"Xian'er," Ji Wushang called out to the outside.
Xian'er immediately ran in from outside, "Miss, what can I do for you?"
"Quickly, add oil to my candle." Ji Wushang pointed to the candlelight.
Xian'er looked and said, "Yes." She immediately ran out, then returned with lamp oil in her hand, and slowly poured it into the oil. The candlelight burned even brighter with the added oil.
Ji Wushang nodded, for his life could only burn brighter and brighter! If anyone tried to extinguish the lamp of his life, he wouldn't mind pouring out all the oil first!
Ji Meiyuan deserves to suffer for what she did today!
Ji Wushang waved his hand, "Go down!"
"Yes." Seeing that Ji Wushang was also tired, Xian'er said, "Miss, shall I help you to bed?"
"Hmm." Ji Wushang got into bed, covered himself with the blanket, and gave a last-minute instruction, "Watch the candle; I don't want it to go out today."
Xian'er looked at the candle with a strange expression, but still nodded in agreement.
I slept without any dreams.
If the Mid-Autumn Festival passed, it would be Ji Tiankui's wedding day. Ji Meiyuan's matter had finally gradually passed, and about five or six days later, the Mid-Autumn Festival arrived.
Every household is busy preparing for the festival, the Mid-Autumn Festival, a day for family reunion. A few days ago, the matriarch of the family, relying on her status as the old matriarch, petitioned the emperor, who granted Ji Dingbei permission to return home for three days before and after Ji Tiankui's wedding. The emperor also bestowed many gifts upon the Ji family and allowed Ji Dingbei to return home on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival to reunite with his family.
Everyone was delighted. They all busied themselves with how to decorate the mansion beautifully.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is naturally about enjoying lanterns, chrysanthemums, watching various performances, and eating mooncakes.
The matriarch was delighted and had many firecrackers bought from the market early in the morning to be set off in front of the mansion. She also had candies distributed to the children who came to see the festivities. This was typical of the Great and Small Zhou Dynasties; during festivals, the streets and alleys were filled with little boys and girls begging for candy.
Ji Wushang was focused on getting Madam Bei back to health as soon as possible. After all, if she could stand up and take charge on the day of Ji Tiankui's wedding, Aunt Bai's sharp edge would definitely be diminished. If the concubines in this household were to stand above the madam, everyone would laugh at them no matter what they said.
Seeing that Madam Bei was able to eat on her own, but her legs were still a bit weak and she couldn't get out of bed to walk, and that she had almost finished her medicine, Ji Wushang thought of going to Miaoshoutang to buy more medicine, but Xian'er returned to say that Miaoshoutang was no longer in the capital.
Ji Wushang was taken aback upon hearing this. "What about the Ghost Doctor? And what about Doctor Cui? Have you found out where he went?"
"Miss, I heard that a while ago, Miaoshoutang was attacked by some thugs who smashed a lot of things. The shopkeeper doesn't dare to open a shop in the capital anymore. As for the Ghost Doctor, I haven't heard anything about him." Xian'er's eyes were also filled with anxiety. The Ghost Doctor was the one who cured Madam Bei's illness. Now that he's gone, what are we going to do about her illness?
Ji Wushang knew the situation was bad, but he couldn't rush it. He could only go and inquire himself, since Madam Bei's illness was more important. If he couldn't find anyone, he would have to find a reliable doctor to take a look. As for getting medicine, any pharmacy would do, as long as he had a prescription.
After paying his respects to the matriarch, Ji Wushang made an excuse to take Xian'er by carriage to go out and have a look around.
The streets were bustling with people, prosperous, and thriving in business. One wouldn't expect any thugs or hooligans, after all, this was the capital. Thinking this, Ji Wushang felt something was amiss. If thugs had vandalized Miaoshoutang, wouldn't the Imperial Guard and the Ministry of Justice have intervened? The Ma family army, protecting the capital, was no pushover either.
There's something fishy about this.
Ji Wushang lifted the curtain and saw that the carriage had already passed several streets and was almost at the original Miaoshoutang.
When the carriage stopped, Ji Wushang was helped down by Xian'er and walked to the place where Miaoshoutang used to be. He found that what used to be a pharmacy had now become a six-story restaurant called Jiuyuelou.
The restaurant was bustling with business, with guests coming and going to eat and drink. Just then, the gatekeeper saw a young lady who looked like an official looking at his restaurant and naturally stepped forward to ask, "Miss, are you here for a meal or to stay the night?"
"Taking a bite to eat" naturally means having a meal and a drink, while "staying at an inn" means staying for one or two days or more.
Ji Wushang was not there to stop for a meal or stay at an inn; he was there to find someone.
