Mentioning this made Consort Xi’s face darken considerably. "This concubine suddenly feels unwell. Not wanting to bother His Majesty and spoil his enjoyment, I thought I'd just ask anyone from the Imperial Hospital to feel my pulse. Who would have thought that Eldest Daughter of the Ji family would collapse before saying a word."
She was also furious that Ji Zizhao had fainted so abruptly, and she wasn't about to take the blame for it.
However, Empress Zhong countered, "This Empress did hear that it was Consort Xi who specifically sent someone to the Imperial Hospital to summon Eldest Daughter of the Ji family?"
This statement was not only a reminder to Consort Xi that the Empress was prepared.
It was also a subtle assurance to Ji Zizhao that the Empress was here to support her.
Ji Zizhao looked at Empress Zhong, who faced Consort Xi with such composure, and her heart was aflutter.
She had never imagined she would warrant such attention.
The Empress was indeed the Empress; her words managed to both warn and remind, proving her enduring presence in the palace.
Ji Zizhao truly admired her.
Consort Xi, somewhat irked, glared at Empress Zhong. "Is Your Empress implying I am spying on this concubine?"
Empress Zhong looked at the furious Consort Xi and smiled with an air of magnanimity. "His Majesty has entrusted the management of the imperial harem to this Empress, and this Empress naturally strives to be diligent. All things in the world are like viewing a mountain from different angles; near or far, high or low, each presents a different perspective. What is wise to one is folly to another. This Empress finds it difficult to say."
If you accuse me of spying, I will simply say I am concerned.
If you disagree, you are welcome to take it up with His Majesty.
I would be delighted to watch you bring the matter before His Majesty yourself.
Consort Xi, already feeling dizzy from the heat, found her head growing heavier after being rebuffed by Empress Zhong. She swayed, about to collapse onto the ground.
This sudden turn of events startled everyone in Huaqing Palace.
Yun Han, kneeling on the ground, scrambled to her feet and anxiously supported Consort Xi, crying out, "Your Ladyship, what is wrong! Someone, quickly! Consort Xi is about to faint!"
Empress Zhong watched Consort Xi's feigned display with immense disgust.
She had been resorting to such tactics of feigned weakness since entering the palace; now that she was older, wasn't she tired of it?
Empress Zhong remained unfazed. As long as Consort Xi dared to faint, she dared to summon the Emperor.
Whoever indulged this consort would have to bear the consequences.
Even if Consort Xi wanted to accuse her of bullying, she would first have to consider the unconscious Ji Zizhao lying on the ground.
As long as Ji Zizhao wasn't foolish, she would know whose side to take!
Ji Zizhao was certainly not foolish.
She could clearly see that Consort Xi was clearly planning to fake a collapse and then frame the Empress for bullying.
By then, the attention of everyone in the palace would be focused on whether the Empress had oppressed Consort Xi, and who would care about her lying in Huaqing Palace for an hour?
But since Ji Zizhao was lying here today, the sun's rays would not be endured in vain!
With this thought, Ji Zizhao mustered her strength, changed from lying to kneeling, and said to Empress Zhong, "If Consort Xi is truly unwell, this humble subject is willing to take her pulse now."
She hadn't acted earlier because she had anticipated Consort Xi's plan to feign illness and frame her.
But now it was different. Consort Xi dared to frame her, but she couldn't openly frame the Empress.
If Consort Xi were to truly feign illness without cause and cause a scene, even the Emperor would not stand idly by.
Expelling a minor official like her from the palace was one thing, but framing the Empress, the paragon of virtue, was a matter of grave consequence. If this escalated, even Consort Xi would lose control.
And would someone as intelligent as Consort Xi do something she couldn't control?
As expected, Consort Xi's face grew even darker at Ji Zizhao's words.
Her red lips clenched tightly, her teeth grinding, wishing she could devour Ji Zizhao whole!
She certainly couldn't frame the Empress, so she had planned to spread word of heatstroke and recuperation after the Empress left. That way, even if an imperial physician came to examine her, such a minor matter wouldn't be exposed.
But after all her calculations, she never expected Ji Zizhao, who had been lying on the ground as if lifeless, to get up!
If Ji Zizhao were to truly take her pulse, how could she continue her act?
"Eldest Daughter of the Ji family was just lying on the ground as if near death, and now she seems much more energetic. This concubine has never heard of someone suffering from heatstroke having such strength." Consort Xi glared at Ji Zizhao, her words practically gritted out between her teeth.
Ji Zizhao knelt on the ground and said weakly, "Before entering the palace, this humble subject heard commoners often speak of Your Empress's virtue and talent, her benevolence and grace, her being the paragon of virtue, and admired by the people. This humble subject also did not expect the heat to dissipate so quickly. It must be due to the Empress's auspicious blessings."
Consort Xi: "..."
This shameless little wench!
Consort Xi trembled with rage, her face darkening further.
Not only did she find an excuse to silence her, but she also seized the opportunity to flatter the Empress in her presence?
Did she think she was already dead!
Ji Zizhao indeed had to shower the Empress with praises to clearly indicate her stance.
Otherwise, if she were to actually take Consort Xi's pulse, and the Empress was not pleased, who would she complain to?
Empress Zhong watched Consort Xi's seething frustration and her heart was filled with joy.
After so many years, she hadn't been this happy.
What an astute Ji Zizhao, not only discerning but also remarkably intelligent.
"It is kind of Eldest Daughter of the Ji family to have such intentions. If Consort Xi is truly unwell, why not let Eldest Daughter of the Ji family examine her? If Consort Xi feels it is unnecessary, this Empress will take Eldest Daughter of the Ji family with her. This Empress has been standing for a long time and is also tired. It would be opportune for Eldest Daughter of the Ji family to also examine this Empress's pulse in Fengyi Palace."
Empress Zhong's words were clear enough.
If you insist on continuing, I will endure it with you.
If you are wise, I will now de-escalate the situation and leave with Ji Zizhao.
"This concubine is much better now, only my head is still a little dizzy. I will not see Your Empress out." Despite her unwillingness, Consort Xi knew when to stop. If the matter were to escalate further, she would not achieve the benefits she had originally planned.
Since that was the case, why continue to waste time?
Especially looking at the two women, one kneeling and one standing before her, Consort Xi's heart was churning with anger.
If her son didn't constantly pine after Ji Zizhao, with her status as someone without power or influence, why would she bother wasting her thoughts on Ji Zizhao?
Seeing Consort Xi concede, Empress Zhong acted swiftly and decisively. She had Zhi Nan help Ji Zizhao up, and they left Huaqing Palace.
Consort Xi watched Empress Zhong and Ji Zizhao depart, then slapped Yun Han, who was beside her.
If this impatient girl hadn't insisted on taking a detour, how would Ji Zizhao have had the opportunity to lie on the ground as if near death!
Mama Zhang hurried over to comfort her. "Your Ladyship, you must not anger yourself and harm your health."
Consort Xi let out a cold snort. "This concubine is, of course, not angry. Go, send someone to relay a message to the Fifth Prince, telling him this concubine misses him and wants him to dine with me later this evening."
With the selection of imperial princes nearing, the Empress had now intervened on behalf of Ji Zizhao.
Was she truly that bored?
How could that be!
Initially, Consort Xi hadn't paid much attention to Ji Zizhao. But now, things were different.
After all, being able to make the Empress stumble, and being able to assist her son in this matter...
Consort Xi certainly wouldn't miss this opportunity.