Ji Wushang looked at him and immediately thought of calling him over so he could take him to find his two uncles. However, Bei Jing'er had already taken the lead and clung to him, calling out, "Second Brother!"
"Jing'er, have some snacks first, I'll play with you later." Bei Luojun didn't see the dissatisfaction on her face. He gently pushed her away and walked over to Ji Wushang. "Cousin Wushang, why don't you have anything to eat?" After saying that, he brought over the peanuts that Bei Jing'er had just taken away. "Look, these peanuts are very fresh."
Ji Wushang smiled slightly, "No rush, let Third Cousin eat her fill of peanuts first!"
Upon hearing this, Bei Luojun understood what had just happened and put it down. "Hehe, oh, by the way, Cousin Wushang, come with me."
"Where are we going? I want to go too!" Bei Jing'er started arguing, standing up and acting like a shrew.
Ji Wushang also stood up gracefully, and said something that was sure to shock everyone: "Let's go make a ruckus in the bridal chamber!"
Upon hearing this, Bei Jing'er blushed slightly and sat back down.
☆、039 Uncle's conversation, explaining the reasons
In this Great Xia Zhou Dynasty, it's always men who make a ruckus at the wedding night. Why is this unmarried girl going to join in? Bei Jing'er glared at her, not caring what others think! She, Ji Wushang, may be shameless, but I still have my pride! Ji Wushang, however, laughed inwardly. Bei Luojun, seeing the amusement in Ji Wushang's eyes, knew what was going on. "Hmm, let's go! Cousin Wushang can pretend to be a servant and make a ruckus, haha!"
Ji Wushang chuckled, ignoring the stiff and stunned Bei Jing'er, and walked into the side gate with Bei Luojun. They then exited through the side gate, passed through several courtyards, and finally arrived at a relatively quiet courtyard. The courtyard was surrounded by flowers and trees, far away from the hustle and bustle of the celebration, and had a more tranquil and elegant atmosphere.
"Come, your father and uncle are waiting for you at the Begonia Garden," Bei Luojun said, glancing at Ji Wushang who was following behind him, a slight smile appearing on his lips. This girl is indeed clever; after observing her several times, her eyes and brows are full of intelligence, she really is a different person from before!
Seeing him looking at her, Ji Wushang felt a little embarrassed. After all, they were alone together, and if word got out, it wouldn't be good for her reputation. After thinking for a moment, she lowered her head and said, "Second cousin, let's hurry up!" Bei Luojun snapped out of his daze and replied, "Okay."
Upon arriving at Haitang Garden, the two uncles were drinking and talking. It was no easy task to pull them away from the banquet, so Ji Wushang knew what to do and got straight to the point to avoid wasting their time.
Ji Wushang looked at the two brothers. One, a tall man with a beard, was his eldest uncle, Bei Junfeng; the other, a fair-skinned man with a scholarly appearance, was his second uncle, Bei Zhenyun. Upon seeing Ji Wushang, the two brothers chuckled and said, "Look, we were just talking about Wushang, and here he is!"
Ji Wushang smiled and bowed, "Greetings to my two uncles."
"Father, Uncle, Cousin Wushang said she has something important to discuss with you two, so I'll go and make arrangements. You two can talk." Bei Luojun was very adept at handling things, speaking with a smile. Bei Junfeng and Bei Zhenyun exchanged a glance, and Bei Zhenyun nodded and waved for Bei Luojun to leave.
Ji Wushang looked at his two uncles, but didn't know where to begin. Bei Junfeng sensed that the matter was a bit serious, so his face became a little more serious. He said, "Everything can be explained. Is it you or your mother? Your mother is the First Madam, the daughter of the Right Prime Minister's Mansion. If there are any difficulties, our Right Prime Minister's Mansion will certainly be able to take responsibility."
The second uncle looked at Ji Wushang with a hint of anxiety in his eyes. He had heard from the servants that his niece had been involved in rumors with that Nan Jinxue a few days ago, and had caused a scene at the wedding ceremony several times today. He couldn't help but worry about his sickly sister.
