Zhao Yirou looked at Ji Wushang, stood up, and said softly, "Princess Consort, I wonder if you mind?"
“What could I possibly mind? If you are pleased, then Miss Zhao can stay for a few days! Once things have settled down at your residence, you can return home. Just have someone clean the side rooms for Miss Zhao to move into,” Ji Wushang replied.
The side room was located in a small western corner of the backyard of the Marquis's mansion. Staying there was essentially isolating oneself from others.
Aunt Zhao said, "I'm afraid that's a bit inappropriate. Miss Zhao has just entered the Marquis's mansion and is not familiar with it at all. How can we let her live there? How about this, she can live next door to me. When I feel bored, she can come and talk to me."
Ji Wushang sneered inwardly, but smiled outwardly, "As Aunt said, Miss Zhao is a new guest and not familiar with this manor. If she makes a mistake and gets lost, that would be bad. So staying in the side room is actually quite good. If Aunt insists on having Miss Zhao stay next to you, I really have nothing to say."
However, Miss Zhao is unmarried and lives next door to you. She's always surrounded by servants and young men. If word gets out, people will probably say that our household allows Miss Zhao to mingle with servants and young men, ruining her reputation. They'll also say that while it's true the concubine likes Miss Zhao, it's as if she's subtly making Miss Zhao serve you…”
Ji Wushang looked at Ji Yinxue meaningfully. Ji Yinxue was stunned for a moment, but immediately understood!
☆、171 Husband and wife, of one heart, attend the palace banquet together
If Zhao Yirou were to live next to Aunt Zhao, wouldn't that be tantamount to implying that Nan Jinxue would marry Zhao Yirou? What position would Ji Yinxue, the legal wife, have then? Even if Zhao Yirou became a concubine, she would still be in Ji Yinxue's way!
Ji Wushang's indirect and veiled remarks made Ji Yinxue genuinely uncomfortable. Thinking about it, considering Nan Xuzong's appearance, marrying Ji Wushang was already a stroke of good fortune. Judging from Ji Wushang's acceptance, it seemed she had no choice but to accept this arranged marriage. Besides, she and Nan Xuzong had a past relationship, which Ji Yinxue considered a case of "birds of a feather flock together." Now, she firmly believed that, in terms of qualifications, Nan Jinxue was handsome and worked for the Second Prince Huangfu Ting. Once Huangfu Ting ascended the throne, what misfortune wouldn't Nan Jinxue possess? As for Nan Xuzong, he was always nowhere to be seen; he was clearly out having a wild time! Nan Jinxue was far superior to Nan Xuzong!
If I had to get married, I would absolutely marry Nan Jinxue, no matter what!
Ji Yinxue thought about it and immediately said, "I feel that my sister-in-law is right. After all, Miss Zhao is not married yet, so she should stay in the side room!"
Upon hearing this, Aunt Zhao immediately gave Ji Yinxue a cold glance. Was she going against her wishes? She hadn't expected Ji Yinxue to switch sides at the last minute! "Yi Rou, what do you think?" Aunt Zhao asked cautiously.
"Aunt, I'll listen to you. Actually, the Crown Princess and Cousin Yin are right. I'll stay in the side room! I can get up early and chat with you, Aunt, so you can relieve your boredom." Zhao Yirou smiled gently and said sweetly.
Aunt Zhao listened with a slight displeasure, but since the parties involved had said so, she had nothing to say and simply agreed, "Then let's settle on this for now!"
"Thank you, Aunt." Zhao Yirou smiled gently, placing her hand over Aunt Zhao's and tapping it lightly. Aunt Zhao understood and suppressed her displeasure.
Nan Xianxian looked at Ji Wushang with a forced smile, "I heard that you had a great time last night! The Crown Princess arranged such a unique birthday banquet, which surprised and delighted you. I wonder if you have any tips to share with me?"
Ji Wushang raised the corner of his mouth, "What method is there? If the Third Miss gets married, then she will naturally know it. As for what kind of teaching, Aunt Zhao is the most qualified person!" He looked at Aunt Zhao as he spoke, "Among the concubines in the backyard, the Marquis Father dotes on and spoils Aunt Zhao, that's why she has the ability, that's what is worth learning."
"Heh!" Aunt Zhao snorted coldly twice. This was a sarcastic remark directed at her! Being the only favored concubine always attracts jealousy, but Aunt Zhao's methods were exceptional, which allowed her to suppress the other concubines in the inner courtyard!
Ji Wushang smiled. In his past life, the concubines in the Marquis's mansion were quite a character; none of them were easy to mess with. Now, things seemed calm, but Ji Wushang knew in his heart that they were just waiting for their chance! If he stirred things up, there would definitely be a lot of drama to unfold!
