The weather was exceptionally clear and windless. The three sisters, Ji Wushang, Ji Meiyuan, and Ji Yinxue, set off towards the imperial city. According to the annual chrysanthemum festival tradition, the daytime was for chrysanthemum appreciation, while the evening was the best time to admire the lanterns.
Ji Wushang was not focused on anything else. He also remembered what his maternal grandfather, the Right Chancellor, had said the day before yesterday. He didn't understand the game in the imperial city. He just meant that he should not stand out. As long as others didn't provoke him, he wouldn't go looking for trouble with them.
The rules of the imperial city are quite numerous. Instead of entering through the side gate of the Prince of Zhenbei's residence, it took some time just to travel along the official road into the palace.
The three Ji sisters, Ji Wushang, Ji Yinxue, and Ji Wushang, Ji Yinxue looked at Ji Wushang and saw that she looked a little tired. Ji Yinxue said, "Eldest sister, should we have the maid bring some calming tea?"
"Alright." Ji Wushang opened his eyes. Why did he feel a little dizzy as soon as he got up? He thought it was some old woman or maid who had done it, but after thinking about it carefully, apart from Aunt Bai and Ji Meiyuan, who were thinking of harming him, no one else in the backyard dared to do anything.
He concluded simply that he hadn't slept well.
Ji Meiyuan stood to the side, her face expressionless and stern.
Ji Wushang drank a few sips of the calming tea, then lay down to rest. Ji Yinxue had someone bring the tea down and then helped him relax, saying, "You must be tired."
After passing through several long corridors, the group disembarked in front of a large palace and saw several female guests from official households.
"Isn't this Miss Ji?" Before Ji Wushang could even stand up straight, someone was already speaking to them.
Ji Wushang looked over and saw that it was Gao Fengfen, the legitimate daughter of the Left Prime Minister. He had seen her at the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion, but he didn't remember her.
Ji Wushang nodded, "So it's Miss Gao."
Gao Fengfen was wearing a pink polar floral print horse-face skirt, over which she wore a bright red rose petal-patterned jacket. Her shoes were also extremely elegant; one could tell at a glance that the material was of the finest silk. On her head she wore a colorful golden crown adorned with a jade phoenix hairpin. Her lips were painted with rouge, making them appear almost dripping red. Her face was rosy, with a slight blush, giving her an air of nobility and radiance.
Ji Wushang bowed slightly. The Left Prime Minister was a first-rank official, while the Grand General was only a second-rank official. Therefore, Ji Wushang had to pay his respects to Gao Fengfen.
Gao Fengfen gave him a disdainful look, "With that sickly appearance, you shouldn't come out and embarrass yourself!"
“Oh, isn’t this it?” a woman next to her sneered.
Upon hearing this, Ji Wushang was slightly displeased. He turned his head to look at the woman. It seemed that this must be Bai Yulan, the illegitimate daughter of the Minister of Personnel? Aunt Bai was her aunt, wasn't she? They really were from the same family, just like each other! Seeing that this woman was also dressed rather brightly, wearing a green dress, she looked like a green toad! Ji Wushang couldn't help but chuckle at his own thoughts.
Bai Yulan glared at him. "What are you laughing at?"
"What am I laughing at? Do I need to tell you?" Ji Wushang rolled his eyes at her.
Bai Yulan was speechless with anger and looked at Gao Fengfen, "Sister Gao."
"Fine, I won't tell you!" Gao Fengfen could only say. If others don't want to tell, are we supposed to force them to?
“Miss Gao understands this principle, unlike some people.” Ji Wushang said sarcastically, a slight smile playing on his lips.
"You!" Bai Yulan stared at Ji Wushang.
"What's wrong with me?" Ji Wushang looked up. "You didn't bow to me, are you defying the heavens?"
Upon hearing this, Bai Yulan's face paled, and she hurriedly bowed, "Greetings, General's Eldest Daughter."
"Hmph!" Ji Wushang snorted and turned away, ignoring her.
Ji Meiyuan had just stepped down from the carriage when she saw Bai Yulan bowing her head towards Ji Wushang. She immediately called out, "Yulan, what happened?"
