"Hmm." Yi Yun Shangcheng responded softly. She should just stay alive. She was so unwilling to accept it! She refused to believe that she couldn't get an answer! She had done so much, shouldn't heaven have some pity on her? Before she could finish, Yi Yun Shangcheng had already fainted.
The five elders looked at Yiyun Upper City and all shook their heads.
"The king's heart is burdened with too much," Elder Jin sighed.
“Now, our Great Western Regions has not yet established a queen, nor has it had an heir. If the king…” Hao Yueyi shook his head and stopped speaking. Everyone understood what he meant.
"In that case, why don't we bring this up in court and hope that the King will consider it? The King should indeed consider such matters." Elder Jin was the most authoritative voice, and since he had said so, the rest of the people naturally agreed.
As night fell, at the foot of the snow-capped mountain, a line of torches could be seen winding its way along the path leading to the summit.
Upon hearing this report, Ji Wushang immediately left the inn. Looking at the group of people from a distance, he said to Hongfei, who was standing to the side, "Hongfei, go and investigate who has entered this town in the past few days, and who went up the mountain." Choosing to go up the mountain at night—didn't those people know how extremely dangerous that was? However, since they chose to go up the mountain at this time, it meant that this person must be dying, otherwise they wouldn't be so impatient as to wait until tomorrow morning.
He couldn't wait any longer; if he waited any longer, Nan Xuzong couldn't guarantee that some problems wouldn't arise.
Hong Fei agreed and immediately went out to inquire. Ji Wushang watched for a while before entering the inner room. He sat by Nan Xuzong's bedside, examining him, relaxing his muscles, and talking to him. Ji Wushang wondered, if one day he were lying in that bed, what would he do? Would he take care of him as attentively as he did? Perhaps, but honestly, if he were to die one day, he hoped that Nan Xuzong would bury him himself, and then find a beautiful woman who loved him to spend his life with, forgetting him completely.
I am merely a reborn person; to have won his love in this life is enough. Whether the time is short or long, I am content.
If we could stay together for life, that would be the best outcome.
Ji Wushang covered him with a brocade quilt, then sat down at the desk. These past few days, she had developed this habit. After taking care of him, she would sit at the desk, sometimes reading medical books, sometimes Buddhist scriptures, sometimes copying the Book of Poetry, copying Buddhist teachings, and so on.
To develop some medicine, or to prepare some energy-boosting medicine for him.
Ji Wushang sat at his desk and looked up slightly to see Nan Xuzong sleeping soundly on the bed.
Ji Wushang picked up the wolf-hair brush, dipped it in ink, and originally intended to copy some Buddhist scriptures to cultivate her mind and pray for him. However, when she put pen to paper, she began to paint his face. She vividly remembered that at his birthday banquet, she had painted a picture of him playing the zither. Now, as she put pen to paper, she naturally painted him lying on his side in bed, his smile radiant, his deep phoenix eyes lost in thought, a touch of vermilion, and his thin lips slightly pursed.
Ji Wushang smiled, wrote down the date, and signed his name: Nanji Shi·Wushang.
In my name, I will bestow your surname.
Ji Wushang put down his wolf-hair brush and carefully placed the Xuan paper aside to dry. He casually picked up a book and flipped through it. It contained words like "a devout disciple will surely receive the Buddha's blessing."
Ji Wushang slightly closed the book, but a fleeting, elusive image flashed through his mind. He had already made up his mind.
Cong, if you can beg the Old Man of the Snow Mountain to save you, what does it matter if I, Ji Wushang, prostrate myself for a thousand miles and kowtow my whole way?
Flipping through some local chronicles describing this place, he indeed found a City God Temple nearby, right in the town, with many worshippers. At the summit of the snow mountain stood the largest temple in the area, called the Potala Snow Palace, which enshrined Shakyamuni Buddha. The Old Man of the Snow Mountain had lived in seclusion there. Ji Wushang took a deep breath and summoned Cuiwu.
“Madam,” Cuiwu greeted.
"Prepare some incense for me. I will offer incense at dawn tomorrow. After that, Cong and I will go up the mountain together. You can escort us to the halfway point. I will take him with me for the rest of the journey," Ji Wushang said coldly, and then began to write a letter.
