Ji Wushang waited anxiously. Finally, as dawn approached, he saw his lover.
Nan Xuzong was covered in dust from his journey. Kan Zeji Wushang woke up and smiled, "Didn't I tell you to go to sleep first?"
"I can't sleep." Ji Wushang stepped forward gently, tried to put her feet on the ground, and then took a few steps. Before Nan Xuzong could undress himself, she had already stepped forward to loosen his belt. "How are you two?"
“I will lead him up the mountain. If these mountains are continuous, I hope he can return to Wudang Mountain,” Nan Xuzong said, as Ji Wushang took off his robe.
"Where is Princess Mu Chen? Has she been found?"
"No," Nan Xuzong said. "Let's rest for a bit. We'll wash up and go to the palace later!"
...
The morning sunlight brought a sense of new vitality. Although this was within the Western Regions, it was a border area, so people from various countries could be found here. After Ji Wushang and Nan Xuzong finished tidying up, they immediately returned to their original inn.
As expected, Yiyun Shangcheng quickly sent people to invite the two of them to the palace.
Sitting in the carriage, Ji Wushang wore a light red dress, while he wore a white robe, looking dashing and elegant. The two of them nestled together, undoubtedly a match made in heaven. Gong Shu, Hong Fei Cui Wu, and the other two followed behind their carriage.
Ji Wushang lifted the carriage curtain. "Cong, be aware of your surroundings."
"I know." Nan Xuzong narrowed his eyes, glanced outside, and didn't seem to care.
"If they're setting a trap, we're still in some danger," Ji Wushang said worriedly.
Nan Xuzong smiled, whispered a few words in her ear, and finally said, "Don't worry, I'm here."
"Mm." Ji Wushang nodded.
At that moment, someone outside shouted, "Fourth Prince, Fourth Princess, have arrived at the palace!"
☆、244 Entering the Western Regions Royal Palace for a banquet!
Nan Xuzong and Ji Wushang stopped their conversation. He looked at her and asked, "Wushang, how are you feeling? Can you get down and walk around?"
"Okay." Ji Wushang nodded, deciding that she didn't want him to hold her. She didn't want people pointing fingers at her; after all, she was representing the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty, so she had to be mindful of her image and also think of him.
Ji Wushang moved her feet slightly, and Nan Xuzong saw this and got off the carriage first. Then he carried her down from the carriage and put her on the ground to help her stand up. "Take a few steps and see." His tone was very gentle and beautiful, carefully protecting her, as if he were holding her in the palm of his hand.
Ji Wushang took a few steps under his gaze, small steps, but steady ones. "I'm fine." Ji Wushang looked at him, a bright, sunny smile on her lips.
Nan Xuzong nodded, satisfied with her reaction. He hummed in agreement and stepped forward to take her hand. "Let's go to the palace."
Gong Shu, Hong Fei Cui Wu, and the other two immediately stepped forward, wanting to enter the palace with Ji Wu Shang and Nan Xu Cong. The eunuch who had led them there immediately stepped forward to stop them, saying, "I'm sorry, the King has only invited the Fourth Prince and the Fourth Princess into the palace. You should wait outside!"
Ji Wushang turned his head to look at Gong Shu and the others, then at the eunuch. "They are my personal guards and maids. Can't they serve me? I'm not used to not having them serve me!"
The eunuch bowed and smiled at Ji Wushang, "Please forgive the Fourth Princess Consort for disobeying the King's wishes. This servant would not dare to disobey in any way."
Nan Xuzong tightened his grip on Ji Wushang's hand, signaling her not to say anything more. "Gong Shu, Hongfei, Cuiwu, you two just wait outside! Go back whenever the weather changes!" Nan Xuzong's tone became more playful towards the end. But the three of them probably understood the underlying meaning.
Gong Shu and the other two nodded after hearing this, saying, "Yes." They then gave the eunuch a fierce look before leaving.
Ji Wushang looked at Nan Xuzong, who leaned forward and pulled Ji Wushang to his side. "The King of the Western Regions will surely give us a warm welcome. Let's hurry into the palace. The matter we're discussing today concerns the friendly relations between our two countries, which is quite important!"
"Yes." Ji Wushang nodded, and the eunuch, hearing what Nan Xuzong said, felt that the friendship between the two countries was an extremely important matter, and immediately led the people in front, "Please invite the Fourth Prince and the Fourth Princess over here."
Nan Xuzong nodded and followed Ji Wushang into the many palaces.
