Upon hearing this, Ji Wuxia and Ji Meiyuan were stunned. They never expected that Ji Wushang would say such a thing. They had been so careless!
That morning, Ji Meiyuan asked Ji Wuxia to come and think about what would be a good gift for her grandmother. Just then, Ji Wuxia was making a landscape painting as a birthday present. On a whim, Ji Meiyuan remembered that Ji Wushang had severely punished Aunt Bai's distant cousin last night. Of course, she couldn't swallow her anger. And since Xier had just passed by the courtyard, she framed Xier for stealing the inkstone. Unexpectedly, even this oversight was noticed by Ji Wushang.
Now that Ji Wushang has said this, there's no way he can cover up the framing.
Ji Meiyuan was furious and anxious, so she shouted, "That's not necessarily true! It's just grinding ink! Anyone can do that!"
Some servants lowered their heads and ground ink. This was a task that was usually done by maids or servants. How could just any servant know how to do it?
Seeing Ji Meiyuan's neck turn red with anxiety, Ji Wuxia also wanted to speak, but after thinking for a moment, she realized that Ji Wushang was giving them a way out! If they continued to argue, how could they possibly turn the tables? In the end, wouldn't they just lose face?
Ji Wushang chuckled coldly. This Ji Meiyuan really didn't know what was good for her. Since that was the case, he sneered, "Second sister, then tell me, why did Xier only steal the inkstone and not the ink block? Which calligrapher or painter doesn't use brush, ink, paper, and inkstone together? The only stolen item we saw today was the inkstone, but where's the ink block? Could it be that Xier has some kind of magical ability to grind ink without an ink block? That would be quite a feat! Oh, look at that ink, it's so good! If you dip it in ink to paint, you'll definitely make a good painting! When Father returns home, we must tell him about this amazing thing! So he can report it to the court and bring glory to our Ji family!"
Everyone looked at Ji Meiyuan and Ji Wuxia with strange eyes. It was obvious that Ji Wusi had said that Xier couldn't read, so how could he grind ink? This was clearly a case of framing someone!
Ji Wuxia looked at Ji Meiyuan, who was already feeling uneasy and dared not answer, while Ji Wuxia stood there awkwardly.
"Since it wasn't Xier who did it, then release Xier immediately!" Ji Wusi, though young, was shrewd enough to guess the situation from their conversation. After ordering the maid beside him to whisper the whole story, he understood even more clearly.
Ji Wuxia listened, her eyes darting around a couple of times, and said, "So, it must have been some lackey who stole the inkstone. I'll investigate thoroughly. Men, take Xier away and treat him! ... Also, give him a reward of ten taels of silver!" Ji Wuxia paused for a moment, looking at Ji Wusi's murderous gaze, but still said the reward.
Ji Meiyuan was furious upon hearing this. Not only had she treated her, but she also wanted a reward? Just as she was about to speak, Ji Wuxia tugged at her clothes and whispered, "Never mind!"
Ji Meiyuan had no intention of settling things this way. She was about to shake off Ji Wuxia's hand when she heard a stern voice and was startled.
"What are you all doing huddled together like this? What's all the commotion about! Don't you have anything to do?"
☆、031 My older brother is back, there's something I need to do.
Ji Wushang looked up and saw that the man was his elder brother, Ji Tiankui, born to the deceased First Madam Li Feifei [Li Feifei died in childbirth, and Ji Dingbei then married Madam Bei]. He was about twenty years old, but he was tall and strong. Legend has it that he was born with superhuman strength and could lift a cauldron. His face was about six-tenths similar to his father's, with slightly thick red lips, domineering sword-like eyebrows, and eyes like stars in the sky. He was very imposing and had the demeanor of a little tyrant, which made ordinary people feel afraid.
Ji Tiankui has been by his father Ji Dingbei's side since he was seven years old, experiencing military life from a young age. Today, he seems to have become a General of the Cavalry. He's in his early twenties and still unmarried. His sudden return to the manor today must be for some reason.
When the servants saw Ji Tiankui suddenly appear, they immediately scattered like frightened birds. Ji Meiyuan and Ji Wuxia both lowered their heads. They were most afraid of their eldest brother. Ji Tiankui was not fond of talking, but he was extremely strict in disciplining his sisters and brothers.
Ji Tiankui's obsidian-like starry eyes swept over the three Ji sisters, and he asked, "What happened?"
"It's nothing, just a small matter, no need to trouble you, brother." Ji Wushang stepped forward and smiled slightly at his brother.
Ji Tiankui was stunned when he saw Ji Wushang's reply. In his memory, this younger sister had never spoken to him much before, always hiding away when she saw him. But now she was smiling and chatting freely, a far cry from her former timid self. Others used to be afraid of her and dared not look her in the eye, yet she was smiling at him today? No, he had heard about her getting caught in the rain and developing a high fever a few days ago, as well as what happened at the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion. It seemed that this younger sister had changed.
