Beigong Minhao looked at her and saw her panic. Suddenly, he stood a little distance away from her bed, raised his hands to indicate that he meant her no harm. "I...you really don't know who I am?"
"How should I know? How many times have you barged in before you understand? This is my boudoir. You barge in like this, do you really want to destroy me to make you happy?" Ji Wushang was somewhat flustered. Why did he have to challenge her mindset at this time? What she needed was rest, not to talk to him or do anything else!
"I really didn't mean any harm, I, I..." Beigong Minhao hesitated, wondering whether he should tell her that he was the Crown Prince. But what if she knew that he had kidnapped her to escape and had even thrown a deadly weapon at her?
If she knew, would she still be so polite to me? Would she still be as polite to me as before?
Damn it, it would have been better if I had just run in as Beigong Minhao. What a miscalculation.
Seeing the constant changes in his expression, Ji Wushang couldn't help but feel a little strange, but whatever, "Please leave, I'm going to invade, thank you," Ji Wushang said directly.
Beigong Minhao pouted upon hearing this, "I was injured a while ago, and I almost lost my life because of a woman."
"It's none of my business, you've got the wrong person." Ji Wushang blurted out, but after saying that, he felt that this situation seemed more like the Crown Prince saving him. No, the Crown Prince should be fine now, but he should still be resting in bed. There's no reason why he should be able to climb over walls and windows so quickly.
"What are you thinking about?" It was his turn to come forward curiously, his eyes narrowed into slits as he looked at Ji Wushang.
Ji Wushang immediately retreated towards the wall. "It's nothing. I was just thinking you should leave. I'm really tired. I'm so tired today."
"What happened at the Crown Prince's residence today? Why were so many Imperial Guards sent in?" Bei Gongminhao asked immediately, only then remembering what had happened.
"You know about this? Who exactly are you?" Ji Wushang looked at him. "Who exactly are you?" She repeated herself. Could he be a prince in the palace? No, that can't be...
“Who I am is not important. What is important is that I am afraid you will get into big trouble.” His eyes turned deep at this moment. “The Crown Prince is insane. Whether His Majesty likes it or not, he will definitely send people to investigate this matter thoroughly. If you get involved, your General Ji’s Mansion will be in big trouble. Any careless thing could plunge your General Ji’s Mansion into dire straits.”
Ji Wushang nodded. Indeed, he was right.
However, Nan Xuzong had said that this matter should not affect him. But who was this person in front of him? He seemed harmless, but if he pretended to be friendly and then stabbed him in the back after getting the benefits, that would be the most fatal blow!
“I, Ji Wushang, never tell strangers anything. You can leave now! I don’t want to see you.” Ji Wushang pointed directly to the window.
“Hmm.” Beigong Minhao nodded, looking out the window. “I’m actually thinking of going out the door.”
Ji Wushang's face turned green upon hearing this. "No way."
“I’ll do it anyway!” He stepped forward. “You were the one who told me to leave, but you shouldn’t have pointed me to the path of jumping out of the window, should you?”
"Go back to where you came from." Ji Wushang's face turned cold. "Don't bother seeing me out."
"You're really naughty." Bei Gongminhao's lips curled up slightly. He stepped forward and was about to kiss him, but Ji Wushang had already thrown the pillow at him. He could only catch it with one hand. "You're such a wildcat."
Seeing her face gradually turn angry, Beigong Minhao nodded, "I have things to do tonight, so I won't bother you any longer. I'll come another day."
"Don't come." Ji Wushang said coldly, his face tense.
"I'm coming." This guy was really shameless. He put the pillow back on Ji Wushang's bedside before jumping out of the window.
Ji Wushang finally felt relieved, but what about what he said earlier? Ji Wushang jumped off the bed and walked to the window, where he could vaguely see the dark figure that had just jumped down disappearing in the direction of Lan Garden!
Ji Wushang was startled. He and Ji Yinxue had a connection? Instantly, Ji Wushang was completely stunned. If that was the case, this man was truly despicable! How could he possibly stop him from coming to his side?