"Yes." Cuiwu was surprised that she had to go to offer incense so early. If she was praying for Nan Xuzong's blessing, she could have done it later... Oh well, she should just listen to her!
Actually, Ji Wushang was worried about the time. He asked, "Approximately how long is the journey from here to the summit of the snow-capped mountain?"
"Ten miles of mountain road".
"Ten miles... ten miles, okay!" Ji Wushang nodded. He was sure he could grit his teeth and get through ten miles!
Cuiwu looked at Ji Wushang with some questions, but then she understood and immediately said, "Madam, if it's difficult for you to walk while supporting Master, why don't we follow you?"
"Let's see how it goes! In any case, we can't break the rules. We have to follow the rules, otherwise if we can't impress the Snow Mountain Elder, all my efforts will be in vain." Ji Wushang sighed, "Go see how Hongfei's inquiries are going."
"Yes." Cuiwu immediately ran out.
Ji Wushang stood up from his desk, stretched his legs, rubbed them, and looked at them again. His legs, his legs, he knew he could do it! If he could exchange these legs for Nan Xuzong, he would!
Ji Wushang walked to Nan Xuzong's bedside, knelt down against his chest, and hugged him. "Zong, will you feel sorry for me if I do this?"
No one answered her. Ji Wushang narrowed her eyes and looked at Nan Xuzong's face, which was still deathly pale! Ji Wushang gently stroked his thick eyebrows, "I miss you, and it hurts me, but I've made up my mind."
After kissing his thin lips, Ji Wushang went back to the side to grind the medicine for him.
At that moment, Hongfei knocked on the door from the outside.
"Come in," Ji Wushang called out.
"Madam, I heard that he is a patient suffering from an unknown and strange disease. His body is rotting from his chest, and the rotting flesh is emitting a foul stench. I don't know how long he can live! So his servants carried him up the mountain overnight."
"A rotting chest, how painful must that be? But to endure it all, that's truly remarkable." Ji Wushang sighed, then immediately asked, "Did you see clearly who it was?"
"I'm not entirely sure, but what I've heard is that most people like us have come to town seeking medical treatment."
Ji Wushang nodded. If this person could be carried up the mountain, then he could probably have Hongfei, Cuiwu, and the others carry Nan Xuzong up the mountain behind him, right?
Ji Wushang frowned slightly. "Select a few people who are willing to come up the mountain with me. They will carry the cong behind me and go up the mountain together. I will go ahead first."
"Yes," Hongfei replied immediately.
Ji Wushang dismissed everyone, then went to bed and nestled next to Nan Xuzong, looking at his sword-like eyebrows and stroking his stubble and face. "Sleep!"
Ji Wushang got up at the fourth watch to tidy up, personally giving Nan Xuzong a half-hour medicinal bath, and then dressed him in thick clothes, including a white robe, belt, and black dragon-patterned boots. He then ordered his original wheelchair to be brought out. This wheelchair was one Ji Wushang had asked Gong Shu to send here before he left.
Nan Xuzong was helped into a wheelchair by Ji Wushang. Ji Wushang personally combed and tied his hair, placed the jade crown on his head, removed the phoenix hairpin from his own hair and inserted it into Nan Xuzong's dark hair, then inserted another gold hairpin that he often wore. Ji Wushang knelt down and personally shaved the stubble on Nan Xuzong's chin, then washed him clean and wrapped his hands with gold thread.
She smiled and dotted a dot of vermilion between his eyebrows, making the vermilion even more vibrant.
Nan Xuzong's lips were very pale, and Ji Wushang gently applied lip rouge to his lips to cover up the paleness.
She looked at Nan Xuzong, who was now sitting in a wheelchair, and smiled. This was the real him, her man Nan Xuzong, the only man she loved most!
Hongfei and Cuiwu stood by the side the whole time, thinking of helping Ji Wushang when she called out, but from beginning to end, she treated them as if they were invisible, and did everything by herself.
Hongfei and Cuiwu were full of praise for the skillful technique, and they were also gratified that Nan Xuzong had married a woman like Ji Wushang, and moved by the love between the two of them.
The sight of Ji Wushang dressing up Nan Xuzong like this caused them a pang of pain in their hearts.
