“I’m the one who should apologize. I should be there for you right away. Whether you need me or not, I’ll be there so you don’t have to take any risks.” Nan Xuzong looked at her and pulled her into his arms.
Ji Wushang pushed him away. "We must get to the Imperial Medical Academy as soon as possible and find a physician to examine me. We also need to 'heal' my facial injuries." Ji Wushang reminded him, "Empress Yao will surely be very happy. Knowing that we are going to the Imperial Medical Academy, she will definitely send someone to poison me there so that I will die!" Ji Wushang said at this moment.
Nan Xuzong nodded, "Okay!" He then placed the small prop in her hand, and she quickly pressed it to her face, saying, "This skill was taught to me by my third brother."
Nan Xuzong was taken aback. "This is a disguise technique!"
"Mm." Ji Wushang nodded, and Nan Xuzong's eyes darkened. He picked her up in one go. "Let's go to the Imperial Medical Academy first!" As for those disguise techniques, we'll talk about them later!
Nan Xuzong took a shortcut directly to the Imperial Medical Academy. When he arrived, he saw Physician Li, who had been on duty there last time.
When Physician Li saw Nan Xuzong carrying Ji Wushang in, he immediately stepped forward and bowed, "Greetings, Fourth Prince and Fourth Princess!"
"Stop talking nonsense, come in!" Nan Xuzong immediately carried Ji Wushang inside. Imperial Physician Li was stunned for a moment, then immediately went in. Last time it was the Fourth Princess Consort searching for medical books, why is it the Fourth Prince carrying her this time? Something must have happened!
Once inside, Nan Xuzong coldly stared at Physician Li before him, "Quickly, take a look at her face!"
Physician Li immediately stepped forward, but after examining Xi Xi and finding nothing wrong, Nan Xuzong asked, "Is there any chance of improvement?"
"Yes! All that's needed is treatment!" Physician Li was a smart man; how could he not know what to do? Their story had already been spread throughout the entire palace by the palace maids and eunuchs!
Ji Wushang smiled, "Then thank you, Physician Li! Your Highness, why not reward Physician Li?"
"I'll listen to you. I'll send someone to give him some gifts later!" Nan Xuzong said, his tone devoid of any emotion.
Physician Li repeatedly expressed his gratitude, saying, "It is my small responsibility to treat the Fourth Imperial Consort."
News of the scratches Liang Gugu had inflicted on Ji Wushang's face reached Emperor Zhou's ears. It also spread that Nan Xuzong had defied Empress Yao and punished Liang Gugu in front of her for Ji Wushang's sake. As a result, Emperor Zhou summoned Empress Yao, reprimanded her, and then sent her back to her Ningfeng Palace. After staying at Rongguang Palace for two days, Ji Wushang and Nan Xuzong's facial injuries healed, and they returned together to the Jinnan Prince's residence.
Empress Yao was naturally furious and vowed to tear them to pieces!
It was a bright and warm morning. When Ji Wushang stepped down from the carriage, led by Nan Xuzong, he saw how magnificent the Jin Nan Prince's mansion truly was. Becoming a prince's mansion certainly made a difference! Standing outside the mansion were about twenty servants. Prince Jin Nan, Nan Aogan, was also there, with Consort Jin standing to one side. As Ji Wushang and Nan Xuzong approached, a flicker of surprise crossed Nan Aogan's face, followed by a hint of fear, while Consort Jin's expression was more one of disgust, contempt, and malice.
Ji Wushang and Nan Xuzong immediately stepped forward hand in hand.
"Greetings, Fourth Prince and Fourth Imperial Consort!" Prince Jinnan immediately said, then cupped his hands in greeting. Those standing around him knelt down to pay their respects, "Greetings, Fourth Prince and Fourth Imperial Consort!"
Consort Jin was extremely unwilling, but she had no choice but to perform the ceremony.
Nan Xuzong stepped forward and quickly helped the Prince of Jinnan up. "Father, you will always be my father, so there's no need for such formalities! You raised me for at least twenty-three years, and I, Huangfuzong, still grew up in the Prince of Jinnan's mansion. I will never forget the kindness of the mansion!" Similarly, I, Huangfuzong, will never forget those painful experiences either!
