No one dared to face the Emperor's wrath.
Everyone present worried that the Emperor's anger might spill over onto them.
In contrast, Sun Yunxiao and Grand Tutor Zhao, kneeling in the crowd, smirked inwardly.
"People from the lower echelons have never seen the world," they thought. "How dare she speak so disrespectfully to the Emperor! When His Majesty punishes her with the rod later, we'll see how arrogant she can be!"
Ji Zizhao gazed silently at the Emperor on his high throne for a long while before kneeling on the ground, her expression undisturbed. "Your Majesty is benevolent and kind. All the citizens of the Imperial City, upon hearing of Your Majesty's great renown, admire Your Majesty's leniency towards the people and your trust in the capable. Personally, Your Majesty is the ruler of a nation, a figure of national reverence. Publicly, Your Majesty is the loving father to all of us..."
At this, Ji Zizhao knelt and bowed again. "With just a command from Your Majesty, the men of the Ji family will march to battle without complaint, willing to shed blood and sacrifice their lives without regret! All the merits and glory of the Ji family over the years have been bestowed by Your Majesty, yet the Ji family has never dared to claim credit. My grandfather always said that protecting the nation is the Ji family's duty. As long as Your Majesty trusts the Ji family, the Ji family will defend the lands of Yulin for Your Majesty!"
These words deeply moved everyone present, who were filled with admiration for the Ji family.
Even the princes kneeling by the side were filled with emotion, remembering how peaceful Yulin had been and how prosperous the Imperial City had been during the Ji family's peak.
Although Emperor Xiaochang had chided Ji Zizhao for her earlier disrespect, his anger had now completely dissipated.
It had to be said that Ji Zizhao's skill in praising the Ji family while flattering him simultaneously was truly admirable.
Sun Yunxiao: "..."
Grand Tutor Zhao: "..."
"This girl," they thought, "how can she be so skilled at flattery at such a young age!"
Emperor Xiaochang heard countless flattering words daily, but Ji Zizhao's words were the most pleasing to his heart. Although the envoy had already reported the reasons for the defeat at Luoyi, the detailed military report had not yet reached him. It was not appropriate to make a premature judgment on the Ji family's affairs. Moreover, considering that the Ji family had handed over all their wealth as taxes...
Emperor Xiaochang's expression gradually brightened. "It is widely rumored in the Imperial City that the eldest daughter of the Ji family is utterly useless, only knowing how to hide in her manor and enjoy leisure. I have heard this for many years and have come to believe it somewhat. Yet, I never imagined that the eldest daughter of the Ji family would be so eloquent, intelligent, and sharp. No wonder Zhengyong used to argue so heatedly with anyone who spoke ill of the eldest daughter of the Ji family." Su Dan Novel Network
Zhengyong...
That was his grandfather's name.
Ji Zizhao's heart ached, and her eyes welled up. "What I said just now was from the bottom of my heart. The Ji family seeks no countless achievements, only to protect the Emperor's mountains and rivers and to secure a prosperous era for the people of Yulin!"
"Well said, a prosperous era!"
Before Emperor Xiaochang could speak, a steady voice echoed from outside the hall.
Those kneeling on the ground quickly greeted, "Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, peace be with you."
The Empress Dowager, nearing seventy, her white hair appearing even more ethereal and intimidating under the hall's light, her eyes, weathered by time, harbored a hidden sharpness. Supported by her maids, she strode in, majestic and as imposing as ever.
Emperor Xiaochang rose and descended from his platform, taking the Empress Dowager's arm from her maid and personally escorting her into the hall. "Mother, you said you were unwell, how did you come in person?"
The Empress Dowager cast a glance at the area where Sun Yunxiao and Grand Tutor Zhao were, her voice steady yet laced with sharpness. "If I didn't come, how would I know that the court officials have fallen so low, only knowing how to pick on a young girl to vent their frustration?"
Sun Yunxiao and Grand Tutor Zhao shivered simultaneously.
Emperor Xiaochang smiled and said, "Mother, you exaggerate."
The Empress Dowager snorted at the Emperor but said no more. As she passed Ji Zizhao, she gave her a deep look, then, supported by Emperor Xiaochang, sat beside him.
As everyone rose, the Fifth Prince, Fifth Prince Hui, slunk back to his seat.
His palms were sweaty. He never imagined that his mere attempt to inquire about his second brother's safety through his father would stir up so much trouble.
A hand suddenly tugged at the Fifth Prince's sleeve.
Xie Jingzhou, still in a daze, looked up in surprise to see Xie Jinglin leaning in mysteriously. "Jingzhou, you truly have no authority over your wife. Look at how she's speaking, like she's swallowed gunpowder. Won't you manage her?"
Xie Jingzhou: "..."
"Why are you everywhere!"
Perhaps it was due to the recent events, or perhaps because the Empress Dowager was present, but everyone present had toned down their behavior somewhat. Sun Yunxiao, who had been thoroughly rebuked, even though he harbored extreme hatred for Ji Zizhao, dared not speak ill of the Ji family anymore, merely glaring incessantly at Grand Tutor Zhao beside him.
"Useless fellow," he thought. "You can't even deal with a useless wretch who's like straw."
Grand Tutor Zhao was also filled with resentment from being glared at. The hand that was about to clink glasses with Sun Yunxiao directly turned to someone else.
"When Ji Zizhao was spewing fire earlier, weren't you also left speechless? If you're so capable, why don't you step up?"
Sun Yunxiao: "..."
"If I were capable, why would I glare at you!"
Emperor Xiaochang was famously filial in Yulin. The Empress Dowager's appearance completely captured his attention. He personally attended to peeling fruits and serving tea for the Empress Dowager.
This allowed the princes seated below to breathe a sigh of relief.
No longer needing to worry about their status and etiquette in front of their father, they could finally enjoy their meal.
As everyone raised their cups and conversed, the banquet concluded before the hour of Hai (9-11 PM).
Everyone knelt to see off the Emperor and Empress Dowager. Emperor Xiaochang had intended to escort the Empress Dowager back to her chambers himself, but the Empress Dowager looked at Ji Zizhao, seated in the corner, and said, "Let the eldest daughter of the Ji family escort me back. It's late, and the Emperor should also rest early."
Emperor Xiaochang did not object. Instead, he helped the Empress Dowager walk to Ji Zizhao and personally placed the Empress Dowager's arm into Ji Zizhao's hand. "You must escort the Empress Dowager safely to her chambers."
Ji Zizhao calmly took the Empress Dowager's arm. "This subject obeys."
To gain the Empress Dowager's favor was a rare honor indeed.
Under the envious gazes of almost all the women in the hall, Ji Zizhao escorted the Empress Dowager out of the hall. Even other royal nobles, mindful of the Empress Dowager's regard for Ji Zizhao, had to offer her superficial smiles.
Ji Zizhao knew that the Empress Dowager was trying to support her.
The Empress Dowager smiled and patted Ji Zizhao's hand, signaling her not to overthink.
Ji Zizhao looked at the Empress Dowager's deliberately overt protection and pampering, how could she not overthink?
The night breeze was gentle, clearing her mind.
It was only at this moment that Ji Zizhao realized why the Emperor had not yet punished the Ji family.