The Jiang family were already prominent merchants in the imperial city, and with the Tong family accompanying them, the commotion was so great that the ladies in the various courtyards could hardly avoid hearing it.
Soon, everyone had gathered in the main courtyard. Even the Old Madam had made a rare personal appearance. However, no one expected that as they waited, they would see the Jiang family's madam with a face swollen like a pig's head.
The Tong family's Old Madam, upon entering, immediately declared, "I knew from the start that the Eldest Daughter of the Ji family was difficult to deal with, but I never expected her to stoop to such bandit-like behavior. To have someone so ill-bred beat the Jiang family's madam to this state, so vicious and ruthless, how can she be worthy of managing the Ji family?"
The Tong and Jiang families had considerable business dealings behind the scenes. Now that the Jiang family's madam wanted to seek justice from the Ji family, naturally, the first family she thought of was the Tong family.
After all, in everyone's eyes, the Tong family's daughter was the rightful First Madam of the Ji family.
Furthermore, the Tong family's Old Madam had long been displeased with Ji Zizhao, and seized this opportunity to strike.
How could the Old Madam have imagined that after waiting and waiting, she would be met with such a torrent of vitriol? Her face immediately darkened.
Gu Peilan hastily interjected, "Mother, speak calmly. Sister Zhao has always had this temperament. Even we in the household have to speak to her with great caution..."
These words clearly accused Ji Zizhao of being arrogant and overbearing.
The Fourth Madam, Xiao Jing Shu, was the quickest to react and immediately followed, "The continuation Madam speaks as if everything requires a reason."
The Third Madam, Yin Wen Ying, also chimed in, "Exactly. We must first know precisely what happened."
The Second Madam, Yu Feng Lan, looked at the Tong family's Old Madam with a forced smile, "The Tong family's Old Madam, upon arrival, immediately begins to accuse. Even we adults are intimidated, let alone Sister Zhao, who is so young. We are all in-laws. Why must the Tong family's Old Madam glare with such fierce eyes?"
To put on such a terrifying face right from the start?
Bah!
Who were they trying to scare?
The Tong family's Old Madam was taken aback, her surprise evident in her eyes.
The Tong family also had daughters-in-law from various branches, but each of them lived with their own schemes in mind.
But looking at the Ji family, they were truly united.
In this world, the human heart is the most difficult to tame. The Tong family's Old Madam, having been in power for many years, was extremely reluctant to admit it, but had to concede that Ji Zizhao, as the one in charge, truly commanded respect.
"What exactly happened? Please, Jiang family's madam, tell us in detail." The Old Madam looked at the Jiang family's madam. Since she had come to their doorstep, even if the Old Madam wanted to brush it aside, the Jiang family would likely not agree.
The Jiang family's madam, supported by Jiang Guang Sheng, tearfully dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief and recounted what had just transpired. "I don't know how I displeased the Eldest Daughter of the Ji family, causing her to resort to unsavory characters to corner me in an alley and humiliate and beat me. If it weren't for my strong constitution, I fear... I fear..."
Jiang Guang Sheng watched his mother choke up, his throat working fiercely. If it weren't for the presence of all these women, making it inconvenient for him to speak, he would have personally sought justice for his mother today.
The other madams of the Ji family, dabbing their faces with handkerchiefs, felt an indescribable mix of worry and anxiety.
The Jiang family held an extraordinary position in the imperial city, and the Jiang family's madam would certainly not come here to falsely accuse them.
So...
Did Sister Zhao really beat her?
But why?
The Second Madam, Yu Feng Lan, sighed and looked at the Third Madam, Yin Wen Ying. The Jiang family's madam was so fleshy; even if Sister Zhao wanted to hit her, she should have chosen a place that wouldn't show. Now, look at this – it was all concentrated on her face. Only a blind person wouldn't see it.
The Third Madam, Yin Wen Ying, also sighed and looked at the Fourth Madam, Xiao Jing Shu. Hitting someone wasn't necessarily wrong, but shouldn't one first conceal one's own face?
The Fourth Madam, Xiao Jing Shu, looked at her two sisters-in-law and sighed. They should first think about how to help Sister Zhao resolve this...
The Jiang family's madam observed the subtle expressions of the other madams and almost spat blood from anger. Was Ji Zizhao truly so likable that they would favor her so much?
"Old Madam, no matter what, it is our Ji family that is in the wrong. Since the Jiang family's madam has come to our door, our Ji family cannot shirk responsibility, otherwise, wouldn't our Ji family's integrity be lost along with Sister Zhao?"
Gu Peilan's words clearly admitted fault and shifted all the blame onto Ji Zizhao.
The Old Madam, accustomed to a life of ease and comfort within the mansion, lacked great resolve. Hearing these words, she naturally began to resent Ji Zizhao in her heart and adopted a more amiable attitude towards the Jiang family. "How does the Jiang family's madam wish to resolve this matter?"
The Jiang family's madam knew that since she had been beaten, she couldn't openly retaliate. After some thought, she said, "Actually, speaking of which, my Sheng'er and the Eldest Daughter of the Ji family have some connection. I don't want my affairs to delay the affections between the younger generation."
The Old Madam glanced at Jiang Guang Sheng, clearly a little surprised.
Jiang Guang Sheng was also taken aback by his mother's decision. He felt both grateful and indignant, secretly vowing that once Ji Zizhao married him, he would discipline her well.
The Tong family's Old Madam interjected, supporting the idea, "Although the Jiang family is in commerce, they are still among the most prominent in the imperial city. If the Eldest Daughter of the Ji family can truly form a connection with the Jiang family, it would be a blessing for the Ji family. In fact, it shows the generosity of the Jiang family's madam."
Hearing this, the Jiang family's madam felt even more triumphant. She continued, "Why don't we ask the Ji family's Old Madam to permit the marriage between the Eldest Daughter of the Ji family and my Sheng'er? Please rest assured, Old Madam Ji, even if the Eldest Daughter of the Ji family marries as a concubine, our Jiang family will never mistreat her."
Gu Peilan exchanged a knowing glance with the Tong family's Old Madam.
To be a concubine to a merchant, while sounding pleasant, was ultimately a servant with better treatment.
Such concubines were different from those of princes. If the Fifth Prince truly ascended the throne, Ji Ren Ran would at least be a consort, but what would Ji Zizhao be then?
"Old Madam, I actually think this marriage is a good idea. After all, Sister Zhao is a woman who has been divorced. The Jiang family's madam not only shows no disdain but is willing to repay kindness with virtue. Such a good opportunity is hard to find even with a lantern," Gu Peilan persuaded. If Ji Zizhao were to become a concubine in the Jiang family, on what grounds would she compare herself to her daughter?
The Old Madam couldn't deny being tempted. The Jiang family was so wealthy; if Sister Zhao were to marry them, even as a concubine, she would certainly be able to help support the Ji family.
The Jiang family's madam now only wished to bring Ji Zizhao into the Ji family and torment her personally. Seeing the Old Madam's hesitation, she added, "As long as the Ji family's Old Madam agrees, today's matter will be wiped clean. Otherwise, our Jiang family will definitely report this to the yamen and let them handle it justly!"