The Prince of Jinnan seemed deeply moved. He hadn't expected that his son was actually Consort Zhen's posthumous child! Back then, when the Eldest Princess married him, he hadn't even considered it before suddenly having a child! Thinking back, it turned out he was adopted! Ah, well, so be it! He only hoped that now that the son was a prince, he could protect the Prince of Jinnan's mansion! He had worked so hard to transform his marquisate into a princely one; he hoped it wouldn't be ruined by his own hand!
"Thank you, Fourth Prince!" said the Prince of Jinnan.
Nan Xuzong smiled and said, "Father, please just call me Cong'er! I feel extremely uncomfortable being called Fourth Prince!"
"Good, good!" Prince Jinnan nodded. "Quickly, come in and have a seat!"
“I brought Wushang back today because I wanted to tell Father something,” Nan Xuzong said directly. “Wushang doesn’t like living in the palace, so I asked Father to let us move back to Moxuan Garden first, and then move back to the Prince Zong’s Mansion once it is completed.”
"...No problem!" King Jinnan hesitated for a moment before replying. These were originally princes and princesses; how could they possibly return to his own Jinnan Prince's residence? However, since they had already spoken, and it was the Zhou Emperor's will, what room did Nan Aogan have to refuse?
Consort Jin immediately wanted to step forward, but was pulled back by Nan Xianxian behind her. "Mother."
Consort Jin calmed herself down before stepping forward.
Consort Jin understood her meaning. If she stepped forward now, wouldn't she be playing right into Nan Xuzong and Ji Wushang's hands? Even the Prince of Jinnan hadn't refused; was a mere consort like her tired of living?
Ji Wushang's eyes swept over the crowd, a smile playing on her lips. This time, she was determined to wipe them all out! Let this palace become hell! Don't blame Ji Wushang for being ruthless; they all wished for her to die as quickly as possible!
Soon, the two arrived at the main hall and sat there for a while. Just as they were thinking of returning to Moxuan Garden, they heard an announcement outside that Old Madam Yun had actually arrived!
Ji Wushang and Nan Xuzong exchanged a glance and stepped forward simultaneously. At this moment, Old Madam Yun was helped in by Aunt Chen.
Nan Xuzong and the other immediately knelt down and bowed to Old Madam Yun, saying, "Cong'er (Wushang) greets Grandma!"
"Get up, all of you!" Old Madam Yun looked at them, her hands trembling slightly, and said with a hint of excitement, "Aren't you my grandsons and granddaughters-in-law? Alas, alas!" She sighed several times.
After glancing at Nan Xuzong, Ji Wushang immediately knelt down and stepped forward, saying, "Grandma, Wushang will always be your granddaughter-in-law, always!"
“Cong’er will always be your grandson, please don’t dislike Cong’er and Wu Shang, Grandma,” Nan Xu Cong said.
Grandma Yun looked at the two of them and said, "Alas, I know you are the Fourth Prince and the Fourth Imperial Consort. Alas, I was blind to your greatness!"
“Grandma, are you trying to exclude us? We are willing to serve you and be filial to you forever,” Ji Wushang said, and then kowtowed to Grandma Yun.
Grandma Yun looked at them for a long time, and after confirming that they were not joking and that they were sincere, she nodded happily, "Good, good, you don't need to kneel anymore, get up quickly!" As she spoke, she stepped forward to help them up.
Nan Xuzong and Ji Wushang immediately helped each other up.
The Prince of Jinnan stepped forward. “Mother, please take a seat. Cong’er, Wushang, come, sit with us.”
Grandma Yun nodded slightly and immediately sat down with Ji Wushang and Nan Xuzong.
Once the conversation started, the group immediately began chatting. Nan Xuzong and Ji Wushang gave a brief account of what had happened. Only then did everyone understand what had occurred.
Time passed quickly, but Old Madam Yun felt a little tired, so she was helped back to her Yunxiang Pavilion by Aunt Chen.
After having a meal with everyone in the main hall, Nan Xuzong and Ji Wushang returned to their own Moxuan Garden.
Consort Jin was filled with resentment, but also harbored a hidden worry. Ji Wushang's return this time was unlikely to be so simple! Should she strike first? If she waited until Ji Wushang plotted against her, it would be much more difficult to deal with!
Nan Xianxian entered from outside and saw Consort Jin sitting at the table thinking. She cautiously approached her and said, "Mother."
"Hmm, Xian'er, you don't need to do those things like those lowly servants!" Consort Jin said. "Come, sit down!"
“Mother, I know what you’re worried about,” Nan Xianxian said immediately after sitting down. “I’m also worried that she might harm us!”
