Ji Wushang stepped forward and said, “Please accept my condolences. I will arrange for a proper burial for Huanfei. Also, I will give you some silver so you can go home and retire. I will cover the expenses for your retirement and taking care of your son.”
Those around listened with their heads bowed or deep in thought, unsure who was benevolent and who was wicked.
The two of them listened and then cried as they thanked Ji Wushang.
Aunt Zhao grew impatient listening to their crying. "Why are you all crying here! Someone, get them out of here!"
Ji Wushang stood before them, his cold aura striking the newcomers. The servants, who obeyed Aunt Zhao's orders, dared not move and had no choice but to leave.
Ji Wushang snorted and glanced at Aunt Zhao, then immediately turned to the elderly couple, "Sir and Madam, please accept my condolences. I have something I'd like to ask you."
Although the old man was grieving, Ji Wushang had just said that he would give Huanfei a proper burial and provide a settlement allowance, which was considered to be fulfilling his duty as servant and master. He also knew that the young woman in front of him should be the head of this Marquis's mansion, so he respectfully said, "Please speak."
"I want to ask, can Huanfei read? Can he write?" Ji Wushang asked.
“Where would a poor family’s daughter have the spare money or time to study and write? Huanfei doesn’t like studying and writing either.”
Upon hearing this, everyone around turned their gaze to Aunt Zhao. What Aunt Zhao had just said about Huanfei writing calligraphy was probably a lie!
"Aunt, what do you think?" Give her a chance to argue again! This show is really entertaining!
Sure enough, Aunt Zhao gritted her teeth and said, "Hmph, what happens after entering the Marquis's mansion can absolutely change a person! Saying that you don't like reading and writing is probably because you haven't encountered books before. If you did, you might fall in love with them!"
Ji Wushang smiled, "What Auntie said seems to make sense!"
"No, that's not it. Huanfei has an eye condition and can't stare at one object for a long time. So, if she were to read or try to write the words in a book, it would hurt her eyes. Therefore, she absolutely cannot read or write!" The old gentleman, unaware of the situation, naturally told the truth.
Aunt Zhao's face turned pale instantly; she was speechless!
Ji Wushang sneered, "Aunt, what do you think?"
"Hmph, this matter was originally meant for you to handle. I came here to see how you handled it!" Aunt Zhao changed her tune, trying to distance herself from everything that had just happened.
How could Ji Wushang let her have her way! He said, "In that case, let's go back to the point. Huanfei was murdered! And this murderer even dared to try to pin the crime of driving this maid to her death on me! What kind of intentions do they have! Auntie, you were quite sharp-tongued just now, making Wushang quite frightened!" Ji Wushang's tone became more serious as he spoke, moving closer to Auntie Zhao, his sharp eyes seeming to pierce through her!
Those around them were pointing and whispering. It was clear that Aunt Zhao couldn't stand the Princess Consort and was looking for trouble! Whether she was behind it or not, she kept insisting that the Princess Consort had driven Huanfei to her death. It seemed Aunt Zhao was truly malicious! She wanted to frame the Princess Consort! Ever since the Princess Consort married into the household, she had been constantly suppressed by Aunt Zhao, but Aunt Zhao had always managed to outmaneuver her. She deserved it!
Moreover, making everyone in Zhuangshu Garden rest later than others like this, I'm afraid all her talk about treating servants well is just a lie! Come to think of it, I've often seen Aunt Zhao punish servants with caning over trivial matters... A concubine like that should be dismissed as soon as possible!
Everyone had their own doubts, but public opinion was generally on Ji Wushang's side.
Aunt Zhao's face turned deathly pale. Listening to Ji Wushang's words, it was clear that he was implying that she was the one who framed her... Although there wasn't enough evidence to prove that she was really the mastermind... the current situation was no different from the truth!
"I was just making wild guesses because I was anxious. Huanfei is my head maid, after all. How could I not care if something happened to her!" Aunt Zhao thought she had to find some nice words to say, otherwise she would really lose face! Ji Wushang, I think you can enjoy yourself for a few days. After that, I will definitely make you regret marrying into this Marquis's mansion!