Ji Wushang's eyes darted around. After thinking for a moment, he decided to tell the story. "My mother is indeed the First Madam, but because my father is often away from home, she has certainly suffered." He then recounted how he had woken up with a high fever, how the Northern Madam had been tricked while offering incense, and the medicinal scent emanating from the Northern Madam's North Garden. Finally, he said, "Uncles, I fear that some maids or servants have been instructed by others to administer medicine to my mother. I am not knowledgeable enough to know what that smell is or where it comes from. And none of the doctors in the manor are trustworthy for my mother. Therefore, I can only appeal to you two uncles. Please have pity on my mother's frailty and save her!"
The two men were astonished to hear this; they never imagined that such sordid things could happen even in a prestigious family like the High Court. Seeing that Ji Wushang was about to kneel down and beg for help, the two men immediately stepped forward to support him.
"Of course, we must help!" Bei Junfeng said solemnly.
“I know someone known as the Ghost Doctor. You can come to our mansion to take a look.” Bei Zhenyun pondered. “By the way, Wu Shang, how did you know about this?” He really couldn’t believe that there were so many dirty things going on in the Ji family.
"Second Uncle, don't ask me how I know. I just happen to have a little something in my head. If it weren't for Mother's life-saving decree, how could I have discovered these things? Second Uncle, what kind of 'ghost doctor' are you talking about? The sooner the better. Find an excuse to invite him to the manor. Mother's heart palpitations haven't subsided yet, and the fragrance of the flowers in the North Garden can't be delayed." Ji Wushang spoke with extreme seriousness, causing his two uncles to frown and nod in agreement.
The three discussed for a while before Ji Wushang returned to the courtyard to join them in the festivities. The two uncles also returned to the courtyard to entertain the relatives and friends.
Bei Luojun saw Ji Wushang come out of the courtyard and called out, "Cousin Wushang!"
"Second cousin." Ji Wushang nodded and smiled.
Third cousin Bei Jing'er came out from playing in the courtyard, only to find that Ji Wushang and Bei Luojun hadn't gone to make a ruckus at all. Seeing them now, she was indignant, but she couldn't say anything, so she just snorted and walked away.
Ji Wushang ignored her and asked, "I heard that my second cousin passed the county-level exam. That's wonderful news! If he becomes the top scholar tomorrow, it will bring glory to the family."
"Cousin Wushang has a sweet tongue, hehe." Bei Luojun chuckled. "I heard you were sick a few days ago, but I was busy with exams, so I couldn't visit you. Luckily, you're standing here in front of us, all lively and energetic. As for the gossip outside, cousin, don't take it to heart."
As Ji Wushang listened, he thought to himself that his second cousin was a clever man. His words contained some hidden meaning, telling him not to take Nan Jinxue's matter to heart. He couldn't help but admire his second cousin's intelligence.
"Cousin!" someone suddenly called out from behind, patting Ji Wushang on the shoulder. Ji Wushang turned around in surprise and saw that it was her fourth cousin, Bei Lanlan, who was only ten years old. Seeing the mischievous look in her eyes, Ji Wushang scolded, "You little rascal, are you trying to take advantage of your cousin again?"
When Bei Luojun saw his little sister arrive, he patted Bei Lanlan's head and walked away.
"I missed you!" Bei Lanlan was incredibly cute, pouting with her hands behind her back. "Did you bring any yummy treats?"
Ji Wushang chuckled, "You're such a glutton! If you keep eating, you'll probably become a little fat girl!" He then pinched her cheek. Bei Lanlan wasn't annoyed, "Tell me, tell me! I know my cousin brought my favorite food!" she said, tugging at Ji Wushang's arm.
Ji Wushang whispered in Bei Lanlan's ear, "I've already asked Zhu'er to put the lion's head meatballs for you at Zhang Mama's place. You can eat them there later, but don't let your older sister or brother know. Otherwise, they might snatch them away."
"Okay!" Bei Lanlan jumped high upon hearing this, and then immediately ran away. Ji Wushang shook his head and looked at her back, smiling slightly. In this family, there was probably only one little girl who could be so close to him.
Just then, a maidservant delivered a message, telling Ji Wushang to go to Qingxiu Garden to hear the calls from his maternal grandfather and grandmother, who were the Right Chancellor.