When Ji Wushang first entered the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty's imperial palace, he already considered it quite complex, with each palace being different and possessing its own style, generally grand and imposing. Now, this Western Regions royal palace, however, exudes a more exotic style, grand yet filled with numerous murals depicting ancient patterns, conveying a sense of mystery and a touch of the sacred. These are likely depictions of witchcraft or similar practices.
Ji Wushang walked slowly, feeling as if many eyes were watching him, but he didn't know their purpose. Ji Wushang tugged at Nan Xuzong's hand and whispered, "Cong..." Did he feel that same way?
Nan Xuzong smiled and moved even closer to her. "Don't be afraid, I'm here!" He squeezed her hand and gave it a light kiss.
Ji Wushang nodded. Seeing that the eunuch was walking quickly, she deliberately pulled Nan Xuzong to walk slowly, "Cong."
Nan Xuzong understood her meaning and slowed down his pace.
"I feel like someone is watching us, lots of eyes," Ji Wushang whispered. "I'm a little worried... Can you feel it too?"
"Yes, I know." Nan Xuzong picked her up. "I'll carry you and we'll walk together. Don't be afraid, okay? Let's do it this way, otherwise you won't be fast enough to run later."
"What?" Ji Wushang was slightly surprised. What did he mean? But now he was really in his arms again.
"If something looks wrong, run!" Nan Xuzong said, half-jokingly and half-seriously.
Ji Wushang was stunned for a moment. Nan Xuzong had already led her to catch up with the eunuch. "Be good, listen to me."
The eunuch turned around and saw Nan Xuzong holding Ji Wushang. A hint of surprise flashed through his mind, but he quickly concealed it. "Please come this way, Fourth Prince and Fourth Princess."
"Mm." Nan Xuzong nodded and immediately followed him forward. The eunuch smiled at this moment, but Ji Wushang clearly saw the sinister undertones and the unfathomable glint in his eyes!
Ji Wushang shrank back, and Nan Xuzong, seeing her reaction, felt a sense of unease. Had he underestimated the Western Region King? Or were they deliberately creating a charade? Indeed, he was confident that Yiyun Upper City would never dare to act recklessly, but if some unexpected events were created, then things might really change.
After considering this, Nan Xuzong, taking advantage of the eunuch's inattention and concealed by Ji Wushang's delicate figure, took out a small bottle from his bosom, uncapped it, and immediately, a fragrant scent filled the air. As he walked, the fragrance followed him, spreading further and further.
Ji Wushang looked at him, not quite understanding, but remained silent. He always trusted him with his work.
The two entered the palace gates and walked inside. From afar, they could hear the sounds of string and wind instruments, but these were nothing like those of the Great Xia and Zhou Dynasties. This was filled with a sense of unbridled passion, along with resounding songs, a mixture of various other sounds. With a primal wildness, the Qiang flute played softly, releasing and then gathering the power within.
That kind of music can ignite every cell in your body. But it also feels somewhat chaotic. When you listen closely, it feels like a kind of magic, as if it's tightly gripping your heart, making you struggle in an endless abyss. But then again, when you try to listen carefully, it's nothing at all.
Ji Wushang felt a chill in his heart and looked up at Nan Xuzong. "Put me down! We're about to enter the palace."
Nan Xuzong nodded and put her down on the ground. "Let's walk slowly."
The eunuch in front kept turning back to look at the two of them, urging them on with his eyes. When they turned through the covered corridor, they had entered a rather noisy palace.
Ji Wushang and Nan Xuzong waited outside, while the eunuch went in and came out shortly after. "Please invite the Fourth Prince and Fourth Princess of the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty to the palace! The King has prepared a welcome banquet for you."
Nan Xuzong held Ji Wushang's hand and noticed that it was a little sweaty. Nan Xuzong tightened his grip. "Don't be nervous. It's okay."
Ji Wushang nodded and followed him inside. Upon entering the palace, they saw Yi Yunshangcheng looking at them with a wicked smile. To his left and right were two beauties, each gently massaging his legs or peeling rare fruits for him to eat.
Yiyun Shangcheng, dressed in a long black robe, sat on a throne inlaid with gold and jade. He had a high nose, a chiseled face, thin lips slightly pursed, and half-closed purple eyes that surveyed the world like an eagle, so arrogant and unruly. He wore large silver earrings, as big as bracelets. Ji Wushang recognized them; they were the symbol of the Western Regions King's power, the earrings of authority. He had once given her one… He had once said that she was his queen… Ji Wushang sneered inwardly. Now he held her in his arms, and she was married to another man. More importantly, she didn't love him.
