Yu Chi just cowered behind the eldest brother. When he came in, besides a helpless expression as if wishing him good luck, Yu Chi seemed to want to remind him of something.
Before Yu Chi could speak, a stern look from the old matriarch scared him into quickly lowering his head. He no longer dared to look at Ji Shisu.
"Shisu, what on earth is going on between you and Ning'er? It's such a big deal that Ning'er has gone missing. Why didn't you tell me? If no one had sent a letter from Huangcheng saying that Ning'er had disappeared there, how much longer were you going to keep it from us?"
The emperor understood their concern for Ji Shisu and Ji Shijian, so he allowed Lord Ji and the old matriarch to know something about the front - line situation.
It was impossible to hide Zhao Luoning's affairs at the front line from them.
As for why the daughter - in - law who was supposed to be dead suddenly came back to life, followed Ji Shisu, and even quelled a battle, Ji Shisu had explained all these things to them one by one when he returned to Huangcheng to report his mission.
Although the Ji family was a bit uncomfortable about this, after all, it was Ji Shisu who made this decision, not Zhao Luoning. Moreover, "Zhao Luojing" had shown strong financial resources in supporting the front line. The old matriarch had already re - evaluated this granddaughter - in - law in her heart.
Anyway, as long as Zhao Luoning had a rich younger brother like Zhao Luojing, the position of the second young mistress of the Ji family was surely secure.
Not only that, the Ji family would think highly of Zhao Luoning.
It was thought that with the development of their relationship, there would be no more problems.
Unexpectedly, just a few days after they finally stopped worrying, the news of Zhao Luoning's disappearance came.
Only after questioning Yu Chi did they know that this was not something that had just happened.
Originally, the old matriarch and Lord Ji had some complaints about Ji Shisu's scheme to fake Zhao Luoning's death without telling the whole family. They didn't expect Ji Shisu to make the same mistake again!
Ji Shisu's act of hiding Zhao Luoning's disappearance was like adding fuel to the fire.
The old matriarch was especially angry.
So she made such a big show, just wanting to ask this couple, Ji Shisu and Zhao Luoning, what they were up to in front of so many people.
Someone sent a letter from Huangcheng?
Didn't he already order Jingxiu and Guixiu to conduct a secret investigation?
Who else in Huangcheng was causing trouble?
Ji Shisu didn't need to think to know that it must be one of the two women left in the backyard.
The matter of cleaning up the backyard would have to wait until he returned to Huangcheng. For now, the most important thing was to comfort his grandma.
"Grandma, don't worry. Ning'er and I are fine. There's nothing wrong. I didn't tell you just because I was afraid you'd worry."
The letter only said that Zhao Luoning had shaken off the maid who was taking care of her and disappeared.
As for why she did this, it was not mentioned.
Moreover, after all, being in the capital was different from being in Huangcheng.
Even if she really needed to be punished, it should be done in Huangcheng.
"Do you know where Ning'er is now?"
"Ning'er is extremely filial. She probably won't go too far from Huangcheng. I've already sent people to investigate. As soon as I get any news, I'll tell you first..."
Unexpectedly, at this moment, an unusual voice came out and interrupted Ji Shisu.
"A daughter - in - law who has no manners and can't stay at home is not worth keeping."
The one who said this was not the outspoken and trouble - making young miss of the Ji family, but his mother, Lady Ji.
"Sister, your words are really hurtful. So, there's really a difference when there's no blood relation."
This time, it was naturally Lady Ji, the second wife, who was eager to take advantage of the situation.
People who didn't know the truth might think that she was saying that there was no blood relation between Lady Ji and Zhao Luoning, so Lady Ji was so cruel that she wished to drive Zhao Luoning out of the mansion.
But those who knew the truth thought otherwise.
The old matriarch turned pale upon hearing this.
Several maids quickly supported her so that she wouldn't faint.
Lady Ji looked gloomy. She didn't mention driving Zhao Luoning out of the mansion anymore.
Lord Ji seemed to have been hit on a sore spot. His face was even uglier than Lady Ji's, and there was even a trace of sadness on it.
The old matriarch was obviously on the verge of fainting. Only then did Lord Ji scold Lady Ji, the second wife.
But apparently, he did agree with the young miss's words to some extent. More than being angry, he was sad.
Lady Ji had brought trouble on herself this time. She was sensible enough to support the old matriarch and retreat.
Lady Ji, the second wife, was very proud of finally getting the upper hand.
Lord Ji no longer had the heart to ask about Zhao Luoning. He went back to his room with a heavy heart. Among those present, only Ji Shijun, who was also full of worries, and Ji Shisu, who was full of doubts, remained.
There must be something strange going on.
There must be something more to Lady Ji, the second wife's words.
What on earth was it that made the old matriarch so out of control?
Even Lord Ji, who rarely showed his emotions, looked so sad?
This situation had never happened since Ji Shisu could remember.
"Brother, what's going on?"
Ji Shijun seemed to know something. Ji Shisu, who was completely confused by everyone's abnormal behavior, had to ask him.
But Ji Shijun just kept telling Ji Shisu not to think too much.
He said there was nothing wrong.
Then, regardless of Ji Shisu's desperate attempts to stop him, he went back to his room on his own.
Watching the backs of everyone leaving one by one, Ji Shisu smelled something even more unusual.
They must be hiding something from him. They must be!
Right, the person with the loosest tongue in the Ji mansion was the young miss.
It was just a matter of how to start the conversation.
Ji Shisu quickly came up with an idea.
Lord Ji and Lady Ji returned to their room.
Suddenly thinking of the old things, they both felt unhappy.
As soon as they got back to the room, Lady Ji showed Lord Ji a cold face.
"I really didn't expect that after all these years, we still have to pay off the debt of love you owed back then."
Mentioning this matter, Lord Ji also looked unhappy.
"It's been so many years. Why do you have to bring her up?"
"If I don't bring her up, her son is always in front of me! Just like that woman, he has a rebellious bone in his body."
"Don't talk like that. He's done a lot for the family over the years."
"Done a lot for the family? This time, when it comes to rewarding merits, it's all the Bai family's credit. It has nothing to do with the Ji family! For so many years, it's our Ji family that has been worried and it's you, my lord, who has been pointed at behind your back. He's good. He just takes the credit and acts cute."
Lord Ji sighed.
He didn't really want to talk about this topic with Lady Ji.
That woman, the Buddhist hall.
These were all the secrets that everyone had tacitly agreed not to mention for years.
Lord Ji was in no mood. He said to Lady Ji, "You should have a good rest."
Then he opened the door and was about to go out.
Just as he was about to leave, Lady Ji reminded him.
"Going to see your Manman again?"
The Manman Lady Ji referred to was Lady Ji, the second wife.
Lord Ji didn't really want to answer her.
Since he didn't answer, Lady Ji didn't intend to let him go. She reminded him.
"It's okay if you go to see her. But she has a loose tongue. Don't let her say something in front of Shisu."