"The banquet should be lively," Ji Zizhao replied perfunctorily.
Zuo Xiuhua was about to say more when she saw Xu Meiqing and Xing Jiqiu approaching. The words on her lips turned into a cool smile, and she took the lead in leaving.
"You just about scared me to death," Xu Meiqing said, patting her chest.
Xing Jiqiu glanced at the departing back of the First Prince's Consort and said softly, "I've heard the First Prince is rather sarcastic and doesn't get along well with the other princes. The First Prince's Consort has always been indecisive, and her maternal family is weak."
Ji Zizhao knew very well that a prince neglected by the Emperor was a useless pawn, someone not worth winning over or bribing. But who said she intended to bribe or win anyone over?
Seeing that Ji Zizhao showed no surprise, Xing Jiqiu was astonished. "Since Fourth Imperial Sister-in-law knows this, why would you make an enemy of Fifth Imperial Sister-in-law for someone unworthy? Also, I heard that the last time the First Prince returned to the imperial city and was at the Xue residence, he had an unpleasant encounter with Fourth Imperial Brother and Fourth Imperial Sister-in-law!"
"I simply can't stand certain people's smugness," Ji Zizhao said coldly. "If you dare to act presumptuously in front of me, be prepared for retribution."
Xing Jiqiu was speechless. *This works too?*
Ji Zizhao smiled faintly. *Why wouldn't it?* She might be at odds with the First Prince, but this discord was nothing compared to her issues with the Fifth Prince. An enemy's enemy might not necessarily become a friend, but they could certainly be a sharp weapon to strike down the enemy.
Ji Zizhao looked at Zuo Xiuhua's retreating figure, her mind filled with the shrewd glint in Zuo Xiuhua's eyes just now. Zuo Xiuhua was capable, but unfortunately, her scheming was too shallow. And since she had spoken those words, she must have something planned for Ji Zizhao. Ji Zizhao wasn't afraid. After all, she hadn't intended to have a peaceful day by standing here. However, she was curious about what Zuo Xiuhua was plotting. She also suspected that the Eighth Prince's Consort would make a move soon.
The group left the rear courtyard and headed towards the main hall. Ji Zizhao walked with the other imperial consorts, while Jianqiu, led by the Eighth Prince's Consort's personal nanny, followed quietly behind with the other consorts' maids. At first glance, the scene seemed ordinary, but a closer look would reveal that the Eighth Prince's Consort's nanny was constantly close to Jianqiu. What seemed unintentional was actually a form of surveillance. Especially when they reached the main hall and the lords and ladies entered, the maids were uniformly arranged to wait outside. Normally, they would be arranged according to their masters' ranks, but Jianqiu was placed closest to the entrance. This meant that inside and outside the door were all maids and servants of the Wei family. Jianqiu feared that she would be under everyone's scrutiny in an instant.
Ji Zizhao was not surprised by this arrangement. The more the Eighth Prince's Consort guarded against her, the more guilty she was. Approaching the door, Ji Zizhao deliberately glanced at Mo Hen. After years of understanding, no words were needed. Mo Hen lowered her eyes slightly upon meeting Ji Zizhao's gaze and nodded silently, understanding that her lady wanted her to act as opportunity arose.
The seats in the main hall were already arranged. Ji Zizhao had to admit that the Eighth Prince's Consort had put in effort, deliberately separating her seats from Xing Jiqiu and Xu Meiqing. Although there was only one person between them, any private maneuvering would be impossible. Ji Zizhao was seated between two other ladies, who, as soon as they sat down, began engaging Ji Zizhao in conversation in various ways. Ji Zizhao appeared to smile and reciprocate, but her guard was at its highest. After the meal, the banquet would disperse, so if the Eighth Prince's Consort wanted to make a move, it would have to be during the banquet.
The feast was lively, and the Eighth Prince's Consort repeatedly offered toasts with tea. The atmosphere among the sisters-in-law quickly reached its peak. At that moment, a young servant rushed in. "Reporting to Madam, someone is outside looking for the Fourth Prince's Consort. The person claims to be the Fourth Prince's Consort's sister, named Ji Renran, and has come to deliver something to the Fourth Prince's Consort."
Ji Zizhao almost burst out laughing upon hearing this. Firstly, there was nothing she owned that Ji Renran would bother to deliver. Secondly, given her relationship with Ji Renran, how could Ji Renran kindly come to deliver something? No wonder Zuo Xiuhua's eyes had gleamed earlier; she had been waiting for her here.
The Eighth Prince's Consort naturally asked Ji Zizhao, "What does Fourth Imperial Sister-in-law mean?" As the Eighth Prince's Consort spoke, all eyes turned to Ji Zizhao again. After all, if it were an ordinary sister, it would be one thing, but this sister was the Fifth Prince's betrothed concubine. The other imperial consorts were naturally displeased. Normally, someone of Ji Renran's status as a concubine would not be eligible to appear at today's banquet. If they were to sit with a concubine, wouldn't it lower their own status? Of course, no one would blame Ji Zizhao for this.
Xu Meiqing looked at Zuo Xiuhua, utterly disgusted. Knowing Ji Zizhao's poor relationship with Ji Renran, she had deliberately brought Ji Renran here at this time. Even if Ji Zizhao didn't want to agree, she would have to nod, wouldn't she appear to lack sisterly affection and grace if she refused?
Just then, Zuo Xiuhua took the initiative, playing the benevolent role perfectly. "Then please let her in. Since she is Fourth Imperial Sister-in-law's sister, it wouldn't be right to leave her waiting outside indefinitely."
Ji Zizhao, however, retorted, "Since Fifth Sister-in-law calls her my sister, are you now intending to manage my Ji family's household affairs for me?" This was a jab at Zuo Xiuhua for meddling.
Zuo Xiuhua faltered for a moment before coldly saying again, "In any case, she's coming in." She didn't believe that with so many eyes watching, Ji Zizhao could actually turn her away!
Ji Zizhao smiled faintly and looked at the servant who had delivered the message. "I don't recall losing anything, but if I have, please convey to my sister that she should go and kneel in the ancestral hall first. I will investigate when I return."
The hall fell silent as a chicken!
Everyone was stunned. *To send her away and make her kneel in the ancestral hall? Is she that ruthless?* Zuo Xiuhua stared at Ji Zizhao in shock, completely unable to believe that she had actually sent Ji Renran away.
Ji Zizhao sat on her chair, unfazed, calmly picking up her teacup and taking a sip. If the Eighth Prince and Eighth Prince's Consort were colluding, how could Xie Jingzhou not be involved? Calling Ji Renran here now was probably not just to embarrass her. It was likely to distract her. But unfortunately, no matter what scheme Zuo Xiuhua had in mind, it was destined to fail.
"Fourth Imperial Sister-in-law is truly impartial, disregarding all sisterly affection," Zuo Xiuhua said, recovering her senses, and immediately accused Ji Zizhao of being heartless and cruel.