Well, he is the King of the Western Regions, so he should have all sorts of beauties, whether concubines or queens. He should also have his own life. I need to find a time to have someone return his things to him; I always forget, which is my fault.
Below, dancers swayed their alluring figures. These women, scantily clad, possessed an innate seductive charm, as if born with a captivating allure, natural beauties! Their dance was imbued with exotic flair. Their husky voices were expansive, yet tinged with mystery. Occasionally, a dancer would boldly leap off the stage and approach the ministers. The ministers, however, didn't seem to mind, offering them wine and even pulling the dancers to sit with them. Yiyun Shangcheng observed all this without making any comment.
Nan Xuzong's eyes darkened, then he pulled Ji Wushang and gently wrapped his large hand around her slender waist. "The fourth prince of the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty, Huangfu Zong, along with his fourth princess, Ji Wushang, pays homage to the King of the Western Regions! We wish for a lasting friendship between our dynasty and the Western Regions!" As he spoke, he and Ji Wushang performed a simple bow.
The surrounding ministers glanced at Nan Xuzong and Ji Wushang, waiting for Yi Yunshangcheng to speak. Yi Yunshangcheng smiled and gently pushed aside the two beauties on either side, who immediately stepped aside. With a wave of her hand, the music stopped abruptly, and the dancers retreated in an orderly fashion.
"Fourth Prince and Fourth Princess, you have come from afar. You must be tired. Please take a seat!" Yi Yun Shangcheng stood up and then walked down. His deep purple eyes smiled as he walked towards Nan Xu Cong and Ji Wu Shang. His gaze gradually moved from Nan Xu Cong to Ji Wu Shang, and finally settled on the large hand that was wrapped around Ji Wu Shang's waist.
His eyes darkened. "If there has been any inadequacy in our hospitality, please forgive us, Fourth Prince and Fourth Princess!" He turned his gaze back to Nan Xuzong and said.
"You're too kind, Your Majesty of the Western Regions." Nan Xuzong smiled back, glanced around, and Yi Yun Shangcheng gestured to the upper right seat, "Please."
Nan Xuzong nodded, then put his arm around Ji Wushang and walked towards that spot. The two were inseparable, drawing envy from the assembled ministers. However, they couldn't help but wonder: were these two truly so affectionate? Or were they just putting on an act for their benefit?
However, being so intimate in front of so many people is probably a bit disrespectful, isn't it? But who dares to bring it up? No one.
Yiyun Shangcheng stood there, watching the two of them sit there, before he walked up to the throne.
He was like a demon of the night, his aura oppressive to everyone in the hall. His cold, purple eyes fixed on Nan Xuzong, then on Ji Wushang, "Guards, prepare a dance! Entertain the Fourth Prince and Fourth Princess!"
Nan Xuzong pulled Ji Wushang to his side, and they sat down together. Ji Wushang glanced at Yiyun City, then at the surrounding ministers. Finally, she looked at Nan Xuzong and asked him, "What is there to discuss now?"
Nan Xuzong smiled and leaned closer to Ji Wushang, "We'll make plans later. There's no rush to start now."
Ji Wushang nodded and looked toward the stage.
In reality, the stage was nothing more than a large circle enclosed by a red carpet. Several dancers obediently floated in through a side door, and their high-pitched voices rang out, carrying a strong sense of mystery and exoticism as they danced gracefully.
At this moment, Yiyun Shangcheng looked coldly at Nan Xuzong. Meanwhile, several dancers, dancing with great enthusiasm, floated down to the side of some ministers. One of the women, with an irresistible allure, slowly moved towards Nan Xuzong.
Nan Xuzong lowered his eyes, one hand around Ji Wushang's waist, the other holding the wine glass in front of him, as if to savor the wonderful wine.
The woman twisted her body, as if she wouldn't give up until she achieved her goal, determined to attract Nan Xuzong's attention, not even afraid that Ji Wushang was right beside her!
A hint of anger flickered in Ji Wushang's eyes. This woman was far too presumptuous! He, the legitimate wife, was right here; did she really think she could rise above her station and become a phoenix? Not entirely. This was all undoubtedly arranged by Yiyun City, and these women were merely following orders!
However, I really can't swallow this insult. I'm unhappy with anyone who approaches me with an ulterior motive!
At this moment, Yiyun Shangcheng pulled a woman into his arms. His eyes were cold, but he gripped the woman's waist tightly. You could clearly see the woman's face contorted, but she dared not utter a single word of pain!
The dancer moved closer to Nan Xuzong, who was about to throw the wine from his cup. But the woman was very perceptive; seeing Nan Xuzong's anger rising, she immediately turned and jumped away.