Ji Tiankui thought for a moment, nodded, and said without changing his expression, "Well, since that's the case, then disperse and study hard!" After saying that, he stepped forward and patted Ji Wusi's head, who had a fearful look on his face, "Wuzi, be good."
Ji Wusi stared at the tall man, his mouth agape, unable to close, just staring blankly at him. He stood there, not daring to move.
This amused Ji Tiankui, who managed a slight,憨厚 smile, but it vanished in an instant.
Just then, a maid led someone over, saying, "Young Master, Second Young Master Nan has arrived and is waiting outside the garden."
Everyone looked over and saw Nan Jinxue, dressed in blue and holding a folding fan, standing outside the bamboo garden, seemingly lost in thought.
Upon hearing the name "Second Young Master Nan," Ji Meiyuan's heart fluttered, and her face flushed slightly. Ji Wuxia noticed this and gently nudged her, reminding her not to lose her composure in front of her elder brother.
Ji Tiankui ignored their little antics and focused his gaze on Ji Wushang's face, only to find that Ji Wushang showed no particular expression. He immediately concluded that he needed to re-evaluate this younger sister! While the other half-sisters blushed upon hearing Nan Jinxue's words, she remained expressionless…
Ji Tiankui said sternly, "Disperse, everyone!" After saying that, he led his servant out.
After watching Ji Tiankui leave, Ji Wushang squatted down and looked at Ji Wusi, "Come on, your older sister will take you to the library to read some books."
"Oh." Ji Wusi finally snapped out of her daze, nodded, and smiled.
Ji Meiyuan and Ji Wuxia parted on bad terms, both feeling resentful. Ji Meiyuan was preoccupied with Nan Jinxue and wanted to go with Ji Tiankui to see her, but she was also afraid of him, so she returned to her room with a conflicted heart.
Seeing Ji Tiankui arrive, Nan Jinxue smiled and said, "Why was it so lively just now? The room was full of people."
"Heh, come here, Little Stone, tell me." Little Stone was the servant who had just been watching the play in the bamboo garden. He happened to be sweeping the courtyard now. When Ji Tiankui called on him, he was afraid, but he could only grit his teeth, bow, and then tell the story. As he spoke, he became quite animated and forgot about his surroundings.
Nan Jinxue, however, was completely absorbed in listening. It had only been a few days since she'd last seen Ji Wushang… Thinking of her, she looked into the distance and saw a white figure holding Ji Wusi's small hand, coaxing and amusing her as they walked towards the library, with several maids following closely behind…
Ji Tiankui listened and laughed. He hadn't expected that these younger sisters were really quite special!
After dismissing the pebbles, Ji Tiankui noticed Nan Jinxue's absent-mindedness and coughed lightly, "Second Young Master Nan."
"Hmm." Nan Jinxue immediately came over. "My apologies for not recognizing you!"
"Haha..." Ji Tiankui shook his head. Although he didn't quite understand why Nan Jinxue was lost in thought, he was also surprised that Ji Wushang had solved the problem posed by Ji Meiyuan and Ji Wuxia. As the eldest son, he had been by his father's side for many years and was now a General of the Cavalry. Inheriting his father's position as a general was a given. He usually didn't care much about the affairs of the household, but today he found his younger sisters quite interesting.
But this was a family matter, and it wasn't appropriate to discuss it with outsiders. After thinking for a moment, Ji Tiankui changed the subject, "Second Young Master Nan, I invited you here today because of something important. Please come with me."
"Okay, fine!" Young Master Nan could only suppress the memories in his heart. But that figure just wouldn't leave his mind.
Ji Wushang took Ji Wusi to the library. Seeing several servants cleaning, she was slightly lost in thought about yesterday's events, but immediately pulled Ji Wusi inside. She personally selected a few books and played with Ji Wusi for the afternoon before returning to Xinyuan to copy Buddhist scriptures.
Two days passed peacefully. When Ji Wushang woke up today, Zhu'er had already prepared water for washing up and brought breakfast. "Miss, everything is ready."
"Mm." Ji Wushang nodded. After everything was arranged, he took the congratulatory gifts prepared by Madam Bei and the gifts he had prepared, boarded a carriage, and headed towards the Right Prime Minister's residence.
Today is my cousin Bei Juefeng's big day. It's bound to be a lively and exciting occasion.
The Right Prime Minister's residence was quite close to the palace, but it would take an hour or two by carriage. Ji Wushang still felt a bit tired, so he took a short nap in the carriage.
However, unexpectedly, after turning a few streets and entering Moyuan Alley, the carriage carrying Ji Wushang suddenly stopped, instantly waking him up.