"Xian'er, come in." Ji Wushang said to Xian'er. Xian'er was completely confused. Wasn't he supposed to be looking for the Ghost Doctor? Why was he in a restaurant now? But he still followed her up to the third floor.
☆、070 On the Mid-Autumn Festival, who would be a perfect match for a celestial being?
Ji Wushang looked at the waiter who led him away. He was dressed in a light-colored cloth robe and wore a pair of somewhat worn cloth shoes. A clean white tablecloth was draped over his shoulder. He smiled and led Ji Wushang and Xian'er to the third floor. Ji Wushang went up to the third floor and saw that all the people around him were dignitaries and nobles eating. It turned out that the floors were also divided into different categories.
The first floor was for the local residents of Xiaojing to eat and drink; the second floor was for merchants and vendors; the third floor was for elegant and noble young ladies of officials or young gentlemen; the fourth floor was probably only for high-ranking officials of the fifth rank or above; and no one could enter the sixth floor except the head of the household.
Ji Wushang chose a secluded spot to sit down. Xian'er looked around, unsure of what to do, and could only stand timidly to the side with Ji Wushang. Ji Wushang asked the waiter, "Waiter, where is the original manager? Also, wasn't this supposed to be Miaoshoutang? How did it become Jiuyuelou?"
The waiter was slightly taken aback, but then smiled at Ji Wushang and said, "Miss, I don't know either. I'm just a waiter, how would I know so much? Would you like to order anything, Miss?" As he spoke, he changed the subject.
Seeing that he seemed to be hiding something, but not wanting to ask others, Ji Wushang ordered two or three dishes and then said, "If you know where the original person is, or have heard of the Ghost Doctor, please let me know. Thank you."
The waiter listened, nodded, and said, "Okay!" Then he went downstairs.
Ji Wushang watched his departing figure, then glanced around at the people. The young masters and ladies were all eating and drinking elegantly, and he didn't see any particularly noteworthy figures. Being in this inconspicuous, secluded place himself, he naturally didn't attract any attention.
The waiter went downstairs and immediately went to the shopkeeper. As soon as he saw the shopkeeper, he winked at him. The shopkeeper immediately handed over the items and walked over to the waiter. The waiter pulled the shopkeeper aside and said, "A young lady of about thirteen or fourteen years old actually asked about Miaoshoutang! Asked about the Ghost Doctor."
"In that case, quickly go and report to the master!" The shopkeeper's eyes deepened. "No matter what kind of young lady she is, keep her calm for now."
"Yes." The waiter immediately went to do it, and before leaving, he also told Ji Wushang about the three dishes he had ordered.
The innkeeper instructed the cook to prepare the dishes, while he frequently went up to the third floor to check on who exactly those people were. Just a few days ago, a dispute had broken out at Miaoshoutang, with a few thugs and some officials causing trouble. The master immediately gave the order to take the opportunity to renovate Miaoshoutang into the six-story Jiuyue Tower, and Miaoshoutang naturally disappeared from the capital.
However, the master had instructed that if anyone asked about the Ghost Doctor or the former Miraculous Hands Hall, they must go to the sixth floor to report to him.
Ji Wushang saw that several dishes had been served, but the waiter had been replaced. Ji Wushang felt that this was a bit strange. The waiter used to serve the people in this building. How could he have disappeared all of a sudden?
The waiter had already quietly climbed up to the sixth floor, then slipped a note with writing on it through the crack in the door into a side room. Seeing that no one was around, the waiter immediately left.
The piece of paper was taken the moment the waiter turned around, and then the person slipped into a dark, secret room.
Nan Xuzong was currently discussing matters with the Ghost Doctor and others in an underground secret chamber. This underground secret chamber was located directly beneath the September Tower.
The room wasn't very big, but it was well-lit, with sunlight streaming in through gaps in the walls. Several candles were also lit, illuminating the room.
At this moment, someone knocked on the stone door. Nan Xuzong's eyes narrowed, and he raised his hand to signal everyone to stop. Gong Shu cooperated and went to open the door, and then a man dressed in black respectfully handed over a piece of paper.
Nan Xuzong opened the paper, which stated that a girl of about thirteen or fourteen years old had come to the third floor of the September Pavilion, saying she was looking for the Ghost Doctor's Miraculous Hands Hall. Nan Xuzong burned the paper over the candle and then said, "Let's leave this matter here for today. Everyone, disperse!"
The group fell silent and immediately walked outside.
Gong Shu stood there waiting for Nan Xuzong to speak. Nan Xuzong looked at him and said, "Have the Ghost Doctor appear on the third floor."
"Yes." Gong Shu immediately went to do it.
