Tang Di found his perception of the Seventh Prince completely reshaped by the latter's surprisingly astute analysis.
Was this still the same pampered prince who resorted to fists at the slightest inconvenience?
"His Highness the Fourth Prince would surely be gratified to know the Seventh Prince thinks so highly," Tang Di remarked, impressed by the capabilities of the Eldest Daughter of the Ji family in shaping the Seventh Prince so profoundly.
Xie Jingqi frowned, "Fourth Brother is truly kind. He barely knows Ji Zizhao, yet he sent you all the way here to deliver news."
Tang Di looked at the Seventh Prince, still oblivious to the truth, and didn't know how to begin.
If the Fourth Prince barely knew the Eldest Daughter of the Ji family, then no one else truly did. It was precisely because the Fourth Prince had secretly threatened and enticed her that you, Your Highness, are still thinking with your fists.
As Tang Di was contemplating this, a figure suddenly flashed before him.
He saw Xie Jingqi about to raise his foot and kick the tightly shut door.
Tang Di...
Qing Zhu stepped forward, blocking Xie Jingqi's path. "Your Highness, please do not disturb my young lady."
Xie Jingqi bristled, "Am I disturbing her? I'm going to comfort her."
Tang Di quickly restrained him, gently persuading, "Your Highness, why stoop to argue with a mere maid? Furthermore, the Eldest Daughter of the Ji family is far-sighted and steady. If she has chosen to remain inside, she undoubtedly has her reasons..."
No sooner had he spoken than a creaking sound echoed.
The people by the door all looked up. Ji Zizhao emerged, walking out.
As if washed clean of all worldly dust overnight, her already fair complexion had become almost transparent, making her dark eyes appear even deeper.
Upon seeing her young lady cross the threshold, Qing Zhu rushed to offer her arm. "Miss."
Ji Zizhao waved her hand. "Don't worry, I'm not that incapable."
Only fools or the worthless would be completely consumed by grief.
Fortunately, she was neither.
"We are here to accompany the Eldest Daughter of the Ji family back to the Imperial City. May I ask when you will be ready to depart?" Tang Di asked, already prepared to leave immediately.
After all, the loss of one's only close relative was a matter that called for swift return.
Ji Zizhao, however, replied, "Please extend my thanks to the Fourth Prince for your trouble in delivering this message."
Tang Di was stunned.
Judging by her words, the Eldest Daughter of the Ji family did not intend to leave early?
Xie Jingqi, knowing Ji Zizhao was concerned about the people of Luoyi, stepped forward to persuade her. "The antidote for the plague has already been formulated. Half the city's residents drank it yesterday. What more is there to worry about? Besides, the four great medical halls and Imperial Physician Zhang are here. Your presence is neither essential nor insignificant."
Ji Zizhao seemed not to hear him. She walked to the brazier by the door, lit it, and continued to boil medicinal herbs.
Frustrated, Xie Jingqi once again grabbed Ji Zizhao's arm. "Ji Zizhao, are you deaf?! Your mother is dead, what are you still doing here! Hurry back! Even if you can't see her one last time, it's still good to see her for a few more moments! Don't worry about the court; if anyone dares to say a single word against you, I will exterminate their entire clan once I return!"
These words burst from Xie Jingqi in a near-furious outburst.
Yet, his usually roguish eyes were already tinged with redness.
When his own mother had died, he was too young to comprehend the sorrow of eternal separation.
He only hoped Ji Zizhao would not be left with any regrets.
This Xie Jingqi was both domineering and pitiable.
Qing Zhu, tears blurring her vision, suddenly recalled their young master.
If the young master were here, he would probably say the same thing.
After all, he cared for and valued Miss so much.
Yet, facing Xie Jingqi's wrath, Ji Zizhao calmly stated, "To live with integrity and to act with thoroughness are the family principles of the Ji family. I will never abandon the people of this city and flee alone."
If it hadn't been for her strategic responses against the Tujue, the situation in Luoyi might not be what it was today.
Though her conscience was clear, she could not shirk responsibility.
She did not kill Polian, but she could not let Polian die because of her.
"Ji Zizhao, you..."
"I appreciate Your Highness's kind intentions."
Ji Zizhao's pale face was as serene as water, her black eyes, beneath the surge of killing intent, held an extreme calmness.
The heat from the fire in the brazier warmed her fair cheeks but could not thaw her icy heart.
Her mother was dead; no matter when she returned, it would not change the unalterable outcome.
If she were to abandon the people of Luoyi for something irretrievable, how could she be worthy of the Ji family?
And how could she be worthy of being a physician!
Revenge must be sought, and accounts must be settled.
When she returned to the Imperial City, she would surely make those who had stained her mother's blood pay with their own!
Xie Jingqi was at a loss for words and turned to Qing Zhu, who stood behind him. "What about you? Aren't you going to try and persuade her?"
Qing Zhu's reddened eyes conveyed an ingrained resolve. "This subordinate will obey Miss's decision."
Xie Jingqi...
What kind of demons and monsters were these Ji family members?
Tang Di was truly impressed.
Such a beautiful woman, possessing both intellect and cunning, and also a heart that encompassed the world.
Look at her methods, her magnanimity...
Who said life is imperfect? Look at the Eldest Daughter of the Ji family; she was flawless!
Tang Di bowed to Ji Zizhao, forming a fist with his hand, and then departed alone.
Seeing that Ji Zizhao was determined not to leave, Xie Jingqi stopped trying to persuade her.
However, he stalked her like a wraith the entire day, sticking to her side as if possessed.
Chen Gang, Zhang Shuzhong, and the others had also heard the tragic news of the Eldest Madam Ji. But faced with Ji Zizhao, who needed no persuasion or comfort, they could do nothing but remain silent.
After dinner that evening, Xie Jingqi forcefully dragged Ji Zizhao into the room behind him.
She hadn't slept yesterday, and now she wasn't sleeping again? Was she trying to court death?
Ji Zizhao was truly exhausted and did not resist. She lay down fully clothed on the wooden bed early.
She had been born with memories of a past life, making her exceptionally resistant to her surroundings.
At the age of three, a vagrant Taoist priest had uttered ominous prophecies, calling her a harbinger of disaster.
Her father and grandfather were both away with the army at the time, and her grandmother wanted to send her away to avoid calamity.
It was her mother who held her close, kneeling and weeping, "My daughter is the culmination of my ten months of pregnancy. Let alone not believing that Taoist priest, even if the entire world declared my daughter a disaster star, in my heart she is as precious as a treasure. Whoever dares to harm her, I will fight to the death!"
From then on, her mother held her close and protected her for a full year.
That was the first time Ji Zizhao had felt a mother's warmth.
It was only when her grandfather returned and issued a stern command that her grandmother finally relented.
From now on, no one would warm her heart.
What was lost was lost.
In the quiet of the night, Ji Zizhao, as her eyes slowly closed, shed two streams of tears.
Mother, please wait for your daughter a little longer...