Feeling depressed, Ji Wushang still went back to his bed and went to sleep.
Bei Gongminhao arrived at the Orchid Garden in a few leaps. He found the scene just now rather amusing. Once he dealt with Bei Gongjueshi's matter, he would immediately propose marriage!
Mentioning Bei Gong Jue Shi, Bei Gong Min Hao felt a headache coming on. Damn it, he'd vanished! When the Prince of Zhenbei returned and asked about Bei Gong Jue Shi, Bei Gong Min Hao could only lie and say he'd gone out for a stroll, and was right within his sight! That little brat—if he really had run away, wouldn't he be the one marrying that Western Region princess? Bei Gong Min Hao clenched his fists. That little brat must have come here to find Miss Ji! He'd ask her where Bei Gong Min Hao had gone, and once she knew, he'd definitely be dragged back!
At this moment, Beigong Minhao saw a patrolling Iron Guard passing by, and with his agile movements, he immediately darted into the bushes.
After the guards passed by, Bei Gongminhao had already flown to the roof of the Lan Garden building. He looked down and checked several rooms, but didn't see anyone. Just then, he heard a maid come out of the opposite room, carrying an empty bowl.
Beigong Minhao watched her walk away, then flew up to the rooftop and stood close to it before hearing a woman's voice.
"This is hopeless! How could Ji Meiyuan come back!" Ji Yinxue was so angry that she slammed her hand on the table. "Are you even better yet? Have someone ambush them on the way and kill them all!"
"Why is Miss Four so angry?" the man asked with a laugh, startling Beigong Minhao on the rooftop!
Heavens! That's the voice of the man who assassinated Ji Wushang! And he's in the Fourth Miss's room right now! That means their relationship is very distant! Heavens! Jue Shi, who do you like? This woman is despicable!
"How can I not be angry?" Ji Yinxue stood up, her eyes cold and filled with hatred. "If you had any pity for me, you should have done these things for me! Do you know what Ji Meiyuan came back for? To compete with me for the Second Young Master Nan!"
"Oh, so you've already fallen for your future husband?" The man seemed jealous, stepped forward, and pulled her close. "Is it because I haven't satisfied you yet?"
"Let go!" Ji Yinxue glared at him angrily. "First, there's a high chance I'll marry the Second Young Master Nan. So, I must hold on to him firmly. Otherwise, once I enter the Marquis's mansion, I'll definitely have no status at all! You need to know that the Second Young Master Nan will always be the Second Young Master Nan, and he'll never be as good as that Prince Nan!"
"You know that the Southern Prince's leg ailment will never be cured. In the end, the title of Marquis will still belong to the Second Young Master Nan." The man smiled wickedly.
"I don't care. I'm afraid things might change, so I'm going to hold on tightly to everything! Second Sister admires Young Master Nan wholeheartedly, but now that I'm his woman, I won't allow this situation to continue! Do you understand what I'm saying?"
"I understand." The man stepped forward and gently massaged her soft spot. "I understand your body's reactions even better."
"You're so vain!" Ji Yinxue scolded playfully.
"Is that so?" The man smiled wickedly and reached out with his large hand.
"Hmm..." Ji Yinxue couldn't help but let out a sigh.
Beigong Minhao was frozen in shock on the rooftop. What had he just heard? What sound had he heard?! Damn it, his own brother had met someone, fallen in love with someone! This was utterly shocking!
Taking a deep breath, Beigong Minhao cursed the two people lost in their lust before quietly leaving.
He grumbled and cursed all the way back. But then he remembered that he hadn't found out anything about Bei Gong Jue Shi, and Bei Gong Min Hao became even more anxious. He had to tell him about this! He had forgotten that Ji Yin Xue had just heard that she was going to send people to intercept and kill Ji Wu Shang on his way there and back!
