But the young lady was attending her funeral and wearing mourning clothes for her; that's so rare!
The burial took place on the seventh day after the death.
Ji Wushang and Aunt Qin directed the carrying to the back mountain. Many maids accompanied them, including Aunt Bai's head maid Tianxiang, Granny Yun, Ji Wuxia's original maids Jinzhi and Yuye, and a large group of people.
Ji Wushang smiled. He hadn't expected that everyone in this room was Aunt Bai's people! "Fine, so many people serve Aunt Bai, don't they? After I die, so you won't be lonely, Aunt Bai, I'll send them all to your side!"
The custom of burying people alive with the dead was common in the Zhou Dynasty of the Great Xia Dynasty. Lady Bei was kind-hearted and ordered that no one be buried alive with her when she died, which is why Ji Dingbei did not bury those servants alive.
After the monks performed several rituals, the burial began. Ji Wushang watched and then walked over to Aunt Qin, saying, "Aunt, what do you think of Tianxiang and Granny Yun's people? What should we do?"
"According to Miss's opinion, what do you want to do?" Aunt Qin asked, looking at her. At this moment, she felt that the woman in front of her was so vicious that she was not human. She guessed that this matter was really what Nan Jinxue said, and that she was the one who did it!
I absolutely cannot offend her. I must be good to Ji Wusi and to her as well, otherwise, my good days will surely come to an end! If she can kill all of them, then killing me will be even easier!
Ji Wushang said, "Aunt Bai must be very lonely in the afterlife, and she also enjoys liveliness. Of these servants, if you like any of them, you can pick a few clever ones to take back. The rest can keep Aunt Bai company!"
Aunt Qin glanced back at her, but her expression remained unchanged.
☆、136 There are dangers on the road to Wenge Embroidery
Those maids were mostly henchmen of Aunt Bai or Ji Wuxia and Ji Meiyuan, so why would they keep them around to harm her?
"Fine, let them both go!" Aunt Qin seemed to sigh.
Ji Wushang smiled and said, "Auntie is in charge, so I'm afraid this matter will require Auntie's intervention." With that, Ji Wushang turned to walk back.
Aunt Qin stood there, stunned. Was she really going to be the executioner? No, this was perfectly normal. To be buried alive with them was an honor for them, an honor indeed! Besides, their families would receive a generous sum of money after they were buried alive, so naturally they had no complaints. Moreover, dying in the ancestral graveyard of the General's Mansion was far better than dying in some desolate place.
Aunt Qin nodded, then went to the group of guards, "Tie Yi."
Tie Yi, who was standing there directing the burial of Aunt Bai, immediately stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Please give your orders, Aunt Bai!"
"Go..." Aunt Qin whispered a few words in Tie Yi's ear, then stood aside and looked at him, meaning that he should handle it himself.
Tie Yi glanced at the group of people, knowing that this kind of burial was something for wealthy families, and all he had to do was carry it out. Fine, he would give them one last chance, then have someone trick them into going in and immediately close the stone door, and that would be the end of it.
Ji Wushang glanced at them and saw that Jinzhi, Yuye, Tianxiang and the others were all worried about their future. Ji Wushang smiled and then returned to his sedan chair to wait.
Sure enough, a short while later, Ji Wushang heard some shrill screams from inside the sedan chair, but they quickly disappeared. This was because once the stone door was closed, the air inside would become thin, making it impossible for anyone inside to survive.
Aunt Qin, accompanied by the remaining maids and guards, came over and sat in the sedan chair. "Let's go back."
"Lift the sedan chair!"
Ji Wushang sat in the sedan chair, and after leaving the forest, he switched to a horse-drawn carriage.
At this moment, Ji Wushang felt a little tired. He looked around and saw that no one was there. He thought that since they were in the street, things like the past would not happen again. So he leaned back in the carriage and closed his eyes to take a nap.
But, not long after, Ji Wushang was suddenly jolted awake, because someone behind her was holding her slender waist! Damn it, she didn't even know when he came up! This time, it was definitely not the same person as last time!
This person must be... here to kill me!
Ji Wushang felt the sharp knife pressed against his waist.
"Why didn't you shout?" the man said at this moment.
