If the thug hadn't had no intention of killing Ji Wushang, I probably wouldn't have been able to arrive in time. The fact that this matter could even alarm the Ma family army of the Ministry of Justice shows that the thug had committed no ordinary crime.
But what does this have to do with me? Nan Xuzong sneered inwardly, glanced at Ji Wushang, and then suddenly realized that this was the second time he had seen her at such close range.
At this moment, the group of people knelt down before the carriage to pay their respects.
Nan Xuzong nodded slightly. "Get up, everyone. Have you found those two?"
"My lord, I am incompetent and have failed to find the whereabouts of these two!" Gong Shu said, bowing his head, while Xiao Yue pointed at Nan Xu Cong's hand, babbling incoherently.
Gong Shu, with his sharp eyes, also noticed Nan Xuzong's hand and exclaimed in surprise, "Master, your hand?"
"It's alright!" Nan Xuzong said expressionlessly, rolling up the silver thread with both hands and putting it away.
Ji Wushang naturally looked over and saw that the man's hands were cut by the silver thread, leaving bloodstains that must have been left during the fight in the carriage. Ji Wushang felt a surge of warmth in his heart. Despite his crippled legs and limited mobility, the man had still come to rescue him.
Ji Wushang took out a silk handkerchief from his hand, intending only for Nan Xuzong to use it to wipe away the blood. He handed the handkerchief over, saying, "Young man, take this and let your young master clean it up. It will also help him apply medicine when he gets back."
Gong Shu listened, glanced at Nan Xuzong, who didn't react. Gong Shu then glanced at Ji Wushang, and Zhu'er took Ji Wushang's handkerchief and stuffed it into Gong Shu's hand. "My young lady said to wipe away the bloodstains, so you should wipe them off properly for your master!" Zhu'er looked very serious, completely disregarding the fact that Nan Xuzong and Ji Wushang were the masters.
Gong Shu nodded honestly, then handed the silk handkerchief to Nan Xuzong. Nan Xuzong took it, a faint smile appearing on her lips, and said, "Then thank you, Miss Ji."
Nan Xuzong wiped it clean, his dark eyes flashing. "Continue to investigate the surrounding area! Also, reassure the local people."
"Yes!" Immediately, everyone stepped aside, each person knowingly leaving some space for their masters.
Upon seeing this, Zhu'er went to the stable boy, maid, and old woman on the side to look after the things.
Seeing everyone searching the surroundings, Ji Wushang recalled the runaway horse, the dagger pressed against his waist and neck, and the silver dart that nearly killed him... Now he felt a chill of fear. Hadn't he just gone back to the brink of death again? He didn't want to die because there were so many things he hadn't settled accounts with them for!
Nan Xuzong originally intended to say a few words and leave, but seeing her pale face, he couldn't help but feel a little pity. After all, she was just a thirteen or fourteen-year-old girl, and it was inevitable that she would be scared.
“Miss, there’s no need to be afraid, it’s all over now.” Nan Xuzong’s expression softened slightly, and his deep, resonant voice rang out, “Miss Ji is truly a woman of exceptional courage and wisdom! Her wit and courage in outmaneuvering the thugs are truly admirable!”
"Young Master Nan is truly making fun of my daughter." Ji Wushang recovered her senses. "If it weren't for Young Master Nan's arrival, my daughter would probably have been injured by that villain." Wasn't it said that Young Master Nan didn't concern himself with matters of the martial world? Why did he save me today? Ji Wushang was very puzzled, but seeing that Nan Xuzong didn't seem to be behaving strangely at all, this…
"This person is very clever; even I, Nan, was fooled by him. Heh, I've already sent people to investigate." Nan Xuzong resumed his cold expression. "May I ask, Miss Ji, what happened back then?" To understand the other party, a thorough investigation is necessary.
"I was on my way to the Right Prime Minister's residence when the carriage suddenly stopped. I asked Zhu'er what was going on, and it turned out that two peasant women were arguing. Unexpectedly, the masked man rushed into the carriage and kidnapped me, agreeing to meet me at the crossroads. Unexpectedly, the Ma family army suddenly appeared to check the carriage, but this guy threatened me. The prince knows what happened after that. The masked man's right arm was probably cut by a knife."
"Hmm." A ruthless glint flashed in Nan Xuzong's eyes. "I'd very much like to see someone like that."
