"Yes, thank you, Miss." Aunt Qin nodded. If Ji Wushang had wanted to harm her, he would have stabbed her in the back long ago. Right now, she just needed to perk herself up. Otherwise, when they arrived at Baima Temple, people would laugh at her for looking so listless. Ji Dingbei would definitely be displeased if he knew.
Ji Wushang opened the bottle and held it to her nose for her to smell. Aunt Qin took two deep breaths, and Ji Wushang removed the bottle. "How does it feel, Aunt?"
"It's very comfortable, thank you, Miss," Aunt Qin nodded.
Ji Wushang smiled.
Although Aunt Bai turned her face away, she still heard the conversation between Ji Wushang and Aunt Qin. She couldn't help but be interested in the fragrant medicine in Ji Wushang's bottle. After all, she had been thinking about Aunt Xie's curse all night and was worried, so she hadn't slept well. Her eye bags were very big, and even if she had applied rouge, people could still see them. Moreover, she really couldn't lift her eyelids now.
Aunt Bai turned her head and glanced at Ji Wushang and Aunt Qin.
Ji Wushang smiled, "Does Aunt Bai need something to perk her up?"
"No... I want it." Since there are three of us here anyway, bowing my head in front of them will allow me to hold my head high in front of everyone! Anyway, Aunt Qin has taken it, so it's definitely fine!
"Then give it to Aunt Bai." Ji Wushang still had a smile on his face, but a sly glint flashed in his eyes. Aunt Bai took the bottle, opened it, and took a few deep breaths. Feeling it wasn't enough, she wanted to take a few more!
Ji Wushang sneered inwardly. This Aunt Bai was truly... indescribable!
"Auntie, can you give me back that bottle?" Ji Wushang asked with hopeful eyes.
Aunt Bai glanced at her, and suddenly, "Achoo!" Aunt Bai sneezed violently towards the bottle!
Ji Wushang stared, his eyes wide, "Auntie, you..." Aunt Qin, who was watching from the side, was also very surprised.
"Ah, I'm so sorry, Miss, I didn't know, I didn't know it would turn out like this... I'm so sorry, I'll give it back to you!" Aunt Bai said in a flustered manner, quickly handing the bottle to Ji Wushang. I don't believe you still want it!
Ji Wushang looked at the bottle, seemingly "troubled," with a regretful expression. "Never mind, just give it to Auntie!" Ji Wushang didn't take it, "It'll be good for Auntie to have a little something to keep in mind."
"Well, thank you, Miss." Aunt Bai thanked her very earnestly, and then put the money away.
Ji Wushang smiled. "You're welcome. You've been too clever for your own good! You'll regret it from now on!"
Just then, someone outside called out, "Aunt Bai, Aunt Qin, Miss, we have arrived at White Horse Temple. Please dismount."
Ji Wushang glanced at them, then lifted the curtain. Sure enough, standing before him was a magnificent and imposing complex of buildings.
Servants had already placed a footstool under the carriage. Ji Wushang glanced back at them, "Auntie, I'll get off now."
"Yes." The two nodded.
After Ji Wushang got out of the carriage, Aunt Bai and Aunt Qin followed suit.
Ji Dingbei was greeting the people from the palace at the front, while Ji Wushang and the other two waited on the side.
A moment later, Ji Dingbei came over. "You all need to go to the back hall; I'm going to the front hall. The three of you should take good care of each other."
Ji Wushang, Aunt Qin, and Aunt Bai all nodded in agreement. At this moment, a head eunuch arrived, and Ji Dingbei went to greet him and left together.
The three of them got back into the carriage, and after circling around, they finally arrived at the entrance to the rear hall.
Upon getting off the carriage, one could see from a distance that there were many women and noblemen in the rear hall.
Aunt Bai felt as if she had seen the light of day again; it had been so long since she had attended such a ceremony! Today, she would take advantage of this opportunity to celebrate with everyone!
Ji Wushang looked inside and saw six white horses carved in the courtyard.
Ji Wushang was delighted. Seeing Aunt Qin and Aunt Bai talking with some noblewomen, he went up to look at the white horse sculpture.
Unexpectedly, as he read, he even wrote a poem below. Ji Wushang looked at it and softly read it aloud:
"The Central Plains were originally a land of goodness, and a white horse carried the scriptures here."
Wild cranes hear the first chime of a rock, and the bright sunset illuminates the ancient terrace.
The distant bell tolls, the tombs stand silent; a dream unfolds, ten thousand lotuses bloom.
The chaos of war is as it was then; burning incense, I understand the Buddha's sorrow.
(From Lao She's "White Horse Temple")
Just as Ji Wushang finished reciting, he heard a round of applause, followed by a deep male voice, "Excellent poem! Excellent poem!"
☆、127 Don't be afraid, I'm always here!
