Nan Xianxian looked at her, not understanding what she meant, and asked, "Auntie, why did you send Miss Biao out?"
"Of course there are things to do!" Aunt Zhao looked at Nan Xianxian, her eyes darting around. "You're not getting any younger. I'll have your father find you a good family to marry into another day. Or, if you like any young master, you can talk to me about it in private."
“Auntie.” Nan Xianxian frowned. How did she bring up this issue?
Aunt Zhao waved her hand, "Let's go."
At Yu Xue Garden, Ji Yinxue was waking up and getting dressed in bed, while Nan Jinxue had already left. Before leaving, he tossed out a sentence, "We can work together!"
Ji Yinxue smiled, glancing at the suggestive red and purple hues on her body, then sneered. Men were nothing more than tools to satisfy her! They seemed to be using her, but who knew that she, thinking she was using others, would end up being used herself!
Thinking they're so smart, huh!
During breakfast, Ji Yinxue was taken aback when she heard that Ji Wushang had assumed control of the inner courtyard of the Marquis's mansion. Was Ji Wushang really going to seize all the power? Would Aunt Zhao of the entire Marquis's mansion willingly give it to her? Hmph, no way!
And I must go see this good show! Maybe I can stab them in the back and see them cry again!
Ji Wushang and Nan Xuzong were talking intimately in the hall, a sight that drew envy from onlookers. Nan Xuzong didn't seem to care whether anyone was present or not; he simply did as he pleased, and Ji Wushang accepted it as long as he didn't go too far. He also knew how to maintain appropriate boundaries, ensuring that Ji Wushang could accept things just right.
At this moment, the Marquis entered from outside. He coughed twice, and Nan Xuzong and Ji Wushang immediately stopped playing around. "Father," they both greeted him with a bow.
"Hmm." The Marquis nodded and sat down in the main seat, looking at them.
Nan Xuzong smiled, but his gaze was fixed on Ji Wushang, not on the Marquis of Jinnan! The Marquis was taken aback by his smile. Such a rare smile on his face—how happy he was to have married Ji Wushang!
The Marquis looked at Ji Wushang, who smiled and looked at Nan Xuzong, her eyes filled with everything about him. He smiled, and she smiled along with him.
If such a woman doesn't mind Cong'er's leg ailment and stays by his side until old age, then I have nothing to worry about. Xiu'er (Huangfu Xiu'er: Nan Xu Cong's mother, the younger sister of the late emperor of the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty, and the former eldest princess), if your spirit is in heaven, please bless him! Whether or not my title of marquis will be passed on to him will only be decided after the crown prince is chosen. If you still care about Cong'er, please let this battle for the throne pass quickly so that this marquis's mansion can have peace.
Just as I was thinking this, a maid came to announce, "My lord, Aunt Zhao has arrived, the second young mistress has arrived, and the third young lady has arrived."
The Marquis nodded.
When Aunt Zhao and the others entered, they all glanced at Ji Wushang and Nan Xuzong before taking their seats. A short while later, Aunt Jin, Aunt Leng, Nan Zhaoxue, and Nan Zaiqing also arrived. Only Nan Jinxue was absent.
This was clearly a family meeting about power, and no one was willing to back down.
After everyone was seated, refreshments and tea were served, and then the maidservant went to wait on the side.
"Father, today marks one month since Wushang and I got married. During this time, Wushang has diligently studied household management, and I believe she is now fully capable of managing the entire inner courtyard of the Marquis's mansion." The implication was that Aunt Zhao should relinquish all power!
Nan Xuzong took a sip of tea and then spoke directly.
While Nan Xuzong was speaking, Ji Wushang kept looking at him with a slight smile on his lips, as if watching him speak was a pleasure in itself.
Looking at Ji Wushang's expression, Ji Yinxue scoffed inwardly, "He's just a cripple! What kind of look is that!"
Ji Wushang then said, "Auntie, you've already tested me several times. If you're not satisfied, you can test me in front of everyone!" He had already been tested so many times, and he was already excellent enough. If he didn't delegate authority, he would be breaking his word!
Aunt Zhao felt a chill in her heart. Just a few days ago, she had been tricked, and now she was asking for power! Who did she take her for!
“You’re right, I have tested you on many things. But these things can’t be tested in a short time. Everything takes time and effort; you have to learn and do things slowly.” Aunt Zhao said in a very “virtuous” and “kind” way.
Ji Wushang looked at the Marquis, "I handled the matter a while ago quite well, and Father was satisfied. Hehe, if Aunt says she wants to learn slowly, how long will it take?"
"Are you in a hurry? Haste makes waste!" Aunt Zhao's tone changed. "Impatient people will never be able to handle things well!"
"The promises made back then cannot be easily changed. To change them easily would be to break one's word!" Nan Xuzong said coldly, his face as frosty as ice.
Ji Yinxue took a sip of tea and then continued listening to them.
As the Marquis watched them talk, his mind was buzzing.
