The Empress Zhong had summoned Ji Zizhao today precisely to help make introductions.
But as it turned out, before she could say a word, Ji Zizhao already knew. What was there left to introduce? She might as well… drink tea.
Ji Zizhao met Xing Jiqiu’s surprised gaze and smiled faintly. "Today’s events were too sudden, and Xin Yi herself is unsure if she truly hit someone. This is a time when everyone is observing. Yet, Miss Xing dared to speak up and remind her. Not only are you unafraid of offending Liang Lanyi, but you also possess an inherently superior confidence and a clear stance. And apart from being the future Seventh Prince's consort, I truly cannot think of any other identity that fits these criteria. Forgive my dullness."
Xing Jiqiu was speechless.
If such insight was considered dullness, then she would be an idiot.
"I've long heard that the future Fourth Sister-in-law is incredibly intelligent and exceptionally astute. To see you now truly broadens my horizons." Xing Jiqiu clasped Ji Zizhao's hand, her smile radiating warmth.
From this day forward, they would be sisters-in-law fighting side-by-side.
Or perhaps, family would be a more fitting term.
Seeing that Xing Jiqiu even knew about her relationship with the Fourth Prince, Ji Zizhao let down her guard. Since the Empress was able to confide everything to Xing Jiqiu, it meant this person could be trusted.
A sweet, soft aroma, carried by the cold wind, wafted into the room.
Empress Zhong smiled and beckoned them over. "We are all family now. Don't be so formal with each other. Come, have some bird's nest soup."
Xing Jiqiu had spoken with the Empress in private before, but the usual sense of distance had not diminished. Therefore, she instinctively chose to eat at a place further from the Empress, to avoid any perceived impropriety.
While Xing Jiqiu was still contemplating where to sit, Ji Zizhao had already taken a seat beside the Empress and gestured for Xing Jiqiu to sit next to her.
Xing Jiqiu was stunned.
Could one truly be so at ease in front of the Empress?
Ji Zizhao smiled and pulled Xing Jiqiu to sit down, then placed a spoon in her hand. "Eat. If it gets cold, it will harm your stomach."
Empress Zhong chuckled upon hearing this. "If Zizhao says it will harm your stomach, then it surely will. Miss Ji, you might not know, but Zizhao's medical skills are unparalleled. If you ever feel unwell in the future, there's no need to bother those imperial physicians at the Tai Hospital who get out of breath after a few steps. Just let Zizhao take a look; you'll be much more at ease."
Xing Jiqiu nodded blankly, though her heart was bursting with surprise.
The Empress's pride was ingrained in her bones. In the few times Xing Jiqiu had met her, she had never heard the Empress offer such high praise to anyone.
Empress Zhong noticed the astonishment in Xing Jiqiu's eyes and offered no explanation. After all, the road ahead was long, and she would have plenty of opportunities for Xing Jiqiu to witness Ji Zizhao's extraordinary abilities firsthand.
"Your Majesty, Consort Sun has arrived," a voice called from outside the door, belonging to Eunuch Dai.
Empress Zhong replied without a second thought, "Tell her to go back."
Eunuch Dai, as if expecting this, quickly disappeared from the doorway.
Thinking about the day's events, Empress Zhong let out a cold laugh. "Consort Sun is truly cunning. If I hadn't recognized that hairpin today, even I wouldn't have realized she harbored intentions to test me."
Ji Zizhao, however, said, "I fear Consort Sun is not the only one who wishes to test Your Majesty."
Empress Zhong raised an eyebrow. "You think so too?"
Ji Zizhao nodded. "Your Majesty mentioned you didn't expect it, which shows that Consort Sun is usually well-behaved. For her to suddenly dare to so brazenly test Your Majesty's intentions suggests she must have found a powerful backer. This confidence is unlikely to be innate."
"In this imperial palace, how many are there who can contend with me?"
"Your Majesty is wise."
"Noble Consort Xi has always favored such subtle, bloodless maneuvering. However, Noble Consort Xi might not be unaware that I am using Xin Yi as a front."
"Noble Consort Xi might know, but it's unlikely that other consorts in the harem do. If Consort Sun had succeeded in her test today and discovered that Your Majesty had other arrangements for the Seventh Prince's consort, it's probable that the news would spread like wildfire among the other consorts in the palace."
People share common traits.
Therefore, regardless of Your Majesty's reasons for concealment, once the truth is revealed, everyone will feel deceived by Your Majesty.
And then, if Noble Consort Xi were to use her usual subtle tactics to win over people's hearts…
At that point, it would be difficult to say how many would flock to Noble Consort Xi's side.
Empress Zhong had already considered these possibilities. Hearing Ji Zizhao's words only strengthened her conviction. "I suspect Noble Consort Xi never expected that sending Consort Sun out would be like kicking an iron plate. Now, the Director of the Imperial Observatory owes me a great debt. After the Eighth Prince's wedding, his household will certainly not be peaceful."
Ji Zizhao marveled at the Empress's stratagems, feeling a touch of admiration.
The implication was clear: if you cannot win me over, I will win over your future daughter-in-law. If nothing unexpected happens, by the time you are in the grave, your daughter-in-law will still be serving me.
"Noble Consort Xi is not one to take losses lightly. She will certainly not let this matter rest easily. You all need to be cautious these next few days," Empress Zhong cautioned gently. While she cherished her future daughters-in-law, there were times when even she couldn't foresee everything.
"Your Majesty, rest assured."
"..."
As Ji Zizhao finished speaking, Xing Jiqiu, who was beside them, remained silent for a long time.
Ji Zizhao and Empress Zhong looked at her in surprise to see Xing Jiqiu with her mouth slightly ajar, her eyes wide and unblinking.
Xing Jiqiu was simply stunned!
That was the Empress! The ruler of the harem! Second only to the heavens!
Anyone who could sit beside the Empress had enjoyed immense fortune in a past life, let alone being able to sit together and discuss matters as equals.
Yet, Ji Zizhao dared to do so!
Not only did she dare, but she did so naturally!
"Ahem…" Ji Zizhao coughed lightly. This was hardly the time for her to be in a daze.
Xing Jiqiu dazedly returned to her senses and quickly nodded. "Your Majesty is right, it's…"
Empress Zhong was speechless.
So…
What exactly had she been talking about?
After a long day, Empress Zhong was also tired. Seeing that the time was nearing, she asked Eunuch Dai to escort the two ladies out.
When Eunuch Dai returned to the sleeping chambers, he saw the Empress resting with her forehead in her hand, eyes closed. He quietly said, "Your Majesty must be fatigued. This old servant will help you change and prepare for bed."
Empress Zhong slowly opened her eyes and sighed almost inaudibly. "That daughter from the Xing family was also someone I had been observing for a long time, carefully selected. But compared to Ji Zizhao today…"
Eunuch Dai smiled and replied, "Not everyone can be compared to the eldest daughter of the Ji family."
Empress Zhong nodded. "This is for the best. Should the Fourth Prince truly one day… with Ji Zizhao by his side, I can finally rest easy."