Upon hearing this, Ji Wushang immediately turned around and looked at the newcomer. He saw that the man had a handsome face with distinct features. He was holding a fan and slowly fanning himself. His jet-black hair was tied up high with a golden crown. Under his sword-like eyebrows, his peach blossom eyes were slightly narrowed into a line, and his thin lips were slightly upturned, as if he had a hint of playfulness.
Ji Wushang looked at the man and immediately recognized him. Wasn't this the Sixth Prince, Huangfu Yu?
"Greetings, Sixth Prince." Ji Wushang looked at him and bowed politely. He needed to find a way to leave. Nan Xuzong had said not to associate with the royal family. There was definitely something fishy going on. Besides, if he talked to him too much here, people would inevitably gossip, especially since he was already engaged.
Huangfu Yu was taken aback. "How did you know I was the sixth prince?" He closed his fan and then pointed at Ji Wushang.
Ji Wushang laughed and said, "No one but the Sixth Prince could be dressed so luxuriously, wearing the Seven Stars on his feet, and holding the Golden Jade Fan."
"Then why didn't you recognize me last time?" Huangfu Yu was very annoyed, and looking at Ji Wushang like this, he felt a strange feeling.
"Last time, I was blind and failed to recognize the Sixth Prince. Please forgive me, Sixth Prince." Ji Wushang bowed and continued, "I have some matters to attend to with Aunt Qin. I will take my leave now." With that, Ji Wushang immediately walked towards Aunt Qin.
Aunt Bai and Aunt Qin were watching Ji Wushang. Aunt Bai, in particular, immediately had an idea when she saw Ji Wushang talking to a richly dressed man. However, before she could even start, Ji Wushang had already walked over to them.
Aunt Bai stepped forward and seized the opportunity, saying, "Young Miss, who is that person? How come I didn't expect that? You're quite popular here!"
Ji Wushang glanced at Aunt Bai, "That's the Sixth Prince. Heh, I just bowed and greeted him. I didn't expect to run into him here."
When Aunt Bai heard that it was the Sixth Prince, she was at a loss. She could deal with anyone else, but she couldn't easily mess with the Sixth Prince. As a woman, she should be careful.
“If Aunt has no further questions, then we should go in. Everyone is going in; the vegetarian banquet is probably about to begin,” Ji Wushang said with a cold snort.
Aunt Qin stepped forward at this moment, "Miss is right. If there are no problems, please go in quickly."
"Hmph!" Aunt Bai glanced coldly at Aunt Qin, then went inside.
Aunt Qin gave Aunt Bai a disdainful look before turning to Ji Wushang, "Miss, let's go."
"Okay." Ji Wushang looked in the direction they had just come from, and only when he saw that Huangfu Yu was no longer there did he feel a little relieved.
Isn't this the rear hall? How did I run into Huangfu Yu?
Ji Wushang thought to himself, but still followed Aunt Qin inside calmly. Looking at the large crowd, although it was supposed to be a vegetarian banquet, none of the women were without heavy makeup or finery. They were all dressed in their finest clothes, with red lips, slender waists, and varying heights and weights, trying their best to make themselves stand out.
Ji Wushang shook his head slightly, while Aunt Qin said, "Look at all the daughters, they are all dressed up beautifully, but our eldest daughter is just wearing a light green silk dress."
"Auntie, those are unmarried girls, how can I compare?" The implication was that she was already engaged and didn't need to dress provocatively to attract men's attention, while those unmarried girls were different and needed to dress up to attract other men's favor.
“Besides, this is a sacred Buddhist site, so it should be simple and elegant.” Ji Wushang smiled.
"You're all talk, but even with your simple and elegant appearance, you're prettier than those daughters of high-ranking families," Aunt Qin said after glancing at the women in the distance.
"Auntie is so eloquent, she makes Wushang feel utterly ashamed."
"What are you still saying there? Hurry up and go inside! The vegetarian feast has already started. Do you want to embarrass the General's Mansion?" Aunt Bai said with disgust, and then went inside. Ji Wushang and Aunt Qin followed immediately.
Upon arriving at the hall, we indeed saw many people inside. According to custom, everyone should be sitting on the prayer cushions in the hall, listening to Abbot Huiyuan recite scriptures and preach the Dharma. Only after all this was over could the vegetarian feast be held in the square outside the rear hall.
Since the founding of the nation, the abbot of Baima Temple has been personally selected by the emperor through a rigorous process. When a previous emperor passed away, his coffin would be temporarily placed at Baima Temple for three days before the state funeral was held there and the body was moved to the imperial mausoleum.
The current abbot, Huiyuan, frequently holds sermons to enlighten sentient beings, earning the joy of the masses and receiving countless offerings of incense and candles. It is an immense honor for these ladies and gentlemen to meet Abbot Huiyuan in the rear hall today.
Abbot Huiyuan hasn't arrived yet; he's probably giving a sermon to the Emperor and his ministers in the front hall, and it's not his turn to come to the back hall yet.
Ji Wushang looked around the hall and saw that most of the women were seated, chatting in twos and threes. The sharp-eyed Aunt Qin noticed that there seemed to be a few unoccupied prayer cushions hidden by the pillars and said, "Miss, let's go that way."
