Madam Xue and Xue Xiaochun were arranged by Madam Zhong, but Madam Xue herself accompanied them to the mansion gate. Watching his wife's retreating figure, Xue Yongnian could imagine his own coldness during these days. Although he didn't say anything outwardly, he quietly followed Madam Xue.
Xue Yinuo sighed with relief, seeing her parents finally without any rift.
She held Ji Zizhao's hand, so moved she didn't know what to say.
Ji Zizhao smiled faintly, it was just a small effort.
After a long while, Xue Yinuo asked doubtfully, "How did you know Sun Lu was like this?"
Ji Zizhao shook her head with a smile. She actually didn't know Sun Lu was so detestable.
If she had known beforehand, she would not have been so lenient.
Turning to look at the woman standing silently behind her, Ji Zizhao said softly, "Since you've suffered so much, why didn't you say anything?"
This woman had been staying with Uncle Gang for some time, but she had never proactively spoken of her past. Even when Ji Zizhao had Mo Zhu send her a message yesterday asking her to come and help today, the woman had only said she would make her satisfied.
Therefore, Ji Zizhao had only just learned of the woman's past with Sun Lu.
"Whatever happened before, right or wrong, it was my own choice. I just wanted to get back what belonged to me, and then we would be quits," the woman said, lowering her head, her voice devoid of any emotion.
Ji Zizhao smiled, "Being carefree is a good thing, but your carefree attitude cannot be an excuse for others to harm you. Remember, if anyone bullies you again in the future, it's not too late to be carefree after you've fought back first."
The woman nodded, "Chun Bai remembers."
Chun Bai.
What a beautiful name.
Ji Zizhao thought for a moment and then asked, "Can you go back to Uncle Gang's place by yourself?"
Chun Bai seemed surprised that Ji Zizhao would still take her in and looked up in shock.
She had thought that after today, she would have to leave the Xuan Yi Pavilion.
After all, she had been accustomed to relationships of mutual exploitation since she was young.
She never imagined...
Chun Bai replied with a slight choke, "Please rest assured, Miss, I remember the way back."
At this moment, a hint of something beyond indifference finally appeared in her eyes.
The Xue family's affairs did not delay the Zhong family's adoption ceremony. When the auspicious hour arrived, Madam Zhong, supported by Madam Zhong, came to the front hall. By the time Ji Zizhao entered, Madam Zhong was already seated in the grand chair, smiling and waiting to be served tea.
Ji Zizhao accepted the tea from the stewardess, knelt on the cushion, and respectfully offered tea to Madam Zhong, "Ji Zizhao greets her godmother. From now on, Ji Zizhao will fulfill her filial duties to her godmother and her loyalty to the Zhong family. When my godfather returns victoriously, Ji Zizhao will personally call on him to offer tea."
Madam Zhong smiled and nodded.
As expected of a descendant of the Ji family, even her words were so imposing.
Zhong Xinyi watched this scene with excitement, wishing she could drink the tea for her grandmother in one gulp, just to call Ji Zizhao her god-sister quickly.
Zhong Shaowen, standing by, also looked a bit stiff.
On the contrary, the young noblemen beside him noticed something unusual and stared intently, their eyes almost popping out.
He's crying?
Zhong Shaowen scoffed, "Still not allowing people to be emotional?"
The young noblemen, "..."
It's not that it's impossible, it's just a bit hard to accept.
Madam Zhong took a sip of tea and continued, "Considering your age, you are older than Sister Yi and younger than Brother Wen. From now on, you shall address each other as god-sister and god-brother. Rise..."
Before she could finish speaking, a commotion came from the doorway.
Soon, a figure in white robes entered everyone's sight.
Everyone stared at the Fourth Prince, who had arrived unannounced, their expressions frozen.
No one had mentioned that the Fourth Prince would be here today.
Madam Zhong was clearly stunned for a moment before rising and asking, "Why has Your Highness the Fourth Prince graced us with his presence?"
Xie Jinglan nodded slightly, "I was passing by the mansion and saw many carriages, so I thought I'd come in and take a look."
Whether it was the Fourth Prince or the Seventh Prince, they were both raised under the Empress's care. The Zhong family was the Empress's maternal family, so it was reasonable for the Fourth Prince to care about the Zhong family.
However, Madam Zhong clearly did not believe these words.
But whether she believed them or not, she still had to put on a show. "Miss Ji is virtuous, pure, gentle, and kind, and she has a rare compatibility with the younger generation in our mansion. I have decided to acknowledge Miss Ji as my god-granddaughter."
Upon hearing this, Xie Jinglan's gaze naturally fell upon Ji Zizhao.
Zhong Xinyi dared not speak to her Fourth Cousin alone. She quickly pulled Zhong Shaowen for courage and stepped forward with a smile, "My Fourth Cousin, you may not know, but Zizhao is not only beautiful but also has a wonderful heart. From now on, we are family."
Xie Jinglan looked at Ji Zizhao, who was still kneeling on the cushion, with a half-smile, "Indeed, we are family now."
Ji Zizhao, "..."
Why do I suddenly feel like hitting someone?
Madam Zhong also walked over with a smile, "Get up quickly, the ground is cold."
Ji Zizhao moved her legs and was about to stand up when an arm was suddenly extended in front of her.
The snow-white wide sleeves were adorned with dark embroidered auspicious cloud patterns, half-concealing and half-revealing the fair back of her hand, the two whites intertwining and responding to each other.
Ji Zizhao stared at the arm in front of her, a little dazed.
The others in the main hall also looked quite startled.
Even though the Fourth Prince was the least favored prince by the Emperor, he had still been raised by the Empress.
Moreover, a prince was still a prince. From the moment of birth, their status was above everyone else.
To put it bluntly, the Emperor might not care, but others could never hope to associate with him.
Yet, the dignified Fourth Prince was personally extending his arm to support the eldest daughter of the Ji family?
This...
Wasn't he giving too much face?!
"I came in a hurry today and did not prepare a meeting gift for the eldest daughter of the Ji family. Now, the eldest daughter of the Ji family has been kneeling on the ground for so long because of my arrival and has not risen. In fact, it is my fault," Xie Jinglan said in a low voice, his expression and tone so natural that no fault could be found.
But even though he said so, being supported by the current Emperor was something many people wouldn't even dare to dream of!
Yet, what everyone could not imagine was happening to Ji Zizhao!
At this moment, even the young noblemen beside them cast envious and jealous glances.
They just wanted to ask if it was still too late to reincarnate as a member of the Ji family?
Being supported by a prince was enough to boast about for a lifetime!