaved this way, the more Ji Zizhao knew she could not afford to relax for even a moment.