Ji Wushang looked at Nan Xuzong for a long time, feeling as if he had just woken up and was sitting there, just like when they first met, got to know each other, and fell in love. She smiled gently, "Hongfei, help me change my clothes. I want to look very, very beautiful today."
Hongfei was taken aback, but quickly stepped forward and said, "Yes."
Ji Wushang pushed Nan Xuzong's wheelchair and let him sit next to her. Then Ji Wushang sat in front of the dressing table, and Hongfei styled her hair into a cloud-shaped bun, with another phoenix gold hairpin inserted in the bun. This hairpin was probably a pair, so that she and he could be a couple.
She dabbed her lips with lip rouge, red but not too flamboyant. Ji Wushang chose a floral print dress with gold trim, paired with light-colored snowflake embroidered shoes.
She kept smiling at the vanity mirror, but her eyes reflected in it onto Nan Xuzong's face beside her. "Zong, look, am I beautiful?"
Hongfei and Cuiwu were startled, but the next second, they were filled with sorrow and heartache as they looked at each other and quickly dealt with Ji Wushang's black hair.
A woman dresses up for the one she loves. It's been so long since Ji Wushang dressed up. It's not that she doesn't love herself, but that the person who appreciates her hasn't woken up to her true feelings.
"Madam, that's enough," Hongfei said. She was more beautiful than anyone else this time. She possessed an innate pride, a noble air emanating from her very bones, and a cold beauty that inspired genuine admiration. Ji Wushang stood up, and Hongfei and Cuiwu stepped aside. Ji Wushang walked in front of Nan Xuzong and called out again, "Cong, do you like my outfit?"
She looked at Nan Xuzong for a long time, then stopped smiling, bent down slightly, squatted down, looked at him, and touched his cheek with her hand. "If you like it, you can give me a little something in return."
No sooner had he finished speaking than tears welled up in the corners of Nan Xuzong's eyes!
Ji Wushang was startled and threw herself on him, "Cong..." Her tears suddenly fell onto her cheeks.
Hongfei and Cuiwu looked at the two of them and felt a pang of sadness in their hearts. They both covered their lips and began to cry softly.
Ji Wushang softly sobbed against his chest, "I know, I know you like it... I know... That's enough, Cong, let's not cry, okay?" Ji Wushang looked up at him, her face streaked with tears, "You'll get better soon, Cong." Suddenly, she smiled through her tears, disregarding whether anyone was around, and kissed his lips, kissing away the tears at the corners of his eyes, "Let's be together... We should go now," she whispered.
She turned around, sat back down at the dressing table, and then touched up her makeup lightly.
"No matter what happens later, none of you can stop me without my order!" Ji Wushang coldly looked at himself in the dressing mirror.
Hongfei and Cuiwu wiped away their tears and both agreed, "Yes." But they both wondered what Ji Wushang was planning to do.
Nan Xuzong sat in a wheelchair, which was temporarily converted into a sedan chair by strapping frames to all sides, and was carried by four well-trained men. Gong Shu, Hong Fei, and Cui Wu followed on either side, while Ji Wushang was in front.
Her lips always held a slight smile, but everyone knew that if you looked into her eyes, you would see that while they were cold and aloof, they were filled with deep sorrow.
Walking through the town, they attracted countless onlookers. Their attire suggested they belonged to some noble family, but their clothing was quite peculiar. The person they were carrying was clearly in critical condition, their head slumped to one side, suggesting they didn't have long to live. Furthermore, silver needles were inserted into their head; those in the know would understand this was for stabilizing their condition. Even more peculiar was that they weren't heading towards the snow-capped mountain peak, but instead went directly to the town's City God Temple.
Ji Wushang had someone put Nan Xuzong down, and then pushed his wheelchair inside.
“We met in the City God Temple in the Imperial City. Do you know what my wish was then? I prayed that my future husband would be safe and sound. If there is one person who loves me regardless of life or death, I am willing to let all disasters befall me.” Ji Wushang smiled and whispered these words in his ear.
Nan Xuzong remained silent. The onlookers, watching Ji Wushang whisper in the unresponsive Nan Xuzong's ear, couldn't help but murmur amongst themselves, "What a cruel twist of fate! Such a young couple, about to be separated by death! What a cruel twist of fate! Such a perfect match, alas!"