"Cousin!" Bai Yulan called out as soon as she saw Ji Meiyuan.
Ji Wushang ignored them and walked towards Ji Yinxue.
Ji Meiyuan got out of the car and pulled Bai Yulan aside, asking, "What just happened?"
"It's all because of your eldest sister!" Bai Yulan said viciously, looking at Ji Wushang's retreating figure. "She acts all high and mighty just because she's the young lady!"
“That’s just the kind of person she is, no need to say more about her.” Ji Meiyuan said, bowing to Gao Fengfen beside her, “Greetings, Miss Gao.”
Before long, the three of them were huddled together gossiping.
Ji Wushang and Ji Yinxue sat to one side, talking as they watched the female guests from various families arrive one after another.
The Emperor himself would not actually attend this grand banquet, and the Empress and imperial concubines rarely appeared either. It was more likely that the eldest princess would host it, and only those who were not yet married or engaged would come here to enjoy themselves.
At this moment, a palace eunuch emerged from the courtyard. Ji Wushang saw that he was wearing a top-collared, narrow-sleeved garment with small sunflowers embroidered on the chest and back. He bowed to the young ladies and shouted loudly, "Ladies, please follow me to the Inner River Garden for the flower viewing feast."
The crowd whispered among themselves, wondering why they were going to the Inner River Garden. The Inner River Garden and the palace's back garden were separated only by a gate. To be precise, the Inner River Garden was originally part of the palace's back garden. They never went to the Inner River Garden in previous years, so why did they go this year?
Seeing that the young ladies were only talking and not moving, the eunuch became a little anxious. "Ladies, please come with me!"
Ji Wushang glanced at Ji Yinxue, "What's going on here?"
"I don't know." Ji Yinxue lowered her eyes. "This seems to be related to the royal family."
☆、058 A grand autumn chrysanthemum feast, where a hundred flowers vie for beauty!
"It's not like it's something that will get you killed, why are you hesitating for so long!" Gao Fengfen saw Ji Wushang and the other person discussing, so she took the lead and walked over, saying coldly as she passed by Ji Wushang.
Upon hearing this, Ji Yinxue froze on the spot. Even if she wanted to say something, she shouldn't have said it so harshly.
Ji Wushang sneered, "That's not necessarily true. Maybe if you go through that door, the reckless and talkative ones will really get their heads chopped off!" As he spoke, he took Ji Yinxue's hand, "Third Sister, let's go!"
Gao Fengfen's face turned pale upon hearing Ji Wushang's words. He was clearly implying that she was talkative and reckless!
The young ladies of the officials around them were secretly laughing, and then they followed the eunuchs and servants into the inner river garden in twos and threes.
Ji Meiyuan stepped forward and pulled Gao Fengfen, "Sister Gao."
"Hmph!" Gao Fengfen glared at Ji Meiyuan, then pulled Bai Yulan away. Ji Meiyuan stood there, stunned. What had she said wrong this time? Watching the two groups of people disappear into the distance, resentment sprouted in her heart.
Ji Wushang turned around, "Second sister, what's wrong? Don't you want to leave?" At that moment, she saw Ji Meiyuan glaring angrily at Ji Wushang's group. Ji Wushang was slightly taken aback, realizing that she must be more careful in the future.
"No." Ji Meiyuan replied coldly, then followed behind Ji Wushang.
Upon entering the courtyard, they discovered that everything had already been prepared. At the very top was the main seat, three brightly lit chairs adorned with dragon and phoenix carvings, clearly reserved for the most distinguished person. Many speculated that an empress or imperial concubine was likely to be present. Extending down from the main seat were long banquet tables, with two large red carpets stretching all the way out of the garden. The tables were laden with exquisite local fruits and pastries, as well as small, unique fruits imported from various countries—a dazzling array that whetted the appetite.
The banquet extended towards a large stage, decorated with a bright red dragon and phoenix carpet, making the whole scene magnificent and elegant.
Upon seeing this, Ji Wushang immediately sensed that it was likely similar to the birthday banquet of the Princess of Zhenbei, with female guests probably performing on stage! However, he would probably heed his grandfather's advice and decline the performance. But what if it was an invitation from some noble person?
