Listening to her elder sister's words, Ji Zibi instinctively tensed up.
For years, she had desperately told herself to forget the secret she carried, but she could never change the fact of its existence.
Ji Zibi knew clearly that in this matter, those people had obviously already found out something. But when she opened her eyes, everything was calm. Even without guessing, she knew her elder sister had helped her again.
She was well aware of what the secret she bore meant. If she could, she certainly wished this secret would disappear forever, but she couldn't...
She couldn't be so selfish.
"Over the years, Mother seemingly accepted my decision back then, but in reality, she prayed to Buddha every day hoping I would change my mind..."
Ji Zibi tugged at the corner of her lips, her smile looking more unpleasant than crying.
She touched her body, as if sighing, or perhaps resigned, and said, "Mother no longer forces me, but if I were to truly go down that path, I fear Mother wouldn't be able to bear it. Eldest Sister, I no longer have a father, and I certainly don't want Mother to suffer any more harm."
Having experienced loss themselves, how could Ji Zizhao not understand her fourth sister's plight?
"Since that is the case, then so be it."
Ji Zibi froze, looking at her elder sister with some confusion. After a long while, she murmured, "I thought Eldest Sister would scold me for being too selfish and not considering the bigger picture..."
In fact, she had already prepared herself to be scolded.
"You are my sister, and I will support every decision you make. As for other matters, you need not worry. Even if I'm called selfish and unconcerned with the grand scheme, so what? Your life is your own, and no one else has the right to interfere with anything you do." Ji Zizhao smiled and slowly raised her hand, gently patting her fourth sister's back.
Looking at her elder sister before her, Ji Zibi's eyes began to fill with tears involuntarily.
This elder sister, just like back then, even if she had the entire world as her enemy, her elder sister would still hold her close, tell her not to be afraid, and that Eldest Sister would be there for her.
In Ji Zizhao's understanding, her fourth sister was the most resilient among the sisters. Perhaps it was because she was inherently different from her second and third sisters. Yet, this person who wouldn't utter a word of fear even if her bones were broken, was now looking around hesitantly, considering every angle. This was from the Sudan novel website.
How could Ji Zizhao not feel heartbroken seeing her fourth sister like this?
"Isn't it just continuing to escort and protect my fourth sister? Eldest Sister can handle this small matter."
"Eldest Sister, thank you..."
Ji Zizhao chatted with her fourth sister for a long time. Only when she finally drifted off to sleep, exhausted, did she get up, walk to the desk, and prepare ink and brush.
A moment later, Ji Zizhao emerged with a letter, inquiring from a palace attendant about Xie Jinglan's residence.
In this temporary palace, the residences of all the princes were arranged around the Emperor's main palace. Only Xie Jinglan, a prince who had never been favored by the Emperor, lived somewhat remotely.
It was likely that officials and the other princes had long grown accustomed to the Emperor's indifference and distance towards the Fourth Prince, and no one commented on it.
Now, everyone in the temporary palace knew that the Fourth Prince, under orders to investigate a case, had inadvertently saved Ji Zibi. Seeing Ji Zizhao announce her intention to thank the Fourth Prince did not attract much attention.
Ji Zizhao, following the directions, arrived at the courtyard where Xie Jinglan resided. As soon as she entered, Tang Di, who was guarding the place, walked over.
"Miss Ji, what brings you here so late?" His usually stern face broke into a smile the moment he saw Ji Zizhao.
Ji Zizhao stood politely at the entrance. "I have come to thank the Fourth Prince for saving my sister."
Others might believe this, but Tang Di did not.
They would be family sooner or later, so why the formalities?
However, considering that Miss Ji had personally come so late, he quickly said, "Miss Ji, please wait a moment. Allow me to inform His Highness."
At this moment, Xie Jinglan was discussing matters with Huo Nian Gong. Upon hearing Tang Di's report, he rose and walked out.
Huo Nian Gong, fearing eavesdroppers, also prepared to follow, but Tang Di grabbed his sleeve. "No wonder you can't find a wife, you have no tact at all."
Ever since the incident in the town, Tang Di felt even closer to Ji Zizhao.
In the imperial city, there were no shortage of high-ranking officials who were already married. But which married matriarch was not critical of others? Especially now, the princely consorts who were already betrothed in the temporary palace, their arrogant eyes seemed to reach for the sky.
But look at his own future mistress: she possessed capability, had her methods, was gentle, and had a good temper. The more Tang Di thought about it, the more promising the future seemed. Now, seeing his Highness and Miss Ji standing facing each other not far away, he couldn't help but show an uncontrollable maternal smile.
Huo Nian Gong frowned, saying with great disdain, "No matter how happily you smile, you still won't have a wife."
Tang Di: "..."
Is he looking for a fight?
Huo Nian Gong: "Want to spar?"
Tang Di: "..."
Ji Zizhao was unaware that a scuffle was about to break out at the entrance. Ever since Xie Jinglan walked over, she had been observing him, studying the expression on his face.
Xie Jinglan noticed her scrutiny and raised an eyebrow. "What?"
Ji Zizhao snapped back to attention and smiled. "Nothing, I just wanted to ask if you could conveniently help me deliver a letter back to the main city."
Xie Jinglan knew that with Ji Zibi's incident, Ji Zizhao likely wanted to ensure the Ji family's safety. He nodded. "Alright."
Ji Zizhao handed him the letter. Seeing that Xie Jinglan's expression was perfectly normal, her worries resurfaced. She suddenly took a step forward and threw herself into Xie Jinglan's arms.
The sudden embrace even made Xie Jinglan freeze.
However, he quickly reacted. "Did something happen?"
"I heard that the situation at Tonglin has suddenly changed, and the Emperor has already spoken with several ministers, but I don't know the specific reason," Ji Zizhao murmured, her head buried in his firm chest.
Xie Jinglan tightened his arm around Ji Zizhao's waist. "Do you know when this happened?"
Ji Zizhao, leaning on her toes, wrapped her arms around Xie Jinglan's neck. "It should have been right after my fourth sister's matter concluded. I heard the Emperor summoned General Xue, but if General Xue hasn't told you anything, I think it's best if you pretend not to know."
Xue Yongnian had already sided with Xie Jinglan and would not easily switch allegiances.
Therefore, if Xue Yongnian knew something and did not tell Xie Jinglan, the only possibility was that Xue Yongnian was being watched, so it was not that he wouldn't speak, but that he couldn't.
Once Xue Yongnian met Xie Jinglan, the information would likely reach the Emperor's ears instantly.
But Ji Zizhao couldn't understand what matter could make the Emperor so cautious and secretive?
Could it be...!!