"What?" Ji Meiyuan stared wide-eyed at Ji Yinxue. "Where would you find an older sister like this?"
"Your older sister is only doing this for your own good, she doesn't want you to cause any trouble." Ji Yinxue tried her best to speak calmly, she was still angry from just now!
"Is it because you've caused some trouble?" Ji Meiyuan sneered. "If you don't want to cause trouble, then get out of here! I don't want to see you right now, and I'm ordering you to leave!"
Ji Yinxue paused, not expecting her to say that. After a long while, just as she was about to speak, someone behind her pulled her arm. Ji Yinxue was startled, but when she saw it was Ji Wushang, she was slightly relieved. "Big sister."
“Let’s go back. Since she likes it here so much, let her stay! I won’t help you if she gets into any trouble!” Ji Wushang looked at Ji Meiyuan and smiled slightly. “If you’re thinking of making a fool of yourself, I have no reason not to grant your wish!”
"You!" Ji Meiyuan glared at Ji Wushang. "Get out of here!"
At this moment, some people were sitting around Ji Meiyuan. In order to maintain her good image, Ji Meiyuan said, "Please."
"Fourth Sister, let's go." Ji Wushang took Ji Yinxue's hand, but only then did he notice that Ji Yinxue's dress was a little dirty, so he asked, "What happened?"
"It's hard to say here, let's go back over there first." Ji Yinxue saw the person sitting down to Ji Meiyuan's left, it was Gao Fengfen, who was glaring angrily at Ji Yinxue.
Ji Wushang followed Ji Yinxue's gaze and saw Gao Fengfen glaring at him as well. He immediately sneered, "So it's just a green toad. It's nothing serious. Come on, let's go back and sit over there."
Gao Fengfen was so angry her hair was practically steaming. "What green toad?"
"Fourth Sister, did I say who the green toad was?" Ji Wushang looked back at Ji Yinxue in surprise, then sized up Gao Fengfen, who was dressed in green, as if he had suddenly realized something. "But, who answered is none of my business."
After saying that, he took Ji Yinxue's hand and walked past Gao Fengfen and Ji Meiyuan, saying, "Good sister, let's go!"
Ji Yinxue's eyes were somewhat moved, "I didn't expect that just a few casual words from my older sister would make her glare and blow her nose like that!"
"From now on, don't let yourself suffer losses. If others try to harm you or bully you, you can fight back!" Ji Wushang said, quickening his pace as the banquet was about to begin.
Before the two sisters even returned to their seats, they saw two people sitting there, and they were both so surprised that they couldn't speak.
These two were none other than Bei Gong Minhao and Bei Gong Jueshi. The two brothers were enjoying themselves immensely, drinking and chatting, completely unaware that they had sat in someone else's seat. Although the seating at the banquet wasn't assigned, they had taken the seat first, only leaving for a short while...
Ji Wushang looked at Beigong Minhao and remembered that he had said he wanted to marry her at the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion that day. She immediately pulled Ji Yinxue away and walked elsewhere.
Ji Yinxue was taken aback. "Big sister, that seat?"
“Let’s find another seat…” Before Ji Wushang could finish speaking, Beigong Minhao exclaimed as if he had seen a distinguished guest, “Isn’t this Miss Ji?”
Ji Wushang had no choice but to stop. This person had called his name, and if he didn't stop to pay his respects, it would be improper for him to say anything.
Ji Yinxue also noticed the person next to her. Bei Gongjueshi was playing with a wine glass in his hand. He looked at Ji Yinxue and Ji Wushang and was slightly taken aback, but then a smile appeared on his lips. "So you are a young lady from the Ji family."
However, I finally got to see this young lady.
Bei Gong Jue Shi scrutinized Ji Wu Shang with his unusual eyes. Ji Wu Shang wasn't dressed particularly brightly today, and was even less so than Ji Yin Xue. Bei Gong Jue Shi shook his head inwardly, wondering why his elder brother seemed to have a slight fondness for this woman.
