Xie Jinglan knew that Ji Zizhao was standing up for him, righting a wrong.
In truth, there was no need for it; he never cared what others thought of him.
His mother and Xiao Qi both knew his temperament. So, even if someone mocked him to his mother's face, she would not only let it slide but would even tell him about it as a joke.
As for Xiao Qi…
With his temper, even if someone truly looked down on him, they wouldn't dare whisper it in Xiao Qi's ear.
Xie Jinglan had never expected to have someone champion him, yet this was precisely what was happening with Ji Zizhao.
This feeling, even Xie Jinglan himself couldn't quite describe it.
It was just… peculiar.
When Xie Jinglan looked at Ji Zizhao again, his dark eyes held a softness he himself was unaware of.
There was still no news from Xue Yongnian's side, and everyone else felt no desire to linger.
Were they truly going to stay here and be laughed at, or worse, take the blame?
Escorted by Xue family servants, the princes, along with the physicians, walked out of the courtyard, followed closely by the ministers.
As the ministers walked together, reflecting on the day's events, they began to discuss amongst themselves.
"Back then, the men of the Ji family mastered military strategy at a young age, and even joined the old General Ji in the army for training while still in their youth. Who would have thought that after the men of the Ji family were gone, the eldest daughter of the Ji family would now step forward to take charge? Not only has she taken over the Ji family's power, but she also understands medicine. The children of the Ji family are truly not to be underestimated."
When the ministers spoke of the men of the Ji family in the past, they all sighed with emotion.
Although their stances differed, they all had to admit that the realm of Yulin, protected by the Ji family, was not something anyone dared to encroach upon.
Now, with the nations standing independent, and with the Tujue gone, who knew how many other eyes were fixed upon Yulin.
Rumor had it that the Xirong were also stirring, and it was likely that this era of peace and prosperity would not last much longer.
"A discarded wife from a divorce is hardly worthy of such lamentations. If a mere woman truly possessed such capabilities, why would she have cowered in her residence for over a decade, avoiding all contact? You are all esteemed ministers of the court, and now you are being led by the nose by a young girl. What face will you have left if this gets out!" Master Tong, upon mentioning Ji Zizhao's name, felt his ears ringing. He simply turned away, his sleeves fluttering, wanting to see no more.
A divorced, abandoned woman, where could she possibly have such great skill?
It was utterly preposterous!
The Eighth Prince, along with the physicians he had summoned, boarded his carriage. He then quietly asked, "Weren't we told that Xue Yongnian was suffering from an epidemic? Can it truly be cured with just a few doses of medicine?"
The physician first lifted the carriage curtain, carefully observing the surroundings. Seeing that they were alone, he leaned closer and whispered, "Your Eighth Highness, how could the physicians in the imperial city possibly discern the pulse of an epidemic? However, after the eldest daughter of the Ji family finished writing the prescription, I discreetly glanced at it. The prescription seemed... not quite right..."
"What do you mean by that?"
"That prescription was likely for treating a febrile illness."
Febrile illnesses were not uncommon in the imperial city; in simpler terms, it was just a fever and chills.
The Eighth Prince frowned. "So, you mean to say that the eldest daughter of the Ji family was merely going through the motions?"
The physician nodded affirmatively. "I have been practicing medicine in the imperial city for many years, and I have never heard of a woman being able to practice medicine. Even in those four renowned medical halls that have garnered so much attention, there isn't a single female physician. Therefore, I believe the eldest daughter of the Ji family is simply faking it."
After all, medicine for a febrile illness wouldn't kill anyone.
The Eighth Prince chuckled upon hearing this. If this were indeed the case, then all the better.
The Seventh Prince was all brawn and no brain. If the Fourth Prince were to be completely estranged from the Emperor because of this matter, what sort of storm could a prince who only knew how to fight stir up?
In high spirits, the Eighth Prince rewarded the physician handsomely with silver. He also arranged for the physician to be temporarily taken to his own residence for a short stay. The Eighth Prince himself, however, detoured to the other end of Lion Street.
The physician stood at the entrance of the Eighth Prince's residence, watching the carriage as it drove away again.
In the imperial city, Lion Street was a prestigious area where only princes were permitted to reside.
Since the Eighth Prince was not returning to his own residence, it was clear he was going to another prince's mansion.
The physician, keeping a careful eye, quietly followed the carriage.
After the carriage turned at several intersections and finally stopped, he saw the Eighth Prince quickly ascend the steps and enter the mansion before him.
The physician curiously looked up. Upon clearly seeing the plaque hanging above the mansion's gate, he was utterly stunned.
How, how could it be this person...
As everyone departed, the main hall of the Xue residence finally quieted down.
Xie Jinglan looked at Ji Zizhao and smiled faintly. "I knew you had something to say. Now we can finally have some private time."
Ji Zizhao: "..."
Was this private time?
This was more like being confined together!
Although there were no longer any outsiders in the main hall, they were still in the Xue residence, and Ji Zizhao naturally remained silent.
Xie Jinglan smirked knowingly and remained silent as well.
A chessboard was placed in the main hall of the Xue family. Bored, Ji Zizhao decided to play chess to pass the time.
After Ji Zizhao placed her white stone, she reached for the box of black stones. However, another hand reached it before hers and picked up a black stone.
Unexpectedly, Ji Zizhao's fingertips brushed against the back of a hand with skin as smooth as congealed fat. A wave of warmth spread from her fingertips throughout her body, lingering in her heart for a long time.
Xie Jinglan calmly placed the black stone on the board. Without looking at Ji Zizhao, he instructed a maid at the door to bring a fresh pot of hot tea.
Soon, the maid brought the hot tea.
Xie Jinglan took it, but then passed it to Ji Zizhao opposite him.
He hadn't spoken a word the entire time, but he had clearly noticed the coolness of Ji Zizhao's fingertips when she had inadvertently touched him.
Ji Zizhao had suffered from cold hands and feet since childhood, which she knew was due to a deficiency in qi and blood.
Although it had been managed in her youth while living in the mansion, it had resurfaced due to the current troubled times.
Ji Zizhao had gradually grown accustomed to the temperature of her limbs. With so many matters at hand, she had decided to temporarily set this issue aside.
Holding the warm teacup in her palm, Ji Zizhao felt that she truly couldn't see through this man before her.
Ji Zizhao lowered her head slightly and looked at the chessboard again. "You could have left."
Xie Jinglan responded with a soft "Mm," as if in acknowledgment.
Ji Zizhao disliked feeling indebted to someone. She placed a white stone heavily on the board and couldn't help but raise her voice, "Have you never considered what would happen to you if I couldn't cure General Xue?"
This time, Xie Jinglan did not reply.
Ji Zizhao waited for a moment, then looked up in surprise. She saw him gazing at her intently.
His dark eyes were so deep that one couldn't see to the bottom, but if one looked closely, it seemed as if a hint of contemplation was hidden in the very depths.
This eye contact made Ji Zizhao feel even more agitated. Seeing that he had no intention of answering, she averted her gaze and looked back at the chessboard.
"With your abilities, how could you let us fall into such a predicament?" Xie Jinglan's voice suddenly rang out from above her.
Ji Zizhao looked up in astonishment and saw him smiling with relaxed brows. He then spoke again, "Even if we truly stumble, what does it matter if I bear the punishment with you? You are my person, aren't you?"
Ji Zizhao's heart skipped a beat.
She could clearly see the unwavering resolve beneath his calm gaze.
He truly meant it...