"You felt it too?" Consort Jin said. "Speak quickly!"
"I could sense her murderous intent. She's back to kill us all!"
"Why? We haven't done anything to wrong her!" Consort Jin said, seemingly forgetting everything she had done to Ji Wushang, both in her past and present lives, and everything she had done to Nan Xuzong! These are unforgivable!
But how could these women possibly realize that!
"I don't know either. That woman is just so vicious. If we don't take action, we'll all be in deep trouble! Mother, you're a concubine now. As long as we take the Cold Princess away and she loses her child, this mansion will be yours!"
"I know, but haven't I been waiting for the right opportunity all along? That bitch Leng Ruolan, the Prince has always taken good care of her! He's afraid she might lose a single hair! I can't even get close to her!"
“Mother, now that Ji Wushang is back, why not put the blame on her and let her pave the way for us! In the end, she will be the one who dies, not us!” Nan Xianxian’s eyes flashed with malice.
Consort Jin immediately nodded in agreement, "My Xian'er is the best!"
"Mother...actually, I want to know...how is my...marriage going?" Nan Xianxian lowered her head and said shyly.
Consort Jin slapped her forehead. "Yes, I forgot to tell your father! It's still early, I'll go check on him later! General Ma is a good choice. I heard that he went out with your father to transport the imperial relief funds, and he's quite the hero! He protected your father and beat those thugs to a pulp!"
"Mmm." Nan Xianxian blushed. She had only noticed this General Ma Ershao by chance when she overheard someone talking about him. If she could marry him, even though she was a concubine's daughter, she was still a young lady of the Jinan Prince's Mansion. She believed that she could become a lady after marrying him, which would be quite nice.
Consort Jin nodded, "This absolutely needs to be done quickly! Although the Prince of Jin's mansion held funerals for Ji Yinxue and Nan Jinxue several days ago, we can still arrange the marriage first and then wait until later!"
After chatting with Nan Xianxian for quite a while, Consort Jin went to Prince Jin's study.
At this moment, the Prince of Jinnan was in his study reviewing a number of documents. Since becoming a prince, he had had a lot of official documents to handle, and some ministers in the court had indeed written to him, expressing their interest in befriending him, which kept the Prince of Jinnan extremely busy.
Consort Jin was standing outside the door. A servant was about to go in to greet Prince Jin, but Consort Jin stopped him, saying, "You may leave! I will take care of the prince."
"Yes." The servants all left. Everyone knew that although Princess Leng had a child and was a princess, the real power was held by Consort Jin. For many days now, Consort Jin had been coming and going from the prince's room. Everyone knew what was going on!
Consort Jin turned around. "I'll take this soup upstairs. You all go and keep watch!"
"Yes." The maidservant immediately handed the chicken soup to Consort Jin.
Consort Jin composed herself before carrying the chicken soup inside.
"Your Highness." This was the title Prince Jinnan loved most! It greatly satisfied his vanity! Damn it, the Marquis of Jinnan's mansion had always been just a marquis's mansion, yet he, Nan Aogan, could also be called a prince!
Upon hearing this address, the Prince of Jinnan immediately looked up with delight, seeing the beautifully dressed Consort Jin, who was holding a bowl of chicken soup! Overjoyed, he exclaimed, "My beloved consort!" He quickly put down everything and stepped forward, taking Consort Jin's hand and the chicken soup from her. "These laborious tasks can be done by the servants. Why won't you listen?" Although his words carried a hint of reproach, he was clearly showing his affection; he was only pretending to be angry!
Consort Jin smiled and said, "I like to bring chicken soup to Your Highness so that you can nourish your body."
"Alright, alright!" Prince Jinnan nodded. Her flirtatious glances had completely captivated him! Prince Jinnan immediately helped the woman to the table, placed the chicken soup on it, and then smiled, "Alright, I'll taste this chicken soup!"
Consort Jin nodded, "Your Highness, I have some things I'd like to say to you!"
"Yes, go ahead and say it!" Prince Jinnan had been paying close attention to the chicken soup, and he would agree to whatever Consort Jin wanted to say!
King Nan Aogan of Jinnan had no ambitions in his life. As long as he was given good food, wine, beautiful women, high-ranking positions, and wealth to satisfy his lust, his demands, and his vanity, everything else was no problem!
"Xian'er has grown up now. I was thinking, should we arrange to find her a promising husband?" At this moment, Consort Jin's soft little hand stroked Prince Jin's shoulder and gently caressed it.