“I’m not a fool, why would I shout?” Ji Wushang said calmly. “If you want money, I can give it to you, as long as you agree on a time and place. My General’s Mansion can still provide you with a substantial fortune.”
The people outside had absolutely no idea what was happening inside the carriage! Damn it, just how skilled is this person in martial arts!
"I told you not to kill Ji Yinxue, but you broke your promise." The man said dangerously, his lips curling into a vicious smile. He turned his head and looked at Ji Wushang, who was also looking into his obsidian-like eyes. A hint of fear flashed through Ji Wushang's heart, but he told himself that he must not be afraid!
Ji Wushang realized that this man was the one who had broken into her room last night to negotiate a deal with her. He was currently dressed in black, revealing only his sharp eyes. Ji Wushang calmly said, "You don't have any murderous intent, so I believe that Ji Yinxue is not dead, right? You're here to warn me, not to kill me."
He hadn't originally intended to kill Ji Yinxue; he only wanted them to use Ji Yinxue as a tool to kill Aunt Bai and Ji Meiyuan in the chaos. He hadn't expected Ji Yinxue to drag him down with her. But now that this man had appeared, it meant Ji Yinxue was definitely not dead! Not dead? Good!
"It's not good for a woman to be too smart, especially a woman like you. If you're too smart, you'll arouse every man's desire to conquer you!" The man's lips curled up slightly, his brows relaxed, as he looked at Ji Wushang. "You're a really amazing woman."
"You flatter me, young master," Ji Wushang said solemnly. "Since Ji Yinxue is not dead, you have achieved your purpose in issuing a warning. Young master, please return!"
"If I had to say I saved Ji Yinxue, I would have to thank you for planting the Xuan Ying Needle in her body. Otherwise, I would absolutely not have been able to save her." The man smiled at this moment.
"Hmph, no need to thank me." Ji Wushang sneered, "That Xuan Ying Needle belongs to her, I will absolutely not save her."
"Aren't you afraid of angering me?" The man pushed the dagger even deeper into Ji Wushang's waist. Ji Wushang felt that with just a little more force, the dagger could cut through his clothes and pierce his body!
Ji Wushang calmed herself down. She was absolutely certain that she hadn't misjudged him. This person was extremely arrogant. He had his own goals and methods. Moreover, if she followed his own ideas, he would definitely want to take the world into his own hands. Therefore, he would definitely be patient and wouldn't kill people casually. Besides, there was no need to kill a young lady from a general's mansion like herself!
“You won’t.” Ji Wushang uttered a single sentence.
The man removed the sharp knife. "I've learned my lesson."
"Thank you, please leave, young master." Ji Wushang had no time for idle chatter. They were almost at the manor; once they passed these few streets, jumping out of the carriage would be nearly impossible! His death didn't matter, but his reputation was paramount!
"Hehe, are you scared?" The man chuckled. "If you're scared, then you'd better behave yourself. And don't you dare touch Ji Yinxue again, or I will absolutely not let you off the hook!"
"How could I possibly harm her? She's currently in the Marquis's residence, and has nothing to do with me for the time being," Ji Wushang said calmly. "If you dare to make a bet with me, young master, I'm willing to forgo my reputation and fight you to the death." He's constantly trying to threaten me; isn't he afraid I'll poison him? I was too careless; I forgot to bring my medicine with me when I left. From now on, I must make some medicine and carry it with me at all times!
"I'm very interested in you, hahaha!" The man burst into wild laughter, and Ji Wushang immediately shouted, "Keep your voice down!"
"Hmph." The man gave a soft hum, and then, the instant he lifted the back curtain, he was gone!
Ji Wushang finally relaxed. He vowed to teach him a lesson next time! Who cares who he is? Since he's helping Ji Yinxue, it means this person has a significant connection to her! He wants to protect Ji Yinxue? Hmph, she only has six months to live at most. What good is giving her more time? It will only make her suffer for another six months!
"Miss, we've arrived." Just then, a maidservant said from outside the carriage. Ji Wushang nodded and immediately got off the carriage. She looked around and, sure enough, everyone's expression was normal. They really didn't know that a man had been in Ji Wushang's carriage!
Ji Wushang sighed inwardly, then returned to Xinyuan Garden. Aunt Qin ushered everyone inside, and they dispersed to do their own things. The white silks and other mourning items in the mansion were all removed.