In the distance, a man stood for a long time. He was rather tall and looked somewhat overweight. Seeing that Aunt Zhao had been defeated, Marquis Jinnan shook his head and was about to turn and leave when he heard a voice behind him say something.
"Father, are you leaving after you've finished reading?" The voice was calm and even, but it was a very pleasant and mellow tone. The courtyard had been quiet because of the struggle between Ji Wushang and Aunt Zhao, but because of this sudden voice, all eyes turned to the direction of the sound.
Everyone was shocked; it was the Marquis and the Prince of the South!
The Marquis turned around and looked at Nan Xuzong behind him. Had he been watching him all along? And watching everything that was happening in the courtyard?
He had been thinking of embracing Aunt Zhao in bed, but then he heard about the trouble and, following the maid's advice, secretly came here. He was a marquis, the master of this mansion, but he didn't want to be in the way of Aunt Zhao and Ji Wushang; he couldn't afford to offend either of them. So, he usually let them fight it out themselves. Unexpectedly, he was caught red-handed by Nan Xuzong while secretly watching!
What does Nan Xuzong mean? What is he planning to do?
Seeing the Marquis and Nan Xuzong approach, Ji Wushang stepped forward and greeted them, "Father, Prince." In front of everyone, Ji Wushang still addressed Nan Xuzong as Prince or Husband to show respect.
Nan Xuzong's eyes were deep as he looked at Ji Wushang with a slight smile. "I noticed you hadn't gone back for so long, so I came to check on you."
"Mmm." Upon hearing this, Ji Wushang felt a surge of love within him.
Aunt Zhao stepped forward, "My Lord." She was about to rush towards him, tears welling in her eyes—truly a case of tears welling up before words could be spoken!
Just as Ji Wushang was about to speak, Nan Xuzong grabbed her hand. "Father, you saw everything that just happened, so there's no need for Wushang to say anything more, is there? I think Aunt Zhao is just getting old and tired. For the sake of a maid, she's acting so unreasonable, targeting Wushang. I really don't understand why Aunt Zhao is making things so difficult for Wushang." Upon hearing Nan Xuzong's words, Aunt Zhao was speechless. "I, I, I didn't! My lord, my lord, you must believe me! I really didn't mean to make things difficult for the Princess Consort!"
The Marquis gently shook off her hand that was gripping his arm. Why did he have to come? If he hadn't come, this difficult situation wouldn't have happened! Nan Xuzong was forcing him!
Now that everyone knows the whole story, what else can he say? The Marquis glanced at Ji Wushang, then at Nan Xucong. His displeasure was evident as his gaze fell on Aunt Zhao. "Hmph!"
Everyone understood that the Marquis and Nan Xuzong had been present just now, quietly watching everything unfold! The truth was that Aunt Zhao wanted to frame Ji Wushang! No matter what Aunt Zhao said, it was useless; if she wanted to cry, she could wait until they got back!
Upon hearing this, Ji Wushang grinned at Nan Xuzong. His move was brilliant. He had originally intended to go back and ask Nan Xuzong why, since he was present, he couldn't bear to watch him and Aunt Zhao clash without helping him! Instead, Nan Xuzong wanted to put on a good show for the Marquis! He wanted to show off how he could outshine Aunt Zhao…
Nan Xuzong squeezed Ji Wushang's hand. "Father, you saw what happened just now. Aunt is getting old, and her one-month contract is almost up. Let Wushang manage this backyard! You saw it just now too. Wushang's ability to handle things is no less than anyone else's! He's decisive and efficient. I believe everyone in this backyard will admire Wushang! Wushang will definitely do a better job than Aunt!"
Ji Wushang looked at Nan Xucong with considerable surprise, "Cong."
"Wu Shang, don't be afraid. I know you respect your aunt, which is why you've been working so hard to help the household. But your aunt is tired and needs to rest. I'm entrusting the affairs of the backyard to you now, so please bear with me!" Nan Xuzong's words shocked everyone, but what he said was indeed true!
Aunt Zhao has been in power for too long; it's time for her to step down!
Aunt Zhao has committed too many evil deeds in secret; she should be kicked out!
Aunt Zhao is harsh on the servants, and she acts one way in front of the Marquis and another way behind his back. All the power in the inner quarters should be handed over to Ji Wushang! Ji Wushang is the rightful heir apparent and is certainly capable of managing this Marquis's mansion well!
