Ji Wushang nodded.
Just as Ji Wushang and Nan Xuzong were having breakfast, they heard hurried footsteps. "Have the Fourth Prince and the Fourth Princess woken up? The Prince requests your presence," the maid said to Hongfei from outside the door.
Hongfei glanced into the room and saw that Ji Wushang and Nan Xuzong were having their meal. She then turned to her and said, "Let me go and inform them."
The maid nodded anxiously.
Hongfei quickly went inside, then knocked on the door and bowed. Ji Wushang turned around, put down his chopsticks, and said, "What is it? Speak!"
"His Highness requests your presence," Hongfei said.
Ji Wushang glanced at Nan Xuzong, who nodded. She turned her head and said, "Wait a moment, I'll change my clothes."
"Yes." Hongfei immediately withdrew.
"I wonder what they wanted to call me for." Ji Wushang finished the last piece of pastry in his bowl.
"Something must have happened at your residence, and they asked you to go and see," Nan Xuzong said. "I'll continue to accompany you today."
"Hmm? Don't you have anything to do? Your business is important." Ji Wushang looked at him. "We should keep a close eye on the Crown Prince. I think something is definitely going to happen."
“My third brother will handle it.” Nan Xuzong stood up, took a cloak from the side and put it on Ji Wushang. “If something happens over there, he will definitely tell me. There’s no rush now.” If he can’t even handle a small matter, then he shouldn’t even think about becoming an emperor!
Ji Wushang nodded after hearing his words, wondering what it was about. He still needed to find Nan Xianxian. Hmm, he needed to think of a way.
Nan Xuzong took her hand and walked out.
The maid immediately stepped forward and said, "Greetings, Fourth Prince and Fourth Princess. The Prince requests your presence at the Nanxiang Pavilion."
Before long, the two arrived at Nanxiang Pavilion.
Prince Jinnan was pacing back and forth in the courtyard when he saw Ji Wushang and Nan Xuzong approaching. He immediately went up to them and said, "Zong'er, Wushang."
"Father," Nan Xuzong stepped forward, "Has something happened at the manor?"
“Cong’er, you guessed right. Xian’er has become somewhat delirious for some reason. Oh, as her father, I am extremely anxious. What should I do? The royal physician has examined her, but nothing has worked. She just keeps avoiding everyone, saying that there is something supernatural going on!” Prince Jinnan shook his head as he listened.
Nan Xuzong narrowed his eyes. "This couldn't have happened so suddenly. Something must have occurred. Perhaps an enemy has come looking for us?"
Hearing his tone, the Prince of Jinnan knew that his words would not satisfy Nan Xuzong. He knew that it was absolutely impossible to deceive Nan Xuzong and Ji Wushang, so he could only bite the bullet and say, "Xian'er, last night you killed the head maid Jinchai."
"If you did something wrong, killing the maid is a normal thing to do, Father. Why didn't you say so just now?" Ji Wushang looked at him and knew there was definitely something wrong! Could it be that the maid was killed by Nan Xianxian and then her spirit came back to haunt Nan Xianxian? This is probably what they call "the grievance has its source and the debtor its debtor"?
“It’s Father’s fault. The reason Father didn’t want to say anything is because it concerns Xian’er’s reputation. She was never married, but for some reason she killed the head maid, Jinchai. That’s why Father intentionally kept quiet…” Prince Jinnan said, “But last night was too strange…”
The Prince of Jinnan recounted what had happened the previous night. “Father is puzzled. Logically speaking, if Xian’er had killed someone, she would have buried the person, not herself. It seems someone is behind this. Therefore, Father has asked you to come and see if you can find a way to cure Xian’er and find the mastermind behind it all.”
Ji Wushang looked at Nan Xuzong. This was very strange. The method was similar to his own, but it wasn't him who did it. So, it was Nan Xuzong who ordered it.
Nan Xuzong laughed, "That's probably a bit of nonsense. Wu Shang and I will go and see how the Third Miss is doing!"
Ji Wushang nodded, "Yes."
