Chapter 433 The Empress's Coercion and Lurement

The Empress's words, however, compelled Ji Zizhao to think more deeply. After all, the Fourth Prince, who had sternly refused the Empress, had mentioned marriage to her more than once in secret. The Fourth Prince wasn't suffering from split personality; yet, he had acted contrary to his own words. Ji Zizhao looked at the Empress sitting opposite her, her heart tightening. She had only been summoned to Huaqing Palace for less than half an hour, and already the Empress had arrived. It had to be said, it was too fast. The imperial palace was neither vast nor small. Setting aside how the news of her summons by Noble Consort Xi coincidentally reached the Empress's ears, even if the Empress wanted to inquire, it would have taken more than half an hour. But the Empress arrived so promptly, indicating what? It meant that the Empress had long been having people secretly watch her. Despite the Fourth Prince's rejection of the arranged marriage, the Empress was still eagerly keeping an eye on her… Ji Zizhao understood then. It was likely that even if the Fourth Prince didn't agree, the Empress had no intention of letting her go. To put it bluntly, if she couldn't marry the Fourth Prince, she would likely have to marry someone else close to the Empress. Sharp edges invite criticism. Since the Empress had seen her capabilities, how could she allow such a prize to fall into someone else's hands? It was likely that the Fourth Prince did not wish to be part of the Empress's scheme to force her into marriage, which was why he outwardly refused the Empress and secretly discussed marriage with her. So, he didn't want to force her. As a result… she seemed to have never let him finish his words. Ji Zizhao frowned slightly. This feeling was unsettling, as if she owed someone something. Empress Zhong noticed Ji Zizhao's furrowed brow, her expression unchanged, but her heart was blooming. It seemed the Fourth had spoken to her in advance, otherwise why would Ji Zizhao not be surprised? However, judging by Ji Zizhao's expression, there seemed to be no resolution with the Fourth Prince. Initially, Empress Zhong had concerns about Ji Zizhao's status as a divorced woman, fearing she might be too frivolous. Now, it appeared that Ji Zizhao was someone who could hold her own. "The imperial palace has a sparse population, and after busy lives, the concubines in each palace have only raised one son by their side. Some have no children to rely on even now. With the princes about to marry, the concubines naturally want the best for their sons. Although the Ji family is not what it used to be, among all the eligible ladies in the city, you are the only one with the opportunity to enter the Emperor's favor." Empress Zhong looked at the person opposite her with increasing favor, tightening the net she cast. A promising candidate she had set her sights on could not, under any circumstances, be transplanted to someone else's field as a seedling. "Currently, Huaqing Palace has your portrait, which can indeed deter others for the time being, but who knows how long those restless thoughts can be suppressed? Moreover, it was indeed my intention to leave your portrait there, but Huaqing Palace has not yet sent it to me." The lack of action from Noble Consort Xi meant she might also be going with the flow. The character of the Fifth Prince needs no further elaboration from me, right? As for the other princes, none could compare to Little Fourth, whom I raised by my side. Yes, my Little Fourth's appearance is slightly inferior to that of other princes, but only slightly. Besides, a good appearance cannot be eaten; when a woman marries, she seeks support. What is the use of finding someone so handsome, is he to be sent to the pleasure quarters to compete for the title of courtesan? Ji Zizhao, "..." Facing the Empress's hard-sell tactics, she was truly struggling to cope. However, there was one point Ji Zizhao absolutely could not afford to be careless about. The Empress had managed to hold the position of mistress of the six palaces for so many years, and even Noble Consort Xi, who had always enjoyed the Emperor's favor, could not shake the Empress's status. This showed the Empress's prowess. It was likely that even if she resolutely refused to marry the Fourth Prince, the Empress had no intention of letting her go. Empress Zhong naturally hoped Ji Zizhao would understand that since she had to marry sooner or later, she might as well become her daughter-in-law. She could not guarantee how others would treat their daughters-in-law, but she would certainly dote on her own. Empress Zhong knew her actions were selfish, but who said an Empress had to be impartial? She was also just an ordinary mother; what was wrong with wanting her son to stay by her side? Of course, even if… if Little Fourth were to be gone one day, she would never mistreat Ji Zizhao. As long as she lived, she would protect her. This was a debt she owed her. Ji Zizhao could not quite decipher the deep and distant gaze in Empress Zhong's eyes. It was as if one knew they were about to lose something, yet desperately wanted to hold on. However, before she could ponder it carefully, Zhi Nan hurried in and bowed to Empress Zhong, saying, "Your Majesty, something has happened in Baihua Garden! I hear the Emperor and the princes' painted boat has fallen into the lake!" Empress Zhong and Ji Zizhao exchanged glances, both feeling a sense of exasperation. As the saying goes, walk too often on a dark road and you'll eventually meet a ghost. If you row on the lake too often, you're bound to capsize... Ignoring the war in Tonglin and instead fooling around with her sons all day, they deserved to capsize! Empress Zhong cursed heartily in her mind, but quickly rose and looked at Ji Zizhao, saying, "The Imperial Hospital has likely received the summons by now. It would be too troublesome for you to return and then come back. Come with me." Ji Zizhao looked at the Empress with surprise, not expecting the Empress to consider her at this moment. Empress Zhong, who was already walking out of her sleeping quarters, stopped and looked back at Ji Zizhao, saying, "We will be family from now on. It is only right for me to dote on you." As expected, the Empress had no intention of letting her go. However, now was not the time to discuss this. Ji Zizhao hastily thanked her and followed the Empress out of Fengyi Palace. Although the imperial palace of Yulin seemed vast, all paths adhered to strict hierarchical rules. Even if the Imperial Hospital received the news, they would have to take a detour, but Ji Zizhao was different. Following the Empress, she barged through, taking the nearest and fastest routes. Consequently, Ji Zizhao entered Baihua Garden before the officials who had received the news earlier. Baihua Garden was in chaos at this moment. Emperor Xiaochang and a group of princes, looking like drowned rats, sat in a pavilion, enduring the cold wind, their expressions grim. Uncle Zhang Zhong and the other imperial physicians surrounded Emperor Xiaochang, taking his pulse and wiping him down, while the princes sitting nearby were neglected in a corner, ignored. As soon as Empress Zhong entered the pavilion with Ji Zizhao, she attracted the attention of all the princes. Xie Jingqi, in particular, widened his eyes, his curiosity almost palpable. Empress Zhong had no time to waste with her foolish sons. Seeing that her two sons were unharmed, she then looked at Ji Zizhao and said, "The imperial physicians are busy now. You will look after things here for the time being." With that, she plunged into the crowd, approaching Emperor Xiaochang's side. Xie Jingqi watched Empress Zhong, who was acting out concern and care in front of their father, even shedding a few tears… He found it rather exasperating. Mother, at your age, can you please be mindful of your status?