Ji Wushang lay on the chaise lounge in his courtyard, gazing at the stars in the sky. The stars seemed to be appearing increasingly dense; was it because there were fewer and fewer people on Earth?
But thinking that Ji Yinxue was perfectly fine, I still felt a little uneasy. Oh well, I should just focus on figuring out how to handle the Wenge embroidery project at the end of the month!
Of all the young ladies in the manor, only she was eligible to participate. This meant that if Ji Wushang were to get the lowest ranking, it would be the Ji General's manor that would lose face, not just the eldest young lady herself.
Ji Wushang sat up straight and called out, "Zhu'er, have the chaise lounge carried back." He then immediately returned to his courtyard. Zhu'er responded and promptly had the chaise lounge brought inside.
Ji Wushang sat down at her desk, then threaded a needle and began doing new needlework.
After emerging from her meditation retreat in the Buddhist hall of Jingyuan, the matriarch learned of the recent events that had transpired in the mansion. She repeatedly lamented, "What a terrible thing!" All that remained was a sigh. She had originally intended to diligently chant sutras in the Buddhist hall to suppress the malevolent aura of the cursed star, but instead, this had backfired. What else could she do but sigh? A few days later, the matriarch secluded herself in Jingyuan for further meditation, refusing to be disturbed. Knowing he had hurt her feelings, Ji Dingbei had no choice but to follow her.
Several days passed quickly, and Ji Wushang spent each day in her garden thinking about how to improve her needlework. Time flies like an arrow, and the days slip by like a shuttle. Before long, the day for the Wen Pavilion embroidery arrived.
This embroidery competition was held in the palace, which was an exception. In the past, it was always held in the Wenge Pavilion. This time, it was held in the palace, which inevitably makes people wonder about the meaning behind it.
Ji Wushang was a little nervous, but he still tidied himself up and went to the main hall, where Ji Dingbei and Aunt Qin were already waiting.
Ji Wushang stepped forward and bowed slightly, saying, "Father, Aunt."
Ji Dingbei nodded, then stepped forward to help her up. "I won't say much more, Wushang. Just do your job well. When you enter the palace, listen to the old women, and don't offend the eunuchs."
"Yes, Wu Shang will follow their teachings." Ji Wu Shang nodded.
“Okay.” Ji Dingbei nodded and immediately stood aside. At this moment, Aunt Qin came forward and handed a folded paper amulet to Ji Wushang. “Miss, this amulet is for you. I hope it can protect you and bless you to get into the top ten.”
"Thank you, Auntie." Ji Wushang nodded. This way, Aunt Qin was exactly what he wanted. If his father officially made her his wife, he wouldn't object... or else...
At that moment, Ji Wushang suddenly knelt down at Ji Dingbei's feet. Ji Dingbei was surprised, "Wushang, what's wrong with you?"
Aunt Qin was also very surprised, "Young Miss?"
"Father, I've always wondered if the reason you haven't officially recognized any of the concubines is because of me, the eldest daughter. I, Wushang, have been unfilial and have put you in a difficult position. Now, I dare to ask you to officially recognize Concubine Qin as your wife! Let her serve the household well and contribute to the family's future." As she spoke, she looked at Ji Dingbei, and then at Concubine Qin.
At this moment, Aunt Qin was so surprised that she could hardly speak. She would never believe that Ji Wushang would actually kneel down to Ji Dingbei and ask him to help her into the official position!
Good heavens! Aunt Qin covered her face and mouth, her eyes brimming with tears. She turned her back, unwilling to let anyone see her distress, but Ji Wushang and Ji Dingbei both knew she was deeply moved…
"Alright, Wushang, get up. Father knows your feelings." Ji Dingbei nodded, then looked at Aunt Qin, "When Wushang returns, we will immediately promote Fu'er to the position of Madam."
"Thank you, Master!" Aunt Qin immediately turned around and knelt down before Ji Dingbei, kowtowing heavily. Then she turned to Ji Wushang and said, "Thank you, Miss, thank you!"
"It's what Wu Shang should do." As long as you don't betray me, don't frame me, and don't frame Wu Zi, why shouldn't I let you secure this position as the lady? After all, someone will definitely fill this vacancy, so it's better to let myself choose someone to take it!