At this moment, a feeling of relief welled up from the ground. He nodded and said, "Yes, tell me, what do you like? I also have a few candidates for the young ladies in my household, but before, alas, wasn't it Jin Xue's funeral? Alas, it made me so sad!" As he spoke, he put down the chicken soup.
Seeing that the matter was being diverted, Consort Jin immediately said, "Your Highness, drink the chicken soup. Don't think about anything else. The past should be left in the past. We can't always live in the past!"
"You're right!" The Prince of Jinnan nodded in agreement, then drank the chicken soup again. "Good, my beloved concubine's cooking skills are getting better and better!"
"Thank you for your praise, Your Highness," said Consort Jin. "Your Highness, I have inquired with many noble ladies and concubines, and I have heard that General Ma Rui, the second young master of the Ma family, is quite good-looking and skilled in martial arts. If Xian'er were to marry him, it would be a good choice. General Ma Rui seems to be a man who knows how to cherish women! After Xian'er marries him, I think she could be a lady!"
“Yes, General Ma is indeed a good candidate. He accompanied me in escorting the imperial relief funds, and he was incredibly courageous and responsible throughout the journey, which I greatly admire. To be honest, I had the same idea before, so I asked for his opinion. He said, ‘The parents’ wishes and the matchmaker’s words are all that's needed.’ I originally planned to go to General Ma’s residence to discuss this matter after returning home, but I never expected such a major incident to occur in our household!” Prince Jinnan said with a hint of bitterness in his voice, “So we’ve put this matter aside for now.”
"Your Highness, don't be sad." Consort Jin massaged Prince Jinnan to relax him, then looked at him and said, "Your Highness, a lot of time has passed now, it's about time to go and talk to him."
“Well, since you’ve brought it up, I’ll find some time to go to the General’s Mansion and see what General Ma thinks,” said the Prince of Jinnan.
Consort Jin knew that the matter was more than half accomplished, and she began to think about her own situation. She did want to kill Princess Leng and her unborn child, but she also needed to have a child of her own. This would give her enough leverage to win over Prince Jin's heart and become the princess of this household! And then her son would be a prince!
A few days ago, she went to see a doctor, who said that her body had been injured a long time ago, which was why she hadn't been able to conceive. Consort Jin immediately understood—it was probably the medicine Zhao Yiniang had given her! Damn it, she would definitely dig up her grave herself and throw her in! Fortunately, the doctor prescribed some medicine, which Consort Jin had already taken a few doses of; now she could try it out and see if it worked!
Consort Jin immediately reached her jade-like hands up to Prince Jin's neck, rubbing her body against him to arouse his most primal desires. Consort Jin had already added a small amount of aphrodisiac to the chicken soup, and now, with her teasing, Prince Jin immediately became aroused.
Hearing the rustling sounds of clothes being undressed inside, the person outside stopped listening and immediately walked away. Seeing that no one was around, he entered the Moxuan Garden.
Ji Wushang and Nan Xuzong were enjoying a cozy dinner.
Ji Wushang noticed that this man always liked to place her on his lap, then personally use chopsticks to pick up food and put it in her mouth. After several repetitions, the two of them ate quite a bit of food.
Ji Wushang watched him chew on the braised pork and said, "Cong, can I ask you a question?"
"My wife can ask a hundred questions without any problem," Nan Xuzong said with a smile.
"Why do you like it so much when I sit on your lap and you feed me?" Ji Wushang thought for a moment and then voiced his question.
"Let me think about why," Nan Xuzong said, then swallowed the braised pork. He put down his chopsticks, then turned her around so they were facing each other.
Looking into her bright eyes, and remembering the smile she gave him after finishing her meal, he lowered his hand and placed it around her waist. Before Ji Wushang could react, he kissed her lips fiercely. "Because it's convenient this way!" he said with a wicked smile.
☆、248 A desperate gamble, risking his life to frame someone!
"Nan Xuzong, you bastard!" Ji Wushang exclaimed in surprise, thinking of resisting, but he had already held her tightly. "You are my poison, I am already poisoned, you must cherish me and love me!" Nan Xuzong smiled and kissed her cherry lips.
Ji Wushang felt weak all over from his sometimes gentle and sometimes violent advances, but she hadn't forgotten why she had come back! The people she had sent were about to return! "Cong, don't do this, someone will be here soon!" She gently pushed Nan Xucong away, then dodged his gentle touch.