Jiang Guangcheng had been talking to Ji Zizhao the whole time, thinking that this should be obvious enough, and that the Fourth Prince would understand that he and Ji Zizhao were not on the same path.
With this thought, as Jiang Guangcheng stood up, he deliberately cast a glance towards the window opposite.
Xie Jinglan was saying something to Zhang Shuzhong, his clean and fair face adorned with a faint smile.
As he spoke, he picked up his teacup and took a sip.
When he put it down, Xie Jinglan naturally turned his gaze towards the window outside.
With every frown and glance, he seemed like a willow swaying in the breeze, his presence as captivating as fragrant incense.
Though he wasn't exceptionally handsome, he inexplicably drew people in, making them feel infatuated.
Especially when his dark eyes met Ji Zizhao's, they shone with a cool radiance.
Just then, Ji Zizhao stood up to wipe her sweat and inadvertently looked up, her eyes meeting his.
Their eyes locked, and Xie Jinglan smiled faintly, the corners of his lips curving upwards, his brows arching, radiating warmth.
Ji Zizhao was momentarily stunned, then instinctively wanted to look away. However, recalling the Empress's words, she lightly nodded before continuing to sort the medicinal herbs.
This response made Xie Jinglan feel somewhat flattered.
He had to admit that the girl's attitude towards him seemed to have changed recently.
Yet, upon closer thought, Xie Jinglan smiled again.
He figured it was likely that she had heard from her cousin Zhong about him mentioning her hardships in the Imperial Academy. After all, with Ji Zizhao's intelligence, she understood anything and everything at a glance.
As Xie Jinglan withdrew his gaze, he inadvertently noticed Jiang Guangcheng.
He didn't need to guess what Jiang Guangcheng's intentions were, but when their eyes met, he merely gave a faint glance, devoid of any other sentiment, and naturally looked away.
It was precisely this composure and ease that pierced Jiang Guangcheng's heart like a thorn.
Jiang Guangcheng prided himself on believing that if the woman he cared about conversed with another man, regardless of the reason, he would be unable to maintain self-control and calmness. That was why he had used such tactics to inform the Fourth Prince that his relationship with Ji Zizhao was different.
However, the Fourth Prince had treated his provocation with a nonchalant brush-off, dismissing it with a single stroke.
It was as if his so-called provocation was utterly insignificant in those eyes.
Those dark eyes, though as calm as could be, possessed a power that could encompass all things in the world. Even if the heavens and earth were to collapse, the innate nobility and inherent powerful aura in his eyes would remain unshaken.
At this moment, all of Jiang Guangcheng's pride was shattered.
It felt as though he had already lost before the competition had even begun.
Ji Zizhao, "..."
She was utterly bewildered, looking at Jiang Guangcheng who had suddenly become dejected.
Xie Jinglan, seeing Ji Zizhao's uncomprehending expression, chuckled amusedly.
It was rare to see this girl being so oblivious.
He recalled how Xiao Qi had paced frantically in his residence all night for this Jiang Guangcheng.
The Jiang family delivered medicinal herbs to the Imperial Academy right on schedule. After Xie Jinglan carefully verified the herbs against the list with Zhang Shuzhong, he stood up and left.
However, Xie Jinglan's departure did not truly alleviate Jiang Guangcheng's feelings.
Before leaving work that evening, he still found Ji Zizhao and said, "Sister Ji, may I speak with you in private?"
Ji Zizhao nodded, "Brother Jiang, if you have something to say, why not speak it directly."
Jiang Guangcheng thought for a moment before speaking, "I heard that Sister Ji has a good relationship with the Fourth Prince?"
Ji Zizhao immediately became defensive, "Where did Brother Jiang hear such a thing?"
Seeing Ji Zizhao's cautious demeanor, as if facing a venomous beast, Jiang Guangcheng felt a pang of bitterness.
He had merely mentioned the Fourth Prince, did she need to be so vigilant?
He decided to stop hiding anything and told her about the Zou family's desire to take Ji Zizhao as a concubine, how he had helped her get justice, and did not forget to mention the Fourth Prince's actions in the Ministry of Revenue.
"The Fourth Prince is helping Sister Ji so much, I always worry he has ulterior motives. Even if Sister Ji once helped the Fourth Prince, princes in the imperial palace are all high above. How many would truly remember past favors?"
Ji Zizhao listened, stunned.
She truly hadn't expected that the Zou family's willingness to withdraw the marriage proposal involved such things she was unaware of.
Considering this, she owed the Fourth Prince another favor.
Although Ji Zizhao had decided to align herself with the Fourth Prince, and it was natural for him to protect her, she still felt something subtly permeating her heart.
Upon reflection, the Fourth Prince had helped her quite a bit, but he never mentioned a word of it to her.
She always learned of what he had done for her through others.
Suppressing her myriad thoughts, Ji Zizhao smiled and said, "Thank you for this matter, Brother Jiang."
Jiang Guangcheng wanted to hear more than just thanks. "Since I call you Sister Ji, these actions are only what I should do. Why should Sister Ji be so formal with me? As for the Fourth Prince..."
"I will naturally remember the Fourth Prince's kindness, so please do not trouble yourself with it, Brother Jiang."
With that, Ji Zizhao was the first to board the carriage.
Jiang Guangcheng watched Ji Zizhao leave so decisively, his mind momentarily stunned.
So protective of the Fourth Prince...
Even unwilling to speak about him?
Ji Zizhao indeed did not wish to discuss the Fourth Prince with others.
Furthermore, in Ji Zizhao's eyes, Jiang Guangcheng was merely a business partner.
Sitting in the carriage all the way, Ji Zizhao's heart was in turmoil, much like the bumpy carriage.
She couldn't quite pinpoint what was troubling her.
Upon returning to the Ji family, the main courtyard was bustling with activity.
As Ji Zizhao was about to head towards Zhaoyuan, she saw the Second Madam, Yu Fenglan, approaching. "Sister Zhao, have you just returned?"
Ji Zizhao stopped and nodded. "Where is Second Aunt going?"
Second Madam Yu Fenglan leaned in and whispered, "The Old Madam was able to walk on her own today. I heard she was in good spirits and asked everyone in the household to gather in the main courtyard. I was afraid you might return late and miss the news, so I waited here for you."
Although Ji Zizhao had disagreements with her grandmother, she still had to maintain appearances.
"Thank you, Second Aunt, for the reminder. I'll change my clothes and come over."
"Why be so formal with Second Aunt? Don't worry, your other two aunts in the main courtyard will help you, so you don't need to rush," Second Madam Yu Fenglan said with a smile and a wave of her hand. Her daughter could bring honor to the family all thanks to Sister Zhao. One could be adaptable and worldly, but never forget one's roots.
Ji Zizhao smiled and nodded, then turned to head towards her own courtyard.