Ji Wushang was too tired, so Zhu'er had to wake him up when it was almost time. Ji Wushang rubbed his eyes before getting up, washing up, and then having a proper meal.
She kept wondering if Nan Xuzong would come to propose marriage today. What a pity it would be if she weren't there! No, if he did come to propose, should she tell his father, the Marquis? Or should she tell Aunt Zhao, who was in charge of the inner quarters of the Marquis's mansion?
Ji Wushang had his own plans, but he was still in a good mood.
Finally, everything was ready. Ji Wushang ordered his men to load the carriage, took some guards with him, and then sat in the carriage. But, remembering that Miss Shangguan had said yesterday that she would give him a cat, he lifted the curtain and said to Tie Feng, who was standing outside the window, "Tie Feng, send someone to the Marquis of Zhongyi's residence. Miss Shangguan said she would give me a cat, which I like very much. Have someone bring it back."
"Yes," Tie Feng immediately replied, cupping his hands in greeting.
"Also, Wu Zi is returning from school today. Send someone to protect him. Don't let him lose a single hair!"
"Yes!" Tie Feng replied again.
Ji Wushang nodded, satisfied, and lowered the curtain. Zhu'er smiled at Ji Wushang, but Ji Wushang frowned. "Zhu'er, you can go now. Take good care of Wuzi for me. When I come back, tell him I want to check his homework."
"Miss, please let me go with you!" Pearl's face looked pitiful.
"Go down," Ji Wushang said again. "Take good care of Wu Zi for me, and listen to me."
"Yes." Pearl pouted, but still obediently got off the carriage.
Ji Wushang then ordered the food to be started.
Sitting in the carriage, Ji Wushang knew there was definitely danger, which was why he let Zhu'er get off. He thought that if danger arose, he would be free and could escape more easily. Like last time, he almost lost both Zhu'er and Xian'er to his death for him. Fortunately, it was a false alarm.
Ji Wushang lifted the curtain and saw Tie Feng following the carriage very properly; he had already given orders to everyone.
He felt a little relieved; Tie Feng was now completely by his side, which gave him some security.
The further they went, the more remote it became, but they still managed to reach the Yuanyue Nunnery safely, which surprised Ji Wushang a bit. Perhaps he was overthinking it!
After getting off the carriage, he walked towards the mountain gate. At this time, there were still some pilgrims coming in to offer incense at the Yuanyue Temple. Ji Wushang looked at the flowers, plants and trees around him, which had turned yellow or yellowish-green, and felt a sense of desolation in late autumn.
A young nun was already waiting outside the door. When she saw Ji Wushang leading Tie Feng forward, she came up to greet him and asked, "May I ask if you are Miss Ji?"
Ji Wushang sized up the little nun. She was dressed in a dark blue cloth Buddhist robe, with cloth shoes on her feet, and a string of small Buddhist beads in her hand.
"Exactly." Seeing that there were no major problems, Ji Wushang nodded and said.
"Miss Ji Si is already waiting in the back courtyard. Please come, Miss Ji." The little nun said humbly.
Ji Wushang nodded.
But the young girl, perhaps seeing that Tie Feng was carrying a long sword, stepped forward to stop him, saying, "This is a sacred Buddhist site, where there should be no killing. Please, benefactor, remove your sword before entering the mountain gate."
Ji Wushang turned to look at her, then saw Tie Feng standing there awkwardly, looking at Ji Wushang with a questioning gaze. Ji Wushang said, "Tie Feng, put down your sword and come inside with me."
"Yes, Miss!" Tie Feng replied, then removed the sword and put it aside before going in with Ji Wushang.
But that was stopped again.
Ji Wushang looked at the little nun with annoyance, "What's wrong with you now? When I came to Yuanyue Nunnery before, there weren't so many rules. I only had to take off my sword."
“Amitabha, benefactor, there are many worshippers in the temple at this time. Please take only one or two people with you. Too many people may disturb the other worshippers.” At this moment, a tall and thin nun stepped forward. The younger nun saw the older nun and immediately bowed, “Uncle-Master.”