Ji Yinxue looked on shyly and hid behind Ji Wushang, but Ji Wushang had already bowed to the two of them. However, Ji Wushang did not know who the other man was. Seeing that he looked somewhat similar to Beigong Minhao, he guessed that he was Beigong Jueshi, the second son of the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion.
"Greetings, gentlemen," both Ji Wushang and Ji Yinxue said.
"You're too kind." Bei Gongminhao looked at Ji Wushang. "Why aren't the eldest and fourth young ladies sitting together?" He pointed to the seats next to him.
“It would be rather impolite to sit with these two gentlemen. Please excuse us.” Ji Wushang looked around and found that, apart from the two seats next to Beigong Minhao, all the other seats were already occupied, with men and women sitting together, making it a bit lively.
"Please!" Beigong Minhao seemed quite satisfied with the scene. "The banquet is about to begin, and it would be inappropriate if we didn't take our seats." He smiled slightly as he spoke.
Ji Wushang rolled his eyes at him. Wasn't it because he took her seat? And yet he was so gloating!
"Big sister," Ji Yinxue tugged at her hand and whispered. They were no longer seated at the table; everyone around them was watching!
Ji Wushang pulled Ji Yinxue to sit next to him, and then sat down next to Beigong Minhao himself.
Needless to say, Bei Gongminhao happily drank three cups of wine. Bei Gongjueshi shook his head, looking at him, "Brother, you'll get drunk in front of a beauty if you drink so much." As he spoke, his eyes were fixed on Ji Yinxue. Ji Yinxue knew what that gaze was, but she lowered her head, tugging at her braid. Bei Gongjueshi, seeing this, was even more delighted and couldn't help but drink three cups of wine as well.
Seeing his reaction, Beigong Minhao said, "You also only had three cups of wine, didn't you?"
Bei Gong Jue Shi was taken aback upon hearing this, then silently grinned.
All the seats around him were full. Ji Wushang looked up, wanting to pick some grapes in front of him to eat, but unexpectedly, he found himself facing Nan Jinxue, who was staring intently at him.
Ji Wushang suddenly felt an urge to flip the table. What was going on? To his left was a man beaming at him, and across from him was a man staring intently at him! This really made him wish he hadn't come at all!
He lost his appetite for the grapes and lowered his hand.
Beigong Minhao noticed and said, "Why aren't you eating? The grapes are very fresh!" With that, he took a grape, peeled it, and said, "Here you go."
"Thanks, but I can't eat anymore. Your Highness, please eat!" Ji Wushang replied coldly.
Heaven knows what murderous glare was directed at her from across the room! Nan Jinxue frowned as she looked at Beigong Minhao, thinking to herself, "I never expected the Prince of Zhenbei to treat Ji Wushang so well! What is it about Ji Wushang that makes him care so much about her?" Nan Jinxue glared angrily at Beigong Minhao.
Beigong Minhao sensed something was wrong, so he looked around and saw Nan Jinxue looking in his direction. But when he looked over, Nan Jinxue looked away.
Immediately, Bei Gongminhao felt displeased and slammed the peeled grapes onto the table. The grapes were embedded in the table, creating a dent.
Bei Gong Jue Shi was slightly surprised. He didn't easily reveal his skills, so why was he acting like this now? He looked up, saw his displeasure, and asked, "What's wrong, brother?"
"It's nothing." Beigong Minhao moved the plate in front of him to cover the sunken grapes.
At this moment, everyone around turned their attention to the person in the main seat, wondering who was hosting the event.
After a eunuch led a noble young man and a beautiful young woman into the imperial garden, no one else was seen.
Ji Wushang was stunned, and his vision blurred for a moment. He would never forget the man in the main seat, not even in death! He was having such difficulty breathing! He wanted nothing more than to take the scissors and stab that man in the back again! He wanted nothing more than to plunge the scissors into the heart of the man sitting opposite him!
Crown Prince Huangfu Yun wore a long robe with embroidered dragons, a crown with a jade hairpin, a rosy face, and slightly pursed thin lips. He looked at everyone with a smile, wearing blue dragon boots. He stood there looking at everyone in his luxurious attire. Beside him was Princess Huangfu Jing, who was also dressed in bright colors. She had an oval face, a beauty mark at the corner of her mouth, kind eyes, slightly curved willow eyebrows, and rosy lips. She was graceful and light-footed.