"Very well." The Prince of Jinnan felt relieved. Their willingness to go and see meant that Xian'er could definitely be saved. Ah, good, good!
After the series of incidents at his residence, Prince Jinnan became increasingly anxious about the lives of his family members, specifically his daughters and Leng Ruolan. As for Old Madam Yun in Yunxiang Pavilion, she had already entered a Buddhist monastery and formally become a nun. Prince Jinnan respected her wishes and did not disturb her. Aunt Chen, however, remained loyal and continued to serve Old Madam Yun.
When Ji Wushang and Nan Xuzong arrived at Xianxian Garden, they could smell the faint fragrance of flowers from afar. However, for Nan Xuzong, who had practiced martial arts, it was easy to detect.
This smell...it's familiar. Nan Xuzong frowned. It really was her. Then he had no reason to be polite! It was better to kill Nan Xianxian himself than let Ji Wushang deal with her, so as not to dirty Ji Wushang's hands!
Prince Jinnan went in first. "How is the Third Miss?" The royal physician, seeing Prince Jinnan, Nan Xuzong, and Ji Wushang arrive, immediately stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Your Highness, the Third Miss has taken a sedative and fallen asleep. As for how she will be after she wakes up, it is still uncertain. Please forgive us, Your Highness!" As he spoke, the group immediately knelt down.
The Prince of Jinnan frowned as he listened. "You people have truly disappointed me! What use are you? You can't even cure a simple illness. What face do you have to stay in the manor?"
"Please forgive me, Your Highness! I have done my best. Please forgive me!" he said, kneeling down and kowtowing again.
Even the Prince of Jinnan felt annoyed by it, "Get out of the way!"
"Yes." The physicians immediately bowed their heads and stood aside.
At this moment, the Prince of Jinnan looked at Nan Xuzong and Ji Wushang and said, "Please." He meant that he hoped Nan Xuzong could save Nan Xianxian. He had previously learned that Leng Ruolan was not dead and that the child could be saved because of Nan Xuzong's miraculous healing skills, and now he placed even more hope on him.
Nan Xuzong nodded, his face expressionless, but he immediately flicked out a golden thread and put it around Nan Xianxian's wrist.
Ji Wushang looked coldly at Nan Xianxian lying on the bed. She turned around and looked at Prince Jinnan. "Father, don't worry, Third Miss will definitely be alright. But Wushang doesn't understand how Third Miss killed Jinchai. Why did she kill her? As far as I know, Jinchai was just a maid. If Third Miss wanted to kill Jinchai, she must have needed some reason and means." There was no one else around, so Ji Wushang could speak her mind freely.
Nan Xuzong nodded, glancing at Xing Jinnan Wang. Xing Jinnan Wang was unhurried, his meaning clear: he was also curious about this matter, and without an explanation, Nan Xuzong probably wouldn't treat Nan Xianxian.
The Prince of Jinnan sighed and said, "I don't know why either, so I need your help to wake Xian'er up so that she can tell me what happened back then!"
Just as Ji Wushang was about to speak, a voice called out from outside, "Fifth Miss is here."
Ji Wushang's eyes lit up. He looked at Nan Xuzong, who remained expressionless. After examining the patient, Nan Xuzong said, "It's from being frightened, but it can be cured."
"That's wonderful!" The Prince of Jinnan was overjoyed.
Nan Zaiqing walked in at this moment, bowed to the three men including the Prince of Jinnan, and then went to Nan Xianxian's bedside. "Father, what's wrong with Third Sister?"
“A few minor incidents occurred, nothing serious.” Prince Jinnan looked at her. “Qing’er, from now on, you should stay in Qingrou Garden and prepare your wedding dress.”
"Father, so soon?" Nan Zaiqing was overjoyed. She was about to marry that wealthy merchant, and how glorious it would be! No less than Ji Wushang! As she spoke, Nan Zaiqing deliberately glanced at Ji Wushang, "Father, your daughter isn't ready at all!"
"We can start making preparations now!" The Prince of Jinnan only wanted to avoid any unforeseen complications. Guan Nan was only thirteen years old! Even if she couldn't have children, she could still become a lady after marrying into that family, and that would be enough! As for offspring, they could have them when she turned fifteen!
