"Why don't you say it's about delaying the banquet some time ago?"
Xu Meiqing couldn't believe that Ji Zizhao could guess everything.
Ji Zizhao explained, "The matter of the Eighth Prince's consort's maternal family delaying the banquet for me caused quite a stir, but it was a matter of a few days ago. Even if the wind blew, it should have passed by now. Besides, when sisters-in-law meet today, no one would discuss such gossip in front of me." Su Dan Novel Network
Who would make an enemy of themselves the moment they meet? That would be too foolish.
"The Empress cares so much about you, and it's only natural that the Wei family values you. Even if there are any rumors, who would care about them now? People are already so jealous of you that they can't keep up," Xu Meiqing was also filled with envy and jealousy, but there was nothing she could do. Ji Zizhao was so intelligent and quick-witted that if she were a mother-in-law, she would definitely like such a daughter-in-law.
Ji Zizhao heard this and knew she owed the Empress another favor.
It was one thing for the Wei family to proactively delay the banquet for her, and another for them to have to change the banquet because of her out of consideration for the Empress's reputation.
This time, Baihe's arrival made everyone assume that the Wei family was treating her specially because of the Empress. Although it was special treatment, with the Empress blocking the way, who would dare to say a word?
As the two were talking, the Seventh Prince's consort, Xing Jiqiu, entered the room.
"Fourth Sister-in-law, Sixth Sister-in-law, you're both here so early." In front of everyone, Xing Jiqiu walked directly towards them. She had now been betrothed to the Seventh Prince and no longer needed to hide anything as she did before.
Ji Zizhao smiled and gestured for her to sit down. "I'm idle in the manor, so I might as well come out early for some fresh air."
Xing Jiqiu, however, had no intention of sitting down. Instead, she smiled and said, "Since you're out for fresh air, why don't we all go for a walk? When I came in, I saw there weren't many people in the courtyard outside."
This clearly meant she had something to say.
Let alone Ji Zizhao, even Xu Meiqing could tell.
"That's a good idea. Then let's go for a walk." Ji Zizhao smiled and got up, then swept her gaze across the people in the flower hall. She had to admit that the Wei family had put in a lot of effort, not only inviting all the princes' consorts but also inviting ladies from high-ranking families who had connections with them.
The other princes' consorts and ladies saw this and had no intention of getting up to join them, continuing their own conversations.
Those who came to the banquet were all influential figures in the imperial city. Who would want to stand when they could sit?
When Ji Zizhao and the others left the flower hall and came to the courtyard, they saw Jianqiu and the maids from other manors cooling off under the shade of the trees. Mohen pretended not to know Jianqiu and stood alone in a corner, lost in thought.
Ji Zizhao's gaze swept past Mohen, and then she walked with Xu Meiqing and Xing Jiqiu in the courtyard.
"I heard that Fourth Sister-in-law has been on duty in the palace. You must be very busy, right?" Xing Jiqiu took the initiative to ask.
The Imperial Hospital was currently lacking the presence of Director Zhang, and the balance there was bound to be tilted. Zou Li dared not openly make things difficult for Ji Zizhao, but he harbored some petty biases. Thinking this, Ji Zizhao said, "It's alright."
Xing Jiqiu smiled enigmatically, "It seems Fourth Sister-in-law is truly unaware."
Ji Zizhao looked at Xing Jiqiu with confusion.
Xing Jiqiu glanced around again before lowering her voice, "A while ago, when I went out, I happened to see Princess Wenhua and the Fifth Prince's consort entering a restaurant together."
Xu Meiqing was startled, "You mean..."
Xing Jiqiu nodded, "The manager of that restaurant was very tight-lipped. I also spent some money privately and managed to learn from a waiter that Princess Wenhua and the Fifth Prince's consort have been having private gatherings there frequently recently."
Xu Meiqing's expression was not good.
Princess Wenhua, even if not the Emperor's biological daughter, was raised in the palace. Regardless of whether the Emperor truly felt grateful for the sacrifice of Princess Wenhua's father or was concerned about the views of the public and the court officials, he attached great importance to Princess Wenhua.
If such a person were to become an ally of the Fifth Prince, it would not be a good thing.
Ji Zizhao suddenly remembered that when Princess Wenhua had just returned, it was precisely when the Fifth Prince was injured while escorting the Emperor. She had wondered at the time how it could be such a coincidence. Now it seemed that Princess Wenhua had already secretly chosen her side from that moment on.
"Did you find out what they said?" Ji Zizhao asked.
Xing Jiqiu shook her head, somewhat annoyed. "Princess Wenhua and the Fifth Prince's consort are very careful. Even when they go to that restaurant, they inform the manager in advance. Even the servers are specific people. According to the waiter, they are all trusted confidants of the manager, and others cannot get within half a step of the private room."
Xu Meiqing frowned, "The more careful and cautious they are, the more suspicious it is."
Ji Zizhao also agreed with this statement and said to Xing Jiqiu, "Keep a close eye on the manager of that restaurant. There's no need to alarm them for now."
Xing Jiqiu nodded, "Don't worry, Fourth Sister-in-law. I've already sent people to watch."
As they spoke, more people from the flower hall gradually arrived in the courtyard, waiting to be seated in the main hall later.
Soon, the once quiet courtyard became lively.
Ji Zizhao and the others found it inconvenient to continue whispering in a corner, so they also walked towards the center of the courtyard.
In the moderately sized courtyard, several factions were clearly distinguishable, with the Fifth Prince's consort, Zuo Xiuhua, being the most popular, drawing the most attention.
When the Seventh Prince was still around, the Fifth Prince, as the sole heir of Consort Xi, was not highly sought after. However, with the Seventh Prince's whereabouts uncertain in Tonglin, and Consort Xi being the only one who could rival the Empress in the harem, the Fifth Prince, along with his consort Zuo Xiuhua, naturally rose in status.
Zuo Xiuhua today was truly radiant. Even the Eighth Prince's consort, who was hosting the event, was overshadowed. All the princes' consorts surrounded her, and even a simple word from her was met with a chorus of agreement.
Xu Meiqing couldn't help but curl her lips, "Look at her strutting. If Xue Yinuo were here, she'd definitely curse her, saying she's not afraid of her back breaking."
Xing Jiqiu sighed, her eyes full of sorrow. "No matter how unremarkable the Fifth Prince is, Consort Xi's rank is still there. Once the Seventh Prince and the Fourth Prince truly... it's only natural that these people want to curry favor now."
Ji Zizhao could see Xing Jiqiu's worry. To put it bluntly, no one wanted to become a widow before even getting married. She sneered, "Then I'm afraid they will be disappointed."
Xing Jiqiu was startled, "Fourth Sister-in-law, are you that confident?"