“Yes. King of the Western Regions, I am not confident of defeating him. We need to join forces.” Nan Xuzong revealed the truth. “Let’s not delay, let’s go.”
Bei Gong Jue Shi sighed, "I really don't want to go back to that place. I also don't want to get involved in this mess again, do you understand?"
“I don’t know what happened to you, but if you still have a heart for the world, you should come with me. Or if one day you lose the person you love, you will definitely fight for them no matter what, even if it’s a bloody battle, you will definitely persevere!” Nan Xuzong turned his wheelchair and went directly to Yi Yun Muchen’s side, where Gong Shu served him in silence.
Bei Gong Jue Shi looked at Yi Yun Mu Chen. Yes, it was for her that he had stayed here, serving Yi Yun Shang Cheng and becoming his pawn.
He got off the bed, went forward, sat on the chaise lounge, helped Yi Yun Muchen up, looked at her exquisite face, and gently ran his hand across her beautiful face. That touch was forever etched in his heart and would never be forgotten. Bei Gong Jue Shi did not care at all that Nan Xu Cong and Gong Shu were present, and gently kissed her forehead. He turned his head and smiled at Nan Xu Cong, "Thank you for your trouble."
Nan Xuzong nodded.
A golden thread was drawn out and looped around Yi Yun Muchen's wrist to examine her. After a short while, Nan Xuzong withdrew the golden thread. "Someone is coming. Let's leave first. The princess's illness is not serious, don't worry."
"Okay." Bei Gong Jue Shi picked up Yi Yun Muchen, looked around, gathered a few warm clothes and draped them over Yi Yun Muchen, took some small bottles of Gu poison that she seemed to cherish, and then led her into the secret chamber behind Nan Xu Cong.
"You're amazing! You even dug a secret passage in the Western Regions for yourself." Bei Gong Jue Shi couldn't help but admire the secret passage.
"Master is capable of more than just these skills!" Gong Shu couldn't help but add a few words when he saw someone praising Nan Xuzong.
Nan Xuzong glared at Gong Shu, who immediately fell silent. Nan Xuzong said, "This is nothing to worry about. However, I'm worried that someone is already blocking our way ahead."
Bei Gong Jue Shi was startled. "You mean...?"
"Yes, we've been discovered." Nan Xuzong smiled easily. "This is the Western Regions after all. Other people are familiar with this territory."
"This way." Nan Xuzong unleashed a golden thread that struck a rock, instantly opening what appeared to be a wall. Gong Shu pushed Nan Xuzong's wheelchair inside, and Bei Gong Jueshi followed, carrying Yi Yun Muchen.
The door slammed shut, and Murs, with his men, had already caught up to it. "Damn it! They still managed to escape! Men, go to the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty and report to the King that someone has taken the prince consort and princess away! Also, bring me the explosives! I want to blow this door open!"
"Yes!" Upon hearing this, the guard immediately ran to inform someone of the matter at Yiyun Upper City.
"General, this is probably not a good idea," said strategist Li Dongxu, stepping forward. "If this door is blown open, this whole place will probably collapse! The General's mansion will be in danger!"
“We’ll retreat, then blow it up! So what if it collapses? If we don’t give the King a result, do you think he’ll let my little general’s mansion off the hook?” Murs snorted and stepped out.
Nan Xuzong and the other three went outside. Since it was the fifth watch of the night and everything around was closed, Bei Gongjueshi said, "Come with me! I have a place to rest."
...
Ji Wushang alighted from the carriage, with Zhu'er following behind. Several young ladies from the Marquis's mansion followed behind, namely the third young lady Nan Xianxian, the fourth young lady Nan Zhaoxue, the fifth young lady Nan Zaiqing, and the second young mistress of the Nan family, Ji Yinxue.
There were also many young ladies from noble families at the back gate, all dressed in beautiful clothes, some with light makeup and others with heavy makeup.
Ji Wushang instructed the three young ladies not to cause trouble and to be tolerant in all things. Nan Xianxian and Nan Zaiqing were both disdainful, while Nan Zhaoxue smiled and bowed, "Thank you for your words, sister-in-law."
