Ji Zizhao observed her grandmother's reaction, knowing that Gu Peilan had likely managed to deceive her. Her grandmother now genuinely believed the Tong family was Gu Peilan's maternal kin.
Ji Zizhao was too wise to expose them at this juncture.
Not only did she lack proof, but even if she had it, she wouldn't act. Doing so would not only embarrass her grandmother but also alert the Fifth Prince.
Facing Ji Renran's expectant gaze, Ji Zizhao silently nodded, showing no inclination to inquire.
Ji Renran never imagined Ji Zizhao would be so utterly uninterested. Watching Ji Zizhao's tightly shut lips, Ji Renran felt as if she were suffocating.
Ji Zizhao knew very well that Ji Renran's vague words were intended to pique her curiosity. But why should she oblige?
Gu Peilan, of course, seized this opportunity to bask in glory. Even if Ji Zizhao hadn't asked, she would have spoken. "My niece is quite remarkable; she's the daughter of the second master of the Tong family."
The moment she said this, the ladies from the various branches were taken aback.
There was only one Tong family of such prominence in the imperial city.
Considering the old madam's attitude towards her since her remarriage, the ladies present understood everything. No wonder the old madam doted on her; her maternal family was none other than the Tong family, scholars in the Grand Secretariat!
Gu Peilan surveyed the expressions of the ladies from the other branches, her vanity finally satisfied. Her Renran was indeed resourceful, not only having befriended the Fifth Prince but also securing the Tong family's backing through him. Seeing the astonishment on the faces of the ladies, Gu Peilan felt that her years of enduring humiliation in the suburbs were finally worth it.
Then she looked at Ji Zizhao…
Gu Peilan couldn't continue smiling. Why was there no reaction? Ji Zizhao's placid face remained undisturbed, and she even let out a soft "Oh." The implication was clear: she knew, but was not surprised.
Gu Peilan…
She knew Ji Zizhao was feigning ignorance, but why was she still so infuriated?
"To hear our Tong family's name and remain so composed; I truly don't know if you're pretending or if, as the eldest daughter in charge of the Ji family, you are simply uncultured," Wang Jifu said, as usual, cutting straight to the chase, her words sharp from the outset.
Ji Zizhao found this amusing. "While I don't know when the remarried First Madam became involved with my father, considering Sister Renran's age, it must have been some years ago. The Tong family not only tolerated their daughter bearing a child out of wedlock but also selflessly helped my father raise his children all these years… Compared to the Tong family's unwavering composure, my calmness is indeed insignificant."
"What did you say!"
"Miss Wang's hearing seems to have deteriorated at such a young age. She should see a doctor promptly; it wouldn't be good to delay. However, it likely isn't a major issue. If the Tong family could help my father raise children, then raising an unmarriageable Miss Wang with poor hearing wouldn't be difficult."
Wang Jifu never considered herself to have a good temper. But now, even with her bad temper, she was thoroughly outmatched by Ji Zizhao. Seeing Ji Zizhao speak with such venom and then calmly smile at her, Wang Jifu felt a sharp pain in her chest. Looking around desperately, she wished she could pick up the low table beside her and smash Ji Zizhao into a pulp.
"We have long heard of the Ji family's eldest daughter's reputation. Today, meeting you, it is indeed well-deserved. My Miss Jifu grew up outside and is unfamiliar with the rules of the imperial city. If her words have offended the Ji family's eldest daughter, this old servant apologizes on behalf of Miss Jifu. I hope the Ji family's eldest daughter, being magnanimous, will not hold it against a young girl."
The speaker was a嬷嬷 (nanny/elderly female servant) who had been standing beside Wang Jifu. However, it was evident that these words displeased Wang Jifu, who frowned at the嬷嬷 beside her, feeling she was being meddlesome.
The嬷嬷 glanced casually at Wang Jifu with a frown. *Don't think I want to clean up this mess. If you were truly capable, you wouldn't need me to step in. Plainly put, you've been suppressed by others. You were never good at arguing, and now you're thinking of resorting to force? Are you trying to ascend to heaven?*
Since Ji Zizhao had entered, the嬷嬷's gaze had been lingering on her. Even in her plain attire, her beauty was captivating. Coupled with her composure in crisis and her calm demeanor, she was truly awe-inspiring. The嬷嬷 was certain that if Wang Jifu dared to lift the low table, Ji Zizhao would readily spill her blood on the spot.
Seeing the嬷嬷's displeased expression, Wang Jifu, despite her immense reluctance, obediently shut her mouth. This嬷嬷 served the old madam of the Tong family and was someone she could not afford to offend.
Since the Tong family's嬷嬷 had spoken, Ji Zizhao naturally wouldn't say more. However, observing the relationship between Wang Jifu and the Tong family's嬷嬷, Ji Zizhao's eyes flickered. Normally, no matter how respected a servant was, they were still just a servant. If Wang Jifu were truly fearless, why would she care about a servant's expression? This matter was becoming increasingly interesting.
Seeing that the atmosphere had somewhat eased, Xu嬷嬷 spoke up, "Eldest Daughter, please sit quickly. The Ji family is now managed by you. If you tire yourself out, the old madam will worry." Xu嬷嬷 was very adept; her words not only elevated Ji Zizhao's status but also pleased the old madam. Especially seeing Wang Jifu sitting in the eldest daughter's seat, she smiled at the Tong family's嬷嬷.
The Tong family's嬷嬷, being clever, quickly used the excuse of fostering sisterly affection to have Wang Jifu move to sit beside Ji Renran. Wang Jifu reluctantly stood up. With the Tong family's嬷嬷 restraining her, she didn't cause further trouble.
Ji Zizhao smiled faintly and turned to Xu嬷嬷, "Please trouble Xu嬷嬷 to bring me a new chair. This dirty one can be discarded for firewood." The chair that others could casually occupy, she disdained to use again.
Wang Jifu… She had stopped speaking, yet Ji Zizhao still wouldn't let her off? This Ji Zizhao made one want to grind their teeth in hatred!
Xu嬷嬷, fearing further escalation, quickly had the chair removed and brought a new one, placing it below the old madam's seat.
The ladies from the various branches looked at Ji Zizhao, who sat calmly, feeling refreshed. In the past, when the old master was in charge, although no one dared to flaunt their power over the Ji family, when real issues arose, the old master had to be cautious. Coupled with the old madam's influence, even major incidents were merely met with evasive maneuvers. It was nothing like Ji Zizhao's decisive and swift actions now that she was in charge. With such an approach, dealing with one offender or a group of them, they felt they could eat two more bowls of rice just watching. It was truly satisfying!