Ji Zizhao paid her respects to her grandmother as if she hadn't seen Ji Ruijun's meaningful glance.
Seeing that Ji Zizhao didn't even bow to her, Ji Ruijun pulled her mother's hand and said, "Mother, didn't I tell you? If the upper beam is crooked, the lower beam will naturally be askew."
This clearly implied that Ji Zixiu's actions that day were learned from Ji Zizhao.
The old madam's expression grew even more displeased. "Zi Zhao, I entrusted the authority of the Ji family to you because I trust you. Now that Xiu'er has caused such a disturbance, how do you plan to handle it?"
Ji Ruijun chimed in, "She certainly deserves a good punishment."
Ji Zizhao looked at her grandmother, not rushing to answer, but softly speaking, "Your granddaughter was worried about Grandmother's safety on the way back. Seeing that Grandmother's complexion is quite good now, I can finally rest assured."
The old madam hadn't expected Ji Zizhao to first inquire about her health. A sense of ineffable comfort washed over her, and her expression softened slightly. "This old bone of mine is useless, and everyone can disregard me now."
Ji Zizhao, however, smiled. "Grandmother always likes to speak in jest. As long as Grandmother is here, the Ji family can weather any storm. Grandmother must take good care of herself."
Everyone, no matter who they were, liked to hear pleasant words.
The old madam didn't even bother to retort this time.
Ji Ruijun snorted, "She just knows how to sweet-talk, but in the end..."
Before she could finish speaking, Qingzhu entered the room.
Upon seeing what Qingzhu was holding, Ji Ruijun's eyes widened.
Ginseng was not a rare item in the Imperial City, but truly top-grade specimens were exceedingly few.
However, the ginseng Qingzhu held now, with its long root hairs, ancient and resilient, sparse and long, adorned with pearl-like dots, was of a quality that even Ji Ruijun had never seen before.
Ji Zizhao signaled Qingzhu to hand the ginseng to her grandmother and then said with a smile, "Ginseng has the effect of greatly replenishing vital energy, strengthening the spleen and lungs, enriching blood, calming the spirit, and enhancing intelligence. Second sister's recent affair has caused Grandmother concern, so she must indeed replenish her health."
Nanny Xu exclaimed at the opportune moment, "The quality of this ginseng... This old servant has lived a lifetime and never seen its like!"
Although the old madam was angry about Ji Zixiu's unilateral decision, without Ji Zixiu causing this incident, she would not have received such a precious ginseng.
No matter what happened, one could not escape weighing the pros and cons.
When the benefits and drawbacks were clearly laid out, people naturally leaned towards the side that was more advantageous to them.
"It must have been difficult for Zi Zhao to be so thoughtful." The old madam extended her hand towards Ji Zizhao, affectionately pulling her to sit beside her.
Ji Ruijun watched this scene in shock, unsure of what to say.
Ji Zizhao feigned anger and complained, "Grandmother, didn't you see that second sister was not having an easy time in the military camp? This will teach her a lesson. I had originally planned to bring second sister back directly to confess her guilt to Grandmother, but she insisted that she had no face to do so without earning honor in the military. Such arrogance! When she returns, your granddaughter will surely punish her severely!"
Listening to Ji Zizhao's words, the old madam's mind wandered to something else.
The century-old honor of the Ji family had all been earned by the men of the Ji family serving in the military.
If Xiu'er could truly bring glory to the Ji family in the army, her status in the Imperial City would also rise.
The old madam suddenly realized she had been truly foolish. This was a good thing! Why had she been so stubborn? "You girls have all grown up. Since Xiu'er wishes to go to the military camp, let it be so. Let this matter be dropped."
Ji Zizhao smiled knowingly. "As Grandmother says, so be it."
Ji Ruijun: "..."
Her silver tongue could probably bring the dead back to life!
Ji Zizhao chatted with her grandmother for a while longer before rising to take her leave.
The First Madam, Lin Wanyun, followed her out, and only after leaving the main courtyard did she heave a heavy sigh of relief. "Everything was going well, but who would have thought that after the old madam took a nap, she would suddenly change her mind."
Hearing this, Ji Zizhao understood.
"As long as Grandmother can see reason, that's all that matters. Second Uncle's wife is also back. Mother should go and see her."
The First Madam, Lin Wanyun, nodded. "You should also go back and rest quickly."
Ji Zizhao readily agreed, but upon returning to Zhaoyuan, she instructed Qingzhu to find Lianju.
A quarter of an hour later, Lianju stood before Ji Zizhao.
"During this period, the old madam has been avoiding them, and when she couldn't decline, she would visit briefly before leaving. Two hours ago, the madam from over there secretly left the residence and returned about an hour ago."
Lianju reported the results of her observations over the past few days truthfully.
Ji Zizhao's lips curved upwards slightly upon hearing this.
As expected, it was their instigation again.
It seemed that not only was she keeping a close watch on them, but they had also bribed people within the mansion and were monitoring the Ji family's movements.
Calculating the timing, Ji Zizhao paused and then said, "You may go back now and continue your surveillance."
Lianju accepted the order and soon disappeared from the room.
Ji Zizhao then summoned Shuiling. "Go spread the word throughout the mansion that the old madam is likely to severely punish the second young lady upon her return."
Shuiling was clever and resourceful. Although she hadn't been in the Ji family for long, she had a good relationship with the servants in the mansion.
Soon, the news that the old madam intended to heavily punish the second young lady spread among the Ji family's servants.
As expected, Gu Peilan also received the same news.
The old madam's recent indifference towards their side had begun to make Gu Peilan feel insecure.
Fortunately, Gu Peilan had already bribed servants in the Ji family mansion and was aware of every development. It was precisely for this reason that she had secretly met with the old madam, ostensibly to counsel her, but in reality, to add fuel to the fire.
After all, only by making the old madam resentful of the Ji family would she and her daughter have any hope of returning.
Now, upon hearing that the old madam was about to severely punish Ji Zixiu, Gu Peilan, with Ji Renran, boarded a carriage and headed straight for the Ji family.
Ji Renran also sat in the carriage, her face filled with schadenfreude.
If they were not doing well, they naturally wished for the Ji family members to also suffer.
Later that evening, Ji Zixiu returned to the Ji family, looking exhausted.
Gu Peilan and Ji Renran, who were in their carriage, pricked up their ears with excitement as they watched Ji Zixiu enter the residence.
Just the thought of soon hearing Ji Zixiu's tearful cries brought a twisted sense of revenge to both Gu Peilan and Ji Renran.