Ji Wushang smiled back. He hadn't seen Nan Zhaoxue much in his previous life. He hadn't expected her to be so graceful and intelligent, a real beauty in the making.
“Sister-in-law, there’s no need to worry. All three young ladies are well-educated and know proper etiquette. They will definitely know their place.” Ji Yinxue stepped forward with a smile. At this moment, she had applied plum blossom makeup to her face, which added a touch of allure.
Ji Wushang nodded, looking at her attire, he realized he was outdone by her. "Well then, very well, let's go in!"
This is the back gate of the palace. At this moment, bursts of laughter can be heard coming from inside. Ji Wushang cranes his neck to see if any maids or eunuchs will come to lead people away.
The young ladies of the eunuchs, unable to contain their joy, didn't care that no one was there to guide them, and began to chatter amongst themselves.
"The King of the Western Regions! It's the King of the Western Regions!"
"I heard he ascended the throne in a very short time!"
"I've also heard that the King of the Western Regions is only in his twenties! His harem is vacant!"
"Look at you, all smitten? Do you think the King of the Western Regions would even notice you?" A sarcastic voice rang out.
"That's it!"
The ladies surrounding them sighed in dismay.
Ji Wushang found these people boring and waited expectantly. Finally, a young eunuch carrying a whisk came out from inside, followed by several nannies and palace maids.
"I'm so sorry to have kept you ladies waiting. Please come with me to the palace!" The young eunuch bowed and scraped as he smiled at the crowd.
Ji Wushang and the other young ladies nodded and followed him in respectfully.
However, a young lady from an official family was quite surprised to see Ji Wushang. "Didn't Miss Ji get married? Why is she still among those invited?" Her words were quite sarcastic, implying that since Ji Wushang was married, she should be staying in the inner courtyard and guarding the Prince of Nan. How could she abandon her husband and come here to the Imperial Garden with a few nuns for a banquet?
Nan Xianxian and Nan Zaiqing scoffed, ignoring them, and gave Ji Wushang a cold smile before walking inside. Nan Zhaoxue glanced at Ji Wushang, then at the young lady who had just spoken, and followed them in without a word.
Ji Yinxue frowned and walked away.
Ji Yinxue believed that Ji Wushang would handle this matter well.
Ji Wushang's smile didn't last as he looked at the woman dressed in red silk. "It's the Emperor's decree. As a woman, of course I must obey. Does that mean Miss Li is teaching me not to obey the Emperor? Well, Wushang needs to think about that carefully..."
"I...I didn't say that!" Li Wanwan looked at Ji Wushang, never expecting that she would actually bring up the Emperor's decree! Wasn't this implying that she had taught her to disobey the Emperor's will?
Li Wanwan turned pale with fright, "I don't have time to spend with you!" she said, and immediately walked away.
Ji Wushang glanced at her coldly, said nothing, and walked inside.
Returning to this imperial garden brings a different feeling. People and things always change, but the environment is not easy to change. What changes, perhaps, is people's hearts.
Ji Wushang watched as the young ladies of the Marquis's mansion dispersed to play. Knowing he couldn't interfere, he let them be. If they did something wrong and were taken away, that was their problem.
Ji Wushang found an inconspicuous spot and sat down.
It was the dead of winter, with snow falling heavily. Plum blossoms were in full bloom on the branches, but the snow weighed them down. Occasionally, one or two red plum blossoms would peek out, or some petals would fall with the wind to the ground, adding a touch of sadness to the fallen petals.
Ji Wushang looked up at the red plum blossoms beside him. Suddenly, a gust of wind blew, and petals fell. Ji Wushang couldn't help but reach out to catch the petals. The petals, mixed with snow water, landed in Ji Wushang's palm, making his hand even colder.
When I died in my previous life, the wind was just like this, and the snow was just as cold!
Inside the pavilion, a table was laden with a variety of delicious dishes, a pot of fine wine, and two exquisite silver dragon-carved wine cups. Seated around the table were Yiyun Shangcheng and the Second Prince Huangfu Ting.
The two chatted and laughed happily. After a few drinks, Yi Yun Shangcheng remained calm and composed. Huangfu Ting looked at him, his dark eyes smiling, and said, "It's rare for the King of the Western Regions to deign to drink with you. Let's have some more!"
