Ji Tiankui nodded and finished his drink in one gulp.
Ji Wushang looked at Nan Xuzong, his gaze always gentle, and Ji Wushang felt a sweet warmth in his heart. After the meal, everyone dispersed, but Ji Wushang kept Ji Wusi behind to ask about his studies and how things went at the training ground. Ji Wusi answered all his questions, and nothing unexpected happened.
Ji Wushang was relieved to hear this, so he told him to go back, and he and Nan Xuzong bid farewell and walked together towards Baima Temple.
Inside the White Horse Temple, snow was falling heavily, weighing down the branches and making them seem to be struggling to breathe. Ji Wushang put on a long robe and then went inside with Nan Xuzong.
Nan Xuzong should have already sent someone to inform Abbot Huiyuan, so he arrived at Baima Temple without much trouble.
Inside, some charcoal was burning for warmth. Incense was being burned, and occasionally, the sound of chanting scriptures could be heard.
Ji Wushang and Nan Xuzong waited in the room for a while before they saw Abbot Huiyuan come out, holding the large Buddhist beads in his hand and chanting "Amitabha".
Upon seeing this, Ji Wushang and Nan Xuzong stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Greetings, Abbot."
"Please rise, esteemed benefactors. May I ask what brings you to this old monk?" Abbot Huiyuan asked with a kind smile.
Nan Xuzong looked at him and asked, "What is your destiny?"
"This matter, as the Buddha said, cannot be spoken of, cannot be explained," Abbot Huiyuan said simply. "Benefactor Nan has come to the wrong person."
“This matter is also related to you, why don’t you speak up?” Nan Xuzong looked at Abbot Huiyuan. “I also want to ask, in this world, are there more evil people or good people?”
“Of course there are more good people.” Abbot Huiyuan looked at him, then at Ji Wushang. “If Benefactor Nan cherishes the person in front of him, he should think carefully about the cause and effect, or think more about it, and his fate will change.”
"You mean, your destiny, at least for now, won't change?"
"Wait a minute." Ji Wushang interrupted, "Cong, what kind of destiny are you talking about? And what do you mean by what Abbot Huiyuan said?"
"That's the meaning, it's indescribable." Abbot Huiyuan stroked his beard. "However, Benefactor Ji, your destiny is extremely noble. I once mentioned it to you, it's noble beyond words."
Ji Wushang looked at him, a glint of shrewdness flashing in her eyes. "Then what do you mean by mentioning my husband's fate? Is he in trouble? Or is there something wrong? I am his wife. If he is in trouble, I should take good care of him and help him. Please enlighten me, Abbot Huiyuan!" With that, she knelt down and bowed.
A smile flashed across Abbot Huiyuan's face. This child was no ordinary person. "Please get up, benefactor!"
“The number of one’s destiny can certainly be changed. Fate is determined by the person, not by the destiny itself! I wonder what Abbot Huiyuan thinks?” Ji Wushang looked up at him.
Nan Xuzong was surprised. He hadn't expected Ji Wushang to be so clever, understanding what the so-called destiny was so quickly. But could this destiny be changed?
“What you say is absolutely right. Fate can be changed, but destiny is uncertain. You should go back! I will not say more, but since you two are so persistent, this matter of destiny must be different from what Heaven ordains.”
Nan Xuzong listened, his heart filled with excitement, "Thank you, Abbot!"
Abbot Huiyuan shook his head slightly and walked back. "Fate is fate; whether one seeks or not is merely a matter of a single thought."
Thinking this to himself, Ji Wushang took Nan Xuzong's hand and asked, "Tell me, has something happened?"
"It's not convenient to talk here. Let's go back to the study and talk." Nan Xuzong looked at her, a feeling of happiness rising in his heart. He knew what Abbot Huiyuan meant. The person who could change his destiny was right in front of him!
Ji Wushang nodded, and the two quickly returned to the Marquis's residence. They went straight into the Moxuan Garden and entered the study. Ji Wushang was a little anxious, but Nan Xuzong suddenly opened a secret room. "Let's go in."
Seeing that no one was around, Ji Wushang went inside with him.
Ji Wushang looked at this place and felt a sense of familiarity. Then he thought, no, many of the secret chambers he had come to with him were similar to this.
Nan Xuzong looked at her, knocked a brick from the corner of the wall, opened the brick, and took out the scroll lying inside. Ji Wushang stepped forward and took it.
“It describes some current events, and at the end, it tells of my destiny.” Nan Xuzong looked at her. “If I suffer this calamity, you must live well.”
Upon hearing this, Ji Wushang immediately opened the scroll, barely glancing at the beginning, and turned to the end to see what Nan Xuzong meant by fate.
Die, he will die!
☆、157 Secretly sabotaging, using others to do one's dirty work
Ji Wushang's hands trembled slightly. He shook his head violently, and tears streamed down his face. "No, it can't be! No one can hurt you, no one!"
