Master Ji called out to stop Wei Zizhang and the others.
Their faces were filled with despondency and frustration, their discontent clearly visible.
Master Ji sighed, "My daughter has encountered this misfortune today, and it has been truly difficult. I am deeply grateful that you gentlemen could step forward."
Wei Zizhang stepped forward, helped Master Ji up, and said gently, "Master Ji, there is no need for such formality. As scholars, we should follow the teachings of the sages and uphold justice. Today, we merely spoke the truth. There is no need for thanks."
"If you gentlemen do not mind, why not come inside for a chat?" Master Ji rose and extended the invitation.
The other three looked at Wei Zizhang.
Wei Zizhang hesitated for a moment, seemingly lost in thought, then nodded in agreement. "Then we shall trouble you."
Master Ji was in a terrible mood and had no real desire to entertain guests. He did not understand why his daughter had asked him to do this, but in the end, he attributed it to gratitude—merely offering a meal and some silver as thanks.
The Ji family was never short of silver.
Inside Zitengyuan of the Ji residence.
A hot spring pool lay still and deep, with faint mist swirling above, adding an air of mystery and haziness.
Ji Ruyue silently immersed herself in the warm spring water, feeling the gradually spreading sense of oppression. She closed her eyes, allowing herself to sink to the bottom, as if seeking a form of release.
Memories surged like a tide, the fragments of the past shattering and reassembling in her mind, over and over again, in search of a glimmer of hope.
However, as the feeling of suffocation intensified, she abruptly opened her eyes and surfaced.
"Bai Mei."
"Yes, Miss."
Bai Mei hurried over, carrying a tray of carefully prepared items. She obediently sat by the poolside and began tending to Ji Ruyue's skin.
"Where is Qingzhu?" Ji Ruyue asked.
"Sister Qingzhu is preparing the incense for your bedding. Do you have any instructions, Miss?" Bai Mei replied softly.
Ji Ruyue nodded slightly and said no more. A figure appeared in her mind—perhaps… this person could break the deadlock!
After her bath, she sat at the table and picked up a brush to write a letter.
Qingzhu stood quietly to the side.
Once she finished writing, Ji Ruyue folded the letter and handed it to Qingzhu. "Deliver this letter along with this package to Ruiwangfu in Shangjing overnight. Make sure it reaches the hands of the Prince's Consort."
"Yes, Miss."
The Ji residence was celebrating a joyous occasion—the wedding of the Ji family's young lady—and should have been filled with happiness.
Strangely, however, the entire Ji residence seemed shrouded in a gloomy atmosphere.
From the head housekeeper and matrons down to the maids and servants, everyone wore worried expressions.
Although the preparations for the wedding were rushed, the Ji family's immense wealth ensured that everything was arranged to perfection.
Having been reborn, Ji Ruyue was no longer the naive young girl she once was. She felt no longing for marriage nor any expectations for a husband, and thus remained indifferent, leaving the arrangements to her subordinates.
These past two days, she had focused more on her father.
In her previous life, due to the embroidered ball marriage selection, Master Ji had carried guilt in his heart for his daughter, which weighed on him and caused his health to decline day by day.
Because of this, when Chen Shujin made his move, Master Ji quickly fell ill.
Once Master Ji fell ill, everything spiraled out of control, and Chen Shujin easily seized control of the Ji family…
"Father, I've personally stewed some pigeon soup for you. Come and try it." Ji Ruyue carried a tray and walked gracefully into the study.
When she entered the study, she discovered it was not just her father alone.
She restrained the smile on her face and politely nodded in greeting to the others in the room: "Young Master Wei, Young Master Tang, Young Master Chang."
Upon seeing the newcomer, Wei Zizhang's eyes brightened, and he also stood up to perform a scholar's bow. "So it is Miss Ji. We came to bid farewell to Master Ji and will be leaving shortly."
The meaning behind his words was clear enough—they had no intention of disturbing the deep bond between father and daughter.
"Why must you leave in such haste?" Ji Ruyue asked.