"Wait a minute. Your Highness, I heard from His Majesty that he has invited many female and male guests to enjoy wine, gather around the stove, and discuss antiques. Why don't you invite them to come along?" Yi Yun Shangcheng finally managed a slight smile on her pale, almost bloodless face.
Upon hearing this, Huangfu Ting's face lit up with a smile, and his thick eyebrows relaxed. "Yes, I have already had the eunuch lead you into this Imperial Garden. Please, King of the Western Regions, move along."
Upon hearing this, Yiyun Shangcheng smiled.
Stepping outside, you enter the Imperial Garden, where the entire courtyard is filled with young masters and ladies, dressed in red, green, yellow, and blue, creating a dazzling spectacle.
Although Yiyun Shangcheng had come to this Imperial Garden for a banquet because of his audience with the Emperor, and had seen many female and male guests, he only remembered Ji Wushang. He had only glanced at the others a few times and did not recognize anyone else.
Huangfu Ting introduced Yiyun Shangcheng with a harmless expression, but he did not see Ji Wushang, only the three young ladies of the Marquis's mansion, and Ji Yinxue.
Huangfu Ting's lips twitched slightly, and he glanced at Ji Yinxue a few times. This was the first time they had met since she got married. He wondered if she would still remember him.
At this moment, a guard came forward and whispered something in Huangfu Ting's ear. Huangfu Ting nodded and smiled as he said to Yiyun Shangcheng, "Your Majesty, I have some matters to attend to and will take my leave first. Please feel free to look around."
The banquet wasn't too formal, and the officials casually gathered to admire the flowers or chat. However, many of the young ladies were speculating about when the King of the Western Regions would appear and join the others in their games.
Yi Yun Shangcheng was dressed in a long black robe, with a silver earring of authority on his left ear. His face was cold and stern, and his purple eyes were as cold as ice. The aura he exuded made people afraid to approach him. He strode forward, and everyone bowed. Yi Yun Shangcheng nodded slightly, but did not answer or linger. He just kept walking, thinking that he wanted to see the person he wanted to see.
They walked through every inch of the imperial garden. Their gazes were fixed on the Western Regions king, who resembled a deity, filled with reverence and fear, yet no one dared to approach.
Yi Yun Shangcheng stopped, a hint of disappointment in her heart. Wasn't it said that the old ghost had issued an imperial decree, inviting many people, including Ji Wushang? Why wasn't she there? Her purple eyes darted around, only to see some unmarried women secretly sending her clear water. Yi Yun Shangcheng sneered inwardly. Did these vulgar women deserve her?
While he was slightly distracted, a palace maid came forward with a plate of snacks as ordered. "Your Majesty, please have some snacks."
The warbling of orioles reached his ears, clear and melodious. Yi Yun Shangcheng nodded, his eyes flickering, and gently picked up a piece of pastry. "Thank you." He never skimped on the proper courtesy.
The palace maid was mesmerized by Yi Yun Shangcheng's beautiful voice. It took her a while to come to her senses, by which time Yi Yun Shangcheng had vanished.
Turning around, just as I was about to leave in disappointment, I saw a woman in the distance wearing a light green silk robe, a white jacket over her body, a green brocade pouch at her waist, a flowing cloud-shaped hair bun on her head, and light red embroidered shoes on her feet. At this moment, her face was turned to the side, and looking at her long eyelashes, her jade hand gently held a red plum petal, the snow not melting.
Unable to contain his joy, Yi Yun Shangcheng stepped forward, but fearing he might disturb the beauty's appreciation of the plum blossoms, he hesitated, unsure whether to proceed.
Ji Wushang looked at the unmelting snow water in front of him and sighed, "Are my hands really that cold?"
I thought it wouldn't snow today, but to my surprise, it snowed even more heavily.
Ji Wushang reached back and picked out the red plum petals, placing them on the table. The snowflakes were still in his hand, and the icy feeling seeped into his heart.
"How can we play in the snow on such a cold day?" But then he heard a voice and turned around, looking at the person in surprise, "Your Highness?" After saying that, he immediately shook the snowflakes in his hand onto the table, stood up, and bowed, "Greetings, Your Highness."