"Perhaps this is fate, but what I lament is, who will take care of you in the future?" Nan Xuzong smiled frankly. "Forgive me for not being honest with you; I was just afraid you would worry... I want to spend these days with you." Nan Xuzong embraced her.
"No, if something really happens to you, even if I go to the underworld, I won't let those Yama Kings, Ox-Head and Horse-Face go!" Ji Wushang shook his head.
“Wu Shang, don’t worry. Look at this scroll. Do you know what it is? It was left to me by my master. I never expected this. I thought my master was just laughing it off, but I never thought it would actually be like this.”
"Who is your master? I'll go find him. He'll definitely have a way." Ji Wushang looked at him. "If one day you leave me, I'll make everyone pay for it. Do you believe me?"
"I believe you." Nan Xuzong hugged her tightly. "But Wushang, please don't carry too much burden."
"No, I swear I will not be human if I cannot kill all these ghosts!" Ji Wushang looked at him, their eyes met, and there was still a trace of tears in her eyes.
"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." Nan Xuzong gently kissed away the tears at the corner of her eyes.
"Stop talking! Abbot Huiyuan just said that one's destiny is definitely different from that of Heaven! We don't need to worry!" Ji Wushang looked at him and suddenly remembered why he was carried into the mansion when he heard about him again in his previous life... Was it this so-called heavenly tribulation?
No, I will definitely fight against the heavens!
"Minho's wedding is tomorrow, are you going?" Nan Xuzong suddenly asked.
Ji Wushang was suddenly taken aback. "He married Gao Fengfen?"
"yes."
“No, I would be happy and go back to bless him no matter which woman he marries, but I would absolutely not be happy if he were to marry Gao Fengfen. The Crown Prince is a good man, but Gao Fengfen, the daughter of Prime Minister Gao Zuo, is definitely not someone to be trifled with!”
"What do you mean?" Nan Xuzong smiled slightly. Her attention was really easily diverted. Perhaps, this would be a good thing in the future.
“We’ll go to offer our congratulations tomorrow.” Ji Wushang nestled in his arms. “This time, I won’t let Gao Fengfen get away with it.”
"Oh?" Nan Xuzong smoothed her hair. "You killed all other men's wives, so who will Minhao marry?"
"Seventh Princess." Ji Wushang's lips twitched.
His heart skipped a beat; yes, he had almost forgotten about this person.
“I need your cooperation. From your words, I know that the Crown Prince and you have a very close relationship.” Ji Wushang turned over and looked into his eyes.
"But I also know that he has always been thinking about you." He said with a hint of bitterness.
Ji Wushang listened and thought for a long time before saying, "Perhaps, the Seventh Princess and he are a match made in heaven."
——
Ji Wushang didn't know how he fell asleep. When he woke up, it was already evening. He rubbed his eyes and heard Zhu'er coming in from outside. Zhu'er was part of his dowry and naturally served Ji Wushang. Xian'er was also part of the dowry with Zhu'er.
Zhu'er came forward and helped Ji Wushang lean against the headboard, saying, "Miss, the young master just went out. He said it was something trivial. If you're hungry for dinner, you can eat first."
"Hmm, did they say where they went?"
"No," Zhu'er smiled. "The young master said that Miss doesn't need to worry and will be back soon."
"That's good." Ji Wushang got out of bed and dressed. "Since I have some time now, I'll go to the accounting office to check the ledgers I haven't finished reading." He had almost forgotten that he still had to deal with those wolves in this manor! If he didn't get to the bottom of it quickly, he wouldn't even know how he died!
"Yes." Zhu'er led Ji Wushang out of Moxuan Garden, only to see a woman walking towards them wearing a green long-sleeved robe, her hair styled in a peach blossom bun, and light-colored embroidered shoes with cloud patterns. Her voice was melodious and tinkling. Upon seeing that it was Ji Wushang, she called out from a distance, "Where is my sister-in-law!"
Ji Wushang stared intently and recognized the person as the Third Miss, Nan Xianxian, followed by several maids. The two head maids, Jinchai and Yinchai, looked arrogant and haughty. Ji Wushang sneered. This person had ridiculed him countless times in his past life. Fine, let's see how she fares in this one!
"It's the Third Miss." Ji Wushang stepped forward, smiling gently. "Where is the Third Miss going?"
"Going out for a stroll, huh? And you, sister-in-law? Did your brother abandon his beautiful wife and go off somewhere to have some fun?" Nan Xianxian smiled.
"Oh." Ji Wushang's face turned cold. "What do you mean by 'happy'? Third Miss, come and tell me, explain this word."
Upon hearing this, Nan Xianxian felt a wave of embarrassment. Everyone was listening! Ji Wushang's open question implied that she had used inappropriate language. Besides, how could Nan Xuzong, in his condition, possibly experience any pleasure?
