"Big sister, come and see! What a huge goldfish!" Ji Meiyuan exclaimed before Ji Wushang had even taken a sip of tea.
Ji Wushang frowned. Didn't she know what she was planning? Her gaze drifted to Aunt Zhao, who seemed oblivious to the two sisters' conversation, preoccupied with drinking her tea.
Ji Wushang thought to herself, "This Aunt Zhao really wants to see what happens between us two sisters! But let her have a look, I'm not someone to be trifled with!"
"Second Sister, look! Those goldfish are only two feet long. Big Brother just put them in a few days ago!" Ji Wushang said with a smile, then said to Aunt Zhao, "Aunt Zhao, does the Marquis of Jinnan's residence have a lotus pond like that?"
Aunt Zhao frowned. Why was she asking this? But she didn't seem to care much. "Yes, it's full of water lilies. In summer and autumn, the water lilies bloom, and it's really beautiful."
"It must be huge, right?" Ji Wushang asked, his eyes filled with surprise. "Do the water lilies smell sweet?"
Aunt Zhao, not knowing what she was up to, said, "It's not that big, why are you asking these questions?"
Before Ji Wushang could answer, Ji Meiyuan called out, "Big sister! Why didn't you come to check on me! Ouch! Big sister, I, I twisted my ankle!" She started crying, "Big sister, come and help me!"
Ji Wushang really wanted to go over and slap her a few times, but he couldn't. He had to teach her a lesson slowly. Hearing this, Ji Wushang said to Aunt Zhao apologetically, "Aunt, please sit down. I'll go take a look."
"Hurry up, hurry up!" Aunt Zhao's face was also extremely anxious.
Ji Wushang went over to help Ji Meiyuan, saying, "How could you be so careless?" But before Ji Meiyuan could answer, Ji Wushang felt Ji Meiyuan tugging at her, as if trying to use Ji Wushang's strength to steady herself. Ji Wushang chuckled inwardly. Did she think she was a fool to be manipulated? Trying to outmuscle herself?
Ever since Ji Wushang obtained the sword manual and martial arts books left by Ji Sisi, he had secretly practiced some self-defense techniques, and today, they finally came in handy.
Aunt Zhao turned her head to look over, her eyes seemingly watching a play. But before she could see what was going on, she heard a splash. Ji Meiyuan had clearly lost her grip on Ji Wushang and had fallen headfirst into the lotus pond!
Ji Wushang was immediately terrified, her face turning pale with fright. She cried out in alarm, "Something terrible has happened! Second Sister! Someone help! Second Sister has fallen into the pond!"
Aunt Zhao was taken aback by this scene and was momentarily surprised. She quickly recovered and called out, "Help! Second Miss has fallen into the water! Someone come quick!"
"Help!" Ji Wushang stood in the pavilion, screaming and covering his face in terror. He dared not approach the railing and could only watch helplessly as Ji Meiyuan struggled in the pond. Aunt Zhao was also too afraid to approach and could only call for help.
But there was no one there. Thanks to Ji Meiyuan, all the maids had been sent away.
In the distance, Baoqi and Xian'er were still talking, each holding a plate with some delicate pastries in their hands. Just then, they heard someone shouting for help from the pavilion, and their faces immediately turned pale with shock.
However, Baoqi immediately remained calm, a hint of smugness in his voice. This must be the Second Miss's doing! "Xian'er, let's go take a look!" he said, his face becoming tense.
Without saying a word, Xian'er was anxious for Ji Wushang and quickly ran to the pavilion.
Bao Qi pretended to follow unhurriedly, but when she saw that it was Ji Wushang standing in the pavilion instead of Ji Meiyuan, she was shocked and immediately cried out in terror, "Help! Second Miss, Second Miss has fallen into the water! Help!"
Hearing the commotion, the servants and attendants rushed over from all directions, but seeing that Ji Meiyuan had fallen into the water, none of them dared to rescue her. It was almost Mid-Autumn Festival, and the water was cold! Ji Wushang looked at them anxiously, "What are you looking at! Quickly, rescue the Second Miss!"
At that moment, Tie Yi led the armored team out of the courtyard and saw that Ji Meiyuan, who had fallen into the lotus pond, was unable to struggle. Immediately, Tie Yi jumped into the water to save her.
A peaceful atmosphere prevailed in Jingyuan Garden. Following Ji Wushang's instructions, the maid Xiahe went to the kitchen and prepared several exquisite pastries. She then brought them to Jingyuan Garden. The matriarch was delighted with the pastries and praised Ji Wushang in front of everyone before inviting everyone to try them.