"No need for formalities," Beigong Minhao smiled.
Watching from afar, Yiyun Shangcheng was furious. Damn it, who is this?! Beigong Minhao! As former comrades-in-arms, doesn't this damn guy know to step aside? Where did this guy come from?!
Yi Yun rushed forward, forcing a smile, and looked at Ji Wushang and Beigong Minhao, "Your Highness, Princess Consort of the South, it's been a long time!"
Ji Wushang was startled and immediately turned around. Seeing that it was Yiyun Shangcheng, he couldn't help but feel a little flustered. "Your Majesty."
Yiyun Shangcheng felt a tightness in her chest, not for any particular reason, but because of the panic she had just felt, and the words "Long live the King"—ultimately, there was still a distance between them...
"No need for formalities," he murmured, a hint of emotion flickering in his purple eyes.
Beigong Minhao looked at Yiyun Shangcheng, who seemed harmless, but he didn't know what to do. In the end, he could only smile and say, "Your Majesty, may you live a thousand years."
Yiyun Shangcheng nodded, "I wonder what you two are talking about here?"
“Uh…” Ji Wushang didn’t know how to answer. She looked at Beigong Minhao. Beigong Minhao had only come over to say hello because he saw her sitting here alone. Last time, things had been a bit unpleasant, and he wanted to apologize this time. But, could he still make the apology?
"I came to see the Princess Consort of the Southern Dynasty, and I have no other intentions." Bei Gongminhao's eyes held a hint of a sigh.
"I wonder how the Crown Princess is?" Ji Wushang looked up at Beigong Minhao. Yes, he had married Gao Fengfen. Where was Gao Fengfen now? That woman... should he let her go?
"Are you talking about me?" Suddenly, a sweet, coquettish voice rang out. Ji Wushang and the other two turned around almost simultaneously. Ji Wushang looked at her; Gao Fengfen was dressed in a bright red brocade dress embroidered with peonies, a gold hairpin adorning her hair in a simple bun. Her body shimmered with gold, highlighting her nobility. Her lips were red, her eyebrows arched in a smile. If one did not know what was in her heart, one would surely think that this woman was beautiful and elegant.
"Greetings, Princess Consort!" Ji Wushang bowed.
Beigong Minhao frowned deeply, his face darkening instantly. "What are you doing here?"
"So you're the Crown Princess, hehe!" Yi Yun Shangcheng smiled slightly, her purple eyes crinkling. She looked at Bei Gong Minhao with a hint of amusement.
Gao Fengfen looked up at the sound, and when she saw those purple eyes, she was completely stunned. "It's, it's His Highness the King of the Western Regions!" After a long while, she came to her senses and hurriedly knelt down to pay her respects.
Yi Yun Shangcheng looked at Bei Gong Minhao with an expression that said, "Let's see how you get out of this." Bei Gong Minhao coldly replied, "Go back!"
"I, I, no, Minho, you're not..."
"Don't embarrass yourself, go back!" Before Gao Fengfen could finish speaking, Bei Gongminhao emphasized again, "Don't make me angry!" His patience was limited. Just because she was his wife and the daughter of the Left Prime Minister didn't mean she could be so arrogant!
Ji Wushang smiled. Although Bei Gongminhao had once pursued him, he had never truly understood these people... If it was love, why could he marry another woman? If it was love, why was his gaze still fixed on Gao Fengfen?
Did I misjudge the situation? Was my worry unfounded? Or did he really have some ulterior motive?
"Yes!" Gao Fengfen gritted her teeth, gave Ji Wushang a cold glare, and then turned to Yiyun Shangcheng, "Your Majesty, please allow me to step down."
“Hmm.” Yi Yun Shangcheng’s gaze was fixed on Ji Wushang’s face, but she couldn’t see any expression on it.
Ji Wushang stood up. "Please, Madam, step aside. I will not disturb your discussion any longer."
Bei Gongminhao was quite surprised to hear this. What did he and Yiyun Shangcheng have to discuss? If there was anything to discuss, it was... something from a long time ago. Now, was he still himself?
Ji Wushang smiled and walked out before they could say anything more.