Just then, Xue Yinuo and others also entered, and seeing Ji Zizhao sitting not far away, they walked over without a word.
The noble ladies of the imperial city each had their own charms and their own pride, so their social circles were not very wide and they could rarely accommodate others. They mostly conversed in hushed tones in pairs.
This made Ji Zizhao's side seem exceptionally lively.
Even Xing Jiqiu, seeing this from afar, felt a pang of envy.
The most deserted was Ji Renran. Both were noble ladies from the Ji family. Looking at the eldest daughter of the Ji family, and then at her, the gap was truly more than just ordinary.
Facing the occasional gazes cast her way, Ji Renran felt as if she were sitting on pins and needles. Looking at Ji Zizhao's side again, she hated her even more. Clearly, she was the one with blood ties to Ji Zizhao, yet Ji Zizhao only cared about chatting with a group of outsiders, showing no regard for family or outsiders.
Ji Zizhao paid no mind to what Ji Renran was thinking, or rather, she had never cared.
During this time, Ji Renran had indeed visited her fourth sister, but Ji Zizhao had turned her away each time.
They had no affection for each other in the first place in the manor, so who was she putting on this hypocritical act for now?
Now, seeing Xue Yinuo and the others recovered and well was what put Ji Zizhao's mind at ease the most. "You all should rest for a while longer to be more prudent, especially Yinuo, as your injuries are the most severe."
Xue Yinuo put on a brave face, acting like a bronze wall and iron bastion. "Days have flown by while I've been confined to bed. If I lie down any longer, I'll forget how to walk. How is your fourth sister now?"
Ji Zizhao smiled and replied, "Although she hasn't woken up, everything is relatively stable."
Xu Meiqing took Ji Zizhao's hand. "I only heard from Xin Yi a few days ago that the young lady who acted bravely that day was your fourth sister. If she wakes up, please tell me quickly. My parents have already prepared thank-you gifts."
Ji Zizhao shook her head. "There's no need for such trouble."
This time, it was Zhong Xinyi's turn to object. "That won't do. My aunt said that the fourth daughter of the Ji family's act of bravery should be widely publicized. My aunt has already spoken with the Emperor, and as soon as we return to the imperial city, she will personally send someone to bestow rewards upon the fourth daughter of the Ji family."
In the imperial city, not many people received rewards from the Empress.
Especially since Ji Zibì often traveled far and wide, receiving praise and commendation from the Empress would also help her safety in the future. After all, no one would dare to recklessly harm someone whom the Empress had praised.
It had to be said that the Empress was truly thoughtful.
The young ladies chatted and laughed for a while, and then it was time for the banquet.
Given that the Empress and Consort Xi were both indisposed and did not attend, other consorts, for fear of being seen as usurping the Empress's position, also found various excuses to decline the New Year's banquet. As for other court officials and princes, they would be accompanying the Emperor elsewhere, so there were not as many strict rules for the ladies.
During the feast, Zuo Xiuhua organized everyone to voluntarily compose poems and essays, with gifts for the winners.
Xu Meiqing and Zhong Xinyi were energized. Although they didn't lack the so-called gifts, they couldn't let others win. They immediately patted their chests and guaranteed Ji Zizhao that they would both win first place.
Ji Zizhao truly had no interest in such literary pursuits. Coincidentally, Xue Yinuo felt the same. The two of them simply retreated to the luohan bed behind them and sat side by side.
While the other noble ladies were engaged in poetry and song, Xue Yinuo suddenly whispered, "Zizhao, have you heard? There seems to be another change in Tonglin."
Ji Zizhao frowned slightly. "Who did you hear that from?"
"My father. My father was summoned by the Emperor several times in the past few days. I unintentionally overheard my father talking to other ministers about it. It seems something has happened in Tonglin, and it's something very serious. Even the old General Zhong couldn't handle it, so they sent someone to the imperial temporary residence to deliver a letter. For that one piece of news, eight horses died from exhaustion, and the messenger who came to deliver it also died of a hemorrhage the next day."
In the wars between various countries, imperial couriers were always present to ensure timely delivery of messages back to the imperial city.
Although imperial couriers had strict regulations and the urgency of their dispatches was paramount, they also had strict time requirements. It was not that upon receiving news, the original dispatching time and rhythm would be disrupted.
However, if it was truly as Xue Yinuo described, sparing no expense just to deliver the news to the Emperor as quickly as possible, then the message to be conveyed must be both weighty and urgent!
Ji Zizhao lowered her voice and asked, "Do you know if anyone else knows about this matter?"
Xue Yinuo thought for a moment. "From my father's words, it seems only a few people know, but I'm not sure who exactly."
It appeared the Emperor intended to suppress this matter.
Ji Zizhao had come to the imperial temporary residence with no trusted confidantes by her side. Even though she had many questions in her heart, she could only wait and see what would unfold for now.
In the room, the poetry and essay competition was still quite lively.
However, after several rounds of competition, most of the other noble ladies had been eliminated. Only the group led by Zuo Xiuhua, who were currying favor with the Fifth Prince's consort, along with Xu Meiqing and Zhong Xinyi, and the Eighth Prince's consort who had joined later, remained.
The other noble ladies were somewhat afraid of Zuo Xiuhua and were unwilling to do anything that would offend her, so they preferred to lose outwardly rather than offend the future Fifth Prince's consort.
But it was different for Xu Meiqing and Zhong Xinyi. They were already at odds with Zuo Xiuhua, and with the Empress's backing, they were not afraid of Zuo Xiuhua causing them trouble. Coupled with the Eighth Prince's consort, who had been personally promoted by the Empress, the three of them rolled up their sleeves and fought fiercely.
Zuo Xiuhua watched the three individuals show no signs of backing down, her face turning ashen with anger.
It was New Year's, and she merely wanted to liven up the atmosphere and add some flair to the New Year's banquet. But seeing the three opposite her with their sleeves rolled up to their elbows and beyond, they were clearly there to give her a headache.
The final outcome was no surprise. Xu Meiqing, Zhong Xinyi, and the Eighth Prince's consort took first place.
When Zhong Xinyi went to collect the gifts, Zuo Xiuhua's face drooped so much it almost touched her feet.
However, Zhong Xinyi paid no attention. Seeing that the gift was a set of writing instruments, she couldn't help but mutter, "I've been hoarse from talking, and they give me this? Is the future Fifth Prince's consort this stingy?"
Xu Meiqing quickly tugged at Zhong Xinyi's sleeve. "Some things are better left unsaid, even if you think them."
Zhong Xinyi blinked in confusion, then seemed to realize her mistake. She turned to Zuo Xiuhua behind her and said, "My apologies, it was my oversight. Next time, I will only plot against you in my stomach."
Zuo Xiuhua: "..."
Her New Year's wish was to beat Zhong Xinyi to a pulp!