Ji Wushang thanked her and was led away by the maid who had shown him the way.
Upon entering Qingxiu Garden, one sees bamboo everywhere, with a tall, ancient tree standing in the center, surrounded by many shrubs. The buildings are all constructed of bamboo, creating an elegant and comfortable atmosphere.
Ji Wushang entered the front hall and saw his maternal grandparents sitting on high seats. He knelt down and said, "Grandpa and Grandma, are you well?"
At that moment, a person dressed in extremely bright colors walked in from outside.
☆、040 In this life, my destiny is in my own hands!
Ji Wushang turned his head slightly and saw Su Meier. He felt a little displeased, but after all, this was the Right Prime Minister's residence, and he had to know some manners. Besides, this meeting was the best opportunity for him to change his grandfather's opinion, and he could not let it go.
Su Meier stepped forward, gave a slight bow to her maternal grandfather Bei Zhentang and maternal grandmother Xue Furong, and then sat down to one side. Bei Zhentang didn't seem annoyed. Although his face was tense and serious, he was slightly moved when he saw Su Meier sitting next to him. Xue Furong was indeed a lady from a prominent family, with excellent temperament and demeanor, and she didn't seem displeased either.
When Ji Wushang saw Su Meier, who looked to be in her early twenties, he found it difficult to address her by her generation. However, due to the rules, he could only kneel down and bow to Su Meier, saying, "Greetings, Grandmother Su!"
Su Meier glanced at him disdainfully but didn't say anything. His grandmother looked on and smiled kindly, "Wu Shang, get up! Here's a seat." Then, some maids brought a stool from outside. Ji Wu Shang thanked her and sat down.
As a concubine, Su Meier naturally had no right to speak, so she simply watched quietly.
Grandpa Bei Zhentang, with his imposing and domineering presence, slowly sipped his tea before looking at Ji Wushang and asking, "What happened on your way here today?"
Ji Wushang was taken aback. He hadn't expected that today's events had reached his maternal grandfather's ears. How powerful was the Right Prime Minister? He couldn't even imagine. Ji Wushang thought for a moment and said, "After leaving the manor today, I rushed straight to the Right Prime Minister's residence without daring to slack off for a moment. Unexpectedly, someone set off firecrackers on Qingxuan Street, which startled the horse and caused it to thrash around for a while, but it quickly stopped... I was unharmed." Seeing his maternal grandmother's worried gaze, Ji Wushang added.
Grandfather frowned as he listened. "What's the deal with the Prince of Nan?"
Unexpectedly, he still couldn't escape his eyes. Ji Wushang said, "The Prince of Nan just happened to be passing by and we didn't have much interaction."
The maternal grandfather nodded, vaguely understanding the situation. Wu Shang had finally matured; she wasn't like the person he'd heard about before, clinging to every man she saw! Especially that Marquis of Jinnan's mansion! What Marquis's mansion! The people of our Prime Minister's mansion wouldn't even deign to look down on them!
Bei Zhentang thought this way because, in the imperial court, Marquis Jinnan, who was Nan Aogan, the father of Nan Jinxue and Nan Xuzong, was his political enemy, so naturally he looked down on the people of the Marquis Jinnan's family.
Ji Wushang's lips twitched slightly, but he didn't say anything.
"That's good!" Grandmother stood up from her seat and walked to Ji Wushang's side. Ji Wushang also stood up politely. Grandmother took her hand and said, "Wushang is indeed sensible. Tomorrow, pick a good day, and Grandmother can choose a few good husbands for you."
Ji Wushang trembled upon hearing this. Good husband… she didn’t want to get married so soon! She couldn’t rest easy until she saw her mother’s heart palpitations heal and raised her younger brother to adulthood! At the very least, she had to marry off her half-sisters in the manor!
"No rush!" Su Meier stood up and said, "You haven't even finished your studies yet, why are you in such a hurry! There will be plenty of men for you later! You won't have trouble finding one!" Although she was using neutral words, they came out with a sarcastic tone.
Ji Wushang smiled and said, "Grandmother Su is right, there's no rush. I still want to serve my mother and maternal grandmother well!" As he spoke, he smiled affectionately at his maternal grandmother.
