As the new year turned, time seemed to speed up significantly.
The newly appointed county magistrate in the town had clearly adapted to the local customs and sentiments. In just a few days, he had mended the damage previously caused by the old magistrate in his own way, benefiting the populace. While not a radical improvement, it effectively soothed the anger and disappointment the people felt towards the imperial court.
As the saying goes, a new official takes office with three fires to burn. Weren't all officials supposed to appease the court by suppressing the common folk?
Yet, this new magistrate, transferred to the town, did the opposite.
Consort Xi, who had planned to find fault and replace the county magistrate with her own appointee, was so furious for several days that she could barely eat. Witnessing the townspeople sending chickens, ducks, and fish to the magistrate's office daily, praising him profusely, she felt her eyes would go blind trying to find a single flaw.
When Consort Xi was in a bad mood, Empress Zhong naturally felt better.
On the fifth day of the first lunar month, to celebrate the "breaking five" festival, Empress Zhong specially invited Xie Jinglan and Ji Zizhao for a meal.
When Ji Zizhao entered, Xie Jinglan was already there, discussing matters of the town with the Empress. "Liu Jinzhong is not an official who grew up in the Ministry of Revenue. He was transferred from the Imperial Guard to the Ministry of Revenue just last year. Such a person is underutilized in the Ministry of Revenue. Although his rank as a county magistrate is lower than his position in the Ministry, at least he can do as he pleases."
Empress Zhong, who had already seen Ji Zizhao enter, did not stop her conversation. Since they were all family, there was no need to be discreet. "If I recall correctly, Liu Jinzhong made some mistakes in the Imperial Guard, which led to his transfer to the Ministry of Revenue."
If not for the fact that the Fifth Prince was recently promoted to Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard by the Emperor, Empress Zhong might not have thought of it. After all, Liu Jinzhong himself had been demoted from that very position.
In court, every position is filled. Personnel transfers are not something the Emperor can accomplish with a mere flick of his lips.
This is why many meritorious officials, especially military officers, accumulate so many titles, such as General Ping An or Marquis Zhongyong... They appear illustrious, but in reality, they are useless.
And then, looking at the Imperial Guard, the position was vacated last year, and the Fifth Prince took it this year...
This simple logic was understood even by Ji Zizhao, so how could Empress Zhong not comprehend it?
"Consort Xi's calculations are truly far-reaching." Empress Zhong chuckled coldly. No wonder Consort Xi, who always doted on the Fifth Prince like his own eyeball, was willing to let him perform dangerous stunts like breaking stones on his chest. It turned out she had meticulously planned everything, waiting for the Emperor, that fool, to jump into the trap himself.
Xie Jinglan smiled faintly. "Therefore, no one is more suitable for this position than Liu Jinzhong."
Consort Xi was profiting immensely from the town's county magistrate. Faced with such a lucrative opportunity, she would naturally not give up easily. Yet, Xie Jinglan found Liu Jinzhong.
Even if Liu Jinzhong did not understand who had framed him before, now, seeing the Fifth Prince usurping his rightful place, as long as Liu Jinzhong was not foolish, he would surely understand the scheme.
Once Liu Jinzhong understood, he would be an irreconcilable enemy of the Fifth Prince, making it impossible for Consort Xi to win him over.
It was true that Liu Jinzhong had a grievance with Consort Xi, but it was also true that he was not familiar with Xie Jinglan. Not only could Consort Xi not find any evidence of Xie Jinglan abusing his authority for personal gain, but even the Emperor could not uncover any irregularities.
Empress Zhong looked at Xie Jinglan with admiration, but more so with regret.
Ji Zizhao had not understood this regret before, but now she couldn't help but comprehend it.
Compared to the Seventh Prince, who was pushed onto the throne as if forced to ride a duck, Xie Jinglan was more suited for that seat. However, in this world, suitability alone was often not enough.
"Your Majesty, Princess Wenhui has arrived." Eunuch Dai entered, looking at Ji Zizhao with some hesitation.
Empress Zhong showed no particular reaction, smiling and nodding. "Perfect. Ask someone to prepare an extra set of chopsticks and bowls."
Eunuch Dai acknowledged and left. Soon, Wenhui entered, respectfully paid her respects to the Empress, and then deliberately sat beside Ji Zizhao, acting overly intimate.
This Wenhui was too adept at pretense.
If Ji Zizhao had not caught the flicker in Wenhui's eyes, she might have truly believed that this princess had perhaps forgotten their very unpleasant interactions in the past.
"I thought today was the 'breaking five,' so I came to accompany Mother Empress for dumplings. I didn't expect Fourth Sister-in-law to be so thoughtful. It seems even without me, Mother Empress will no longer be lonely." Wenhui had been smiling all along, but her words carried a hint of usurpation.
Ji Zizhao was not one to indulge others' tempers. She smiled back and said, "Princess Wenhui speaks truly. However, please rest assured, Princess Wenhui, that once you are married, I will surely serve Empress well in your stead and accompany Her Majesty diligently."
Princess Wenhui: "..."
Did she get thinner just by mentioning it?
Wenhui truly did not expect Ji Zizhao to be so shameless that she was momentarily speechless.
"Zizhao is thoughtful and filial, Wenhui, you can rest assured."
If Ji Zizhao's words were a heavy blow, then Empress Zhong's words were a critical hit!
Wenhui looked up in shock, wanting to see if her mother truly favored Ji Zizhao. But alas, her eyes grew sore from staring, and she saw nothing.
Just then, Eunuch Dai entered to serve Wenhui tea.
Xie Jinglan took the opportunity to place his teacup on Eunuch Dai's tray. "The tea is a bit cold. Change it."
"Please wait a moment, Fourth Royal Highness." Eunuch Dai nodded, thinking that since he had just brewed tea for Princess Wenhui, there would still be hot water available, and remaking the tea would be quick.
However, before Eunuch Dai could even step out, Wenhui picked up her teacup.
It was clear she intended to give her cup of tea to Xie Jinglan.
But just as Wenhui was about to speak, Xie Jinglan extended his arm, his long fingers naturally reaching towards the small wooden table beside Ji Zizhao. He picked up the half-drunk cup of tea left there and finished it in one gulp.
Empress Zhong: "..."
Wenhui: "..."
Eunuch Dai's hand trembled, nearly dropping the tray.
How could an elderly person withstand such a shock?
Facing the dead silence in the room, Xie Jinglan acted as if nothing had happened, then placed Ji Zizhao's teacup on Eunuch Dai's tray as well. "It happens that Zizhao needs a new cup too."
Ji Zizhao certainly knew the meaning behind Xie Jinglan's actions. This man was full of schemes and never acted in vain. This was merely to clearly state his stance and make Wenhui retreat.
However, knowing it in her heart was one thing; facing it calmly was another.
Especially feeling everyone's gaze upon her, Ji Zizhao found it difficult to remain composed.