This is only from one branch of the family; there are also people from the second branch... Heh, what can you expect when there are so many people in this Marquis's mansion!
Aunt Zhao didn't know what she was laughing at, so she just assumed that she was agreeing with her.
"I'm tired, you can all go about your business!" Aunt Zhao dismissed them. "Yi Rou, stay and keep me company!"
Zhao Yirou replied, "Yes."
Ji Wushang, Ji Yinxue, and Nan Xianxian stood up and then walked out on their own.
As Ji Wushang walked onto the path, Ji Yinxue quickly ran up to him, "Sister-in-law."
"Hmm?" Ji Wushang's lips curled into a smile. "Go ahead."
"Please come this way." Ji Yinxue glanced at Nan Xianxian, who had already left.
Ji Wushang would certainly not refuse; he was more than happy to see someone fall into his trap!
Ji Yinxue and she sat down in the pavilion.
"Sister-in-law, isn't it inappropriate for Miss Zhao to stay in our residence?" Ji Yinxue looked at her, as if she were afraid that what she said meant that Zhao Yirou had snatched Nan Jinxue away!
Ji Wushang looked at her, sizing her up and down. What he was really thinking about was Ji Yinxue's expression if she knew Beigong Jueshi had returned. What would her reaction be if they met? He was really looking forward to it!
Ji Wushang said without changing his expression, "Aunt Zhao will make the decision. After all, Miss Zhao is only staying for a few days and there is nothing wrong with it."
"Nothing serious!" Ji Yinxue was displeased. Originally, she had intended for this Miss Zhao to stand between Ji Wushang and Nan Xuzong, but now it seemed as if Miss Zhao was standing between her and Nan Jinxue!
She hadn't yet firmly established herself in the Marquis's mansion. After all, she was different from Ji Wushang; Ji Wushang was the principal wife, while she wasn't. If she were to interfere with Zhao Yirou's position, it might cause unforeseen complications. Judging from Zhao Yirou's figure and appearance, she might just be there to seduce Nan Jinxue! If she was using the pretense of wanting to steal Nan Xuzong as a cover to target Nan Jinxue, wouldn't she be in grave danger?
Aunt Zhao would obviously side with her niece! Besides, no one would want to marry a cripple who's confined to a wheelchair! That's for sure! Ji Yinxue's mind raced, a hint of worry on her face, as she said, "Sister-in-law, aren't you afraid that Miss Zhao will try to take advantage of my brother? After all, he's a favorite of the Empress Dowager!"
"Well... Sister-in-law, you don't need to remind me. Whether or not to marry him depends on Cong's opinion. As his wife, it's not really my place to say. However, Cong definitely won't like this kind of weak and delicate woman! Hehe!" Ji Wushang smiled, clearly telling her to keep a close eye on Nan Jinxue!
Ji Yinxue nodded slightly, "Well, I don't have anything else to do, so I'll be leaving now!"
“Okay,” Ji Wushang said.
Just as Ji Yinxue was about to leave, she saw Nan Xuzong and Nan Jinxue approaching one after the other. Ji Wushang immediately went up to them, "Cong, second brother."
"Sister-in-law." Nan Jinxue smiled at Ji Wushang, a glint of light flashing in her eyes. She looked at Ji Wushang a few times before stepping forward. Ji Yinxue ran up to him, "Husband." Turning her head, she greeted Nan Xuzong, "Brother."
"Hmm." Nan Xuzong was somewhat indifferent, but his eyes were full of emotion as he looked at Ji Wushang. He took Ji Wushang's hand and said, "Let's go to the palace together this afternoon."
"Hmm?" Ji Wushang looked at him, having already been led out of the pavilion.
After watching the two of them leave, Nan Jinxue asked Ji Yinxue, "What were you two talking about here?"
"It's nothing." Ji Yinxue looked at him. "Why did you come with my older brother?"
“I ran into him on the way, so we came together.” Nan Jinxue seemed to be in a good mood today, so he didn’t intend to argue with her. “Get dressed up, we’re going to the palace this afternoon for a banquet.”
"Really?" How she longed to enter the palace and converse with those wealthy women! Ji Yinxue nodded vigorously, "Okay, I'll go right away!"
"Wait at the door after you finish your meal!" Nan Jinxue glanced at her. He didn't really feel anything for his wife. Oh well, she'd been married for a few months now. Apart from the hole in her body being in better condition, she couldn't compare to him in any other way!
Nan Jinxue's lips curled up slightly. She would find another beautiful, generous, and virtuous woman to bring back! Not this ugly woman who always needed to put on makeup!
Ji Yinxue, of course, had no idea what he was thinking; she simply left happily.