Ji Wushang was a little troubled. Ji Yinxue came forward and said, "Big sister, let's sit down!" As she spoke, she looked at the seats and didn't know how to arrange them. She was afraid that people would talk if she didn't distinguish between people of different social status.
Ji Wushang nodded, looked back at the seats to the side, and saw the last one in the corner, which should not attract much attention, so he pointed and asked, "Shall we go there?"
"Very good." Ji Yinxue smiled in response, then followed Ji Wushang to the last seat. Ji Meiyuan, seeing this, immediately exclaimed, "Big sister, why are we walking so far! We can't see anyone!"
“You can sit there!” Ji Wushang gestured toward the main seat. “If you have the ability.”
Ji Meiyuan was stunned and speechless when she saw it. "You!" she pointed with her finger. "I'll go over there!" After saying that, she walked towards the seat closest to the head of the table.
Ji Yinxue shook Ji Wushang's arm, "Eldest sister, isn't this a bit inappropriate for second sister?"
"Let her be. It's her business if she likes to be in the spotlight. I didn't stop her."
"What if something happens? This concerns the reputation of our General's Mansion, Eldest Sister, it cannot be taken lightly," Ji Yinxue said worriedly.
Yes, now that we're out here, we have to think about the family. Even if it's not for ourselves, it's for our father and mother, so they don't have to worry.
“Call your second sister over here to sit.” Ji Wushang thought for a moment and said, “If she doesn’t come, I’ll tell Father that she doesn’t listen to me, her eldest sister! I’m sure Father will punish her!”
"Yes." Ji Yinxue jogged forward, but with so many people coming and going, she couldn't see Ji Meiyuan clearly.
Ji Yinxue cautiously looked around at the people, hoping to find Ji Meiyuan. The courtyard was large enough, and although it was supposed to be a banquet hall on both sides, it was crowded with people. Since the banquet had not yet started, it was even more chaotic, with people gathered in twos and threes to talk.
As Ji Yinxue searched, she unexpectedly bumped into someone while taking a step back, and even stepped on their foot.
Ji Yinxue was immediately shocked. She turned around and, not daring to look any further, immediately bowed her head and apologized, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" What she saw when she looked down was a pair of black boots with rusted dragon patterns. Ji Yinxue became even more nervous. Anyone who could wear such boots must be either rich or noble, and must be a member of the royal family.
“Miss, there’s no need to panic.” The man’s pleasant voice spoke, and his eyes of different colors looked Ji Yinxue up and down. He saw that she was wearing a light yellow embroidered horse-face skirt with trim, a light-colored rose-patterned jacket, embroidered shoes, and a white jade phoenix hairpin with several beautiful beads hanging from it.
I just don't know whose daughter she is.
Ji Yinxue didn't dare to look up, but took a slight step back. "If Young Master is alright, Yinxue will take her leave now."
Yin Xue. Her name is Yin Xue. Bei Gong Jue Shi chewed on those words, a wide smile spreading across his face. What a beautiful name. He had just been thinking of asking something, but Ji Yin Xue had already hurried away. Bei Gong Jue Shi watched that hurried figure, his heart filled with joy. Over here, Bei Gong Min Hao patted his shoulder, "What did you see? Did you perhaps take a fancy to some lady?"
"Look at what you're saying, do you think I'm like you?" Bei Gong Jue Shi laughed at him, then turned and left. Bei Gong Min Hao shrugged. "Am I that kind of person?" he said, but then casually searched the crowd for that beautiful, lingering figure.
Ji Yinxue hurried away, searching around before finally spotting Ji Meiyuan talking among a group of female guests of officials. Hesitating, Ji Yinxue was suddenly bumped and knocked to the ground!
Ji Yinxue took a look and saw that it was Gao Fengfen, the eldest daughter of the Left Prime Minister. Although she was the eldest daughter, Gao Fengfen should be able to walk, right?
Before Ji Yinxue could even speak, Gao Fengfen gave her a cold, disdainful look, "Walking in such a hurry, you might fall and die without even knowing it!"