Ji Dingbei helped Ji Wushang up, "Alright, go on! Take good care of yourself."
Ji Wushang nodded. This Wenge embroidery required two or three days to prepare for a three-day competition. She hoped she could successfully get through those three days! Once she got through those three days, she could enjoy her last peaceful days in this mansion. At the end of the year, after the New Year, she would get married.
"And Father, I heard that Fourth Sister is not dead and is recuperating in the Marquis's mansion! I just don't know if she will participate in the Wenge Embroidery Competition." Ji Wushang said before leaving, and then boarded the carriage and left.
Ji Dingbei nodded. "It's good that he's not dead!"
The carriage slowly made its way towards the palace. Ji Wushang looked at the scenery along the way and felt a sense of never returning. Everyone said that the palace was a place that devoured people. The infighting in the inner courtyards of the palace was more intense than in any other large mansion. One careless move and you could be beheaded. The Empress was a formidable figure...
Ji Wushang was somewhat unsettled, but he still slowly walked forward.
They arrived at the September Pavilion shortly afterward. Ji Wushang stopped the carriage, lifted the curtain, and looked up at the building. The people around her seemed a little strange, but they let her look.
Ji Wushang sighed, wondering how he was doing now. On the day Ji Meiyuan, Ji Yinxue, and Nan Jinxue got married, he was so preoccupied with plotting to make them kill each other that he forgot about him.
"Alright," Ji Wushang said, lowering the curtain. "Let's go!"
"Yes." The carriage immediately sped up again.
Although this is in the imperial city, it is still a large city, and it will be quite some time before we reach the palace.
Looking at the route, Ji Wushang finally understood why Ji Dingbei always got up at four or five in the morning to attend court, and then rushed out of the mansion to attend court early, and returned from court close to dusk.
Fortunately, the embroidery workshop at the Wenge Pavilion only started in the afternoon, so I still had some time.
The carriage turned through several streets and then arrived at the somewhat deserted Xuan Teng Street.
Ji Wushang watched as Tie Feng ahead intently watched the wind, protecting himself. He was satisfied. He thought to himself that he would find him a good woman someday, which would be a way of repaying him.
Just as Ji Wushang lowered the curtain, he heard footsteps! As soon as Ji Wushang lifted the curtain, he immediately heard shouts of killing!
Ji Wushang was shocked. Damn it, how could anyone still want to kill him? Aunt Bai and the others are either dead or wounded, what strength do they have left to take revenge on him? Damn it, it's that group of people again!
"Miss, be careful!" Tie Feng shouted, immediately blocking a black-clad man's attack with his sword! The black-clad man was swift and agile, his swordsmanship extremely formidable; Tie Feng almost lost to him! Meanwhile, the guards and servants were also fighting against the black-clad men! Ji Wushang saw this and realized things were going badly! His men were simply no match for these black-clad men!
"Miss, run!" Tie Feng immediately shouted to Ji Wushang and launched a fierce attack on the person in front of him. The man in black was very disdainful and responded to Tie Feng's attack with ease!
Ji Wushang took out some medicine from his pocket and immediately sprinkled it on the black-clad man who approached him. As soon as the black-clad man touched the powder, he was immediately covered in itchy rashes. He had to put down his weapon and scratch his body wildly. However, the itching was too much. His face was scratched raw, and he finally collapsed to the ground, convulsing.
Those around were astonished. When did this young lady come to possess such potent poison? Looking down at the ground, the person who had scratched his own face lay there, foaming at the mouth and dead!
Tie Feng was also shocked. He hadn't expected that the young lady, who was usually so secretive, would possess such a vicious weapon! But thankfully, it was only meant for those wicked people; at least it could save their lives!
"Young Miss, hurry, let's go!" Tie Feng lifted the rope from the carriage and threw it to Ji Wushang. Ji Wushang was startled, but quickly reacted and grabbed the reins. "Giddy up!" To be honest, Ji Wushang didn't know how to ride a horse! But she would just have to try it out!
The horse's head was probably startled. When Ji Wushang pulled it like that, it neighed and suddenly started running forward!
Ji Wushang was astonished. Where was this horse headed? It wasn't going to the market or the road to the palace; it had chosen a secluded path! That wasn't a proper road!