This battle was fought by Ji Zizhao with great aplomb and flair!
Word spread that the herbal medicine merchants of the Jiang family's merchant guild ran to the Jiang family daily, weeping and complaining. Even on the joyous occasion of Jiang Guang Sheng marrying the Fang family's daughter, the atmosphere was exceptionally gloomy and heavy.
This greatly startled the shopkeepers and employees of the Jin family's shops. Although they didn't know who the mastermind behind the scenes was, such methods, such spirit, and such possessive protectiveness...
These qualities were enough to make them follow with unwavering loyalty!
Ji Zizhao, without overtly trying, had once again won over more hearts.
Ji Zizhao paid no heed to the storm raging outside and continued her vacation and seclusion within the manor.
Although the Emperor had not yet issued any imperial decrees, it was precisely during this lull that the four major medical halls had prepared all the medicinal herbs Ji Zizhao required. As soon as the Emperor gave his nod, and Ji Zizhao arrived in Tong Lin, she could begin detoxifying the Seventh Prince.
The manor maintained an outward appearance of harmony. With Han Xian's assistance, Ji Ziyun was able to boldly and confidently manage affairs within the manor.
The Old Madam, who had initially deferred to Ji Zizhao, now heard Han Xian praised repeatedly before her. Gradually, the Old Madam's perspective softened. Although she did not explicitly permit the arrangement of a live-in son-in-law, she no longer interfered with the relationship between Ji Ziyun and Han Xian.
When the wives from various households came to visit Zhaoyuan, they all lauded Han Xian.
Seeing that the time was ripe, Ji Zizhao revealed that Han Xian had once served her father.
The wives from all the households were stunned.
"No wonder Han Xian is so capable; it turns out he's one of the Ji family!"
"Elder Uncle's judgment of people has always been sharp. Anyone chosen to be by his side must be exceptional."
"I just don't know when Third Sister-in-law will come to her senses. I think Third Sister-in-law has become quite eccentric now, always following Sister Yun around. I really don't know when this will end."
Ji Zizhao was unaware of Third Uncle's wife's secret surveillance. After seeing off her aunts, she immediately asked Shuiling to summon Fubao for questioning.
Fubao did indeed know about Third Madam's clandestine tracking of Third Miss. However, Third Madam had only been observing and had not taken any drastic actions. Even when Third Miss met with Han Xian, Third Madam had not intervened. Fubao had assumed that since the Young Miss had been busy researching medicinal herbs, he hadn't reported this matter to avoid distracting her.
"Even so, we must not let our guard down," Ji Zizhao cautioned carefully.
Third Aunt was a person of strong will, as evident from how the Zhao family matter was handled back then.
If Third Aunt was truly just concerned and wanted to keep an eye on her third sister, then it was indeed a good thing. After all, one always needs to understand something or someone before accepting them.
She was afraid that Third Aunt harbored other intentions.
If that were the case, Ji Zizhao would have no choice but to face Third Aunt head-on.
As dusk deepened, a disturbance suddenly arose in the courtyard.
Ji Zizhao got up to investigate and saw Tang Di being chased all over the courtyard by Mo Hen.
Tang Di's eyes met Ji Zizhao's, and he almost cried out in grievance.
He had genuinely wanted to build a good relationship with Mo Hen, as they would be family from now on. He had never expected that in a moment of excitement, a slip of the tongue would lead him to say, "We'll be living together from now on; I'll help you stand guard at night."
As soon as he said it, Tang Di knew he had said something wrong.
Could Mo Hen's temperament be easily teased by Tang Di?
Of course not!
So, before Tang Di could offer any further explanation, Mo Hen threw a punch.
Startled, Tang Di leaped and dodged around the courtyard. Seizing an opportunity when Mo Hen was not paying attention, he scrambled to Ji Zizhao's window, panting, and said, "Our Highness sent me to deliver a message for you: the Emperor has agreed to send imperial physicians to Tong Lin."
Ji Zizhao's heart leaped with joy. "Has the nominee been decided?"
"Not yet, but His Highness said it shouldn't be long before there's a result. He instructed the Eldest Miss of the Ji family to prepare well and be ready to depart for Tong Lin at any time." Just as Tang Di finished speaking, he saw Mo Hen deliver a high sweeping kick, and he quickly ran off into the distance.
Mo Hen's kick landed on the wall. Gritting his teeth, he chased after Tang Di again, "Don't run!"
Tang Di...
The wall is already bare of its skin from your kicks, and you still expect me not to run?
I'll run until you're exhausted!
Ji Zizhao watched Tang Di disappear over the wall and silently pondered the message he had delivered.
The Emperor's affection for the Seventh Prince was evident, so his decree to send imperial physicians to Tong Lin was not surprising. However, the Emperor's failure to designate a specific imperial physician was rather interesting.
Currently, Zhang Shuzhong and Zou Li were the leading figures in the Imperial Medical Academy, a fact the Emperor was likely aware of.
But with one representing Consort Xi and the other representing the Empress...
The Emperor might not truly know this.
However, as the Emperor's heart was unfathomable, no one knew what he was contemplating.
But neither Zhang Shuzhong nor Zou Li were in a position to contend before the Emperor. Therefore, this battle would ultimately evolve into a contest between the Empress and Consort Xi. Sudan Novel Network
Ji Zizhao's guess was correct. Consort Xi would certainly not miss such a good opportunity.
The Seventh Prince was wounded in Tong Lin. Even if Zou Li couldn't openly cure him to death, he could at least find a way to leave him with some lingering ailments. These hidden illnesses would sooner or later become obstacles to the Seventh Prince's ascent to the throne.
After all, no country's officials wished for their crown prince to be a sickly individual.
That evening, news spread from the palace that Consort Xi had taken to her bed.
Emperor Xiaochang, upon hearing this, naturally had to visit her. Consort Xi, who was already feigning illness to gain favor, was not about to let the Emperor leave. It had to be said that Consort Xi's enduring favor over the years was indeed due to her exceptional skills. With one move, she managed to keep the Emperor occupied for a full three days.
Emperor Xiaochang was somewhat pleased with Consort Xi's strong recommendation of Zou Li. He hadn't expected his consort to be so magnanimous and willing to assist the Empress. However, to Emperor Xiaochang's surprise, the Empress remained unusually silent and never sent anyone to Huaqing Palace.
Compared to Consort Xi's concern for the Seventh Prince despite her illness, the Empress, as his adoptive mother, appeared rather heartless. The more he thought about it, the angrier the Emperor became. He then proceeded to Fengyi Palace with a look of fury.
However, the moment he stepped into the courtyard, a strong medicinal scent assailed his nostrils.
The bitter taste almost made Emperor Xiaochang faint.
A sense of suspicion arose in Emperor Xiaochang's heart. He hadn't heard of the Empress being unwell recently. Puzzled, he stepped inside and, through the slightly swaying bead curtain, saw Empress Zhong drinking medicinal soup.
Seeing the Empress's pained expression as she drank the medicine, Baihe whispered with concern, "Your Highness's health has been deteriorating these past few days. If this continues, what can be done? Perhaps I should report to His Majesty."
Empress Zhong handed the soup bowl to Baihe and said, "Consort Xi has been unwell recently, and His Majesty is already worried at Huaqing Palace. My ailments are minor; there's no need to trouble His Majesty further."
Emperor Xiaochang, who had come to admonish her...
Suddenly felt a pang of guilt for some reason.