"Wu Shang, remember this: don't associate with irrelevant people! As a young lady, you must follow the three obediences and four virtues and be mindful of the rules, do you hear me?" Grandfather said in a deep voice.
Ji Wushang's smile froze upon hearing this. Did he mean he shouldn't associate with the people of the Marquis of Jinnan's mansion? Indeed, he didn't want to associate with those wolves in sheep's clothing! But how could he forget the events of his past life? Those hurts were excruciating! Every nightmare he had woken him in the middle of the night! Could he let go? Absolutely not!
If the people from the Marquis of Jinnan's mansion hadn't provoked him in this life, he probably wouldn't have bothered with them so much. After all, it was they who hurt him! His two good half-sisters and all those concubines, maids, and servants! Ji Wushang's eyes shone brightly, his expression resolute. In this life, he would absolutely not let anyone else control his destiny! In this life, my fate is in my own hands!
"Yes, Wu Shang has already thoroughly studied the precepts and teachings for women since she was young, so Grandfather can rest assured." Ji Wu Shang relaxed her expression and nodded.
“Very good.” Grandfather nodded, looking at Xue Furong and said, “It’s getting late, it’s time for Wu Shang to go back to the manor.” Grandmother responded and pulled Ji Wu Shang aside, “You, go back and take good care of your mother. I heard she’s sick again, it really worries us old folks!”
"Grandmother, don't worry, Mother will definitely get better." As long as my uncles are willing to help, they can definitely help Mother recover. Ji Wushang looked at the night sky and into the distance, as if he could see his two uncles helping him.
At this moment, Zhang Mama came out and led Ji Wushang out of Qingxiu Garden to the front hall. Most of the guests had already left. Ji Wushang met his eldest cousin and his wife, chatted with a few relatives and friends, and then his eldest uncle and aunt, and second uncle and second aunt also arrived, so they chatted together for a while. As dusk gradually fell, Ji Wushang said his goodbyes.
Considering that Ji Wushang only visited occasionally, his aunt personally helped prepare the carriage and placed some gifts inside. After giving some instructions, she asked his unmarried second cousin, Bei Luojun, third cousin, Bei Jing'er, and fourth cousin, Bei Lanlan, to see him off at the front gate. Zhang Mama and Steward Li also placed some gifts on Ji Wushang's carriage.
Seeing that Ji Wushang was about to leave, Bei Lanlan grabbed him and wouldn't let him go. Ji Wushang couldn't resist her, so he took out a sachet that he had just embroidered a few days ago from his bosom. Inside the sachet were some refreshing medicinal herbs, which smelled wonderful.
Bei Lanlan was overjoyed, her face beaming with smiles. Bei Jing'er watched, a hint of disdain flashing across her lips. She walked past Bei Lanlan, giving her a disdainful look, and said sarcastically, "Isn't it just a sachet? Why are you so happy about it! People who don't know better will think it's for a beggar! Look, they come all this way, bringing a small gift, a sachet, and they've brought a whole cart full of stuff! This is a huge profit!" With that, she flicked the silk handkerchief in her hand.
Upon hearing this, Bei Lanlan's face changed. Although she was only ten years old, she knew what it meant to treat a beggar. Hearing Bei Jing'er say this, she stood there awkwardly, clutching the sachet in her hand.
Upon hearing this, Zhu'er, who was tidying up the carriage in the distance, was furious. Ji Wushang was also stunned. What kind of words were those! They were related by blood, yet she said such hurtful things! Did she think he had come to the Right Prime Minister's residence just to ask for something? Yes, he had secretly asked his two uncles, but wasn't that also for his eldest cousin's marriage?
But she should at least give him some face, shouldn't she? Now that she's brought this up, how can Ji Wushang possibly show his face?
Upon hearing this, Bei Luojun immediately roared at Bei Jing'er, "Quickly apologize to Cousin Wushang!" His gaze was nowhere near as gentle as usual; it had turned cold and menacing.
Bei Jing'er was startled by Bei Luojun's murderous gaze and hesitated slightly, "I...I'm telling the truth!"
☆、041 I'll get my revenge one day for all the grievances I've suffered!