Ji Wushang gritted his teeth and remained silent, but after thinking for a moment, he glanced at the sky and realized that midday was approaching. He said, "I'm so sorry, midday is almost here, we must take our leave now." After saying that, he called to Zhu'er, who was in the distance, "Zhu'er, pack your things, we're going to my cousin's place."
Nan Xuzong smiled and said, "Then I'll see you off later, Miss."
Ji Wushang understood what was going on. "No need. Prince Nan is busy. Besides... I doubt Prince Nan knows my cousin very well. I won't tell anyone about what happened today."
"Hehe, it seems Miss Ji is not only intelligent, but also eloquent. Aren't you afraid that I, Nan, will reveal this kidnapping incident?" Nan Xuzong found it amusing; if word got out, it would probably damage her reputation.
"The Prince of Nan is quite a humorous person. Heaven and earth alike, the Prince of Nan is a kind and righteous man. He would surely disdain such messy and chaotic matters. Besides..." Ji Wushang lowered her voice and winked mischievously, "That horse was somehow frightened, and fortunately the Prince came to its rescue. I am already deeply grateful. Could it be that something important has happened? Is it because the silver threads are incredibly powerful, or does the Prince of Nan know my cousin, Bei Juefeng?"
"Hahaha..." Nan Xuzong laughed heartily a few times. He didn't expect this woman to be so quick-witted and know how to put him in a difficult position! He really didn't want others to know that he had profound martial arts skills. The people in the Marquis's mansion only knew that he knew some inner scriptures and the cat-like footwork that strengthened his body. His legs were not convenient and his hands and feet were not very flexible... The fact that he knew Bei Juefeng was even more absurd.
Those around him looked at Nan Xuzong laughing and exchanged bewildered glances. In their minds, the young master Nan was taciturn, rarely spoke, and disliked socializing or going out... Today, he was laughing loudly, talking with Ji Wushang, saying that Bei Juefeng was his friend, and going out to congratulate someone on their wedding. Everyone was puzzled.
Zhu'er had everything prepared, then walked up to Ji Wushang and said, "Miss, everything is ready."
"Mm." Ji Wushang turned to look at Nan Xuzong. "Farewell."
“Okay.” Nan Xuzong nodded and sat back down in his unique wheelchair, while Xiaoyue jumped onto the carriage and pulled on the two reins.
"Master, weren't we supposed to be going to the Right Prime Minister's residence?" Gong Shu asked, puzzled.
“Something came up suddenly, so I asked Miss Ji to pass on a message to Brother Bei. To Panyaoju.” Nan Xuzong’s lips curled into an amused smile.
Gong Shu and the others could only nod.
Ji Wushang's carriage slowly moved forward.
At this moment, one of the shadows sent by Nan Xuzong returned. This person jumped onto the carriage without anyone noticing and stood behind Nan Xuzong.
Nan Xuzong lowered the carriage curtain and asked, "How did things go?"
"Sir, the murderer was about twenty years old and used a sharp whirlwind knife. The murderer killed all 367 members of the Liu Sitao family, the Minister of the Imperial Palace! He committed the crime during the day and then fled."
Nan Xuzong was slightly taken aback. He hadn't expected such a person to exist, daring to commit a crime in broad daylight—they were incredibly audacious! As for the whirlwind blade, he'd never heard of such a weapon, and the silver dart didn't seem to be from the Central Plains. As for the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, Liu Sitao, well, that man was greedy for money and power, ruthless and cruel—he deserved to die!
But the murderer is probably not that simple!
"Continue the investigation," Nan Xuzong said, hearing the curtain behind him being lifted, knowing that the shadow had disappeared. A slight smile appeared on his lips; it seemed that this Brother Bei really needed to be introduced to him.
Ji Wushang... Nan Xuzong wrapped the silver thread around his hands again and put the blood-stained handkerchief into his bosom.
Ji Wushang was now settled in the carriage, and Zhu'er, for his safety, sat beside him. Suddenly, Ji Wushang seemed to remember something and turned to Zhu'er, saying, "Zhu'er, you..."
☆、037 The Right Prime Minister's Residence, the Su Clan Causes Trouble! (Added)
"Give some silver to those maids, servants, and boys, and tell them not to tell anyone about what happened today," Ji Wushang said. After all, she was an unmarried young lady, and it would be a laughing stock if word got out that she and an unmarried man had talked so much. Besides, how could she know what her mother and father would say if they heard about it? She just wanted to see if she could get rid of the matter.