Nan Jinxue snorted coldly, turned around, and walked towards Aunt Zhao's Zhuangshu Garden.
Ji Yinxue took a few steps, but wondered why Nan Jinxue hadn't followed her into the courtyard. Turning around, she saw Nan Jinxue already heading towards Zhuangshu Garden! Ji Yinxue was immediately surprised, and her heart clenched.
As Ji Wushang followed Nan Xuzong, he listened to Nan Xuzong say, "Princess Mu Chen has been taken away by the King of the Western Regions. Perhaps she has already been controlled by him. Therefore, this palace banquet, ostensibly to welcome Princess Mu Chen, is actually a marriage decree bestowed upon her."
"How is the second son of the king? Wasn't he protecting Princess Muchen?" Ji Wushang asked nervously.
"He alone is no match for the King of the Western Regions. Besides, the King of the Western Regions has top-notch experts. No matter how powerful the King's second son is, he will have difficulty protecting Princess Mu Chen! What a miscalculation! I should have let them stay in our Marquis's residence!"
"What should we do now? If it's a marriage by imperial decree, then it's not impossible to bestow a marriage upon the second son of the king." Ji Wushang stepped forward and helped push his wheelchair, and together they entered the Moxuan Garden.
“If the King of the Western Regions truly intended for Mu Chen and Jue Shi to marry, he wouldn’t have kidnapped Mu Chen. Instead, he would have gone directly to the palace to discuss the matter with the Emperor, rather than hosting a banquet for all the officials. The current situation should have allowed Princess Mu Chen to make her choice, or at least made the officials aware of this relationship and its significance!” Nan Xuzong half-pushed the wheelchair to the stone table in Mo Xuan Garden, allowing Ji Wushang to sit on the stone bench facing him.
"So what do we do now?" Ji Wushang looked at him, wondering if he was thinking of arranging a marriage between Nan Xuzong and Princess Muchen. "Could it be that the King of the Western Regions has his eye on you? Is he planning to force you and Princess Muchen into a marriage..."
"I will absolutely never accept any woman other than you!" Nan Xuzong placed his large hand on Ji Wushang's hand, looking deeply into Ji Wushang's eyes. "In this world, only you can hurt me and abandon me, only you can bully me. No one else can!"
"What if His Majesty were to bestow a marriage upon you?" Ji Wushang asked with a hint of worry.
“I have the ability to persuade His Majesty, but we must do it before the marriage is officially granted!” Nan Xuzong placed her hand in his palm and gently stroked it. “Wu Shang, believe me, no matter what, I will not take a concubine or a maid.”
Ji Wushang was stunned. She knew all too well that in this male-dominated continent, it was normal for men to have multiple wives and concubines. However, she genuinely resented why a man would marry so many women. She thought, if her father, Ji Dingbei, hadn't taken so many concubines, her mother wouldn't have died so easily, and so many troubles wouldn't have arisen. Putting aside Nan Xuzong's status as a prince, if his marquis father hadn't had so many concubines, Nan Xuzong's mother wouldn't have died so mysteriously!
However, Ji Wushang still thought about another aspect. If it were really possible that Nan Xuzong's status as a prince would be restored in the future, would he still only be with him? If he could stand up again, he would have everything to compete with other princes. More beautiful women, younger, gentler, and more virtuous than him would come to his door. Would he still stick to his original intention?
Seeing her deep in thought, Nan Xuzong couldn't help but pull her into his arms. "What are you thinking about?"
Ji Wushang came to her senses, only to find herself already in his arms. "Don't do this, someone will see us."
"You haven't answered me yet." Nan Xuzong smiled slightly. "This is Moxuan Garden. Without special permission, ordinary servants can't just come in."
With just one sentence, all of Ji Wushang's concerns were dispelled. Ji Wushang could only say, "I'm wondering, from now on, will you still love only me? From now on, my beauty will fade, I may no longer be gentle, no longer… um…"
Before Ji Wushang could finish speaking, Nan Xuzong suddenly kissed her. Didn't she understand his heart? He only wanted her, in this life and the next, he only wanted her! He wouldn't want any other woman, no matter how much she came to him!
Nan Xuzong kissed her deeply, and after a long while, he released the panting Ji Wushang. Looking at her swollen lips, he said, "Wushang, I've said it before, I only have you in this life, only you! No one can take your place! You belong to me, Nan Xuzong, and I, Nan Xuzong, only have you as my woman, understand?"
"Mm." Ji Wushang nodded, seeing his slightly excited expression, knowing that his worries were unnecessary and only added to his confusion. Ji Wushang placed his hand on his waist and buried his head in his chest, "I know, I will never say such things again."
"Hmm." Nan Xuzong narrowed his eyes.
