Ji Zizhao did not return to the Zhaoyuan directly but went to the main courtyard again.
The Old Madam, having just finished breakfast, was feeling drowsy. Upon seeing Ji Zizhao enter, she merely lifted her eyelids lazily, showing no particular warmth.
Ji Zizhao observed her grandmother's expression covertly and stepped forward with a smile, "Your granddaughter pays respects to Grandmother."
The Old Madam grunted, "Why are you so free today?"
Ji Zizhao replied truthfully, "I just visited Auntie, so I thought I'd stop by to pay my respects to Grandmother."
The Old Madam's previously drooping eyelids tensed slightly.
The reaction was not significant, but not insignificant either.
Jianqiu, standing at the door, saw the Old Madam's subtle micro-expression and felt a jolt.
Could it be that the stepmother, the First Madam, plotting against Madam Yang's family, had the Old Madam's tacit approval?
Otherwise, why would the Old Madam be so tense now?
Seeing her grandmother in this state, Ji Zizhao confirmed her own thoughts.
At present, Ji Renran was merely an impending concubine to the Fifth Prince's manor. Even if Gu Peilan wanted to stir up trouble, she clearly lacked the backing. However, with the Old Madam's endorsement, things would naturally be different.
It was likely that after Madam Zhong left yesterday, Gu Peilan had been whispering in the Old Madam's ear incessantly.
The Old Madam was disappointed in Ji Renran, but she wouldn't give up on her entirely.
After all, in the Old Madam's heart, Ji Renran was the only one in the household marrying into royalty.
Even as a concubine, she was still a concubine close to royalty.
But for someone like the Old Madam, who maximized benefits, she could gain, but she would never give further.
Perhaps it was for this reason that when Gu Peilan proposed to squeeze something from Auntie's family, the Old Madam chose to tacitly agree.
However, now that Ji Zizhao was standing here, regardless of what schemes Gu Peilan was concocting, she would ensure they came to nothing.
Jianqiu had clearly grasped the underlying machinations, and it was impossible not to feel concerned.
If Miss wanted the Old Madam to remain neutral, she would have to reveal the fact that she was about to marry the Fourth Prince.
Only then could the Old Madam be swayed.
But given the Old Madam's insatiable greed, if she truly learned that Miss was to become the Fourth Prince's Consort, who knew how exorbitantly she would demand from Miss.
Ji Zizhao understood Jianqiu's concerns perfectly.
Therefore, she certainly would not tell her grandmother the truth.
"The Yang family are guests, and more importantly, in-laws. Our Ji family treats them as honored guests, and they should contribute to the affairs of the Ji family. The so-called reciprocity is simply this," the Old Madam did not know what Ji Zizhao had heard or if she genuinely came to pay her respects. But since she was here, there was no need to hide her attitude.
In any case, the Yang family was here, and it was only right for them to lend a hand to the Ji family.
Even the most composed Jianqiu felt nauseous seeing the Old Madam's attitude, which was more bandit-like than that of a brigand.
The Yang family was indeed related to the Ji family, but the Yang family did not owe the Ji family anything.
Why was she speaking so righteously with just a few words?
Ji Zizhao, however, was not angry. After all, she was well aware of her grandmother's selfish nature.
Now, facing her grandmother's candid demeanor, Ji Zizhao simply smiled and said, "Grandmother speaks wisely. However, your granddaughter has come today to inform you that your granddaughter plans to save half a year's household expenses and use it as a dowry for Sister Renran."
The Old Madam: "..."
Half a year's expenses were by no means a small sum.
"Out of the blue, why do you think of adding to your sister's dowry?" The Old Madam did not believe Ji Zizhao was so kind.
"Grandmother is suspicious that your granddaughter is slow-witted and preoccupied with her duties in the palace, neglecting household matters. But fortunately, Third Sister timely reminded me. She felt sorry that Grandmother's money would be given to Sister Renran as a dowry. If Grandmother were to be short of funds later, she could propose such a thing to your granddaughter." Su Dan Novel Network.
The Old Madam was stunned. She hadn't expected it to be Yun Jie'er.
However, if it were Yun Jie'er, she would still believe it somewhat.
That child was not as headstrong and difficult to manipulate as Zhao Jie'er.
"Third Sister also said that she is becoming more adept at managing the household affairs and that it is all due to Grandmother's trust. She will surely repay Grandmother with filial piety in the future. Third Sister has also collected a lot of medicinal herbs from your granddaughter, intending to thoroughly tend to Grandmother's health once Sister Renran is married and the household is quiet."
These words indeed reminded the Old Madam.
Yes, Zhao Jie'er held the reins of the Ji family, but it was Yun Jie'er who managed the household affairs alongside Gu Peilan.
While the Old Madam was disappointed in Ji Renran, she had not completely given up on her.
Otherwise, she would not have approved Gu Peilan's proposal this time.
However, listening to Zhao Jie'er now, she realized she had been mistaken.
Yun Jie'er was soft-hearted and filial. As long as she kept Yun Jie'er close, she would only be more comfortable in the household.
As for Ran Jie'er, she was a mere concubine, and it was uncertain whether she could be relied upon.
The Old Madam calculated that it was better to secure the immediate benefits first.
"You children are all so filial. I know your intentions," the Old Madam finally smiled at Ji Zizhao and even instructed Granny Xu to fetch two silver notes to help Ji Zizhao prepare for her ceremony of becoming god-kin at the Zhong family in a few days.
The Old Madam was not foolish; she knew that all the young ladies in the household were close to Ji Zizhao. If she wanted to live comfortably in the household, she could not afford to offend Ji Zizhao.
Ji Zizhao thanked her grandmother and took her leave after a short while.
The Old Madam, thinking of how Yun Jie'er had saved her a considerable sum, sent Granny Xu to Yun Yuan.
Ji Ziyun, who was in her room reconciling accounts with the steward, was so surprised to see Granny Xu enter with a plate of jewelry that she forgot to get up.
It was also from Granny Xu that Ji Ziyun learned the full story.
Looking at the jewelry before her, Ji Ziyun's eyes blurred.
Ji Zongyou was already gone, and Ji Renran would soon leave the Ji family. In the future, only the stepmother, the First Madam, would remain. If Grandmother favored her over the First Madam, her position in the Ji family would be solidified.
At that point, what was Gu Peilan?
Therefore, such matters, perhaps incomprehensible to others, were clear to Ji Ziyun.
Her elder sister was paving the way for her, step by step, to become the most unshakable person in the Ji family!
Ji Zizhao certainly had to pave the way for her third sister.
This way, after she left the Ji family, her third sister could manage the household more smoothly.
Jianqiu, walking behind, was no longer filled with admiration but with awe.
With just one move, she had blocked the stepmother's retreat and opened up the path for the third young lady...
Had the stepmother's head been kicked by a donkey to think of constantly opposing her young lady?
As Ji Zizhao and Jianqiu exited the main courtyard, they saw Gu Peilan walking with servants in a procession.
Because the paths in the household were not very wide, they collided face-to-face.