"Eldest Sister..." Ji Ziyun wanted to say something, but as she opened her mouth, she found herself already in tears, unable to utter a single word.
Ji Zizhao rose and walked to Ji Ziyun, taking out a handkerchief and carefully wiping her eyes. "You're about to be married, and yet you're crying like this. It will make people laugh. I've investigated Han Xian; he has no close relatives in the imperial city, and our Ji family isn't that particular. Let Aunt Two choose a good day, and you can hold the ceremony here in the manor."
"It's not my first marriage, so how can I still be called a bride?" Ji Ziyun choked out.
Ji Zizhao bent down slightly and smiled, "When you wear the wedding dress, you are a bride. Life is first bitter, then sweet. Remember, hold your life in your own hands and walk forward with your head held high. Don't worry, Eldest Sister will always be behind you."
Ji Ziyun looked at her eldest sister's face, so close to hers. Others might see the beauty of this face, but through her tears, she saw only reassurance and stability.
Beside them, Shui Huan covered her mouth with a handkerchief, already in a state of tearful laughter.
It's so good, Miss can finally step out of her past shadows.
Fortunately, Eldest Miss is still here.
Han Xian stood silently in the courtyard, having heard every word of the conversation from inside. Seeing Ji Zizhao emerge, he quickly knelt on one knee. "Little one is deeply grateful for Eldest Miss's intentions. I will surely not let Eldest Miss's expectations go unfulfilled!"
Ji Zizhao stopped and looked down at Han Xian. As expected of someone from the Ji family army, even his kneeling posture was firm and straight. "I am paving the way for you because you are worthy. What I am doing is also for the good of Third Sister. There's no need to make any promises to me, just be able to ask your conscience without reproach."
Han Xian trembled and quickly whispered, "Eldest Miss's teachings, this one will surely keep in mind."
Ji Zizhao gestured for Han Xian to rise. "I had someone investigate you. If we go by age, I'm actually a bit older than you. From now on, you don't need to call me Eldest Miss. You can call me Eldest Sister along with Third Sister."
Shui Ling: "..."
Miss, can you really tell the person involved when you've investigated their background?
Ji Zizhao didn't think there was anything wrong with saying it.
Although Grandmother didn't obstruct Third Sister's marriage this time, it was still possible she would secretly find people to monitor Han Xian.
When a couple lives together, others' interference will only add to unnecessary conflict. Ji Zizhao wanted everyone in the Ji family to know that Han Xian was someone she was keeping an eye on. This way, if Grandmother wanted to send someone, she would have to consider Ji Zizhao's position.
Ji Ziyun could not have fathomed such a thought, but that didn't mean Han Xian couldn't.
As he watched Ji Zizhao's retreating back, Han Xian's gaze gradually became distant and hollow. Such intentions and methods were truly reminiscent of the decisive and meticulous Ji family master from the past.
"What are you looking at?" Ji Ziyun emerged from the room.
Han Xian murmured, "If Eldest Miss were a man, she would surely far surpass all the men of the Ji family. What a pity..."
Ji Ziyun, however, shook her head. "Even as a woman, Eldest Sister can bear the storms and support the Ji family. Since she is no different from a man, what is there to regret?"
Talented people are not divided by gender; this was a lesson she learned from her eldest sister.
Ji Ziyun and Han Xian's wedding was set for five days later. Since she did not need to marry out, it was a simple ceremony within the manor.
On the wedding day, Third Madam Yin Wenying cried like a torrent of tears. However, seeing her daughter's happy expression before the veil was placed, she was truly happy for her.
Second Madam Yu Fenglan said softly, "On such a joyous occasion, crying is inauspicious."
Fourth Madam Xiao Jingzhu also chimed in to comfort her, "Third Sister-in-law, you must trust Zhao Jie'er's judgment."
Third Madam Yin Wenying nodded. The last time, she hadn't heeded Zhao Jie'er's advice and had caused her daughter so much suffering. This time, as long as her daughter was happy, nothing else mattered.
Normally, when Ji Ziyun got married, the sisters in the manor would have accompanied her. However, Ji Zimo and Ji Zibi were not in the manor, so the duties fell entirely on Ji Zizhao. From dawn till dusk, Ji Zizhao only left the bridal chamber after waiting for Han Xian to toast the aunts one by one in the courtyard.
After the marriage, Han Xian naturally moved into Yun Yuan. Although his identity had changed to Third Son-in-Law, his previous popularity as a steward in the Ji family meant that he had no awkwardness with the servants in the manor.
Ji Renran watched Ji Ziyun's current happiness and couldn't help but guess that it was all Ji Zizhao's doing. It would be a lie to say she wasn't jealous. She was a sister by the same father as Ji Zizhao, yet how had Ji Zizhao treated her?
Gu Peilan, watching Ji Ziyun immersed in her happy little life day after day, naturally felt uncomfortable.
Ever since her son's divorce, he had been living in the pleasure quarters. She had gone to find him a few times, but Ji Zongyou was still angry with her and refused to even see her.
"Miss, Fubao is back," Shui Ling reported, lifting the curtain in Zhao Yuan.
Ji Zizhao had been having Fubao follow Ji Zongyou during this time. Upon hearing of his return, she knew there must be news from Ji Zongyou's end. "Have him come in to speak."
As expected, Fubao said as soon as he entered, "Miss, Young Master Zongyou just vomited blood at Zui Chun Lou!"
"Who knows about this matter?"
"It was quite coincidental. The courtesans at Zui Chun Lou were resting during the day. The kitchen was going to deliver food to Young Master Zongyou, but after knocking for a long time, there was no response. The madam, fearing something had happened, personally opened the door and saw Young Master Zongyou had vomited blood all over the bed."
Fubao had served a prince before, so he naturally handled things thoroughly. Thinking that Miss would not want this matter to be known, he had given the madam money beforehand to seal her lips. The madam was currently waiting for news in the building.
Ji Zizhao nodded at him with approval, then instructed Shui Ling, "Get me changed."
Shui Ling was stunned. "Miss intends to go to a pleasure house?"
Ji Zizhao narrowed her eyes slightly. "When it comes to collecting interest, one must naturally show up in person."
Shui Ling was so surprised that she couldn't speak for a long time. Which young lady would go to a pleasure house for no good reason? But she dared not disobey the young lady's orders, so she could only brace herself and tie her hair in a man's bun.
As for men's clothing, Ji Zizhao had no shortage of it. She often went out in men's attire when dealing with accounts at the Four Great Medical Halls in the past.
At Zui Chun Lou, the madam was anxiously waiting when a servant reported that a carriage had stopped at the back door and the young master who alighted from it did not look like someone from an ordinary family.
The madam hurried to the back door upon hearing this. Upon seeing Ji Zizhao standing by the carriage, she was also startled. Although her attire was not particularly luxurious, the aura and presence she exuded were definitely not something that could be cultivated by ordinary families.