Nan Xuzong put down his wine cup, his face expressionless, like a cold coffin. "King of the Western Regions, we have come here to discuss matters of joint development. This is a proposal that my father asked me to show you. Please take a look!" He then took out a small memorial from his robes.
The eunuch who was waiting nearby immediately glanced at Yiyun Shangcheng, who waved his hand and said, "Fourth Prince, you've worked hard. Awang, bring it up."
The eunuch, called Awang, immediately responded, then walked up to Nan Xuzong, respectfully took the memorial, and presented it to Yiyun Shangcheng. Yiyun Shangcheng smiled and opened the memorial. The dance continued; as long as Yiyun Shangcheng didn't order it to stop, these people had to keep dancing.
Nan Xuzong put his arm around Ji Wushang's waist and asked softly, "Would you like something to eat?"
"I'm not hungry," she said, adding that she didn't even know if any of the food was poisoned.
Nan Xuzong smiled and leaned close to her earlobe, saying, "Don't worry, the King of the Western Regions wouldn't dare to poison me."
"It's never too much to be careful," Ji Wushang said immediately.
Nan Xuzong kissed her lips. "I understand."
The surrounding ministers watched, whispering amongst themselves. These ministers were merely observing the dance in the hall; though dancers came down, they dared not make any further moves! Moreover, all of this was the king's will. In the past, even a single woman here would have been dragged into the army! Today, seeing their king embracing two women, they were all utterly astonished! But who could say otherwise? Besides, this was a good thing. Everyone knew that the King of the Western Regions had never touched a woman, and now it was time to offer some noble daughters or princesses from other countries as tribute, or to establish a queen!
However, what they saw at this moment was Ji Wushang and Nan Xuzong embracing and talking intimately, showing no restraint whatsoever regardless of the occasion!
Ji Wushang blushed, "Cong, don't do this."
Nan Xuzong smiled. Others might not understand Yiyun Shangcheng's intentions, but surely he understood? She actually used a dancer to seduce him! If that woman hadn't been somewhat sensible, he would have already drowned her in wine!
Who does he think he is, Yiyun Shangcheng?! Does he think he's someone important? With women on either side of him!
The dancers stepped aside, and acrobats came up to perform. The wild-blooded men twirled, some doing somersaults, others even performing fire-breathing acts. Suddenly, after the fire, a different fragrance wafted out. Nan Xuzong frowned at the smell.
He immediately took out a small bottle from his pocket, then gently opened it under his sleeve, pretending to lightly brush it against his lips, indicating he had already taken some medicine. He then put his arm around Ji Wushang, slowly intertwining their fingers, and handed her a pill.
Ji Wushang was startled and looked at Nan Xuzong. Before Nan Xuzong could make any statement, Yiyun Shangcheng said, "I have read the memorial and feel that it is very well written and worth considering. There are indeed many gold mines on the border. If our two countries work together to mine them, we will surely be able to dig up a lot of treasures!"
"As for border trade between the two countries, I believe it is also a good option!" Yi Yun Shangcheng looked at Nan Xu Cong, a cold glint in his eyes, and a question flashed in his mind: had he discovered something?
Ji Wushang understood Nan Xuzong's meaning. He picked up the wine glass and brought it to his lips, but secretly swallowed the medicine Nan Xuzong had given him under his sleeve. He didn't drink any wine. He put it down and pretended to wipe the wine stains from the corner of his mouth with a silk handkerchief.
"Since the King of the Western Regions has agreed to establish friendly relations between our two countries, then I have fulfilled the task entrusted to me by my father. We have other matters to attend to, so we will not disturb the King of the Western Regions any longer! Farewell!" Nan Xuzong said, standing up to take his leave. He and Ji Wushang feared that staying here any longer might invite trouble.
"Leaving so soon?" Yi Yun Shangcheng's lips curled up. "I, the King, have not hosted a grand reception banquet. If the Fourth Prince and Fourth Princess leave now, wouldn't it be saying that the Western Regions are too stingy! That the Fourth Prince and Fourth Princess are not giving us the honor!"
Ji Wushang then spoke up, “King of the Western Regions, I think this is already a very good banquet. There’s no need for you to be modest! There’s fine wine, beautiful women, music, and meat. Isn’t that grand enough?”
Yi Yun Shangcheng's eyes curved into a smile as she looked at Ji Wushang. She had thought Ji Wushang didn't want to speak at the banquet! But hearing her voice, and hearing it spoken to her, even though it carried a slightly angry tone, made her so happy!