"Yes." Zhu'er nodded. This young lady had really changed a lot; she was extremely careful in everything she did. But this change was a good thing; at least no one could bully her anymore, and perhaps she wouldn't be bullied by the maids in the other courtyard. Zhu'er felt secretly pleased, but then she remembered that Ji Wushang must have mentioned her own private savings, so she frowned. "Miss, is it alright if we don't have to give those maids and servants money?"
Ji Wushang smiled, worried that some people would be insatiable and would spread rumors even after receiving the money. "It's alright, after all, everyone has worked hard."
"Oh," Pearl nodded.
At this moment, the coachman called out inside, "Young Miss, we've arrived!"
Ji Wushang raised his hand and lifted the curtain. Looking up, he saw the imposing plaque of "Right Prime Minister's Residence," with two fierce stone lions standing majestically in front of the gate. The gate was adorned with festive red ribbons and lanterns, and many people had already entered the residence to offer their congratulations. Numerous maids and servants were entertaining the distinguished guests.
Ji Wushang got out of the carriage, wearing a pink cloak with white butterflies fluttering around her. Zhu'er was serving her. She hadn't taken more than a few steps when she heard the old woman who was greeting people at the door call out, "Oh, isn't this Miss Wushang from General Ji's family?" The old woman said, her eyes and brows full of smiles.
Ji Wushang looked at her, then stepped forward gracefully and sweetly greeted her, "Mama Zhang." Mama Zhang wasn't an outsider. Ji Wushang remembered that when she was little, there was a time when her mother was ill, and her father wasn't at home. Aunt Bai was in charge, and it was Mama Zhang who took her and her mother back to the Right Prime Minister's residence and cared for them meticulously, which pulled her mother back from the brink of death. Now, seeing that Mama Zhang's cheekbones were high and her eye sockets were deep, her body was certainly not as robust as before, but seeing that she was still alive made Ji Wushang happy.
"Oh my, it's rare that Miss Zhang still remembers this old man!" Madam Zhang said with a smile, gently patting Ji Wushang's hands affectionately. "Today, I must take a good look at Miss Zhang! She's getting more and more beautiful!"
"Aunt Zhang is making fun of me," Ji Wushang said with a smile, then quickly called to Zhu'er, "Zhu'er, have the steward write down all the gifts." Steward Li stepped forward at this moment, "Miss Zhang." He then looked at Aunt Zhang, "Xue'er, why don't you let Miss Zhang in quickly?" His tone was slightly emphasized, but his eyes were full of affection. Steward Li and Aunt Zhang were an elderly couple, and Ji Wushang couldn't help but feel envious seeing their enduring love.
"Yes, yes, yes." Zhang's mother listened and gestured with her hand to indicate that she was confused. "I'm old! Miss, please come with me."
Butler Li looked at them, shook his head slightly, but had a happy smile on his face, and quickly went to count the gifts.
Zhang's mother led Ji Wushang to the living room, where many people were chatting animatedly. Ji Wushang told Zhang's mother to go about her business and found an empty seat to sit down.
I haven't seen this family in a long time, and I wonder how they're doing. But judging by their grandeur, the house is decorated in a magnificent, opulent style, with red "double happiness" characters and a multitude of auspicious symbols all around. The women are dressed beautifully, and the men exude an air of authority. It's clear at a glance that they are a wealthy and powerful family.
Ji Wushang had just taken a sip of tea when he heard a voice coming from afar, "Oh, isn't this Miss Biao? What wind blew Miss Biao here!" The voice was extremely shrill.
Ji Wushang thought for a moment but still couldn't recall whose voice it was. Turning his head, he saw a noblewoman dressed in a dark red peony-patterned horse-face skirt, over which she wore a pink jacket embroidered with pink butterflies in flight. Her features were delicate and alluring, with slightly arched eyebrows and bright, clear eyes that possessed a captivating charm, an indescribable allure emanating from her. She had a pointed chin, and her slender hand gently fanned herself with a silk fan. Even before she appeared, her voice preceded her. As she drew closer, the heavy scent of perfume emanating from her became even stronger. Several maids followed behind her, heads bowed and silent.
Ji Wushang recalled that this must be Su Meier, the sixth concubine of the Prime Minister's maternal grandfather. Her eyes and brows exuded a slutty air! Heh, she used to give him a hard time when she stayed at this house for a few days! Now she's swaying her hips as she comes here, is she here to cause trouble for him?