"Father, why haven't I heard about Fifth Miss getting married? Has she chosen a husband?" Ji Wushang asked. Nan Zaiqing really likes marrying that merchant so much, and she's so proud of it. How could I not ask and appease her vanity? I have to make her smile, because you know, it will be hard to make her cry later!
"Well, you've been a bit busy, so I haven't told you much. They're a good family, a wealthy merchant family, surnamed Song. Qing'er will be their principal wife when she marries into them," said the Prince of Jinnan.
"Then congratulations, Fifth Miss," Ji Wushang said with a smile. "When did you choose?"
"This hasn't been decided yet. We'll choose an auspicious day later," said the Prince of Jinnan. "Right now, the most important thing is still Xian'er, sigh!" It has to be said that the Prince of Jinnan is an old fox. After some maneuvering, he was still able to get back to Nan Xianxian.
Nan Zaiqing hadn't had enough of her excitement when she was interrupted by the Prince of Jinnan. She wasn't happy about it, but her face was all smiles. "Father, what's wrong with Third Sister?"
"Quiet down!" King Jinnan said immediately, seeing Nan Xuzong seemingly prescribing medicine for Nan Xianxian.
Nan Zaiqing watched silently. But seeing Nan Xianxian's current state, a smug look returned to him. Last night she was telling me to wait and see, and now look what happened? She's lying in bed, oblivious to her fate. Hmph! Wait and see, huh? I don't even need to look to know that you're heading towards hell, while I, Nan Zaiqing, am heading towards heaven!
Nan Xuzong then handed the prescription to the physician beside him, "Prepare the medicine according to the prescription, boil three bowls of water down to half a bowl, and then have the Third Miss drink it. Once a day for five days and see!"
"Yes." The physicians immediately knelt down and bowed. "Thank you, Fourth Prince!"
Hearing Nan Xuzong's words, the Prince of Jinnan was relieved. "Zong'er, I really don't know how to thank you!"
“Father, the medicine I prescribed is only to regulate her body, not to eradicate the root of her illness. For her to fully recover, she needs to rely on herself. The inner demons require the remedy of the heart.” Nan Xuzong’s lips curled up. “Father, this is all I can do.”
"Alright." Prince Jinnan nodded, his meaning was clear... Sigh, let's leave it to fate! Why did she have to think of killing that hairpin? Killing a maid wouldn't be a big deal, but it was just like that, she was frightened!
Seriously!
Ji Wushang stepped forward and said, "Father, don't worry, I will help take care of the Third Miss these next few days."
"This... I'm afraid this isn't good! I've heard that you're not feeling well, Wushang. Should we have the royal physician take a look?" Prince Jinnan said, his face showing a hint of worry.
Ji Wushang smiled and said, "It's nothing, Father. I'm all better now. It was just a minor ailment, and it'll be fine once it's over."
Nan Xuzong's eyes were dark and deep. He listened to their words and stood beside Ji Wushang. "Wushang's health is almost fully recovered."
"That's good, that's good!" Prince Jinnan nodded repeatedly. Even Nan Xuzong said that Ji Wushang was fine, so why was he worrying? The imperial physicians were all incompetent, so why bother asking them to help check on Ji Wushang?
"Then I'll have to trouble you a lot," said the Prince of Jinnan politely.
“It is what Wu Shang should do.” Ji Wu Shang bowed, then looked around and said, “Father, I feel there is still some evil energy around here. After all, someone has died in this house. We should invite some Taoist priests to perform rituals, or some monks to chant scriptures. What do you think?”
“Father has considered this as well, but I still feel that entering Xian’er’s room is somewhat inappropriate,” said the Prince of Jinnan.
“That’s true too.” Ji Wushang nodded.
But Nan Xuzong said, "Why not simply have someone clean it up and burn the gold leaf and scriptures?"
"That's a good choice," the Prince of Jinnan nodded in agreement. This matter shouldn't have been blown out of proportion in the first place. If they invited monks or priests to perform rituals, the people of the capital would find out. But if they cleaned things up and burned some scriptures, the impact could be minimized.