“This afternoon, we need to create some opportunities for Jueshi… Wushang, do you remember how I woke you up?” Nan Xuzong said after a long silence.
"It's love." Ji Wushang blushed.
In response, Nan Xuzong lovingly placed a few kisses on her face.
After lunch, three carriages headed towards the palace. Nan Jinxue rode a tall horse in front, Ji Yinxue and Ji Wushang followed in a carriage, while Nan Xuzong, along with his wheelchair, was placed in a modified carriage.
Upon arriving at the palace, the carriage drove directly inside. They disembarked only after reaching the back gate of the Imperial Garden. Ji Wushang stepped down and looked around. Many high-ranking officials and nobles had stopped in the Imperial Garden, then entered in twos and threes, led by eunuchs and matrons.
Nan Jinxue truly lived up to his reputation as the most handsome man in the capital. His long robe accentuated his tall and imposing figure, making him exceptionally dashing. He dismounted with elegance and walked directly to Ji Yinxue, taking her hand and walking together.
Ji Yinxue was overjoyed! Ever since Ji Wushang held a birthday banquet for Nan Xuzong, everyone in the capital had been saying that they were the most loving couple, which made Ji Yinxue extremely jealous! Now that Nan Jinxue was being so affectionate, she was sure to outshine them!
Ji Wushang smiled and let them go in first. "You go ahead, I want to go with Cong."
"Then, sister-in-law and brother, we'll be going now." Nan Jinxue replied with a gentle smile, putting his arm around Ji Yinxue's slender waist, and led inside by the eunuch.
Ji Wushang stepped forward and walked behind Nan Xuzong. "I wonder if the Crown Prince and the Second Prince have arrived yet?"
"Hmm. They should be here." Nan Xuzong said, turning his head. Sure enough, he saw the sound of galloping hooves approaching. Ji Wushang turned to look and saw that Bei Gongminhao and Bei Gongjueshi had dismounted. The two were dressed in similar clothes, but it was obvious that Bei Gongminhao's jade pendant was more valuable and showed more of his status than Bei Gongjueshi's.
The two men came forward, and Nan Xuzong and Ji Wushang greeted them.
"The Crown Prince and the Second Prince."
"Prince Nan, Crown Princess Nan."
"Go in!" Nan Xuzong looked at them, his gaze falling on Beigong Jueshi. He wondered if Beigong Jueshi knew that Ji Yinxue had also come to the Imperial Garden. Perhaps Beigong Jueshi knew of Ji Yinxue's wickedness, which was why he had left in a huff. However, this meeting always had a different flavor to it.
Ji Wushang also turned his gaze to Beigong Jueshi, and his lips twitched. "Second Prince, there is something I am not sure if I should say."
"Please speak freely, Princess Consort of the Southern Heir." Bei Gong Jue Shi looked Ji Wu Shang up and down. It had been a long time since she had seen her, and today she was even more charming. It must be because she was married that she exuded a more mature womanly aura... However, this was not her type. Bei Gong Jue Shi was just curious about the type of woman her brother liked.
Just as Ji Wushang was about to speak, Nan Xuzong interrupted her abruptly, "It's getting late, we need to hurry in, otherwise, the chances are slim!" As he spoke, he secretly squeezed Ji Wushang's hand, signaling with his eyes not to say anything else.
Ji Wushang thought about it and nodded. The matter of the arranged marriage was more important. As for Ji Yinxue's matter, he would not mention it to Beigong Jueshi for now. If Beigong Jueshi found out later, he would let him deal with it himself.
Beigong Minhao said, "Let's not delay. Let's go."
The four of them went in together, and the eunuch immediately came forward and said, "Please invite the Crown Prince, the Second Prince, and the Prince of the South to the front courtyard for a gathering, and please invite the Princess Consort of the Prince of the South to the back courtyard for tea."
Ji Wushang nodded. Since the female guests and male guests were clearly separated, he felt embarrassed to stay next to Nan Xuzong.
Bei Gongminhao stepped forward and said, "Please rest assured, Princess Consort Nan, we will definitely get along well with Prince Nan."
"Thank you for your trouble, Your Highness and Second Prince." Ji Wushang looked at the bowing figures, then at Nan Xucong, "Cong."
"Don't wander around." Nan Xuzong looked at her, then glanced around. "Stay in this courtyard, don't leave."
"Mm," Ji Wushang replied. She knew he was afraid something might happen to her.
After watching Nan Xuzong and the others leave, Ji Wushang was led by the nanny into the garden. She had only taken a few steps when she heard someone call out from behind, "Miss Ji!" But she immediately changed her mind, "It is Princess Consort Nan!" With that, she came forward cheerfully.