"It's Grandmother Su!" Ji Wushang stood up and said. However, judging from her age, she was probably only seventeen or eighteen years old, not much older than Ji Wushang!
"Oh my, this outfit fits you perfectly!" Su Meier exclaimed, looking Ji Wushang up and down in surprise. "I used to tell my husband that Wushang was so fat and chubby, I doubt there was anyone fatter in the whole family!" She then covered her mouth and laughed.
Upon hearing this, Ji Wushang felt embarrassed. The Great Xia Dynasty valued thinness as beauty, and he didn't like following those vulgar women to lose weight. He just ate and drank according to his own nature. He didn't expect that Su Meier would interpret it this way. Everyone around looked over when they heard Su Meier's shrill voice. They were all stunned to see that it seemed to be the cousin who had arrived suddenly.
Who doesn't know that this young lady is timid and submissive, looking like she'd be bullied by anyone? It's just unexpected that she would dare to come and offer congratulations; this will probably only add to the amusement! The people around thought to themselves, drinking their tea and slowly enjoying this drama.
Ji Wushang smiled. "Isn't that right? This dress was made by my mother herself. The material is not only superior to that of the palace, but also among the best in the common people. Let alone its preciousness, my mother's sentiment alone is worth more than a thousand pieces of gold! Compared to those vulgar women covered in makeup, compared to those women who constantly lose weight to please others, I think I am relatively lucky. At least, I am not so miserable!" After Ji Wushang finished speaking, he smiled slightly provocatively.
Su Meier was stunned by what she said! First, she expressed gratitude to her mother, which was filial piety; second, she subtly criticized those vulgar people who blindly followed dieting trends, using the word "sad" instead of directly insulting them. Wasn't this implying that Su Meier was vulgar, a follower of trends, and pathetic?
Those around, thinking they'd misheard, put down their tea and food, turning to look at Ji Wushang again. Seeing her smiling so leisurely, they were all dumbfounded. Was this still the same Miss Su Meier from before? She seemed like a completely different person! They weren't mistaken, were they? This Su Meier, who was always so sharp-tongued and sarcastic, had unexpectedly suffered a setback!
"Hahaha, what's all the commotion about?" Just then, a hearty voice rang out. Everyone snapped out of their awkward silence and looked at the newcomer, who was none other than Bei Luojun, the second young master of the Right Prime Minister's residence.
Ji Wushang looked over and saw that this person was extremely cheerful, with clear eyebrows and bright eyes, a tall and imposing figure, and a handsome appearance. His steps were confident and steady, as if he were walking on air. His eyes were like the stars in the sky. He seemed intelligent and clever. Ji Wushang had heard that this second cousin had just passed the county-level imperial examination and would be able to participate in the autumn examination, where he was sure to achieve a good academic result.
"Second cousin." Ji Wushang bowed slightly when he saw him.
Bei Luojun quickly offered a gesture of support, saying, "Cousin Wushang, you're too kind."
Su Meier saw that it was him and gave a soft snort.
Upon seeing Bei Luojun, Ji Wushang remembered the purpose of his trip. Bei Luojun had treated him quite well, so asking him for help with that matter shouldn't be a problem.
Ji Wushang found an opportunity and whispered something in Bei Luojun's ear. Bei Luojun nodded, "Let me go to the backyard and tell Father that you can come with me after my elder brother's wedding ceremony."
"That's excellent!" Ji Wushang was relieved.
"The auspicious time has arrived. Distinguished guests, please proceed to the wedding hall for a celebration," a servant announced from outside the door.
☆、038 In the wedding hall, the cousins bickered!
Ji Wushang and the others went to the wedding hall and saw even more relatives. Ji Wushang was called together by Bei Luojun and sat on a side table. Su Meier, seeing that it was not appropriate to remain silent, sat down next to him.
Right Chancellor Bei Zhentang had already brought his entire family to sit on the high seat. Ji Wushang looked over and saw that the old man's small eyes were narrowed. He was wearing a rather conspicuous dark blue robe. His face was slightly round, and his goatee was a bit gray, but it did not affect his majesty at all. At this moment, he was sitting on the high seat, looking solemnly at the descendants below, as well as the noblemen and ladies from prominent families who had come to offer their congratulations.
My cousin Bei Juefeng is the best candidate to succeed the Right Chancellor. He has been by Bei Zhentang's side since he was a child. His father, Bei Junfeng, does not care about the court but cares about the frontier. Therefore, Bei Juefeng is more favored by the Right Chancellor Bei Zhentang.