Master Ji stood up with a smile and, disregarding the presence of outsiders, happily took the tray from his daughter's hands. He brought it close to his nose and sniffed carefully, praising, "My Yue'er truly has a clever mind. In just two days, she has mastered such exquisite culinary skills."
Ji Ruyue: "…"
That was truly undeserved praise!
Her refined culinary skills were all learned in her previous life for Chen Shujin. Chen Shujin had always been frail and picky about food.
Thus, she had painstakingly honed her cooking skills, all for the sake of ensuring he ate well.
"Zizhang and the others are about to depart for Shangjing to take the imperial examinations. Now that the Lantern Festival has just passed, there is clearly ample time, yet he is in such a hurry."
Wei Zizhang watched the interaction between father and daughter with a gentle smile, his expression softening slightly. "This year's Chunwei has been personally designated by His Majesty as the Jinke, so there will surely be a large number of candidates heading to Shangjing. We must set out a few days earlier to avoid struggling to find accommodations upon arrival."
Upon hearing this, Ji Ruyue raised her eyes slightly, about to speak, but Master Ji had already taken the lead: "So that's what it is! In that case, the Ji family owns several residences in Shangjing. I shall gift one to you, my worthy nephew."
Wei Zizhang and the others were taken aback by this, exchanging glances.
"This is absolutely unacceptable! Zizhang does not deserve such generosity!"
Master Ji, however, waved his hand dismissively and laughed. "If Zizhang refuses like this, it will truly sadden me. Just moments ago, you spoke of our rapport—were you deceiving me?"
Wei Zizhang continued to decline politely: "Of course not. Zizhang deeply appreciates Master Ji's great kindness, but this gift is far too valuable and truly unnecessary."
Ji Ruyue understood the situation clearly. She had asked her father to provide the group with a thousand taels of silver for travel expenses, along with fine carriages and horses, and it seemed all had been arranged.
Thus, she softly reminded him: "Young Master Wei, please do not refuse. This is my father's sincere gesture. If you do not mind, please accept it."
"I cannot."
Seeing him still refuse, Ji Ruyue added: "Gold and silver cannot compare to knowledge. Our Ji family is merely a merchant household, but my father admires scholars the most. His high regard for you gentlemen is without ulterior motives—he simply wishes to assist you in achieving success in the examinations and bringing benefit to the people of Anzhao."
Her words were eloquently spoken, but how could someone as intelligent as Wei Zizhang fail to grasp their deeper meaning?
Since ancient times, there has been the practice of sponsoring scholars, with the aim of seeking their support and assistance once they achieve success.
Now that Ji Ruyue had made her intentions so clear, if they continued to refuse outright, it would appear ungrateful.
"Thank you for your great kindness, Uncle Ji."
This subtly altered form of address was enough to indicate Wei Zizhang's stance.
In the past, would a member of the Wei family ever have needed to accept others' gold and silver?
But now… this was indeed his most difficult period.
Nevertheless, Wei Zizhang had always been confident in his own talents. While he might not claim the title of Huiyuan, a place on the Jiabang was assured.
As for repaying the Ji family in the future, it was inevitable.
"Why don't you gentlemen stay and attend tomorrow's wedding celebration before leaving?"
Ji Ruyue's sudden remark caused a flicker of embarrassment to cross Wei Zizhang's face…
For some reason, he did not wish to attend this Miss Ji's wedding celebration.
The Lantern Festival incident had stirred ripples in his usually tranquil heart.
Perhaps it was the oppression of power that made him realize his own insignificance, making his impending success in the imperial examinations feel even more urgent. At this moment, he only wanted to depart for Shangjing as soon as possible and focus on his studies in peace.
Ji Ruyue was entirely focused on building connections. She was well aware of Wei Zizhang's future achievements and understood that once a member of the Wei family entered the court, their aim was to become a Grand Secretary.
If she could befriend him, she naturally should.
With their thoughts and intentions so different, their responses were naturally different as well.
"No, I plan to set off tonight. I must respectfully decline Miss Ji's wedding toast," Wei Zizhang politely declined.
Upon hearing this, Ji Ruyue gave a soft acknowledgment and did not press him further.
"Uncle Ji, I shall take my leave now," he said respectfully as he bid farewell to Master Ji.