Ji Wushang looked in the direction she was pointing and said, "Yes."
Aunt Qin and Ji Wushang walked over to the other side and saw two seats, so they sat down together.
Turning her head, she didn't see Aunt Bai. "She's over there!" Aunt Qin knew that Ji Wushang was looking for Aunt Bai, so she immediately pointed to a spot not far away. Not far away, Aunt Bai was talking to a noblewoman with a gold hairpin and gold hair ornament. Judging from the appearance, this woman should be a princess or a county princess.
Ji Wushang snorted coldly, "Ignore her. If she wants to curry favor with others, let her go ahead!"
Aunt Qin nodded and sat down on the futon with peace of mind, taking in the surroundings of the inner hall.
Feeling bored, and with nothing to do but wait, Ji Wushang could only close his eyes and take a short nap.
Unexpectedly, not long after, he was gently touched. Ji Wushang flinched, opened his eyes, and was met with a pair of smiling peach blossom eyes.
Ji Wushang immediately stepped back, "What are you doing!"
"I didn't do anything." Huangfu Yu sat down next to Ji Wushang. "I didn't expect to run into you again."
"Heh." Ji Wushang gave a forced smile. This guy probably only came because he saw me. I really don't know what he's thinking!
"Aunt, this is the Sixth Prince." Ji Wushang's eyes darted around before he looked at Aunt Qin. Only then did Aunt Qin come to her senses. Looking at the handsome young man next to Ji Wushang, she immediately bowed upon hearing that he was the Sixth Prince. "Madam Qin greets the Sixth Prince."
Huangfu Yu nodded, "No need for formalities. There's no need for such formalities in the main hall." After saying that, he smiled, but his gaze turned to Ji Wushang.
Ji Wushang simply ignored him and started chatting with Aunt Qin about everyday matters, such as which family's daughter had reached engagement age, and which family's pigs and dogs had gotten fat. She talked about a lot of trivial things. Ji Wushang thought to herself that the Sixth Prince would definitely not be able to stand such trivial matters and would leave in no time.
But when he secretly glanced at his expression, he found that the man seemed to be listening with great interest, which made Ji Wushang feel like vomiting blood.
Aunt Qin, observing Ji Wushang's reaction closely, gently shook her head and changed the subject, saying, "Miss, the Prince of Nan had the betrothal gifts brought over a few days ago."
"This..." Ji Wushang blushed slightly as he listened. How could these things be discussed? Besides, Huangfu Yu was still there!
"Young Master Nan is truly generous; it took me quite a while to count all the betrothal gifts! After you marry into his family, you will surely enjoy a life of wealth and luxury," Aunt Qin said with a smile.
"Auntie," Ji Wushang whispered, meaning she shouldn't say it, otherwise it would be so embarrassing.
However, when Huangfuyu heard Aunt Qin's words, her smile froze on her face, her hand, which was fanning herself, stopped in mid-air, and she was stunned. Yes, she was going to marry Nan Xuzong. Even if she thought Aunt Qin was fun, she would still be married to someone else, and then Aunt Qin would live in seclusion in the Marquis's mansion, and she would not be able to play with her anymore... A deep look flashed in Huangfuyu's eyes, and she stood up and walked out on her own.
Ji Wushang was slightly taken aback, then looked at the departing figure and immediately understood. He turned to Aunt Qin and said, "Thank you, Aunt."
"Miss, please don't think your aunt is being nosy. You are as beautiful as a flower, and your reputation is well-known. It's inevitable that some men will come to chat you up. You can just boldly refuse them."
“Aunt, some things are hard to say. Besides, just like the Sixth Prince, how can Wu Shang have the right to tell others to leave?” Ji Wu Shang said in a deep voice.
“What Miss says is right.” Aunt Qin nodded. “The best thing is for you to get married as soon as possible! Sigh, I think Prince Nan is a good person. I’ve heard about how he came up the mountain to save you last time. Entrusting you to him might not be a good thing.”
Ji Wushang listened and lowered her head. Had she actually noticed these things?
Just then, the hall suddenly fell silent. Ji Wushang thought it was Abbot Huiyuan who had arrived, so they all looked over. But to their surprise, it was Gong Shu who carried Nan Xuzong's wheelchair up the steps, put it down, and pushed Nan Xuzong into the hall.
Those around them were speechless for a moment, but Ji Wushang looked at him and lowered his eyes the instant their eyes met.
Nan Xuzong looked at Ji Wushang over there, and Gong Shu understood. He immediately thought of pushing him over, but Nan Xuzong whispered, "Over there."
"Yes." Gong Shu glanced at Ji Wushang, then pushed Nan Xuzong to the other side.
Some of the daughters and wives of officials started chattering.
"I heard that the Prince of Nan has been betrothed by the Emperor to the eldest daughter of General Ji's family!"
"Miss Ji? I've heard she's a nice person. How could she be betrothed to someone like that?"