Ji Renran never expected things to turn around so drastically.
She had intended to spend some money to step on Ji Zizhao, but now all the criticism was directed at her!
What Ji Renran didn't anticipate even more was…
Within a few days, Ji Zizhao's name appeared again on the list for the Imperial Medical Academy's selection examination.
The Imperial Medical Academy appointed internal imperial physicians every three years and selected skilled physicians from the public every five years.
Although both were positions within the palace, the internal appointees did not have to undergo the selection examination.
This was because these appointees were disciples from imperial physician families, who had been arranged to study medicine from a young age.
However, even aspiring to enter the Imperial Medical Academy was not easy. Countless civilians reported their names to the academy each year, and only a few dozen were selected to be posted on the examination roster, qualifying them to take the test.
This competitive structure was more brutal than crossing a single-plank bridge with ten thousand horses.
At least there was a chance to cross the bridge with ten thousand horses, whereas those eliminated in the first round by the Imperial Medical Academy had no chance to even show their faces, being firmly pushed back onto the shore.
Uncle Zhang Shuzhong had only accepted Ji Zizhao as his disciple in his lifetime, so he naturally reported Ji Zizhao's name first. Should his disciple not develop her career within the palace, would she be relegated to being a mere village doctor outside?
Therefore, Ji Zizhao herself was surprised when her name appeared on the selection examination roster.
However, that evening, Ji Zizhao received a message delivered by someone sent by Zhang Shuzhong.
The messenger was a young acolyte who served Zhang Shuzhong. He completely imitated Zhang Shuzhong's tone and said, "Director Zhang said to tell the eldest daughter of the Ji family to take the exam with ease and also to take it carefully. Absolutely do not stand out too much. Even though the eldest daughter of the Ji family is Director Zhang's disciple, she should not overly stimulate the self-esteem of others."
Ji Zizhao: "..."
It was truly the first time she had heard such encouraging words.
The members of the Ji family were also stunned.
Was this encouragement?
This was naked provocation!
If the other candidates heard this, they would probably be so angered that they would pass out on the spot.
Indeed, as soon as the news of Ji Zizhao preparing for the Imperial Medical Academy's selection examination spread throughout the imperial city, the entire city was in an uproar.
The first to be unable to sit still were the ministers in court.
The Empress was childless, and the crown prince had not yet been appointed.
All the princes were naturally candidates for the position of crown prince.
Although the princes were only eligible to attend court hearings after their marriage, the court had already divided into several factions.
Everyone knew that there was something between the Fourth Prince and the eldest daughter of the Ji family. If the eldest daughter of the Ji family were to enter the Imperial Medical Academy at this time, it would clearly be like adding wings to the tiger for the Fourth Prince. Even if the Fourth Prince was not favored, who could definitively guarantee that he would not ascend to that position before the grand decision was made?
Furthermore, many of the imperial physicians selected in this examination had already pledged allegiance to various ministers.
Ministers who supported the various princes naturally hoped that the people they courted would successfully enter the palace.
By eliminating a rival beforehand, their chances of victory would increase.
For several consecutive days, the court argued incessantly over Ji Zizhao's participation in the Imperial Medical Academy's selection examination.
The most vigorous opposition naturally came from the Fifth Prince's faction.
Old Master Tong, standing in court, spoke with righteous indignation, "Since the founding of Yulin, there has never been a woman appointed to serve in the palace. If this Ji Zizhao is allowed to act recklessly today, who knows how many more disturbances will arise in the future!"
Another minister, a follower of the Fifth Prince, echoed his sentiments, "Lord Tong is correct. Women are meant to stay at home and raise their children. If all the women of Yulin were to emulate the eldest daughter of the Ji family, I fear Yulin would sooner or later become a laughingstock among other nations!"
The ministers supporting other princes, though silent, all nodded in agreement.
Xue Yongnian, seeing the prevailing sentiment, could not stand it. "The eldest daughter of the Ji family possesses exceptional medical skills and is the last disciple of Director Zhang. It would be a great pity if such a person were not brought into the palace to serve His Majesty. Moreover, the female members of the imperial city are taught music, chess, calligraphy, and needlework from a young age. It is precisely for this reason that the eldest daughter of the Ji family is even more cherished. If there were truly others who could compare to the eldest daughter of the Ji family, they should not be a laughingstock but rather the glory of Yulin!"
As soon as Xue Yongnian spoke, the military officials also spoke out in succession.
For a time, the court was as noisy as a marketplace.
Emperor Xiaochang was exhausted by the clamor and finally withdrew from court with a darkened face.
Although Han Jingyu was not yet eligible to attend court, he was well-informed. Upon learning of the news from court, he immediately sent someone to deliver the message posthaste to Ji Zixiu.
Ji Zixiu's face turned pale green upon receiving the news, and she trembled uncontrollably even after entering Zhaoyuan.
It was clear she was greatly angered.
"Those ministers in court truly have no shame! With their collective age of several hundred years, they gang up to bully my elder sister. It's simply..."
It made one's hands itch!
Ji Zizhao poured a cup of tea and handed it to Ji Zixiu, urging her to calm down. "My participation in this selection examination has blocked the path of many. We have different paths and cannot work together. It is normal for them to try their best to obstruct me."
When Ji Zizhao first decided to take this path, she had already anticipated such consequences.
Fortunately, she had paved the way smoothly in advance, so she was not in a hurry.
"I heard you are to report back to the military camp tomorrow morning. With your official title, you can no longer act recklessly. Remember to think thrice before acting. Han Jingyu is a good general; you must follow him loyally." Ji Zizhao subtly changed the subject, not wanting her second sister to be distracted by her affairs.
Ji Zixiu was surprised that her elder sister was still considering her matters at this time. Her surging anger subsided. "I plan to return tonight. Since I hold an official position, I must lead by example. But do not worry, elder sister, I will certainly remember your teachings and dare not bring shame to the Ji family."
Ji Zizhao was surprised that her second sister could think so thoughtfully. She smiled and said, "You have truly grown up. Since you've decided to leave tonight, hurry back and prepare. Remember to bid farewell to Second Aunt properly. Second Aunt may be nagging and boisterous, but she cares about you, which is why she is like that."
Ji Zixiu nodded and rose, then said, "But what about the court..."
Ji Zizhao smiled faintly. "You don't need to worry about the court. Someone will definitely escort me through this matter."
Seeing her elder sister say this, Ji Zixiu finally calmed herself and turned to leave the room.
Half an hour later, Ji Zixiu rode away on horseback, with Madam Yu Fenglan, the second madam, seeing her off with tears.
However, this time, the second madam was much calmer. After seeing Ji Zixiu off, she didn't even grieve but directly went to Zhaoyuan with the other sisters-in-law.
Now that Jie'er was bound to be heartbroken and worn out by the selection examination, they, as elders, could at least offer some comfort, even if they couldn't share her burden.
Ji Zizhao looked at her second aunt, whose eyes were still red, and her heart was already devising plans for her, even considering joining forces with other aunts to brainstorm giving her money to open a pharmacy as a form of comfort. It was truly a mix of amusement and exasperation.
Her pursuit of a position in the palace was not solely out of passion.
Only when she stood firm in the palace could the Ji family, without hereditary privilege, regain its footing.
However, Ji Zizhao was truly not worried.
All the effort she had put into attending the imperial banquet before was not wasted.