Nan Xuzong smiled, and Ji Wushang said, "Then, Father, about this matter..."
“Leave it to me!” Nam Jae-cheong said preemptively.
The Prince of Jinnan was slightly surprised. "You? Qing'er, you haven't studied housekeeping!"
"So now is the opportunity, Father! Don't worry, I will seize this opportunity! I guarantee I will satisfy you and make Third Sister wake up! From now on, we won't have to worry about any demons or monsters harassing us!" Nan Zaiqing's words were even more eloquent than his singing!
"Hmm..." Prince Jinnan hesitated. He looked at Ji Wushang. He himself was fine; at worst, if things didn't go well, he, as the father, could step in. But he had to consider Ji Wushang's opinion; they were still at the manor...
“Father, I think it’s very good to let the Fifth Miss handle this matter.” Ji Wushang smiled. “This matter will surely enhance the relationship between the two sisters, and I think they will be able to support each other in the future.”
"Yes." Nan Zaiqing was surprised that Ji Wushang didn't object to her gradually taking power! She was even more excited. Heh heh, wasn't she now in power? She would slowly bring the power of the Prince's Mansion into her own hands! So what if she was married? Wherever she went, she would make everyone submit to her!
"Alright, it's settled then. Qing'er, don't disappoint your father!" King Jinnan said in a deep voice.
"Father, please rest assured!" Nan Zaiqing said confidently, his face full of assurance.
Ji Wushang listened and sneered inwardly. This pig-headed guy loves to jump into traps. There's nothing he can do about it!
After a while of commotion, everyone dispersed.
Ji Wushang and Nan Xuzong returned to Moxuan Garden. Nan Xuzong sat at his desk and dealt with matters, keeping in constant contact with Huangfu Xuan. On the other hand, he also had people keep an eye on the movements of the Western Regions and Qingzhao, and contacted Ji Dingbei and Zhenbei Wang, who were stationed on the border with troops.
Ji Wushang, on the other hand, quietly watched him do his work, occasionally flipping through the book she was holding.
After a while, Nan Xuzong looked up at her, and she looked up at him too. Their eyes met, and Nan Xuzong smiled, "Are you bored? How about I take you for a walk after lunch?"
Ji Wushang shook his head.
"Why?" Nan Xuzong asked. Wasn't she feeling bored? Otherwise, why would she be looking at the book but being so distracted?
"I have business at the manor this afternoon." Ji Wushang put down his book and walked to his side, saying, "Cong, did you do what happened last night?"
Nan Xuzong's lips curled into a smile. "What do you think?"
"I guess so," Ji Wushang said. "Now that Fifth Miss is in charge of that cleaning thing, you're the one who dug the pit for her to fall into, aren't you?"
"Not bad." Nan Xuzong smiled. "I can't hide anything from your eyes! You clever little devil." He affectionately pinched her nose. "Can you guess what's next?"
"My plan is to cook lots and lots of lotus seed soup, so that the Third Miss will drink until her stomach is churning! Besides, the Fifth Miss and the Third Miss have a very sharp conflict, hmph! Nan Zaiqing won't let her off the hook, and..." She leaned closer and whispered a lot of things in Nan Xuzong's ear.
Nan Xuzong nodded. "Your method is even better than mine. Let's do it your way!" He pulled her into his arms. "In a couple of days, we'll leave this Jinan Prince's Mansion. Tomorrow, have someone clean up our Moxuan Garden, shall we?"
"Okay, whatever you say." Ji Wushang nodded, looking at the study, the room next door, the inner room, and the entire huge Moxuan Garden. He felt a little nostalgic, but this was never his place. Oh well.
Looking into her eyes and watching them move around, Nan Xuzong guessed her intentions and smiled. He had designed the Prince Zong's mansion himself, and she would definitely be surprised when she moved in.
"Let's have our meal first. As for those other things, let Hongfei and the others handle them," Nan Xuzong said.
Ji Wushang nodded.
At this moment, in Xianxian Garden.