Ji Wushang pushed Nan Xuzong's wheelchair forward and stopped before the City God's physical body. He knelt on a prayer mat nearby, and a monk immediately offered three sticks of incense respectfully. He had seen many people here, and while there were many extraordinary events, he was still somewhat surprised by this act of offering incense. Even though she was already dead, she still showed such deep affection; this woman's ability to do so was truly remarkable.
One look at them and you know they must be rich and powerful. If the man dies, the woman will be widowed and return to her family home. After three years, she can remarry... Many people would have such thoughts, while others would lament their hardships.
Ji Wushang ignored the people around her, took the three sticks of incense, and then knelt down, saying each word carefully, "In the name of longevity and the goodness of life, I wish my husband to live a long and healthy life!" Then she knelt down three more times.
The people around him were all making noise, but when Ji Wushang pushed Nan Xuzong's wheelchair out, they all made way for him.
Ji Wushang's face was cold and indifferent. He ordered Nan Xuzong's wheelchair to be placed back in the sedan chair, and then had people carry them towards the snow mountain.
The sky had just begun to brighten, and everything around them was now visible. A breeze blew, ruffling Ji Wushang's robes. She turned and glanced at Nan Xuzong, a smile playing on her lips.
We finally arrived at the foot of the snow-capped mountain, at the perfect time. Some of the locals had already dispersed to go about their business, while others had stayed behind the whole time.
Ji Wushang stopped and looked up at the winding road. Following the road, he looked up and saw the distant Buda Snow Palace.
"Madam," Hongfei looked at her and immediately stepped forward, "Is something the matter?"
"No, just carry him away. Don't worry about me," Ji Wushang said, lifting her skirt and kneeling on the ground. "This humble woman begs to see the Elder of Snow Mountain, to heal my husband and ensure he lives a long and healthy life!"
Everyone was shocked. Was she going to kneel up the mountain? The mountain path was ten miles long! How long was she going to kneel? Gong Shu, Hong Fei, and Cui Wu thought about stepping forward and said, "Madam."
Ji Wushang immediately glared at them, her sharp eyes conveying a clear message: she would absolutely not change her mind! No one could stop her! Ji Wushang stood up, took two steps, then knelt down again, crying out, "This humble woman begs to see the Elder of Snow Mountain, I beg you to heal my husband and ensure he lives to be a hundred years old!"
Gong Shu, Hong Feicui, and the others watched in silence; no one could do what she did. Her heart was so resolute, her gaze so unwavering! No one could sway her resolve!
Gong Shu immediately urged the four burly men carrying Nan Xuzong to hurry up. The four men were shocked by Ji Wushang's actions. This was probably the realm of love. They never thought that there were two people in the world who loved each other so deeply!
The surrounding people watched in utter astonishment. Did this young woman intend to climb the mountain on her knees the whole time? Didn't she know how treacherous the path was? Did she think that kneeling would somehow lead to a result?
A smile played on Ji Wushang's lips. Then, slowly, she knelt and cried out, rose, took a few steps, and knelt and cried out again. Those around her watched in silence, their faces showing heartache or tears, none daring to utter a sound. They carried Nan Xuzong, following behind Ji Wushang.
Ji Wushang felt that his legs were tired from kneeling. He had never tried this before. He never expected it to be so tiring and painful!
But should I give up? Absolutely not!
Ji Wushang immediately knelt on the ground, bowed, her voice trembling slightly, but she still said, "This humble woman begs to see the Elder of Snow Mountain, and begs the senior to heal my husband and ensure his long life!" She took a light breath, got up from the ground, moved her feet, and then knelt again.
Seeing it brings tears to my eyes, smelling it brings sorrow.
Ji Wushang moved forward with uneven steps, her expression either blank or adorned with a faint smile. No one could stop her.
Hongfei and Cuiwu cried their hearts out, but they kept their sobs under control, covering their mouths as they followed along. Gong Shu's eyes were red-rimmed, and he kept urging the sedan chair bearers to hurry forward.
At the summit of the snow-capped mountain stands the Potala Palace.
Here, snow never melts, and at this towering peak, a magnificent palace stands, dedicated to Buddha, Arhats, and other deities.
Behind the palace is a grove, and in this grove are unique and exquisite residences.
Upon entering, there was no one around. In the last small room, several old men were waiting outside, all with anxious expressions.