Aunt Zhao was so angry that she was trembling. "Young Master! I was just worried about my head maid today, which is why I took some things so seriously. Can't you understand that? What do you mean by this? Do you dislike me?" She glared at Nan Xuzong as she spoke.
The Marquis felt a real headache coming on. On one side were his son and daughter-in-law, whom he couldn't afford to offend at this critical juncture because of his status. On the other side was his concubine, his wife. Being caught in the middle was not a good feeling!
"Well, this matter needs further discussion. Let's go back and rest as soon as possible! Someone, do as the Crown Princess just said, give the body a proper burial, provide a settlement allowance, and send it back to the countryside!" The Marquis was actually a little confused as to how Ji Wushang could have managed to bring the person here so quickly. But it was probably because this family lived relatively close to the capital, and Ji Wushang, as the Crown Princess, could send people out efficiently...
Fine, I'll go home early. I won't go to Aunt Zhao's place today, so she won't bother me! I'll go to Aunt Jin's!
After saying this, the Marquis turned and walked out.
Nan Xuzong was about to speak, but Ji Wushang had already squeezed his hand, signaling him not to say anything more. The Marquis's meaning was already very clear: he still doted on Aunt Zhao, and now was not the time to force him. If the relationship between Nan Xuzong and the Marquis was strained, it might hinder his and Nan Xuzong's work. The time was not yet ripe, and turning against him would be a loss.
Nan Xuzong looked into her eyes but remained silent.
Seeing this, Aunt Zhao immediately abandoned everything and left.
Ji Wushang nodded gently to Nan Xuzong, then walked in front of everyone, giving instructions on what to do and how to get things done. By then, it was almost 9 PM.
The two returned to Moxuan Garden. Ji Wushang looked at the shimmering pearls, but the food on the table had been cold for a long time, and he hadn't eaten anything yet! But he didn't have much of an appetite now.
So be it. Ji Wushang sighed inwardly.
Nan Xuzong stepped forward and took her hand. "Why do you look so listless? Where did all your fighting spirit go? I was quite surprised to see you and Aunt Zhao exchanging words so fiercely."
“That was in front of so many people. If I lost, wouldn’t that make you lose face too? Aunt Zhao wanted to frame me, how could I let her have her way? But when I saw that plump maid and those parents, my heart ached.”
"Don't be sad." Nan Xuzong pulled her to sit down on a chair, looking at her intently. "Do you need anything to eat? I've already had someone heat up the food. These will be taken away and replaced with fresh food soon."
"I don't want to eat. I'm hungry, but I really don't have an appetite." Ji Wushang was telling the truth. After the fight with Aunt Zhao and seeing Huanfei's corpse, he had no appetite at all.
"How can this be? Maybe my baby is here. You're not the only one who's hungry, or maybe two people are!" Nan Xuzong smiled. At this moment, a maid came up to remove the cold rice and dishes and replace them with hot, freshly prepared food.
Ji Wushang looked at his smile, her delicate brows furrowing slightly, "It's in her belly... it shouldn't be that soon."
"Sweetie, whether you have it or not, eat something first, okay? We'll take a bath later, then go to bed. All this commotion must be tiring." Nan Xuzong said, pulling her into his arms. Ji Wushang was indeed quite tired, and nestled in his arms, she closed her eyes peacefully. "I really am a little tired."
"Mmm." Nan Xuzong nodded. "I'll feed you." As he spoke, he picked up a piece of braised pork and put it to her lips. "Here, have a bite."
Ji Wushang opened her bright eyes, looked into his gentle gaze, parted her cherry lips, and placed the braised pork into her mouth, smiling, "Isn't this much better?"
After Ji Wushang finished eating the braised pork, he asked, "Cong, did you send someone to invite Huanfei's parents and younger brother, Ah San? Ah San told you everything."
"Hmm." Nan Xuzong nodded. "I had my guards bring it in immediately by carriage." He didn't slow down, but continued to pick up a piece of lion's head meatball. "Have some."
“It’s huge, you eat it yourself.” Ji Wushang looked at him. “You haven’t eaten much either, you’ve been keeping me company, you’re probably hungry too.”