Gently lifting the curtain, Ji Wushang called out softly, "Zhu'er, what's going on?" Before she could finish speaking, Ji Wushang felt the carriage tremble slightly, and someone suddenly rushed in from behind! Moreover, this person was holding a dagger to Ji Wushang's lower abdomen! His other large hand was gripping her slender waist, and Ji Wushang had nowhere to escape!
☆、032 Suddenly, villains appear and demand to inspect the carriage!
Ji Wushang froze on the spot, not daring to move. What was going on? At this moment, Zhu'er ran in from outside, panting. She didn't notice the change in Ji Wushang's expression and hurriedly said, "Miss, there are two peasant women fighting and shouting about something."
As Ji Wushang listened, he clearly felt the grip on his waist tighten. It was definitely the person behind him exerting force. Ji Wushang calmly said, "Have the maids pull them apart. I need to get to my uncle's residence!"
"Yes," Pearl replied, and then ran off again.
Ji Wushang looked into the distance, his brows furrowing slightly. Ahead, his servants were cursing at the two arguing peasant women, while Zhu'er immediately sent three rough-working women to pull the people away.
The person behind him must have seen that no servants were paying attention to the carriage, so he loosened his grip slightly. However, the dagger remained firmly pressed against Ji Wushang's vitals. "Don't move, or you will die!" The low voice breathed softly behind Ji Wushang's ear, the hot breath making the hairs on Ji Wushang's body stand on end, and a sense of fear rose in his heart.
No one had ever treated her like this before, not even in her past life. Ji Wushang seemed a little stiff, not daring to turn her head, staring straight ahead without moving.
The man was wearing a black butterfly mask, covering most of his face except for his two almond-shaped eyes, which revealed his ruthlessness. Seeing that Ji Wushang dared not move, the man subtly shifted his gaze, clearly seeing Ji Wushang's face. He was momentarily stunned, and the next second, the dagger pressed against Ji Wushang's waist loosened slightly.
"I have no intention of hurting you. I'm just asking you, which way is the carriage going?" The man softened his tone slightly, but still kept his voice low, making it difficult to recognize his original tone.
Ji Wushang took a few deep breaths before coming to his senses. He was covered in a cold sweat, but dared not wipe the sweat from his face with a handkerchief. He was slightly relieved to learn that the man was not after his life, but the next moment his heart was in his throat again. If it wasn't for money or life, then what was it for?
This person is no good, and is extremely clever; he must have taken advantage of the chaos ahead to sneak into his carriage...
"The Right Prime Minister's residence," Ji Wushang replied softly. At this moment, the noise outside had gradually subsided, and Zhu'er ran over.
The man behind him immediately and warily pressed the dagger against Ji Wushang's waist, and Ji Wushang didn't dare to breathe.
“Miss, you can continue now,” Pearl said sweetly.
"Yes. It's getting close to noon. Get to the manor before midday, understand?" Ji Wushang paused for a moment before answering calmly.
"Yes." Pearl turned and left.
Ji Wushang wanted to turn around and see who this person was, but at that moment, a voice rang in his ears, "Stop briefly at the crossroads, and I'll leave! Don't try anything funny!"
"...Alright!" A wise man doesn't fight a losing battle; let's appease this person first and then think of a solution. Even though Ji Wushang had a thousand questions in his mind, he dared not say anything more, lowered the curtain, and waited for the caravan to start moving.
Before the carriage even started moving, the commotion ahead grew louder, and it seemed that a cavalry unit in heavy armor was approaching. A man's deep voice rang out, "The entire cavalry unit is divided into five groups of ten men each, with fifty infantrymen assigned to each group! Do not miss any suspects you encounter! Bring them all to me!"
"yes!"
The entire cavalry moved swiftly, and the armored infantry behind them advanced in orderly formation.
Upon hearing the voice, Ji Wushang, who was in the carriage, vaguely guessed that they might have just run into officials chasing bandits. He quickly looked out the window and said to the driver, "Don't watch others' excitement. We're running out of time. Let's get going!" The man behind him became even more vigilant, and the large hand gripping Ji Wushang's waist tightened.
Ji Wushang dared not move, feeling annoyed. Didn't this man know that men and women should not touch each other? Would he feel better if he ruined his innocence? Ji Wushang rolled his eyes as he thought about it.
Before he could finish speaking, a cavalry unit had already galloped up, and the infantry behind them had surrounded Ji Wushang's convoy.
A man rode ahead from the cavalry. He was tall and burly, with a stubble-covered face and a large, menacing scar running from his left eye to his right cheek, a sight that sent chills down one's spine. He had thick eyebrows, fierce eyes, and a booming voice. He pointed his long whip at the carriage and shouted, "Who's in the carriage? State your name! We are the Ma family army under Lord Ma of the Ministry of Justice! We are on orders to apprehend the murderer! If you see the masked man in black, report it immediately!" After saying this, his fierce eyes swept over the people around him, causing the servants to remain silent.
