For several consecutive days, the curfew in the imperial city was extended further.
Eventually, even going out during the day required a pass.
However, the court only distributed one pass to each residence every two days.
Now, households could only send servants out to procure supplies, but since only one person could go at a time, the amount of goods they could bring back was limited.
Soon, the major residences within the imperial city found themselves struggling to get enough to eat.
Even the Ji family was no exception. Their three meals a day were reduced to two, and eventually, to just one.
All the small kitchens in the residence were now sealed, and everyone had to gather at the main courtyard at noon to eat together. Yet, even so, the food on the table was meager.
Let alone meat, even the vegetables on the plates were counted.
The old madam, already advanced in age, could not endure such a diet and lost her spirit entirely.
Seeing this, Gu Peilan suggested, "I heard that third sister-in-law's maternal family holds official positions in court, didn't they? If so, why doesn't third sister-in-law send someone to inquire? Old madam is so dispirited; this cannot go on forever."
Upon hearing this, the third madam, Yin Wenying, was so angry that she almost threw her chopsticks away. But considering the few vegetables left in her bowl, she couldn't bear to waste them. She first put the vegetables into her mouth before saying, "My family is merely a minor official of the seventh rank, we can't even get an audience with the Emperor. How could we possibly get news? Instead, isn't the new eldest sister-in-law's family very powerful? At this time, no one can compare to her."
Oh, not inquiring through my maternal family means I'm unfilial to the old madam?
Then you be filial, you go inquire through the Tong family!
If Gu Peilan had any influence in the Tong family, she would have sent someone to inquire long ago. However, being rebuffed by the third madam, she was naturally unwilling to accept it. "I made this suggestion only to alleviate some of the old madam's worries. Since third sister-in-law cannot do it herself, why make things difficult?"
The third madam, Yin Wenying, was so angry at Gu Peilan's attempt to shift the blame that her face turned dark.
The old madam, whose complexion was already poor, looked even more displeased by the bickering.
Ji Renran quickly placed the vegetables from her bowl into the old madam's bowl. "Granddaughter knows grandmother is strong-willed, but everyone in the city is living like this now. Why must grandmother make things difficult for herself? Granddaughter actually thinks the stir-fried bamboo shoots today are quite good. Grandmother, please try them."
The old madam's expression softened a little, appeased by the coaxing. "Eat. I know you are sensible."
Ji Renran smiled sweetly, appearing obedient and docile. "It is my duty to make grandmother happy."
The second madam, Yu Fenglan, watched this scene with a hint of unease.
The person sitting before her was her granddaughter, but was her own daughter not also a granddaughter? Her daughter was currently protecting the country outside for the Ji family, yet the old madam never even inquired about her. Su Dan Novel Network
The fourth madam, Xiao Jingshu, saw the subtle expression on the second madam's face and felt even more unsettled.
Her daughter had been away for some time. She was supposed to return in ten days at most, but in the blink of an eye, it had been almost half a month, and she had not returned.
She quietly glanced at Ji Zizhao, who was sitting beside her. The fourth madam Xiao Jingshu did not voice her inner thoughts.
Sister Zhao had been secretly helping her own fourth sister for several years. Time had flown by, and not only had Sister Si encountered no accidents, but she had also brought back a considerable amount of money. If she were to keep questioning Sister Zhao now, it would make her seem petty as an aunt.
In fact, even if the fourth madam Xiao Jingshu did not ask, Ji Zizhao had not forgotten about her fourth sister's return.
During these days, Ji Zizhao had also asked Qing Zhu to discreetly inquire for news within the city, but there had been no progress.
Now, even during the day, the imperial city was heavily guarded, making it almost impossible to gather any information.
Seeing that Ji Zizhao was distracted, Ji Renran redoubled her efforts to appease the old madam.
Ji Zizhao was worried about her fourth sister and truly had no mood to entertain Ji Renran. She quickly finished her meal and excused herself.
As she walked towards Zhaoyuan, she happened to pass Yunyuan.
Ji Zizhao suddenly stopped and turned to look.
Everything was as she remembered, but the most important person was missing.
Everyone in Yunyuan knew that they could remain there thanks to the eldest young lady's arrangements. Seeing the eldest young lady arrive, they quickly emerged to greet her.
Ji Zizhao glanced around but did not see Xinlan.
"Have you seen..."
Just as she was about to ask, Shui Ling hurried over.
"Miss, Sister Lianju has returned and said she has important matters to report to Miss."
Lianju had been sent by Ji Zizhao to deliver a letter to Luoyi before Ji Zibi left the city. Logically, she should have seen Sister Si...
Ji Zizhao thought again of Sister Si, who had not returned, and completely forgot her unfinished question. She hurried away with Shui Ling.
As soon as she entered Zhaoyuan, she saw Lianju talking to Qing Zhu in the courtyard.
Seeing her young lady approaching, Lianju quickly bowed. "This subordinate greets Miss."
Ji Zizhao grasped Lianju's arm. "We are mistress and servant, there is no need for formality. Have you seen Fourth Miss?"
Lianju nodded with understanding. "Fourth Miss is waiting for Miss inside the room."
Upon hearing this, Ji Zizhao instructed Lianju to go back and rest, while she herself ascended the steps, lifted the curtain, and stepped inside. Indeed, she saw her fourth sister sitting at the round table.
Ji Zibi, whom she had not seen for a long time, had lost a lot of weight and appeared listless.
As soon as she saw her elder sister, Ji Zibi felt as if she had come back to life. She hastily stood up, and before she could speak, her eyes turned red.
Ji Zizhao carefully examined her fourth sister. Seeing her dry, chapped lips and her limbs weak and dispirited, she knew it was due to days of not eating or drinking. She immediately sent Shui Ling to the main kitchen to prepare food and also sent a portion to Lianju.
The food in the residence was scarce now, but having something was better than nothing.
After Ji Zibi finished eating and drank a pot of tea, she wiped her chin and said, "Eldest sister, something has happened!"
Ji Zizhao's heart tightened, but she still comforted her, "Don't worry, take your time and tell me."
Seeing her elder sister like this, Ji Zibi felt much more at ease. After thinking carefully, she spoke again. "Actually, I arrived at the main city five or six days ago. As soon as I returned, I saw a carriage being escorted by soldiers to the Xue residence."
"The Xue residence?" Ji Zizhao had left Luoyi earlier and had not met Xue Yongnian.
Ji Zibi explained why Xue Yongnian had arrived in Luoyi. "According to Second Sister, General Xue Yongnian has been following the new army since his arrival in Luoyi. Later, when I returned from Luoyi county, General Xue set off to return to the imperial city. Unexpectedly, something happened as soon as he returned."