Everyone stood up to greet the Crown Prince and the Eldest Princess. Ji Wushang watched, his fists clenched tightly, his whole body radiating a hidden anger.
Ji Yinxue noticed that Ji Wushang hadn't stood up yet, so she immediately tugged at her and whispered, "Big sister?"
Ji Wushang realized he had been too sensitive, so he quickly composed himself and stood up. He needed to stay calm, stay calm. These people, he would deal with them slowly, slowly!
Bei Gongminhao also felt a little strange. Why did her behavior seem a bit unusual ever since the Crown Prince and the Eldest Princess entered? It was as if she had seen the two of them before? But no, how could a woman from a secluded family have the opportunity to witness the faces of the Crown Prince and the Eldest Princess? Moreover, as far as she knew, this was the first time the Ji sisters had attended such a banquet, wasn't it?
"Long live the Crown Prince! Long live the Princess!" the crowd shouted in unison.
"Please be seated! There's no need to be so formal!" The Crown Prince smiled kindly as he looked at everyone, his eyes scanning the crowd as if he wanted to see something.
Ji Wushang felt disgusted just looking at his eyes!
"Everyone, please sit down! The Crown Prince said there's no need to be reserved. Today is the Chrysanthemum Festival, so naturally we'll be appreciating chrysanthemums and enjoying a grand feast!" The Princess's gentle voice rang out. "As you can all see, a stage has been set up in front of us. We've heard that all the young ladies and gentlemen are very talented. Those who are interested are welcome to go up on stage and perform to add to the festivities."
After hearing the change, everyone sat down.
Ji Wushang quickly regained his composure and sat down with the others with a blank expression.
Ji Yinxue pursed her lips and looked at Ji Wushang, her eyes questioning why she had seemed a little strange just now.
Ji Wushang smiled, indicating that he was fine.
At this time, the maids and eunuchs served some wine, dishes, and exquisite pastries. Meanwhile, over there, someone had already started preparing the chrysanthemums for the autumn festival.
The guests immediately began chatting and drinking happily. However, no one had yet stood on the stage to perform.
The eldest princess looked up at the crowd and smiled, "What's wrong, ladies and gentlemen? Are you all shy? Don't you dare to come up on stage and perform to add to the fun?"
"Sister, don't talk about others, aren't you the same? You have so many talents, but you won't offer a single one," the Crown Prince teased from the side.
The Crown Prince was born to Consort Yun, while the Eldest Princess was born to the Empress.
"You're such a chatterbox." The eldest princess laughed and pointed lightly at the crown prince with her finger. "Who doesn't know that the women of all the families are proficient in all the arts, from music and chess to calligraphy and painting?"
“Princess, please don’t refuse. Everyone is waiting for you to take the stage and host!” Gao Fengfen, sitting below, smiled and then picked up a piece of jade cake and put it into her small cherry lips, exuding a myriad of charms.
The Crown Prince was taken aback. Upon seeing that it was Gao Fengfen, the eldest daughter of the Left Chancellor, he smiled and said, "Could it be that the Eldest Princess has performed, and Miss Gao is also going up on stage to perform for the entertainment?"
“That’s right, Sister Gao is filled with resentment!” Ji Meiyuan was so excited when she saw the Crown Prince looking this way that she blurted out.
Gao Fengfen was not comfortable with her true feelings being spoken to, but she still smiled and said, "Miss Ji is making fun of me."
“Alright, today is for everyone to have fun, so let’s take turns, one side at a time, and no one is allowed to miss one!” the princess said decisively.
Everyone agreed.
Ji Wushang frowned. Didn't his maternal grandfather, the Right Chancellor, say that he shouldn't show off? He didn't want to put on any show, so why couldn't he escape it?
Beigong Minhao was excited. He was finally going to see her perform again. He was very much looking forward to seeing what it would be.
Nan Jinxue's eyes lit up instantly. She found it boring to look at others, but interesting to look at her. As she spoke, she looked at Ji Wushang with her peach blossom eyes.