Although Aunt Bai didn't say anything, she secretly hated Ji Wushang so much she wanted to devour his flesh and blood. Seeing this, Madam Yuan said, "Why isn't Aunt Bai eating? Wushang's cooking is quite good."
Aunt Bai said with a smile, "Isn't it still a little hot? It'll taste better when it cools down a bit."
The elder lady nodded.
Just then, a maid rushed in and saw that Tianxiang, the head maid who was next to Aunt Bai, was standing to one side. She immediately went over and whispered something to her.
Tianxiang's expression changed upon hearing this, and Aunt Bai, seeing this, immediately asked, "Has something happened?"
Upon hearing this, Madam Yuan looked at the maid Tianxiang, who immediately knelt down and said, "Reporting to Madam Yuan, and to Aunt Bai, just now the eldest young lady, the second young lady, and Aunt Zhao were resting in the pavilion. Unexpectedly, for some reason, the second young lady fell into the lotus pond and is now unconscious!"
"What?!" Upon hearing this, Aunt Bai jumped up with a start, and Madam Yuan was also anxious. "Go and see what happened! How could such a thing have happened!"
The pavilion here is quite lively. After Tie Yi rescued Ji Meiyuan, Ji Meiyuan had drunk too much water and passed out. She was covered in water and mud, and her dress had turned from fiery red to fiery black. Her face was in a terrible state, covered in rouge, making her look more colorful than an actor.
Ji Wushang looked at the maids and servants around him and shouted, "Why are you all stunned? Hurry up and fetch a doctor!"
Isn't it because Ji Meiyuan's outfit is so funny?
With a reprimand, the maids and servants rushed off to find a doctor.
Seeing this, Ji Wushang immediately took off her cloak and placed it on Ji Meiyuan, who was lying flat on the ground. Those around them were all moved by Ji Wushang's kindness and compassion as the eldest sister. Aunt Zhao also came over, her face filled with worry, "How did she fall into the water like that?"
At this moment, Aunt Bai and Tianxiang rushed over with several low-ranking maids. As soon as Aunt Bai saw Ji Meiyuan lying on the ground, her face pale and unconscious, she immediately threw herself on top of Ji Meiyuan, crying, "Meiyuan! Meiyuan! Look at your aunt! Open your eyes and look at your aunt! What's wrong with you?" She shook her head in panic and cried.
A doctor, brought over by a servant, immediately stepped forward and said, "Madam, please make way, make way."
"The doctor is here, quick!" Ji Wushang said immediately. Aunt Bai's face changed. "Treat Meiyuan well right away, or I'll make you wish you were dead!"
The doctor was taken aback, and even those around him were startled. This Aunt Bai had actually uttered such harsh words; one could only imagine how many hearts she had chilled!
"What are you all standing there for? Hurry up!" Ji Wushang scolded, her face showing suppressed worry. She had to play her part completely, lest she be accused later! She had brought this upon herself by falling into the water! It was also a way of making amends for taking Ji Wusi to the central lake a few days ago!
The doctor nervously inserted a few needles into Ji Meiyuan's body. Immediately, Ji Meiyuan rebounded and vomited several mouthfuls of dirty water. Ji Wushang immediately helped her catch her breath and made her continue vomiting.
Poor Ji Wushang's cloak was completely ruined by her vomit.
Aunt Bai cried out, "My Meiyuan! You're awake! How are you? Are you hurt?" As she spoke, she looked Ji Meiyuan up and down.
Ji Meiyuan recovered her senses, looked at Ji Wushang, pointed at her, and said, "It was my eldest sister! My eldest sister wanted to kill me! She pushed me in!" Originally, she planned to push Ji Wushang into the water to drown her, so that she would be a water ghost for life and never marry Nan Jinxue. But she never expected that she would be the one to fall into the lotus pond! Naturally, she couldn't let Ji Wushang get away with it! She didn't want her to die, but she wanted her reputation ruined! She wanted to make sure she could never get married!
Everyone was startled, and their eyes all turned to Ji Wushang. Ji Wushang was also full of surprise. "You, what did you say? Second Sister, how could you say such a thing!"
Aunt Bai's eyes darkened, and she asked coldly, "What exactly is going on?"
"Auntie, it's my eldest sister! I twisted my ankle and thought I'd ask her to help me, but I never expected her to be so heartless! She pushed me into the lotus pond! Waaah, Auntie, you must stand up for me!" Ji Meiyuan's face was covered in tears and snot, she was really crying and wailing.
Ji Wushang was taken aback. She really was going to do such a thing! One mistake led to another! Ji Wushang immediately looked aggrieved, tears welling in her eyes, but she held them back. "Auntie, you must investigate thoroughly. How could I possibly do something so despicable? How could I think of pushing Second Sister into the water? Only a heartless person would come up with such a method! Everyone saw that after Second Sister fell into the water, I kept calling for help. Auntie, please don't misunderstand me!" As she spoke, she secretly wiped away her tears with her sleeve.