"Yes." The nun nodded.
Ji Wushang looked at the number of pilgrims mentioned and saw that there were indeed quite a few, so he could only nod. "Tiefeng, come with me. The rest of you, wait outside." As he spoke, Ji Wushang glanced at the two of them.
There shouldn't be any danger, right? I've been to this Yuanyue Nunnery a couple of times already, and the Elder Madam has always been practicing meditation here. Abbess Jingni is also a kind person. I even met Nan Xuzong before, who said Abbess Jingni was his martial aunt. If that's the case, I'm really curious about who Nan Xuzong's master is!
Ji Wushang was led to the refined room in the east wing and sat down. Several young nuns who were in charge of these tasks came forward to clean, and then one of them came forward to pour tea and so on.
"Where is my second sister now?" Ji Wushang asked. "Why hasn't she come out to see me yet?"
"Reporting to you, benefactor, someone has already gone to inform them. Please wait a moment," the young nun said, then poured tea into Ji Wushang's cup. "Please enjoy your tea, benefactor."
"Thank you." Ji Wushang nodded.
Ji Wushang wasn't thirsty, so he didn't drink the tea. He just looked towards the door to see if Ji Meiyuan had arrived. He was a little anxious because he needed to get back quickly!
After a long while, Ji Meiyuan was led in from outside by a young nun. At this moment, Ji Wushang immediately stood up and looked her up and down. Unexpectedly, he saw that she was also wearing Buddhist robes. Her hair was still in place, but she was wearing a Buddhist hat and holding Buddhist beads in her hand. Instead of the fine embroidered shoes, she was wearing cloth shoes.
Ji Wushang was taken aback. What was she trying to do? Was she trying to show him her suffering, her seclusion, and her repentance?
"Second sister, why are you dressed like this? We're about to go back to the manor, why don't you change your clothes?" Ji Wushang still came forward, looked at her, and said affectionately.
Upon hearing this, Ji Meiyuan looked up at her and said, "Elder sister, I am truly devoted to Buddhism, but I also miss my aunt and father, and I think of my grandmother."
"I know." Ji Wushang nodded, this acting was quite good. "That's why you should change your clothes soon. Hurry up and go change!"
"Yes." Ji Meiyuan's tone was low and submissive, making Ji Wushang feel as if a cold wind had swept through his heart. Let her pretend then! Just don't mess with me!
Ji Meiyuan nodded as she listened and asked, "I heard that Fourth Sister is going to marry Second Young Master Nan?" As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes.
Fortunately, the young nuns left after bringing the person over; otherwise, we would have witnessed Ji Meiyuan's heart-wrenching weeping, which was truly earth-shattering and pitiful!
Ji Wushang nodded, "Don't worry, Fourth Sister married Second Young Master Nan, you can also marry into a good family. Grandmother is working hard on your marriage, so don't worry!"
"Yes." Ji Meiyuan nodded, then wiped away her tears with her sleeve. Ji Wushang watched, speechless.
“I’ll go down first. You can wander around the temple for a while. Today is an auspicious day. Eldest sister can go to the main hall to offer incense. I’ll wait for you here after noon,” Ji Meiyuan said.
"Okay." Ji Wushang nodded. What auspicious day? She had never heard of it before. What kind of wedding was she planning? It was only three-quarters of an hour before noon, so there was still some time.
Ji Wushang sighed as he watched her leave. If a person is going to pretend, it's enough to do it once. If they pretend again and again, it will always look the same, and no one will believe them!
Ji Wushang only thought that once he brought her back, everything would be fine and the mission would be complete.
At this moment, a young nun came forward and brought some vegetarian fruit. "Please enjoy, benefactor."
"Excuse me, young master, what auspicious day is today?" Ji Wushang asked again.
"It's the birthday of the Tibetan King Bodhisattva. The nunnery is quite lively today, with many worshippers. If you're interested, you can also offer incense in the main hall." The young nun looked delighted.