Sitting in his wheelchair, Nan Xuzong knew that her desire to find the Ghost Doctor was simply to cure Madam Bei's illness. Once cured, would there be no further connection? Nan Xuzong touched the golden thread in his hands. After sitting for a while longer, he left the secret room, but instead of returning directly to the mansion, he went to the third floor.
Ji Wushang sat there looking at the dishes in front of him, but he couldn't eat them. It was supposed to be the Mid-Autumn Festival, a time for family reunion at home, not for dining here. He had only come here because he was looking for the Ghost Doctor.
Just as Ji Wushang was about to leave, he saw an old man, about fifty years old, leading a young boy up to the third floor. Upon seeing this, Ji Wushang was immediately delighted. It was the Ghost Doctor and his boy! But wasn't this the place for young masters and ladies of official families? However, since he was here, that was perfect!
The young masters and ladies around them naturally looked down on the old man and the boy who had come up. Some of them muttered disdainful remarks about this "ghost doctor."
Seeing this, Ji Wushang immediately winked at Xian'er. Xian'er, who was with Ji Wushang, naturally recognized the Ghost Doctor. Xian'er immediately walked over to the Ghost Doctor and said with a smile, "Sir, my young lady has been waiting for you for a long time! Please come this way with me."
The Ghost Doctor stroked his beard. "Please lead the way, young lady." As if he didn't see the gazes of the others around him, he followed the thread and walked to Ji Wushang's side.
All eyes were on the Ghost Doctor, wondering where he would go and who had invited him. This slovenly old man didn't seem very useful, yet there was a young lady waiting for him in such a high-class place!
Seeing the Ghost Doctor and the boy arrive together, Ji Wushang immediately stood up to greet them, "Old sir, please sit down."
The Ghost Doctor nodded, but said, "I know why you've come here. I guess it's because of Madam's illness. Please lead the way, Miss. Madam's illness really can't be delayed."
"Thank you, sir." Ji Wushang was grateful and bowed to the Ghost Doctor.
The Ghost Doctor smiled.
Nan Xuzong watched all of this expressionlessly, and only left after they had all left.
Mid-Autumn Festival, a time for family reunion.
After examining Madam Bei again, the Ghost Doctor wrote another prescription, gave instructions to Ji Wushang and Granny Shi, and then left. Ji Wushang took Xian'er to a nearby clinic to buy the medicine, and the trip went smoothly without any difficulties.
Now that Madam Bei is able to walk a few steps, everyone in the household is happy, except for a few exceptions.
Ji Wushang ordered some pastries to be made, and then led them into the North Garden, where there were already some people standing. After giving some instructions to the servants, Ji Wushang sat for a while before going to the Quiet Garden to visit the matriarch of the Yuan family.
The matriarch was in a good mood today, so she had some food set up in Jingyuan Garden. She also had a stage set up so that the servants and young ladies could enjoy some exquisite food while watching the performance. The play being performed was "The Fairy Couple."
As soon as Ji Wushang entered, she saw that the place was already packed with people. Since falling into the water, Ji Meiyuan had claimed illness and hadn't come to Jingyuan to pay her respects to the matriarch. However, now that so many days had passed, she naturally wanted to come and see the matriarch. The matriarch had initially resented Ji Meiyuan for her petty nature, even trying to frame Ji Wushang, but ultimately, she was still her own granddaughter, and naturally forgave her.
At this moment, Ji Meiyuan was eating snacks and peanuts while watching the play on stage.
Aunt Bai was dressed impeccably, in a bright red embroidered, gold-trimmed long dress over a light red undergarment. Her hair was styled in a high, elegant updo. She sat there with an air of nobility, her gaze occasionally drifting towards the matriarch and then back to the performance on stage. Aunt Nangong was no less impressive, in a magnificent light white brocade gown that flowed to the floor. A pair of silver earrings shone brightly, almost blindingly so. Her delicate brows were slightly furrowed, and every smile and gesture was exquisitely refined. Her posture, seated gracefully, was even more elegant.
Aunt Qin, heavily pregnant, sat there. Looking at Ji Wushang, a strange light flashed in her eyes. After what happened some time ago, she felt somewhat reluctant to leave Ji Wushang. Although her impression of him wasn't bad, the child in her womb was more important than this close relationship with the young lady.
Aunt Xie sat beside the matriarch, her simple, plain clothes exuding a rustic and unpretentious beauty. The matriarch, on the other hand, wore a magnificent gown, her hair styled in a traditional Chinese updo adorned with several gold hairpins, radiating dignity and authority.
Ji Yinxue's face was slightly pale, but she was wearing newly made clothes. When she saw Ji Wushang coming in from outside the garden, she said, "Big sister is here!"