Everyone who saw it felt a deep sense of desolation. It was true; everyone could see that Ji Wushang had been very anxious just now. How could he have done something like murdering his half-sister?
"If you still don't believe me, you can ask Aunt Zhao!" Ji Wushang said in a low voice, sobbing.
As Ji Meiyuan listened to Ji Wushang's words, her face grew even paler, and she felt angry. "Auntie, sob sob, it really is my eldest sister! The water is so deep and so cold!"
Aunt Zhao's face darkened. This was originally a matter for the General's Mansion, and it was not appropriate for an outsider like herself to get involved. However, since the young lady had spoken up, she felt she had to say a few words. She didn't know whether what she had just witnessed was real or fake, so she couldn't really draw any conclusions.
However, just by looking at the scene, one can guess who has the upper hand and who is at a disadvantage.
Aunt Zhao said, "Yes, Aunt Bai, it is indeed as Miss Wushang said. Miss Meiyuan accidentally fell into the lotus pond. At first, Miss Wushang and I reminded her, but she still didn't do it."
Aunt Bai's face turned extremely ugly as she listened. "Why would the American aid worker target you like this?! This is such a deep saga, Wu Shang, how have you been keeping an eye on the American aid worker all this time?! What else could it be but intentional?!"
Ji Wushang found the mother and daughter quite amusing; they were really cooperating, singing in unison, even insisting that he was the one who did it, even after they died.
Ji Wushang's face changed, and his face was covered with tears. "I didn't do it, I didn't do it! It was really my second sister's carelessness. How could she frame me! Since none of you believe me, I, Ji Wushang, can only prove my innocence with my death! So that I, Ji Wushang, won't be able to hold my head up in this imperial city in the future!" With that, Ji Wushang was about to jump into the lotus pond.
Xian'er was very nervous and immediately grabbed Ji Wushang, saying, "Miss! Miss! Don't die! Xian'er will die in your place!" As she spoke, she was about to jump in Ji Wushang's place.
Everyone was shocked. It was obvious that Aunt Bai and her daughter Ji Meiyuan were forcing the young lady to her death! Immediately, several maids and servants rushed forward to pull her away, crying, "Young lady, you can't die!"
Aunt Bai watched, but before she could speak, a shout came from afar, "Insolence! All of you, stop right now!"
Hearing this, everyone stopped and turned around, only to see that it was Granny Guo helping the Old Madam Yuan arrive. The Old Madam Yuan's face was filled with anger, "How could there be such a mess! If word gets out, people will laugh at us!" Although her voice sounded old, it was strong and powerful, making everyone afraid to move or say anything.
Ji Wushang knelt down before the matriarch, "Grandmother!" Tears streamed down his face, soaking his clothes.
The matriarch glanced at Ji Wushang, then looked at the people and things present. She saw that Ji Wushang's cloak was covering Ji Meiyuan, while Aunt Bai was half-supporting Ji Meiyuan, whose face was pale. The doctor stood to the side, not daring to move, and Aunt Zhao stood there, her face looking rather unpleasant.
"Wu Shang, be good, get up." The old lady walked to Ji Wu Shang's side and helped her up. Ji Wu Shang had already thrown herself onto the old lady, "Grandmother!" and started crying again.
The matriarch looked at Aunt Bai and said, "What are you all standing there for! Hurry up and take the Second Miss back to the Plum Garden! It's so cold; she'll feel terrible if she catches a chill!" Clearly, she believed Ji Meiyuan was framing Ji Wushang. Hearing this, everyone hurriedly helped Ji Meiyuan up.
Ji Meiyuan was completely bewildered, her face contorted with bitterness. "Grandmother, it was my eldest sister who pushed me into the water! She wanted to drown me!"
"You still dare to talk!" Aunt Bai glared at her. "Even Aunt Zhao has testified, what else can you say! Do you really want your eldest sister to die to prove her innocence?!" Aunt Bai was about to knock some sense into this sleepy-brained woman.
Upon hearing this, Ji Meiyuan looked at Ji Wushang and cried out, "Grandmother! Waaah!"
"Take him away!" the matriarch said, displeased. "Are you all going to force my Wushang to his death?"
Everyone knelt on the ground, not daring to utter a sound.
Ji Wushang looked up, her makeup now disheveled. "Thank you for speaking, Grandmother. Please take Second Sister away for treatment! I think Second Sister's brain was damaged from falling into the water, which is why she said some unwise things in a daze."