Entrusting the affairs of the manor to Ji Wushang is actually not a bad thing. I know Wushang's abilities. In the past few times, he has handled things properly, and he is more efficient and praised by the servants than Aunt Zhao in managing the courtyard. This is extremely beneficial to the entire Marquis's manor. Moreover, I heard that the accounts on the estate are more concise and clear.
This is all thanks to Ji Wushang. If it weren't for her managing this courtyard, things would probably have really gotten chaotic. Aunt Zhao is capable, but deep down she knows... cough cough... never mind, I'll go back and comfort her later...
Ji Wushang smiled and said, "Let's follow Father's arrangements in this matter. After all, we are all people of the Marquis's Mansion and we all want to make the Marquis's Mansion better. If Father feels that my abilities are not good enough, then I will learn more."
So easy to talk to? Aunt Zhao looked at Ji Wushang, fearing she might change her mind halfway through, so she immediately said, "My lord, since Wushang has said so, then..."
“Well, since that’s the case, let Wushang manage the backyard! He’s already learned everything he needed to learn. Rui’er, you can give Wushang some pointers sometimes!” the Marquis said first.
"You, Lord Marquis, how could you suddenly make such a decision?" Aunt Zhao wanted to get angry, but she suppressed it. Damn it, what is he planning!
"The Crown Princess is very capable. Now that a month has passed, it's natural for her to manage the inner quarters. Aunt Zhao, you can finally rest. Haven't you been complaining all the time that you don't have time to do anything else? Now you finally have time, you should be happy!" It was Aunt Jin who spoke, and she had a gloating smile on her face.
Aunt Jin was in charge of the finances, but ultimately it still had to be reviewed by Aunt Zhao. She had received many scoldings from her in the past, but things were different now. If Ji Wushang were to take over the management of the inner quarters, she could use all her persuasion skills. After all, she was just a fifteen-year-old young woman, how could she compare to a seasoned veteran of the inner court's power struggles, who had been navigating the complexities of high-ranking families for decades? Given time, she would surely ensure that Ji Wushang's position was secure!
Ji Wushang raised the corners of his mouth and looked at Aunt Jin. Aunt Jin was wearing a long floral dress in a warm yellow and black color scheme, and a golden mink coat, which made her even more beautiful.
Aunt Zhao felt disgusted. "I didn't tell you to speak, what are you saying!"
"Does everyone in this Marquis's mansion have to get your permission to say a few words?" Aunt Jin retorted, naturally wanting to argue. This person has almost lost all his power, so who does he think he is, pointing fingers at her like that! She can go lick her wounds and grieve later!
Ji Wushang smiled and said, "There's no need for the two aunts to quarrel. As the saying goes, harmony brings wealth. It's much better if everyone is in harmony."
"Look, Wu Shang speaks differently!" The Marquis, eager to smooth things over, immediately said.
“Yes, they’re all nice things!” Nam Jae-cheong muttered.
Ji Wushang snorted coldly. He'd have plenty of time to deal with them later! Nan Zaiqing? He'd make sure you died a horrible death!
"Alright, that's settled then! Wushang, listen to Aunt Zhao! Learn from her!" the Marquis said impatiently.
"What learning? Wu Shang has learned enough. In the future, he doesn't necessarily have to learn from Aunt Zhao!" Nan Xu Cong sneered, turning his gaze to Ji Wu Shang. "Wu Shang, I'm leaving the inner courtyard to you. Thank you for your hard work."
"It's not hard work." Ji Wushang nodded. He would not relinquish the power entrusted to him so easily! He would make sure that everyone in this courtyard received their due punishment, one by one!
Hearing the Marquis's words, Aunt Zhao had nothing to say. She stood up and said, "My lord, I'm not feeling well, so I'll go back to my courtyard first!"
"I knew it! If you're not feeling well, you should rest more. This is a perfect opportunity!" Aunt Jin retorted smugly, glancing sideways at Aunt Zhao with a smug look.
Aunt Zhao's anger flared, but she suppressed it, determined not to let others have their way! The winner was still uncertain!
"Say what you will! You'd better look at your own body!" Aunt Zhao sneered. She leaned forward and said in a voice only the two of them could hear, "I have Jin Xue backing me up. As for you, your Xian'er will get married sooner or later! Humph! You just wait to suffer in this Marquis's mansion!" She smiled and walked towards the door.
Aunt Jin was taken aback. She was right. If Nan Xianxian got married, she would be left alone and helpless, and she would be in dire straits! The most important thing was to take advantage of the time to give the Marquis a son. That way, she could keep his heart and maybe her child could even compete for the title of Marquis!
The Marquis pretended not to have seen their argument. After seeing that Aunt Zhao had left, he didn't want to stay either, so he stood up and said, "Disperse. Go do what you need to do! I have other things to do."
"Respectfully seeing off Father!"
Ji Wushang watched everyone disperse and smiled.
Nan Xuzong looked at her and said, "Look, you've got a lot to do."
“Yes.” Ji Wushang nodded. “If I’m not busy, people will start talking about me. I need to check the shop first, then the courtyard… I also need to check the accounts, and… a lot more.”
