Ji Ziyan was startled by the words.
Ji Zizhao, however, understood that the Tong family had come to support Gu Peilan.
It made sense, as the Tong family had been entrusted by the Fifth Prince and naturally needed to maintain good relations with Gu Peilan.
But the Tong family's visit, neither early nor late, coinciding with the Seventh Prince's confirmed return date, was it a coincidence or deliberate?
Moreover, the visitor was a junior from the Tong family, not the Madam Tong herself, which made it even more perplexing.
Ji Ziyan also worried, "Eldest Sister, you must be careful."
If the remarried First Madam and the Ji family were on good terms, it would be fine. But it was clear that Eldest Sister and the remarried Madam were not on good terms. For her maternal family to visit at such a time would not be to express gratitude; it felt like a display of power.
Ji Zizhao stood up and patted her third sister's shoulder with a smile, "Go attend to your duties, and don't worry about me."
Even if the Tong family was here to intimidate her, she would see if she would be intimidated by them.
Ji Ziyan watched her Eldest Sister's departing figure, feeling both worried and helpless.
They, the younger generation, were different from Eldest Sister. In such occasions involving outsiders, it was not their place to be involved.
Otherwise, she would have truly wanted to accompany Eldest Sister and support her.
Xu Momo, who had been waiting in the courtyard, was taken aback by the Eldest Young Lady's attire as she emerged.
Normally, for the maternal family of the remarried First Madam to visit for the first time, the Eldest Young Lady would have changed into a more formal outfit to show respect.
But judging by the Eldest Young Lady's current attire, it seemed to have nothing to do with grand occasions.
Thinking of the Tong family's young lady currently seated in the main courtyard, Xu Momo had to subtly remind her, fearing that the Eldest Young Lady would be outshone by the Tong family's daughter, "This niece of the remarried First Madam is quite something. She is adorned with gold and silver, and her words are easily worth a thousand taels."
For households like theirs, a month's expenses were only a hundred taels.
But this niece of the remarried First Madam seemed to treat money as if it were nothing, speaking of thousands of taels with every other sentence, which was quite astonishing.
However, Ji Zizhao merely nodded with a smile upon hearing this, saying nothing else.
Seeing that the Eldest Young Lady had no intention of changing her clothes, Xu Momo did not press further.
As soon as she entered the main courtyard, she heard the sounds of casual chatter, interspersed with the laughter of young ladies. Su Dan Novel Network.
As Xu Momo lifted the curtain, she quietly reminded, "The Tong family is here." Then, she turned and raised her voice towards those inside, "Old Madam, the Eldest Young Lady has arrived."
The curtain was lifted, and Ji Zizhao stepped inside.
Almost simultaneously, the lively main hall fell silent.
The people seated in the room turned their gazes towards Ji Zizhao.
Ji Zizhao acted as if she sensed nothing unusual. First, she paid her respects to her grandmother, "Your granddaughter greets you, Grandmother."
Before the Old Madam could speak, a distinctly discordant voice rang out, "Despite being a junior, she insists on acting like an elder. Now that she's in charge, things are different. Even basic etiquette and rules have been thrown to the dogs."
These words were exceedingly sharp and sarcastic, making the silence in the room even more profound.
The Madams from various branches, upon hearing this, had countless thoughts swirling in their minds.
They truly had to apologize to Xiu Jie'er. Compared to the speaker, even Xiu Jie'er, who was known for her fiery temper, would pale in comparison.
The main reason was that although Xiu Jie'er had a bad temper, she still made sense.
Someone who openly picked a fight and named names the moment they met…
It would be hard to find anyone like this in the entire imperial city.
Second Madam, Yu Fenglan, never expected her daughter's character rehabilitation to be due to this reason. She sat on her chair, neither smiling nor frowning.
Gu Peilan, sitting beside her, remained silent, her anticipation of seeing Ji Zizhao embarrassed even greater.
Ji Zizhao followed the sound with her eyes, and only then did she see a maiden in her prime, seated below her grandmother.
This woman was dressed in a light pink floor-length gown, with a matching fox fur cape draped over her shoulders. Her elaborate hair was adorned with various jade hairpins, and her makeup was so heavy that her original features were obscured.
Meeting Ji Zizhao's gaze, the maiden did not flinch. Instead, she stiffened her neck and glared back, "Since you dare to act, don't be afraid of me speaking out. As the person in charge of such a distinguished family, you wouldn't lack the magnanimity for this, would you?"
These words were difficult to respond to.
If she retaliated, it would imply Ji Zizhao was petty.
If she let it slide, it would mean Ji Zizhao willingly conceded and admitted defeat.
Gu Peilan was practically overjoyed, her upturned lips betraying her suppressed smile.
Finally, someone had come to deal with that little slut Ji Zizhao. It was so satisfying.
The Madams from various branches also felt a flicker of worry, contemplating what excuse they could use to help Sister Zhao out of this predicament.
However, Ji Zizhao did not fall for it at all. She simply said faintly, "This person is not…?"
With that, she directly withdrew her gaze from the maiden.
There was no hint of petty-mindedness, nor the anticipated admission of defeat. All that was present was a profound indifference, as if even looking at the maiden for another moment would be a waste of her life.
The maiden, completely ignored, was so angered that she slammed her palm onto the wooden table beside her.
With a "bang," the sound startled the Madams in the main hall.
This young lady had a truly fiery temper to dare slam the table in front of the Old Madam.
What did this mean for the Old Madam's reputation?
But…
Seeing the Old Madam embarrassed, why did they feel so pleased!
The Old Madam frowned, her expression darkening slightly.
Ji Renran saw this and quickly spoke with a smile, "Eldest Sister may not know, this is my mother's niece, Wang Jifu. She has been studying outside and has only recently returned to the manor. In truth, it is my maternal grandmother's thoughtful gesture. Hearing that Grandmother doted on my mother and me, she sent Cousin Jifu to get acquainted with the family."
Upon hearing this, the Old Madam's displeasure quickly dissipated.
She had not expected Gu Peilan to be from the Tong family. Although she learned of this unexpectedly, the Old Madam felt that Gu Peilan was even more sensible. She had never used the Tong family to pressure the Ji family, and had even obediently raised her children in seclusion in the suburbs for so many years.
When it came to the Tong family, the Old Madam dared not be disrespectful.
Now, the Old Madam felt she had found a treasure, and her affection for that side of the family over the years was well worth it.
Ji Renran saw the Old Madam's expression soften and breathed a sigh of relief.
The next moment, Ji Renran looked towards Ji Zizhao again, waiting for Ji Zizhao to ask about her maternal grandmother's family, so that she could then reveal the name of the Tong family and strike Ji Zizhao hard.