"You, you deliberately bumped me and made me fall!" Although Ji Yinxue was a bit weak, she didn't want to swallow her anger when she was bullied!
"Deliberately?" Gao Fengfen laughed. "Which eye of yours saw me do it on purpose? Hmm?"
Ji Yinxue glared at her with contempt. "I saw it with both eyes!" she said, trying to get up. With everyone around her gathered around, it wasn't a good thing for her to be sitting on the ground like this.
Gao Fengfen wanted to say something, but when she saw the man standing in front of Ji Yinxue, she dared not speak anymore.
Bei Gong Jue Shi extended a hand, gesturing towards Ji Yin Xue, "Miss Yin Xue."
Ji Yinxue was taken aback. She looked up at the person in front of her and saw that he seemed to have stepped out of a painting. His face was so round and gorgeous that it was impossible to see any flaws. However, his left eye was a deep red, which was frightening to look at. He was dressed in gorgeous clothes, and his hair was fixed with a gold hairpin, with only a wisp of bangs slightly covering his unusually deep red left eye.
Bei Gong Jue Shi smiled slightly, "Sitting on the ground will make you catch a cold." His voice was like a tinkling spring, intoxicating to anyone who heard it.
Ji Yinxue blushed slightly. "Thank you, young master, but no need. Yinxue can manage." After saying that, ignoring the surprised looks from those around her, she got up from the ground, straightened her clothes in front of him, and then bowed deeply to Beigong Jueshi. "Thank you, young master."
Bei Gong Jue Shi was genuinely surprised. Even though it was in public and men and women shouldn't touch each other, he would still have been willing to extend his hand. However, she refused and preferred to get up on her own. This kind of woman surprised him. Afterward, she bowed to him to thank him for his kindness.
"Hmm." Bei Gong Jue Shi nodded, then turned to look at Gao Feng Fen. His unusual eyes looked at Gao Feng Fen, and Gao Feng Fen felt a chill run down her spine.
It has always been said that these unusual eyes belong to a cursed lone star. Bei Gong Jue Shi was sent to the Five Elements Mountain to be raised by an old monk since childhood. Now, at the age of eighteen, it is said that the cursed aura of the lone star has been removed before she came down the mountain. However, these eyes are so eerie that they frighten everyone who sees them, let alone Gao Feng Fen, who is just a legitimate daughter.
Gao Fengfen didn't say anything, but pushed through the crowd and walked out.
Ji Yinxue searched for Ji Meiyuan in the crowd, only to find that Ji Meiyuan had already given her a disdainful look and walked away.
Bei Gong Jue Shi looked at Ji Yin Xue's eyes and realized that the woman was the one she was looking for. So that's what she was looking for.
Ji Wushang had been sitting at the very end of the table, sipping his tea. Seeing that Ji Yinxue and Ji Meiyuan had returned after so long, he couldn't help but feel anxious. He looked up at the time; it was almost noon, and the banquet was about to begin.
He stood up and saw that the courtyard was full of people. From his seat, he could see that the main seat was at least a hundred feet away.
Ji Wushang thought for a moment and decided to take advantage of the remaining time to search for Ji Meiyuan, who probably didn't want to sit in that seat!
Seeing Ji Meiyuan sitting comfortably in a seat near the head of the table, Ji Yinxue stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Second Sister, Eldest Sister asked me to take you back to your original seat. This seat should be reserved for more affluent families."
"What do you know?" Ji Meiyuan glanced at Ji Yinxue impatiently. "You just embarrassed yourself in front of everyone! Don't talk to me! Otherwise, I'll be ashamed too!"
"Second sister!" Ji Yinxue frowned. How could she talk to her younger sister like that? She saw it and didn't help, but she even had to talk to her like that!
"What are you yelling about? Get back here right now! The banquet is about to start, do you want to embarrass yourself here again?" Ji Meiyuan glared at her and said angrily.
“My eldest sister said that if you don’t come back with me to sit over there, she will tell Father when she gets back to the manor, and Father will… punish you.” Ji Yinxue frowned.