Raising her wine goblet, Noble Consort Xi stood up with a smile, looking at the Emperor. "On this Duanwu Festival, all the fine wine and delicacies are thanks to your grace, Your Majesty. This concubine toasts you."
Noble Consort Xi's eyes were charming and full of allure. Even past her youthful bloom, she retained a captivating elegance.
Emperor Xiaochang looked at Noble Consort Xi, his affection for her only deepening. "Noble Consort Xi is thoughtful."
Noble Consort Xi smiled softly, about to say something more when Empress Zhong similarly raised her wine goblet.
"The Emperor's grace is vast. This humble subject naturally celebrates with you, my sovereign. The city of Luoyi resounds with cheers, its people united. Your Majesty's benevolence spreads across the land, and Yulin shall be eternally admired. Truly, every year we celebrate Duanwu, and every day we remember the Dragon's grace."
As expected of an Empress, her eloquent speech left Ji Zizhao in awe.
Most importantly, the Empress, with a subtle move, had brought up the matter of Luoyi city.
Concubines in the harem were forbidden to discuss state affairs, a rule set by the ancestors.
Even with Noble Consort Xi's immense favor, she dared not speak further about Luoyi.
Ji Zizhao cast a glance at the Empress from afar. Indeed, old ginger was spicier. One sentence had silenced Noble Consort Xi.
Emperor Xiaochang was overjoyed thinking about the affairs of Luoyi city.
Having accomplished what even Emperor Gaozu could not, Emperor Xiaochang was naturally delighted. "Those who were sent to Luoyi have been rewarded and punished justly. Especially General Han. After the New Year, I shall send you to serve under Old General Han as a deputy."
"Young General" sounded impressive, but it was not a high-ranking position in the military.
In Yulin, one could only attain the rank of "Young General" if their father was already a general.
Yulin generals were not hereditary. If a "Young General" proved incompetent, their command would revert to the court once the old general retired.
Now, Emperor Xiaochang's approval of Han Jingyu as a deputy clearly indicated that Old General Han's legacy would continue.
Han Jingyu, seated in the distance, quickly rose and bowed. "Reporting to Your Majesty, your humble servant merely acted upon your command and dares not accept such high praise. If there is any merit in this endeavor, it belongs to Princess Ronghe, who stood against Yulin in Luoyi city, and to the second daughter of the Ji family, who tirelessly served the Seventh Prince in Luoyi county!"
Ji Zixiu, naturally, would not attend such a banquet.
Emperor Xiaochang's gaze naturally fell upon Ji Zizhao, who was among the ministers.
The death of the Ji family's men in Luoyi was something Emperor Xiaochang always lamented.
However, with his reservations, he never considered himself at fault.
The art of rulership was the art of managing people.
His garden needed no weeds, nor flowers that were too dazzling.
Hearing Han Jingyu's words, Emperor Xiaochang couldn't help but reflect. Had he misjudged? Had the Ji family always been loyal to him?
Otherwise, why would the Ji daughters remain loyal to Yulin after the tragic demise of their male kin?
Ultimately, it was the teachings of the Ji family that instilled such loyalty.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, while I dare not doubt how the second daughter of the Ji family diligently served the Seventh Prince, regarding Princess Ronghe, I recall something rather interesting." The old master of the Tong family slowly rose from among the crowd.
Emperor Xiaochang turned his gaze. "Minister Tong, please elaborate."
After bowing, the old master of the Tong family straightened his chest. "When General Xue was gravely ill, Princess Ronghe performed a miraculous recovery. This was witnessed by myself and all the princes. Princess Ronghe claimed to have studied under Imperial Physician Zhang in Luoyi. At the time, I thought to congratulate Head Imperial Physician Zhang on Princess Ronghe carrying on his medical legacy. However, Imperial Physician Zhang replied to me stating he had never taken any disciples."
Upon hearing this, Xie Jinglan instinctively glanced at the Seventh Prince beside him.
Xie Jingqi: "..."
When did this happen?
In contrast to the Seventh Prince's bewildered expression, Han Jingyu, who was still standing, stiffened.
That letter was written by Master Tong!
Recalling Imperial Physician Zhang's reply at the time, cold sweat trickled down Han Jingyu's face.
If this matter were to be exposed, it would be a crime of deceiving the Emperor!
Xie Jinglan saw Han Jingyu's tense expression and knew something was amiss.
However, with the Crown Prince not yet established, princes like them were only allowed to listen in court, without the right to speak, let alone offer counsel.
Emperor Xiaochang had heard whispers of Ji Zizhao studying under Zhang Shuzhong. Now, hearing the old master of the Tong family's words, he was displeased. If Ji Zizhao had truly dared to deceive him, it would be sheer audacity!
"Go, summon Zhang Shuzhong." As the ruler of a nation, he could not directly confront a mere woman. The best approach was to bring the other party involved.
Feng Gu did not dare to delay and quickly bowed before withdrawing.
Instantly, the hall fell silent, so quiet one could hear a pin drop.
All eyes in the hall silently converged on Ji Zizhao.
The old master of the Tong family secretly glanced in the direction of the Fifth Prince, a look of determined confidence on his face.
Xie Jingzhou had not expected such a turn of events. If Ji Zizhao was accused of deceiving the Emperor, there would be no chance of recovery. A more severe outcome might even cost her her head.
This was precisely as he wished. If he could not have something, no one else should.
As long as the Ji family lost Ji Zizhao, they would soon be at his mercy.
With a cold sneer, Xie Jingzhou looked towards Ji Zizhao.
He imagined she must be terrified at this moment.
Ji Zizhao sat composedly in her seat, her beautiful face as calm as still water under the bright hall lights.
The old master of the Tong family was indeed a figure who had stood firm in court for so many years and was not easily fooled.
However, the old master of the Tong family did not realize that while Zhang Shuzhong had not taken her as a disciple, he was a man who repaid kindness.
She had given him all the credit for Luoyi. Now, all she asked for was the title of a disciple. As long as she subtly guided the conversation later, Zhang Shuzhong would surely grant her request.
So, was she panicking?
Ji Zizhao was not panicking.
Xie Jinglan put down his wine goblet and tapped his table seemingly casually.
Tánglì, who was outside the great hall, understood the signal and quietly slipped down the steps.
Xie Jinglan watched Tánglì disappear in an instant, his eyes flickering rapidly.
Someone as stubborn as Zhang Shuzhong would likely be unmoved by pleas. Therefore, regardless of how Tánglì threatened, as long as it could make Zhang Shuzhong agree to protect Ji Zizhao this once, it would suffice.
Although he was an unfavored prince, it was not difficult for him to owe Zhang Shuzhong a favor.
At this moment, Zhang Shuzhong, who was on duty at the Imperial Hospital, was unaware that he was about to be manipulated. Upon hearing the Emperor's summons, he put down his work and hurried with Feng Gu.
Entering the hall and seeing the Emperor's cheerful demeanor, he breathed a sigh of relief and greeted him. "Your humble servant, Zhang Shuzhong, pays respects to Your Majesty."
Emperor Xiaochang gestured for Zhang Shuzhong to rise and then briefly explained the situation. "So, is Princess Ronghe your disciple or not?"