The betrothal of Ji Zongyou having been settled, the next step was to present the betrothal gifts.
The dowry that the Tong family had supposedly given to Gu Peilan back then had cost them dearly, so much so that one could imagine their teeth being ground to dust. This time, when it came to Ji Zongyou's betrothal gifts, the attitude was one of absolute stinginess.
Although the madams of each household were reluctant, they still contributed their share out of a sense of propriety. However, there was still a considerable shortfall, forcing Gu Peilan to pester the Old Madam.
Naturally, the Old Madam was unwilling to invest further in a project that was clearly failing. Yet, still hoping for Ji Renran's favor, she couldn't be too blunt. She could only instruct Madam Xu to seek out Ji Zizhao.
As Ji Zizhao entered, she overheard Gu Peilan's loaded words: "After all, Zongyou is Zi'er's own brother. Since this marriage was decided by Zi'er, it is only right that Zi'er contribute now."
Ji Zizhao cast a cold glance at Gu Peilan, making no move to respond.
The Old Madam could only speak up, "I heard that a portion of Zongyou's betrothal gifts is still missing. What are your thoughts on this, Zi'er?"
Having witnessed Ji Zizhao's capabilities, the Old Madam dared not adopt an overly forceful tone. In her mind, she had already planned that if Ji Zizhao refused to help, she would make up the difference from the household's housekeeping funds.
Just as the Old Madam was engrossed in her calculations, she heard Ji Zizhao say, "When I arrived, I overheard Madam Xu mention that Grandmother has not been feeling well lately. If it is truly because of such a trivial matter, then it is my filial impiety. As the one in charge of this household, how could I allow Grandmother to be troubled by such things?"
The Old Madam was speechless.
She felt so honored and flattered!
Gu Peilan detested Ji Zizhao's ability to play both sides. "I fear Zi'er is merely speaking pleasantries."
This time, before Ji Zizhao could react, the Old Madam berated, "You, shut your mouth!"
Gu Peilan was dumbfounded.
Ji Zizhao then turned to her grandmother and said, "Regarding younger brother Zongyou's betrothal gifts, I will have Third Sister calculate the remaining amount and inform me. I will supplement whatever is lacking."
Gu Peilan refused to believe Ji Zizhao would be so generous. She twitched her lips, intending to speak again.
However, she was directly rebuffed by the Old Madam, "Look at how sensible Zi'er is, and then look at your own breadth of character as the mistress of the household. If you are not blushing, I am ashamed for you! Why are you still standing here? Hurry and find Yan'er to calculate Zongyou's betrothal gifts!"
Gu Peilan nodded, her face pale, her shock beyond words.
Her own daughter was sitting right there, yet why was the Old Madam being so kind to Ji Zizhao? And scolding her for Ji Zizhao's sake!
Indulging Ji Zizhao so much, where did that leave her daughter!
Ji Zizhao, however, was not surprised by her grandmother's reaction. After all, she had received quite a few slaps from her grandmother over the years; it was time to offer a sweet date. Only in this way would her grandmother fear her while simultaneously trying her best to maintain a good relationship. For years, her grandmother had shown favoritism towards Ji Zongyou and Ji Renran; now, she could gradually extend that favoritism to the other children in the household. It was just a small tactic, and her grandmother was now actively speaking on her behalf. Without her grandmother's partiality, what standing would Ji Zongyou or Ji Renran have in the Ji family?
Before leaving, Ji Zizhao cast a glance at Ji Renran, who was seated beside the Old Madam. When Ji Renran met Ji Zizhao's gaze, despite her troubled expression, she broke into a wide smile. Her demeanor suggested she was genuinely happy for Ji Zizhao.
It had been a long time since Ji Renran had been so quiet. But the quieter she was, the more Ji Zizhao felt it was the calm before a storm. And when the waves rolled in, they would likely be monstrous.
When Madam He heard that her courtyard was expected to contribute to Ji Zongyou's betrothal gifts, she felt heartache for her young lady's money. But Ji Zizhao remained nonchalant, telling Madam He to contribute the stipulated amount.
"Young Lady, you are simply too kind," Madam He sighed.
Ji Zizhao smiled and replied, "No, I am spending money to buy excitement."
Madam He was speechless. What excitement was there to be found?
Unexpectedly, the excitement did arrive on the night of Ji Zongyou's wedding. What should have been a night of newlywed bliss turned into a chaotic uproar in the middle of the night. Gu Peilan rushed to mediate upon hearing the commotion, only to be yelled at by Zou Siyan, her voice ringing throughout the entire Ji household. Ji Zongyou, enraged, slapped Zou Siyan across the face, finally bringing silence to the Ji family. However, Zou Siyan, having been doted upon by the Zou family, was unwilling to endure such humiliation. That very night, Zou Siyan, along with her dowry, returned to her maternal home.
In Zhaoyuan, Ji Zizhao asked Shuiling, "She really left?"
Shuiling nodded affirmatively, "It is absolutely true. I personally watched the eldest daughter-in-law board the carriage before returning."
Ji Zizhao set down her teacup and chuckled. Even if Madam Zou knew about Ji Zongyou's impotence, Zou Siyan might not have. Madam Zou was not foolish; had she truly told Zou Siyan the truth, Zou Siyan would have likely refused to marry under any circumstances. But lies are lies, and they are eventually exposed. Thus, the scene that just transpired occurred. A new bride discovering that her husband not only appeared disabled but was also impotent, it was bound to cause an uproar. However, Ji Zizhao had not expected Zou Siyan to dare to leave in the middle of the night. Returning to her maternal home on their wedding night, if this news spread, Gu Peilan would be utterly disgraced.
That night, Ji Zizhao slept soundly. The excitement she had bought with money was truly captivating. Indeed, the next day, the entire imperial city was abuzz with the news of Zou Siyan's departure to her maternal home in the dead of night. Ji Zongyou, accustomed to being pampered, would certainly not bow to the Zou family. This left Gu Peilan in a difficult position, having to plead with the Zou family day after day, her face etched with exhaustion, offering countless apologies.
Life continued amidst Gu Peilan's embarrassments, and soon it was time for the young ladies to enter the palace. Ji Renran, who had been conspicuously quiet, appeared at Ji Zizhao's courtyard early one morning. Seeing Jianqiu, Ji Renran smiled sweetly, "May I trouble Auntie to relay a message? Today, I am entering the palace to pay respects to the Empress and Consort Xi. I am unfamiliar with the surroundings and thought I might accompany Eldest Sister."
Jianqiu replied, "What a coincidence. My young lady left for the palace long ago."
Ji Renran blinked, "So early?"
Jianqiu smiled, "My young lady is entering the palace for official duties. It is different from Miss Renran entering the palace for the sake of formality." The implication was clear: even if Ji Renran was on the list, she was marrying out and had no connection to the palace, whereas her young lady could freely enter and exit the imperial grounds.
Ji Renran knew Jianqiu was mocking her, but she had no evidence to refute it. Resentfully, she turned and left. Madam He watched Ji Renran's retreating figure and approached, "Why is Miss Renran here to provoke anyone this early in the morning?" Her young lady was not on the list for selection, yet she insisted on involving her. Was this not a blatant show-off?
Jianqiu frowned slightly, "I wonder what Miss Renran's intentions are. Fortunately, my young lady was foresighted and left the estate in advance. I only hope that today's selection proceeds smoothly." The palace was a place of constant trouble. In every selection of consorts, something always happened. She only hoped that no matter how those vying for power schemed, her young lady would remain uninvolved.