Ji Wushang suddenly understood. The Ma family army was chasing the fugitive, and the perpetrator must be the person behind them. This person knew in advance that the Ma family army was doing its best to catch him and split into several groups. Rather than hiding in a mansion, it would be better to hide in a woman's carriage!
Her carriage had few strong servants, only a few maids, servants, and servants, making it easy to avoid suspicion. Besides, how could a young woman confined to her chambers have any connection with bandits? Moreover, having her sedan chair door ripped open would be extremely damaging to the reputation of an unmarried woman. Thus, she would certainly not reveal that she had hidden inside, and could also evade the officials' search.
The two peasant women who had been fighting earlier must have been in cahoots with the people behind them. Making their carriage stop was the first step, so that this person could sneak in quietly. The best way was to draw everyone's attention to them.
Ji Wushang had figured out the whole story. The final step was to use himself to evade the Ma family army's search. Sure enough, the man behind him had already put a dagger to Ji Wushang's neck. "You've been exposed, you're definitely going to die!" The voice was extremely vicious, and he was full of murderous aura. Ji Wushang's face turned pale instantly, and a chill ran from the soles of his feet all the way to his heart.
Just then, a gentle breeze blew by, and Ji Wushang smelled the stench of blood. It was the person behind him! It turned out that this person was seriously injured, otherwise he wouldn't have hijacked his car!
"Reporting to the sir! We are from General Ji's residence. We just saw two peasant women fighting and arguing over something, and that's when we stopped. We didn't see any criminals." The servant in front of us was a bit clever with his words and got the information out.
Perhaps noticing the deathly paleness on Ji Wushang's face, the man in the carriage lowered the dagger from her neck and placed it against his waist, speaking softly, "I won't kill you."
Ji Wushang was at a loss for words and could only remain silent, watching to see what would happen ahead.
"General Ji's residence? Do you have any proof? Why aren't the people in the carriage getting off!" The leader was truly fierce, and he made a move to raise his whip!
☆、033 Wu Shang unexpectedly meets Prince Nan again!
The servant hurriedly cupped his hands and said, "Sir, sir, we really are from General Ji's mansion. You can tell just by looking at this carriage. No ordinary wealthy family would dare to impersonate General Ji's mansion. As for the person in the carriage, it is indeed my young lady. How could we possibly let her get out of the carriage?" How could an unmarried woman casually show her face in the street? After saying that, he winked, thinking of offering some silver to these soldiers as a token of respect.
But the leader wouldn't listen! The soldier glared angrily, "Insolence! We are ordered to apprehend criminals. If you won't cooperate, then you'll have no choice but to come with us to the Ministry of Justice!"
As Zhu'er listened, her face showed extreme displeasure, while the servant's face twitched. He certainly couldn't believe that this soldier was so insistent on checking, but considering that it wouldn't be good for his young lady's reputation, he was caught in a dilemma. Just then, a clear voice rang out, "Zhu'er, what's all this commotion about?"
Ji Wushang had no choice but to say one sentence, and the man behind her listened. Although he knew she was trying to remain calm, he knew she was afraid, afraid of him.
"Relax and speak properly," the man said, his gaze softening slightly. Seeing a spot under the seat where Ji Wushang was sitting, he ducked down and crawled under. But then, the dagger was still pressed against Ji Wushang's lower abdomen. If they died, they would die together!
Ji Wushang glanced at the man on the base and sighed slightly. How could he escape this man's control? Although this man said he wouldn't hurt him, he was already a criminal. Would he be afraid of taking another life? What difference did it make whether he killed two people or three? He couldn't rely on what the man said; he could only take things one step at a time.
Ji Wushang thought for a moment, then gently lifted the curtain with his left hand, peeking out slightly. "What's going on? My cousin's wedding can't be delayed. The auspicious time is approaching, and if we're late, we'll probably be blamed." As he spoke, he frowned at Zhu'er and the others. Besides the officers and his own servants, there were no other arguing peasant women around. They'd probably already slipped away.
Good plan.
Are you going to leave this mess for me to clean up? They're really clever to just watch the soldiers come and go!
Seeing Ji Wushang's anxious expression, Zhu'er also became anxious. "What should we do?" She paced back and forth a couple of times, then remembered the personal address that Madam Bei had given her that day. The personal address was right in her bosom! "Here, here is my lady's personal address." As she spoke, Zhu'er immediately took out a card from her bosom and quickly presented it to the leading soldier.
The soldier glared at Zhu'er, who immediately lowered her head, not daring to look at the scarred face.