“I have always heard of the Eldest Prince's consort, yet I never expected to meet you in person today. I hope you will not hold it against me, your Fourth Sister-in-law, for my lack of proper etiquette,” Ji Zizhao said, inclining her head slightly as she initiated the greeting.
The Eldest Prince's consort stared at Ji Zizhao, unsure if she was flattered or overwhelmed. Her mind seemed to have gone blank, and after a long moment, she finally managed to respond, “Fourth Sister-in-law, please rise and speak.”
Ji Zizhao straightened with the help of the Eldest Prince's consort’s hand and continued with a smile, “If I recall correctly, Eldest Sister-in-law, you were the first among us sisters-in-law to be married. In the future, if we younger ones have any questions, we will need to seek your guidance. Please do not find us bothersome.”
The Eldest Prince's consort, also smiling broadly, replied, “My mother has been unwell lately, so I have had to return home frequently to care for her. If Fourth Sister-in-law could come and chat with me, I would be overjoyed.”
Ji Zizhao winked playfully. “I have taken your words to heart. By then, Eldest Sister-in-law, you might regret it, but it will be too late.”
Looking at the smiling and lively Ji Zizhao before her, the Eldest Prince's consort felt as though she were dreaming.
Back then, after the Eldest Prince had visited the Xue family and returned to his fief, he had cursed the Fourth Prince for a long while. He had even remarked that someone like the Fourth Prince, a mere weakling, could find such capable assistance. The Eldest Prince's consort had discreetly investigated for a long time before finally discovering Ji Zizhao's name.
At that time, Ji Zizhao was already renowned throughout the imperial city, making the Eldest Prince's consort increasingly wary of her. Upon hearing that Ji Zizhao, as the Fourth Prince's consort, would also be attending the banquet today, the Eldest Prince's consort had barely slept a wink, filled with trepidation. Yet, she had never imagined that Ji Zizhao would be so willing to let bygones be bygones.
“I heard that your encounter with your Eldest Brother last time was not very pleasant. Here, I apologize on behalf of your Eldest Brother for any offense caused to you, Fourth Sister-in-law.” The Eldest Prince's consort dared not underestimate this Fourth Prince's consort in the slightest. Though the Ji family was in decline, the name Ji Zizhao alone carried significant weight.
Whether as the adopted grandson of the Zhong family, a subordinate in the Imperial Academy, or the Fourth Prince's consort, any one of these roles alone would be a lifelong endeavor for most.
“When did Eldest Sister-in-law’s matter occur? My memory must be poor, as I cannot recall it,” Ji Zizhao feigned surprise for a moment, then smiled with mock chagrin.
The Eldest Prince's consort: …
No wonder she could juggle multiple roles and still thrive…
They both had the same basic features, yet look at how adept the Fourth Prince's consort was at handling people!
With this, the Eldest Prince's consort became even more warm towards Ji Zizhao.
However, compared to the pleasantries exchanged here, the situation over there was quite different…
A group of eager-looking consorts and ladies of the princes were not just surprised, but utterly dumbfounded!
Everyone present knew the Eldest Prince's consort's standing. Normally, they would not wish to create such a strained atmosphere. But the Fifth Prince's consort, having elevated her own status, had no intention of paying her respects. What else could the others do but follow suit?
Currently, the Fifth Prince was in favor, so who would dare displease the Fifth Prince's consort?
Yet, Ji Zizhao dared!
And she did so brazenly, right to their faces, confronting them directly…
Just imagining it now, everyone could picture how terrible the Fifth Prince's consort’s expression must be!
Xu Meiqing and Xing Jiqiu, looking at the scene unfolding, were naturally uneasy.
However, compared to Xing Jiqiu, Xu Meiqing was already accustomed to Ji Zizhao's unconventional approach. Regaining her composure, she pulled Xing Jiqiu and joined Ji Zizhao.
The three of them were now in the same boat. To put it bluntly, no matter if Ji Zizhao was fried, stir-fried, or stewed, they would be in it together!
With the addition of Xu Meiqing and Xing Jiqiu, the Eldest Prince's consort's side quickly became lively.
Zuo Xiuhua stood rooted to the spot with a dark expression, feeling a wave of nausea.
She was clearly deeply angered!
She had come today prepared to outshine everyone, especially Ji Zizhao. Without even the Fourth Prince by her side, how could Ji Zizhao compare to her?
But what was Ji Zizhao doing now?
It was clearly an attempt to embarrass her!
And an unrefusably embarrassing situation at that!
If everyone had complied with her wishes and ignored the Eldest Prince's consort, the matter would have passed. But with Ji Zizhao and the others engaging so warmly with the Eldest Prince's consort, Zuo Xiuhua had no choice but to force herself to go over and greet her. Otherwise, if the news spread, wouldn't she be accused of lacking manners?
“It is all my oversight. I did not see Eldest Sister-in-law enter. Fourth Sister-in-law, too. Since you saw Eldest Sister-in-law, why didn't you inform us sisters-in-law? If Eldest Sister-in-law misunderstands, will she not blame us for being ill-mannered?” With her words, Zuo Xiuhua directly shifted the blame onto Ji Zizhao, not forgetting to stir up animosity towards her in the process.
Xing Jiqiu's heart tightened. She deserved to be the favored daughter-in-law of Consort Xi, her words were like a bloodbath.
For a moment, all eyes turned to Ji Zizhao.
Ji Zizhao smiled faintly, neither arrogant nor timid. “The imperial family values rules, and etiquette ranks foremost. We, as daughters-in-law of the imperial family, must keep our eyes and ears open when attending banquets. Fifth Sister-in-law was personally chosen by Consort Xi, so how could she overlook such a minor detail?”
Zuo Xiuhua choked, nearly dying of anger!
How could she possibly respond to that? Any reply would drag Consort Xi into the mess!
The Eldest Prince's consort, surprised by Ji Zizhao's eloquence, which was as sharp as a knife, saw Zuo Xiuhua's face darken like the bottom of a pot. She quickly smoothed things over with a laugh, “Indeed, I arrived late. It was due to a family matter at my mother's residence that caused the delay.”
Ji Zizhao, still smiling, replied, “Both major and minor matters are ordinary occurrences. I believe Fifth Sister-in-law can understand.”
Zuo Xiuhua: …
She had already stopped speaking, so why was it still being dragged back to her?
“Fourth Sister-in-law is right. Who doesn't have urgent matters?” Zuo Xiuhua also wore a smile, but the brighter her smile, the more she was bleeding internally.
Among the sisters-in-law present, there were many who did not get along. Even when they were young ladies in the imperial city, there were plenty of private disagreements. However, these usually amounted to a few sarcastic remarks behind each other's backs. But when the same situation befell the Fourth Prince's consort, it took on a completely different flavor.
Direct confrontation…
This was not something just anyone could do.
The consorts present swore that they would not argue with the Fourth Prince's consort today, lest they be the next ones to wear a pot on their heads!
The Eighth Prince's consort seized the opportunity to ease the tension. Seeing that the time was nearing, she quickly beckoned everyone to the front hall for lunch, continuously pointing out the scenic views of the manor to divert their attention.
As Zuo Xiuhua turned to leave, she deliberately looked at Ji Zizhao and said, “If you ask me, today should have been even more lively, don't you think so, Fourth Sister-in-law?”