"You dare to talk back?!" Bei Luojun glared at her. "Apologize right now!" Then, he turned to Ji Wushang. "Cousin Wushang, don't take her words to heart. Your father, mother, uncle, and aunt love you dearly. I'll make sure your uncle teaches her a lesson when I get back!" Before he finished speaking, he glared at Bei Jing'er again.
Although Ji Wushang was angry, this was, after all, her maternal home, and she didn't know how many things she would have to rely on in the future. For now, she could only swallow her anger over Bei Jing'er's matter. There would be plenty of time in the future, and she would not let her get away with disrespecting her!
"Endure now, be ruthless later!" Ji Wushang lowered his head, sorted out his thoughts, and calmed down considerably. He looked up, his face full of grievance, yet tinged with stubbornness. "Second cousin, you don't need to tell Uncle and the others. Today is supposed to be a joyous day; there's no need to upset you over something like this. I know Uncle and my mother and Wu Zi are very good to me, but since Third cousin has said this, I have no face to come anymore. Sigh! Second cousin, it's best not to tell Uncle and the others about this, lest it damage our family harmony. Otherwise, Wushang will have even less face to stand in this capital city." With that, he pulled Zhu'er and turned to get into the carriage.
Zhu'er was indignant, but seeing her young mistress like this, she could only grit her teeth and glare at Bei Jing'er.
Ji Wushang knew that there were many maids and servants present, and even if her second cousin didn't say anything, it would still get out, and her two uncles would definitely find out. She hoped that they would take pity on her for being wronged and help her.
Seeing the aggrieved look on Ji Wushang's face and the tears welling up in her eyes, Bei Luojun panicked. When he heard her say that she could stand firm in the capital, he felt even more ashamed. "Cousin Wushang, don't be like this. Wait! It's my fault for not being good enough. I'm sorry that Jing'er said such a thing."
"Second Cousin, please don't apologize. Wu Shang can't accept it," Ji Wu Shang said softly, turning around. Zhu'er, seeing this, scoffed, "How could I trouble Second Young Master! Please go back!"
"Zhu'er!" Ji Wushang glared at Zhu'er, who immediately fell silent.
"It's not Second Cousin's fault, Wu Shang will take her leave now." Ji Wu Shang curtsied, then got into the carriage without looking back. The coachman, feeling indignant on behalf of his young lady, immediately drove the carriage away.
Those around them were at a loss for words. Bei Luojun turned to look at Bei Jing'er and said fiercely, "Are you satisfied now!"
Bei Jing'er, seeing his intimidating gaze, was momentarily speechless. Bei Lanlan, watching, muttered something and shoved Bei Jing'er, "It's all your fault! My older cousin gave me a really pretty purse! Why don't you go apologize to her right now!"
"What?! I'm telling the truth! That purse is worth so much! It's worth as much as all the other purses in our household..."
"Bei Jing'er! Enough!" Bei Luojun roared. "Isn't this enough of a disgrace?" All those around them were maids, servants, and other servants. Wasn't this a slap in their own face?! Instead of pleasing their own family, they were fighting amongst themselves! It was making them a laughingstock for others! "What are you looking at? Go back to your work!" Bei Luojun glared coldly at the servants around him, and they all sheepishly dispersed.
Bei Lanlan had never seen her brother lose his temper like this before, so she went back to the courtyard without saying a word.
As soon as the group returned to the elegant garden, Aunt Lan came out with a plate of fruits, beaming with joy, "Wu Shang is here! Come, have some fruit."
Bei Luojun and the others remained silent, but the eldest uncle rolled up the curtain and came out, saying, "You're too late!"
"Oh dear, Wu Shang left so early, I haven't even had a chance to properly entertain him! Look, aren't these fresh fruits and melons? I just prepared them in the kitchen." With that, she placed the fruits and melons on the table and invited everyone to eat. This Lan family member was originally the daughter of a chef in a restaurant, and she had been an excellent cook since childhood, so preparing some fruit and melons was naturally a piece of cake for her.
The others dared not come over to eat and remained silent.
A few more people arrived, perhaps because all the guests had left and they came to the elegant garden to rest.