Ji Wushang looked up coldly and stared directly into Nan Jinxue's eyes. Nan Jinxue felt as if someone had stabbed her in the heart under her gaze and quickly turned her gaze away.
Ji Meiyuan, feeling smug, turned to look for Ji Wushang, wanting to provoke her, but unexpectedly, as her angle shifted, she saw Nan Jinxue. The elegant and refined Nan Jinxue, true to his name, was someone only a celestial being could rival!
Nan Jinxue felt a little uncomfortable being stared at. She searched for the gaze, but it wasn't on Ji Wushang anymore. Puzzled, she scanned the room and then noticed Ji Meiyuan, sitting near the head of the table, staring at her with infatuation. She was immediately stunned. She quickly downed several glasses of wine.
Sitting next to him was Ma Rui, the second son of General Ma of the Ministry of Justice. Seeing Nan Jinxue down several cups of wine, he immediately felt that Nan was a man of great generosity. "I didn't expect Second Young Master Nan to be such a generous drinker! I am Ma Rui, bottoms up!" With that, he also picked up a wine cup and drank a few cups.
Nan Jinxue was taken aback. This Ma Rui, known as Second Master Ma, possessed exceptional martial arts skills and courage, yet he was merely a brute. He had misunderstood her meaning. Oh well, who could explain such a thing? She picked up her wine glass and clinked it against Ma Rui's, "Cheers!"
The princess had already chosen a dance and had just arrived on the stage when several more dancers came up to accompany her. The people sitting below were a group of musicians playing wind instruments and drums.
The princess made a gesture, and then the dance began.
The music was sometimes gentle, sometimes rapid, and the princess's dance changed with the music. The ribbons she danced with seemed to have a life of their own, so that it didn't feel chaotic to watch, but rather added a layer of enjoyment.
The dancer, acting as a supporting role, accompanied the princess, dancing in unison with her every move. When the performance ended, it had already earned rounds of applause from the crowd.
The princess thanked everyone, ended the dance, and then stepped down from the stage, gesturing for Gao Fengfen to go up.
Ji Wushang sneered. Wasn't she thinking of standing out? Let her stand out!
Ji Wushang turned to look at Ji Yinxue, whose face also showed a hint of anger. She had just whispered to him about what had happened, and this time, he would make Gao Fengfen suffer!
No one noticed her, because everyone's attention was focused on Gao Fengfen, who was about to appear. She was dressed in green and had specially chosen a song to dance to.
Ji Wushang rolled up her sleeves and took out a small pink ball from them. The ball was only the size of a small pebble. Ji Wushang had recently studied how to make it. Although it was not very well shaped and her technique was not very good, it was enough for her to eat!
Ji Wushang smiled and took a sip of tea.
Bei Gong Minhao turned his gaze back to Ji Wushang, but found nothing amiss. Meanwhile, Bei Gong Jueshi "unintentionally" glanced at Ji Yinxue. Ji Yinxue had no choice but to lower her head and eat a pastry.
This arrangement of the banquet has this advantage: the path leading to the stage passes right in front of everyone's tables, including Ji Wushang's.
Moreover, I was almost at the last table, which made it even more appropriate!
Ji Wushang was just waiting for her to arrive.
Gao Fengfen's face flushed slightly. She had never been the center of attention before, and for the first time, she felt as if her heart was about to leap out of her chest. She secretly glanced at the people around her; there were many handsome and dashing young men on all sides. When she saw Nan Jinxue, she was momentarily stunned. Nan Jinxue was truly beautiful. However, she dared not linger and continued walking forward.
Unfortunately, in that moment of stunned silence, she gave Ji Wushang the perfect opportunity. Ji Wushang had already flicked the small pink ball from under his fingernail. The small pink ball hit her green dress, dispersed, and turned into the air around her, which she then breathed in.
Ji Wushang looked on, then calmly picked up the wine glass in front of him.
Gao Fengfen's gaze swept across Ji Wushang's face, and she gave a soft snort.
Ji Wushang responded with a cold laugh. She'd find out soon enough!