Aunt Bai dug her fingers deep into her palms and snapped, "Hurry up!"
Only then did the group hurriedly carry Ji Meiyuan into the plum garden.
Watching their departing figures, Ji Wushang thought to herself, "She probably drank a whole pot of water from that lotus pond. With such dirty water, and having been soaked in it for so long, it's hard not to catch a cold and get a fever. She'll probably be bedridden for at least ten days!"
Just then, Ji Meiyuan and the others left, but Ji Tiankui and Nan Jinxue arrived in a hurry. Nan Jinxue was extremely anxious when she heard that something had happened, but she was relieved when she saw that Ji Wushang was still there.
Ji Tiankui stepped forward and asked, "How is it? What happened?"
"Brother, Second Sister accidentally fell into the water. She was just taken back to the Plum Garden by Aunt Bai and taken to see a doctor," Ji Wushang replied.
Ji Tiankui was taken aback. "Then why are you crying so much..." Ji Tiankui couldn't bear to continue. She was crying so miserably.
Upon hearing this, Ji Wushang remained kneeling beside the matriarch of the elder family. Turning around, he met Nan Jinxue's worried and questioning eyes, but Ji Wushang only glanced at them coldly before turning his face away.
What Nan Jinxue saw was a small face that had been crying. The feeling was heart-wrenching, as if someone had punched her hard in the chest.
The matriarch's face remained calm. "Wu Shang is heartbroken. Thankfully, she's alright."
The fewer people who know about this family's scandals, the better. There's no reason to say that Ji Meiyuan framed Ji Wushang, causing Ji Wushang to cry in distress. The matriarch's gaze drifted towards Aunt Zhao's side, and Aunt Zhao naturally knew what to do, "Alas, that's indeed the case. Just be more careful next time."
"Wu Shang, it's getting late. Xian'er, take Miss back to Xinyuan to rest." Seeing that Ji Wu Shang had cried, Madam Yuan's face was naturally not good. It would be better for her to go back to the garden. Moreover, she said it was getting late, which was also for Aunt Zhao's ears.
Knowing what had happened in the mansion, Aunt Zhao knew she shouldn't stay any longer, so she bowed to Madam Yuan and said, "Madam, it's getting late. We'll take our leave now. As for the Second Miss, good fortune will surely smile upon her, and she'll get better."
The matriarch nodded gently, "Xiao Min, see the guests out." Xiao Min, the maid standing to the side, immediately stepped forward to see Aunt Zhao and Nan Jinxue off.
Before Nan Jinxue could say a word, she was pulled back by Aunt Zhao. Meanwhile, Ji Wushang, supported by Xian'er, was heading in the opposite direction back to Xinyuan. Nan Jinxue couldn't help but turn back, looking at that pretty figure. Aunt Zhao tugged at Nan Jinxue's sleeve slightly, "What are you looking at? Hurry up and go back!"
Nan Jinxue frowned. "What exactly happened?"
They were still in the General's Mansion, and with the maid Xiaomin leading the way, Aunt Zhao naturally wouldn't say another word. "Let's go back to the mansion and talk about it!"
Nan Jinxue fell silent. It was indeed not her place to comment on matters of this household. However, seeing the tear stains on Ji Wushang's face made her feel uneasy.
Xian'er, holding onto Ji Wushang, cried, "Miss, please don't scare me! What will I do if you do something rash?"
Ji Wushang wiped away his tears, "I will not die."
Xian'er was taken aback, as if she had just met Ji Wushang. But it's alright, as long as Miss won't die!
"Go back!" Ji Wushang said expressionlessly. The play was over, so it was time to rest.
Xian'er immediately helped Ji Wushang back.
Night fell quickly, and the story of Ji Meiyuan falling into the lotus pond at the manor was naturally spread many times, with different versions circulating, such as the second young lady falling into the water to frame the eldest young lady and trying to force the eldest young lady to commit suicide. Basically, all of these rumors ruined Ji Meiyuan's reputation.
Ji Meiyuan returned to the courtyard and developed a high fever. She was covered in mud, making her look disgusting. After cleaning her up several times, the maids and doctors could smell the nauseating stench of mud. If Ji Meiyuan were to speak, the smell would be even more nauseating.
Aunt Bai used various methods to force the maids to take care of Ji Meiyuan. Aunt Bai spared no expense, having the doctor prescribe expensive medicines to help Ji Meiyuan recover.
That night, Ji Wushang sat at his desk, watching the candlelight flicker. Although the candle was almost out of oil, the flame was still so tenacious, emitting its last light with its last strength.
Ji Wushang recalled that in his previous life, he had sat in that cold room, watching the shimmering pearl light flicker and then go out.