The old madam knew nothing of what had truly transpired in the palace. Gu Peilan approached her, persuading her to have the Yang family help them by speaking a good word. To the old madam, it was not a significant matter.
After all, the Yang family and the Ji family were in-laws, and it was only natural for them to lend a hand.
However, the madams of each branch, watching the old madam make her decision, felt a great sense of unease.
It was true that the Yang and Ji families were connected by marriage, but the Yang family owed the Ji family nothing.
In other words, when the first madam passed away, the Ji family had not even sent a single message to the Yang family. Now, they expected the Yang family to help Ji Renran secure a marriage of high standing. The very thought of such shamelessness made them feel embarrassed.
Ji Zizhao was also angry, but anger at this moment could solve nothing.
The recent turmoil in the palace had indeed given her no handle to grasp, but she could not afford to reveal any weakness that might arouse Ji Renran's suspicion.
Ji Renran was young, but Concubine Xi was powerful.
“Speaking of which, I do miss my maternal grandfather. If I can truly see him this time, it would be a good thing,” Ji Zizhao said with a smile, her face showing no hint of displeasure.
Hearing this, Ji Renran felt both relieved and disappointed.
She was relieved that the Yang family might truly be able to help her.
She was disappointed that Ji Zizhao was cooperating so readily, making it impossible for her to find any evidence, no matter how suspicious she might be.
Gu Peilan seemed surprised by Ji Zizhao's swift agreement. “Before, Sister Zhao didn't even care about Renran’s life or death. Now she's willing to help actively,” she said, her voice full of suspicion.
Yu Fenglan nearly had a heart attack from anger. “The words of the remarried First Madam are truly laughable. When the invitation was sent to the Yang family, Sister Zhao’s consent wasn't sought. Now that Sister Zhao has agreed, is she wrong?”
Gu Peilan was taken aback by the retort, her eyes still fixed on Ji Zizhao with unyielding suspicion. “After all, Sister Zhao’s attitude towards Renran was always icy. Her sudden kindness is bound to raise suspicions.”
Yin Wenying scoffed, “Then what would the remarried First Madam have Sister Zhao do? Refuse outright?”
Ji Zizhao looked at Gu Peilan, who was stubbornly arguing without reason, and felt a surge of nausea.
But now Gu Peilan was using Ji Renran's connection to the Fifth Prince to sway the old madam, and the old madam was bound to favor her.
Therefore, arguing at this moment would yield no results.
Seeing Nanny He still standing by, Ji Zizhao gave her a meaningful glance.
Nanny He subtly moved closer to her young lady. “What are your orders, Miss?”
Ji Zizhao whispered, “When I returned just now, I saw the Zou family’s carriage still parked at the entrance. I presume Sister-in-law has returned. Renran sister marrying the Fifth Prince is such wonderful news, how could we not inform Sister-in-law and let her share in the joy?”
Nanny He understood immediately and, while no one was paying attention, quietly slipped out of the main hall.
Gu Peilan now felt very confident. As long as the Yang family arrived, they wouldn't stand by and watch her daughter die. And once her daughter married into the Fifth Prince's household, the old madam would still favor them.
With these thoughts, Gu Peilan looked at the old madam and choked out a sob, “Old Madam, you’ve seen it yourself. Renran marrying the Fifth Prince is a good thing, but why does everyone insist on cursing my Renran?”
Yu Fenglan: “…”
Yin Wenying: “…”
When had they cursed her!
Ji Renran, who had been silent, gently grasped the old madam’s hand. “I know I am not as favored as my elder sister, but I truly wish to be filial to my aunts. I had thought that once I married into the Fifth Prince’s mansion, my unmarried sisters in the household could also look for good matches. But if my aunts are unwilling, then I will not marry. I will stay by Grandmother’s side from now on and be filial to her.”
This statement greatly stimulated the old madam.
She had been counting on Ji Renran to bring glory to the Ji family by marrying well. How could she not marry!
Sensing Ji Renran’s small hands trembling uncontrollably, the old madam gripped them tighter and her gaze turned cold towards the Second Madam and Third Madam. “You two are elders, how can you be so biased! Renran marrying the Fifth Prince is an honor for our entire Ji family. Do you wish for your daughters to be trampled underfoot their entire lives! If that is the case, then Yun sister and Mo sister should also not marry.”
Yu Fenglan and Yin Wenying were somewhat stunned by these words.
Even though Ji Ziyun was divorced, Yin Wenying had no intention of letting her daughter remain single for life.
As for Ji Zimo, Yu Fenglan had already quietly begun looking for suitable families.
As it involved their daughters’ marital futures, Yu Fenglan and Yin Wenying were too afraid to speak further.
Seeing that the two women remained silent, Gu Peilan curved her lips in triumph.
But before she could enjoy her victory for long, she heard a maid from her own courtyard rush to the entrance.
“Remarried First Madam, something is wrong! Young Master Zongyou and the young madam are arguing again!”
Gu Peilan: “…”
Hadn’t they just returned?
Ji Zizhao watched Gu Peilan’s astonished expression and lowered her eyes slightly.
Zou Siyan had married Ji Zongyou with a belly full of resentment.
Now that Zou Siyan had heard that Ji Renran was to marry the Fifth Prince, whether it was true or not, she was bound to feel unbalanced.
The old madam had long been aware of the discord between Zou Siyan and Ji Zongyou. But since it involved Ji Zongyou, she no longer wished to interfere and waved her hand, signaling for everyone in the room to disperse.
Gu Peilan, worried that Zou Siyan might leave impulsively, hurried towards Ji Zongyou’s residence as soon as she stepped out of the courtyard.
Ji Renran, without her mother’s company, felt a bit flustered and dutifully returned to her own courtyard.
The madams of each branch approached Ji Zizhao, wanting to offer some words of comfort, but the words refused to come out.
The death of the first madam was due to Sister Zhao’s filial piety in keeping it from the Yang family.
But now the old madam was favoring Ji Renran and acting in such a manner. Although it had nothing to do with them, they, as members of the Ji family, still felt deeply embarrassed.
Fortunately, Ji Zizhao smiled at her aunts and exchanged a few pleasantries as usual.
This finally made the madams feel less ashamed.
Ji Zizhao was angry, but she did not take it out on innocent people.
This matter had nothing to do with her aunts, so why should she make things difficult for them?
When it came to settling scores, one must find the right person.
Upon returning to her courtyard, Ji Zizhao summoned Xueying. “You must leave the city immediately and head in the direction of the Yang family. Intercept the letter and deal with the messenger as well.”