“Okay.” Nan Xuzong didn’t refuse. He took a big bite of the lion’s head and ate it elegantly. Then he smiled at Ji Wushang and said, “Well, I’ve eaten it. You can’t refuse now, right?” He then placed half of the lion’s head near Ji Wushang’s mouth.
Ji Wushang opened his mouth and ate it.
The atmosphere became warm and cozy, and the two quickly finished the few side dishes that had just been served. They were full and asked the maid to remove the dishes.
Seeing Ji Wushang's tired appearance, Nan Xuzong gently hugged him tighter. "Wushang, why don't you take a bath before sleeping? That will make you feel better."
"But I'm so sleepy..." Ji Wushang looked like he couldn't even keep his eyes open. "Let Zhu'er serve me!"
"Mm." Nan Xuzong nodded, then had Zhu'er help Ji Wushang take a bath, while he had Gong Shu help him take a bath.
Looking at the soft, delicate body in front of him, Nan Xuzong held her in his arms and gently kissed her lips. "Wu Shang."
"Mmm," Ji Wushang replied dazedly.
Nan Xuzong smiled as he listened, then pulled her tightly into his arms, his lips landing on her hair and her face.
Ji Wushang felt a little itchy and waved her little hand, "Don't move, it's so itchy." She pouted, which made Nan Xuzong's heart burn with a fiery restlessness.
Seeing her adorable kitten-like appearance, Nan Xuzong became even more unrestrained and gently nibbled at her lips.
"Hmm..." she uttered a barely audible sound.
Nan Xuzong gently untied the ribbon binding her gauze dress. He had failed twice before, but now, on this bed, he really wanted her.
"Cong...I'm so tired...I have so much to do tomorrow..." She looked at the black head on her chest in her daze and gently pushed him.
☆、178 Let them fight amongst themselves!
Nan Xuzong's eyes, burning with intense desire, showed no sign of softening; instead, they seemed to grow even more intense. He embraced her slender waist and whispered in her ear, "Be good, just sleep. Don't worry about me."
Ji Wushang could only sigh. Let him be! He knew that although the man's legs were inconvenient, his energy was incredibly strong. He was too tired to respond to him much.
Seeing that she didn't resist much, Nan Xuzong began his actions, gently and tenderly imprinting his mark on her body before slowly taking her completely.
The shimmering pearls reflected off the moving body on the bed, adding to its allure.
After the passion subsided, Nan Xuzong looked at her with satisfaction. Her brows were slightly furrowed, giving her a serene and graceful air, like Daiyu in the classic novel *Dream of the Red Chamber*. He had just witnessed her unrestrained, dreamlike allure, which only spurred him to try harder. His large hand rested on her lower abdomen, a slight smile playing on his lips. When would a little life be born here? No matter what, he would definitely try his best!
Ji Wushang was already fast asleep. Nan Xuzong's obsidian-like eyes gazed at Ji Wushang's face. He raised his large hand and gently stroked the dark hair on her forehead, allowing himself to see her features more clearly. His slender, slightly pale fingers lightly glided across her face, gently caressing the contours of her features. He smoothed her delicate eyebrows, and the silent smile widened. Her skin was so smooth and supple that he couldn't bear to touch it.
Every moment with her was a precious encounter, and every act of lovemaking was an ultimate pleasure. Nan Xuzong craved this feeling, and his mind was always clear, knowing exactly what he was doing.
He pursed his thin lips slightly and gently placed a kiss on her lips.
She couldn't put her mind at ease. How could she do her best so that everything wouldn't be in vain? Nan Xuzong placed his hand on her fair shoulder and gently caressed it.
No sorrow, no sorrow...
Nan Xuzong's heart lingered on that name, as if he wanted to etch it into his very soul. Finally, he sighed, swallowing all the words he wanted to say, and held her tightly in his arms before falling into a deep sleep.
...
Inside the inn, the large private room was brightly lit, but the night was cold.
Yi Yun Shangcheng looked at the two people standing together in front of him with a mocking expression. One was his own younger sister, Yi Yun Muchen, and the other was the second son of the king, Bei Gong Jue Shi.