"I'll go with you." Nan Xuzong smiled indulgently.
"Don't you want to go and see if the Third Prince is back? Who knows what might happen after he returns? You should go and check on him!"
"Well, you've just become the new mistress of the house, so let's not set any rules yet. We'll talk about them after things have settled down."
“I know.” Ji Wushang walked with him along the corridor toward Moxuan Garden.
Ji Yinxue emerged from around the corner, scoffing, "Aunt Zhao will prepare some gifts for you, so enjoy them!"
After seeing Nan Xuzong off, Ji Wushang went to the courtyard. There were so many servants in the courtyard. Although he had checked before, he still needed to confirm it again.
After assigning responsibilities, they then proceeded to the next courtyard.
The servants were obedient and didn't make Ji Wushang exert too much effort.
After checking everything, we finally went to the accounting office.
Ji Wushang saw someone in the accounting room from a distance. When he got closer, he saw that it was a middle-aged man of about forty years old. Ji Wushang recognized the man's back as Nan Aoyu, his second uncle who also served as the steward.
Nan Aoyu was checking the account books when she saw Ji Wushang arrive. She immediately greeted him, "Princess Consort!"
"Second Uncle." Ji Wushang gave a simple greeting, following the proper seniority and not breaking the rules.
"Get up quickly. I heard that my elder brother has entrusted you with the management of all affairs of the manor. Then take a look at these account books and see if there are any errors. If there are, I will immediately have someone check them carefully." Nan Aoyu knew how to speak and behave.
Ji Wushang smiled, "Second Uncle is too kind. Second Uncle has served as the steward of the Marquis's mansion for so many years. Even if you haven't made any great contributions, you have certainly worked hard. Wushang is truly grateful for Second Uncle's help all this time! Please accept Wushang's bow!"
Nan Aoyu was slightly taken aback. This little brat was questioning her family's status in the Marquis's mansion! Was he subtly putting pressure on her? Help, huh? Well said!
He gently helped Ji Wushang up, saying, "Princess Consort, please don't be so polite. You are now the mistress of the Marquis's mansion. If word gets out that you're thanking this old, half-dead fellow, people will laugh at you to death!"
"Second Uncle is so humorous!" Ji Wushang's eyes turned slightly cold, but his tone remained polite. "Then I'll take a look at this ledger first."
"Alright, I'll go check out other places first; I have some other things to take care of. If you have any questions, just write them down. Thanks!" Nan Aoyu snorted and walked out.
"Respectfully seeing off Second Uncle!" Ji Wushang's smile froze on his face as he picked up the account book that Nan Aoyu had just been looking at. The account book contained clear and detailed records.
The conversation just now shows that Nan Aoyu intends to stay in this Marquis's mansion forever!
"Zhu'er." Ji Wushang called out to Zhu'er, who was waiting outside. Zhu'er immediately came in, "Miss."
"Hmm, when will the people I asked arrive? Have them go and repair the mansion at the crossroads, the one where Second Uncle used to live. Tell me when they're done, and make sure it's finished within the next three months."
"Yes." Pearl nodded and immediately went to do it.
Ji Wushang casually flipped through the ledger, but suddenly felt a dryness in his mouth. It didn't seem like poisoning, and he felt no discomfort; was he just thirsty?
"Someone come here!" Ji Wushang called out.
"Your Highness, please give your orders." A maidservant immediately stepped forward.
"Pour me a cup of tea, I'm thirsty."
"yes."
Looking at the ledger, Ji Wushang felt dizzy. This ledger! He hadn't expected Nan Aoyu to tamper with it! Ji Wushang immediately took out a small bottle from his pocket, poured out one or two pills, swallowed them, and then took out silver needles and stabbed them into his acupoints.
I will definitely not let these people get away with this! But, the act still needs to be played out!
Ji Wushang squinted, saw that there was no one outside, made a quick decision, and immediately lay down on the table pretending to fall asleep.
Nan Xuzong then turned around and headed straight for the September Pavilion.
In the secret room, Nan Xuzong looked at the man in front of him and sneered, "How did you find me?"
"It's really not easy to see you." The man smiled wickedly and took out a letter from his hand. "This is Huangfu Ting's plan. You'd better handle it carefully!"
"You want to reap the benefits without lifting a finger?" Nan Xuzong didn't even look at the envelope he was being offered. "Huangfu Ting's plans can change at any time. Isn't your so-called plan for him a bit too convincing?"
"Believe it or not!" the man sneered. "They're planning to target your Crown Princess, so you'd better watch out!"
"What?" Nan Xuzong frowned, immediately took the letter, pulled out the paper, opened it, and saw the first step...
He snatched the letter into his pocket, his eyes flashing. "I didn't expect Huangfu Ting to actually... I hope you haven't made a mistake!" His eyes were now flashing with a hint of anger.
She immediately pushed her wheelchair away, determined to return to the manor to make sure Ji Wushang was alright! She also said she wanted to check the courtyard and the account books…