Sitting next to Bei Zhentang was his wife, Xue Furong. Although she was getting older, she still retained her charm. She was originally the Empress's cousin, so she naturally had the air of a well-bred lady, which Su Meier could not compare to.
Knowing that her maternal grandmother (Xue Furong) was watching her, Ji Wushang smiled at her and mouthed a greeting. Her grandmother was immediately delighted; after so many years, she hadn't expected her daughter to have become so clever and polite.
On the other side were his maternal uncle Bei Junfeng, maternal aunt Yue, maternal aunt Lan, maternal uncle Bei Zhenyun, maternal aunt Qian, maternal aunt Sun, his second cousin Bei Luojun, his third cousin Bei Jing'er, his fourth cousin Bei Lanlan, and a large group of maids, servants, noblemen and young masters.
Ji Wushang looked on with joy as he watched the matchmaker lead the newlyweds into the wedding hall.
The bride, An Yi'er, slightly covered her head with a gorgeous red veil, while her cousin, Bei Juefeng, was handsome and charming. His face was slightly flushed with joy, and he walked steadily, politely thanking everyone around him.
The two knelt before heaven and earth, paid respects to their parents, and were then led to their bridal chamber. Ji Wushang paid no attention to anyone else, only remembering that he needed to discuss matters with his maternal uncles through his second cousin, Bei Luojun. Seeing Bei Luojun drinking with the guests, Ji Wushang could only wait patiently to the side.
Before Ji Wushang could even eat the peanuts on the table, someone snatched the plate away! Puzzled, Ji Wushang looked up and saw it was her third cousin, Bei Jing'er. She was wearing a crimson rose-patterned robe over a delicate floral and leaf-patterned skirt. Her hair was styled in a flowing bun adorned with several gold hairpins, and she wore gold-trimmed earrings made of luminous pearls. Her hands were covered in silver bracelets. Looking at her, Ji Wushang felt she looked tired; was she wearing so many things to show off?
"Oh, it's Cousin Wushang! I was looking from afar and thought it was someone else! Wearing that awful dress, I almost called the steward to see if someone had come to the wrong house! But when I looked closer, it was Cousin Wushang! Look, look at this dress, is it for a beggar? It's so ugly!" Bei Jing'er couldn't possibly say anything nice, uttering such words. As she spoke, she glanced at the people around her, who were all whispering and laughing at Ji Wushang.
Upon hearing this, Ji Wushang flew into a rage. What kind of dress is this? This was made for me by my mother! Who dares say my mother's work isn't good enough? Do you have a mother who makes clothes for you?! What do you mean, "made for a beggar"? Are you implying I'm a beggar? She's just like that Su Meier! Humph!
Ji Wushang suppressed her anger and slowly said, "Third cousin has excellent taste! This ugly dress was made for me by my mother! My mother's taste is wrong? The taste of a first-rank general's wife is being questioned by an unmarried daughter of an official, haha!" Ji Wushang sneered twice, "Weared by a beggar? Oh dear, when did I become a beggar? If my cousin is a beggar, then what about the people in General Ji's mansion, and the people in the Right Prime Minister's mansion? What are their statuses?"
Upon hearing this, Bei Jing'er's face changed completely! Only after Ji Wushang said this did she realize she had encountered a sharp-tongued person. To say her dress was ugly, yet it was made by the wife of a first-rank general—wasn't this blatant disobedience? Forget about anything else, could this unmarried woman possibly offend the wife of a first-rank general? Moreover, according to seniority, she was her elder! To call Ji Wushang a beggar, yet she herself was related to her by blood! Did that mean she was a beggar too? And what's more, Ji Wushang had even dragged the Ji General's Mansion and her own Right Prime Minister's Mansion into this…
No one dared to make a sound. Those who had followed Ji Wushang knew that he had been harassed by Su Meier and Bei Jing'er as soon as he arrived at the Prime Minister's residence, but he was shut down by a single sentence and lost face!
Ji Wushang remained silent, pouring himself a cup of tea. He would get his revenge later! Did he think he was still the same Ji Wushang he used to be?
At this moment, Bei Luojun lifted the curtain from the side and came out, "Why isn't anyone eating any snacks? It's such a joyous occasion, why are you all so quiet?" Hearing this, everyone slowly started chatting amongst themselves, easing the awkwardness from before.