But Nan Xianxian quickly changed her mind and said, "I heard that sister-in-law and brother are very much in love. Hearing sister-in-law say this now, it's really true. Congratulations to sister-in-law and brother!"
"Heh, Third Miss, you haven't yet explained to me and everyone what the word 'happy' means!" Ji Wushang sneered. Thinking of escaping? Bah!
Nan Xianxian smiled and said, "Really? I didn't mean that either. Why is your sister-in-law making such a fuss about it?"
"Hmm? What do you mean?" Ji Wushang raised an eyebrow slightly. "Or should you wait until Cong returns and then talk to him?"
"Let's just forget about it!" Nan Xianxian said immediately. If Nan Xuzong heard this, she didn't know what her eccentric older brother would say or do!
I don't even know him well, so what's the point of saying anything! I just wanted to make fun of Ji Wushang, but I didn't expect it to elicit such comments!
"Alright, from now on, Miss, you must remember that there are some things you can say, but there are some things you'd better not say casually!" Ji Wushang snorted coldly before leaving with Zhu'er and a few maids.
Seeing Ji Wushang's expression, Nan Xianxian was furious. "Damn it, I didn't expect him to be so sharp-tongued! I will never let you get away with this!"
Jin Chai stepped forward, glancing disdainfully in the direction Ji Wushang had gone. "Miss, why are you so angry? I don't think she'll be happy for long! I've heard about what happened at Moxuan Garden; the young master is in trouble!"
"What do you mean?" Nan Xianxian immediately pulled Jinchai over. "Tell me right now!"
"Miss asked me to inquire about the matter at Moxuan Garden, and we've made some progress. I heard that the Crown Princess has been suffering for quite some time. If it weren't for the Crown Prince's troubles, why would she be crying?" Jinchai stepped forward and winked. "Besides, Miss, you should make her cry even more miserably!"
"Yes, I definitely will. Let's go to my aunt's place!" Nan Xianxian smiled and immediately headed towards her third aunt Jin Ruirui's Jinbi Garden.
Ji Wushang was quite angry, but he calmed himself down. He knew he should distinguish between what was important and what was not, otherwise he would ruin things!
Ji Wushang returned to the accounting room and carefully examined the ledgers.
As soon as Nan Xianxian entered Jinbi Garden, she saw Aunt Jin and several nannies learning needlework together. She immediately rushed into Aunt Jin's arms, crying out, "Aunt Jin!"
Aunt Jin looked somewhat surprised and said, "What's going on? That's enough for today. You may all leave! Keep a close eye on all the brocades and satins in the estate, and make sure you don't make any mistakes." Aunt Jin was very skilled with her hands, and although she was over thirty, she still retained her charm. Although Aunt Zhao was in charge, the affairs of these embroidery shops still depended on Aunt Jin to manage, so Aunt Zhao didn't dare to offend her.
The old women bowed to Xiang Nanxian, and after they finished, they went about their own business.
"What's wrong? Stop crying. Jinchai, Yinchai, what happened?" Seeing Nan Xianxian crying so miserably, Aunt Jin could only turn her gaze to the two maids, Jinchai and Yinchai, who were standing to the side.
"Reporting to Auntie." Jinchai glanced at Yinchai, inwardly scoffing, knowing that Yinchai was too timid to speak!
"Here's what happened. The Crown Princess said something about being happy to Miss, and the Crown Princess has been holding a grudge against Miss ever since! She even threatened Miss, saying that she should be careful what she says in the future!" Jinchai said smugly!
Aunt Jin was taken aback. "Xian'er, is what Jinchai said true?"
"Mmm." Nan Xianxian kept crying in Aunt Jin's arms, looking as pitiful as could be.
After thinking for a while, Aunt Jin said, "You should just bear with this. She's the eldest daughter of a general's family, so she's bound to have a temper. If you don't have anything to do, don't get close to her."
"Auntie, why won't you stand up for me!" Nan Xianxian was naturally unwilling to accept this. She had come to cry so that Auntie Jin would stand up for her!
"Well, let's see how she is doing first. Always be patient, understand, Xian'er?" Aunt Jin sighed. "If she really bullies you, I'll get revenge for you!"
"Auntie, she just looks down on me. Humph, what kind of young lady is she? Once she marries into our Marquis's mansion, she has to follow the rules of the Marquis's mansion!" Nan Xianxian persisted.
"Alright, alright, let me ask you, where did she go now?" Aunt Jin couldn't persuade her otherwise, so she had to change the subject.
"They're probably in the accounting office. It looks like they're heading that way."
"Oh, alright then, you decide. Let your aunt give her a try." Aunt Jin patted her shoulder.
"Auntie, are you going to avenge me?" Nan Xianxian's eyes flickered.
"What are you talking about revenge? Aunt Zhao is in a bad mood right now! How could it be my turn to stand up for her?" Aunt Jin smiled.