Everyone looked over and saw that Ji Wushang seemed to have been traveling a lot and looked a bit travel-worn. Some frowned slightly in disapproval, while others looked at him with questioning eyes.
The matriarch looked at it, smiled, and did not say anything.
Seeing this, Granny Guo, who was serving her, immediately stepped forward and said with a smile, "Miss, please sit here!"
Ji Wushang nodded, bowed to the elder's wife and others, and then sat down to watch the show.
Ji Meiyuan looked at Ji Wushang sitting beside her, feeling resentful. She wanted to do something to curb Ji Wushang's arrogance! She was unwilling to accept that Ji Wushang always won! Turning her head, she smiled and said to Ji Wushang, "Where did you go, eldest sister? Why are you all travel-worn? It took you so long to come to Grandmother's place. Sigh! Everyone thinks you're going to throw a tantrum!"
Ji Wushang laughed and said, "Second sister, how could I dare to do anything like that? It's all because of Mother's illness. We've seen a doctor, and he said Mother will get better soon." As he spoke, his eyes drifted towards Aunt Bai. Sure enough, Aunt Bai's face turned cold upon hearing the news.
"What did the doctor say?" the matriarch asked, turning her head to inquire.
"Grandmother, the doctor said that Mother will be able to walk freely in less than half a month." Ji Wushang said with a smile, which made Aunt Bai and Ji Meiyuan feel as if needles were being pierced into their hearts.
Before they could speak, Ji Wushang continued, "I'm not trying to criticize you, second sister, but you've been better for so long, why don't you go to Beiyuan to see Mother? Such lack of filial piety will make you a laughingstock!"
Upon hearing this, everyone immediately turned their attention to Ji Meiyuan. It made sense; Ji Meiyuan had been better for at least two or three days, so why hadn't she taken the time to visit Madam Bei? Such a lack of filial piety! What woman could possibly want with someone who couldn't even fulfill her filial duties? Anyone who did would be unlucky.
Hearing this, Ji Meiyuan felt embarrassed. Feeling everyone's gaze, her face turned even paler. After a long while, she finally said, "It's not that I don't want to go see her, elder sister. How could I not know to take care of Mother? It's just that seeing you running to Beiyuan every day makes me feel ashamed, so I haven't dared to go there. I've already had a mink coat made; there are only a few more steps to complete. I'll give it to Mother as a gift for her recovery in late autumn!"
Everyone nodded slightly upon hearing this. Since Ji Meiyuan said so, then she did have some filial piety.
But Aunt Bai was unhappy. She glared fiercely at Ji Meiyuan. She was filled with resentment. Just a few days ago, Ji Meiyuan had said that once the mink coat was finished, it would be a gift for Aunt Bai! Unexpectedly, today he was saying it was for Madam Bei! To say he was completely useless would be a lie; he was utterly incompetent! Truly, he was more trouble than he was worth!
When Ji Meiyuan saw Aunt Bai glaring at her, she knew exactly what she was glaring at. Therefore, Ji Meiyuan could only look at Aunt Bai with a wronged expression, as if begging for her forgiveness.
Aunt Bai gave a light hum, looking at the play "The Fairy Couple" on the stage. The play was already showing the scene where the Seven Fairies went to heaven to invite the Six Sisters to help Dong Yong change his three-year long-term labor service to a hundred-day one.
Hearing their conversation, the matriarch said, "You are both very thoughtful. Whether it's running to Madam's place every day or making a mink coat for her, you are both showing your filial piety. Come here, Granny Guo, give Wushang and Meiyuan the green snake jade bracelet and jade pendant that Madam Lin brought a few days ago."
Upon hearing this, Ji Wushang thought, "The Green Snake Jade Bracelet? Isn't that the jade bracelet I gave to Zhu'er in my previous life?" Indeed, it was originally a gift from his grandmother, but he gave it to Zhu'er because she liked it.
Ji Meiyuan listened with delight, not caring whether Aunt Bai was angry or not, and immediately said, "Thank you, Grandmother!"
"Thank you for the gift, Grandmother." Ji Wushang was preoccupied with his own thoughts and was somewhat absent-minded. If that were the case, the next scene would be him being betrothed to Nan Jinxue by imperial decree after the performance of "The Fairy Couple"... and that very night, Ji Wushang would give the Green Snake Jade Bracelet to Zhu'er...
"Young Miss? Young Miss?" Granny Guo gently called out to Ji Wushang, holding the green snake jade bracelet.
Ji Wushang immediately came to his senses. No, things from his past life had changed a lot. He would not be betrothed to Nan Jinxue again. No!
"Second Miss chose Jade Linglong! Just now, when I called for Eldest Miss, you didn't respond, so I let Second Miss choose first," said Granny Guo when she saw Ji Wushang's gaze return to her.