"It's nothing, I was just asking." Ji Wushang walked out of Miaoshou Hall and headed towards his carriage. "Zhu'er, let's go to Jinyu Hall and see if they have any nice birthday gifts." "Yes."
Upon arriving at Jin Yu Tang, several wealthy ladies were already shopping. Ji Wushang, accompanied by Zhu'er, went inside. A shop assistant immediately came forward to introduce some newly arrived jewelry. Ji Wushang smiled and walked around Jin Yu Tang, selecting from various pieces. Finally, she settled on a piece of glassy jadeite. The glassy jadeite was truly beautiful, with a jadeite band running across the entire piece of jade, its color and feel exquisite.
However, after inquiring about the price from the shopkeeper, Ji Wushang was also troubled. He hadn't brought any silver notes with him this time, only a little over a hundred taels of silver. He had spent a few taels on medicine, but this glass jade was actually going to cost five hundred taels of silver. This made Ji Wushang hesitate. There was no reason for him to go back to the mansion to get more silver. By the time he returned, the glass jade would probably have already been bought by someone else.
After much deliberation, Ji Wushang was still reluctant to put it down and prepared to look at other items. Unexpectedly, she had just turned around when she heard the shopkeeper call out, "Miss, I'm so sorry! I made a mistake with the price. It's fifty taels of silver. Only fifty taels!" The shopkeeper, afraid that Ji Wushang wouldn't believe him, held up five fingers to indicate, "Fifty taels."
Ji Wushang was surprised. How could the price difference be so large all of a sudden? Just now, he was haggling over the price, saying he wouldn't sell it for even a tael less. But now… Ji Wushang examined the glass jade and jadeite, but couldn't find any flaws. He then looked at the shopkeeper, who had a big smile on his face, as if afraid that Ji Wushang wouldn't buy it. "Here, fifty taels of silver."
Ji Wushang was certain that he wasn't lying, so he had Zhu'er pay for it and put it in a brocade box. For a moment, Ji Wushang felt lucky that day, having bought such a fine item for fifty taels of silver. He turned around and said happily, "Zhu'er, let's go back to the manor."
Pearl was also delighted and followed Ji Wushang away with a smile.
The moment Ji Wushang stepped out of the Golden Jade Hall, he seemed to see something. He turned his head to look, but only caught a faint yellowish-white glimpse.
After Ji Wushang left by carriage, the shopkeeper gave instructions to the waiter and then lifted the curtain behind him to go inside.
Upon seeing that it was Nan Xuzong sitting in a wheelchair inside, the shopkeeper called out, "Master."
Nan Xuzong waved his hand and said expressionlessly, "I will have Gong Shu give you the silver."
It's quite a coincidence to run into her here today. It's been so long since I've seen her.
"Sir, aren't all the people in this shop..." Before the shopkeeper could finish speaking, Nan Xuzong interrupted, "No need to say more. Where is he?"
"They've been sitting inside for quite a while now."
Nan Xuzong waved his hand, signaling the shopkeeper to leave, and then turned his wheelchair and went into the back room.
He turned to the other side of the room and saw a monk with large Buddhist beads around his neck sitting cross-legged on a prayer mat, chanting incantations. If an outsider had come in, they would have thought they had come to the wrong place and mistakenly believed this to be a Buddhist hall rather than a place reeking of money.
Nan Xuzong remained silent, turning his wheelchair to face him.
After a long while, the monk Bu Yan slowly opened his eyes. His eyes were clear as if he had seen through the world. Looking at Nan Xu Cong in front of him, his gaze softened slightly. "My master asked me to keep an eye on you."
Nan Xuzong knew exactly what he was referring to, and remained silent, pursing his lips.
"You once swore that you would not seek revenge, and that you only practiced martial arts to strengthen your body. How can you go back on your word?" The Monk's tone became slightly harsher. "Junior brother, Master once said, 'When will the cycle of revenge end?' Why not let go of it? This mortal world is so chaotic, why should you get involved in its dust?"
“I have not sought revenge,” Nan Xuzong said. “So, Senior Brother, there’s no need to say anything more.”
“But you…” The monk wanted to say something more, but seeing Nan Xuzong shake his hand, he could only sigh and say, “If you do something that will anger both heaven and man, even your senior brother can’t help you.”
“You have no idea what it feels like to be confined in this wheelchair! You are pointed at and ridiculed all day long! What can you see? This world is full of dust, how can you not be covered by it? What you breathe is dust! How can you see through the world?” Nan Xuzong became agitated when he saw him sigh and listened to his words.
The monk was stunned by his words and remained speechless for a long time. Yes, he didn't understand any of this; if it weren't for them, his legs wouldn't be like this…
"I only wish you could calm down," the silent monk said after a long silence. "I know you're angry, but don't let hatred blind you. Living in hatred will inevitably lead to unhappiness, and don't you also want to let go?"
"I can't let it go." Nan Xuzong's voice deepened, and he sighed, becoming much calmer. "If you can't stand it, then go back up the mountain!"
“I won’t leave. My master sent me to protect you.” The monk shook his head and then walked out through the back door.
Sitting in his wheelchair, Nan Xuzong looked at his legs, those unresponsive legs. For countless days and nights, he had been confined to this wheelchair, unable to stand up, walk an inch, run a step, or jump a foot! Even lying down to rest required servants' help! In the future, he feared even kissing the girl he loved would require someone to come to him! What was he, anyway? Who could bear such suffering?
How could he possibly forget those years? Nan Xuzong gave a bitter smile.
"Everything will continue!" Nan Xuzong muttered to himself, sat for a long time, and then went out through the back door.
Even if every step is fraught with danger, even if nightmares plague me day and night, there is no way to turn back.
The silent monk, hiding in the shadows, watched Nan Xuzong turn his wheelchair on his own, his back tinged with sorrow, and shook his head. Now, all he could do was try his best to get him back on the right path.
——
Ji Wushang returned to the manor with a cart full of medicinal herbs and gifts. He had just put the things down and asked Xian'er to deliver the herbs to Madam Bei when he heard Yue'er bring over an invitation.
"Miss, it's an invitation from the Prince of Zhenbei's Mansion!" Yue'er said happily as she presented the gold-embroidered invitation.
Ji Wushang took it and opened it. It read that the invitation was for the four sisters of the household to come to the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion to admire chrysanthemums. The Zhenbei Prince's Mansion had imported a batch of rare chrysanthemums from the Western Regions. The Zhenbei Princess was delighted and invited the noble ladies of the capital to admire the chrysanthemums together.
Ji Wushang frowned and said, "Going tomorrow? Grandmother is coming back soon, this might not be a good idea."
"But, Miss, it's not right to refuse. I heard from the maids in the other courtyard that the second, third, and fourth young ladies are all going. Wouldn't it be a laughing stock if you didn't go?" Yue'er said with a grin. "Maybe you'll even run into the Prince of Zhenbei's heir!"
The Crown Prince of Zhenbei? Beigong Minhao? Ji Wushang frowned and tapped Yue'er's head with his finger. "He's the Crown Prince, the one who will inherit the throne. How can I possibly climb up to him? Yue'er, don't ever say such things again!"
Seeing Ji Wushang become so serious, Yue'er lowered her head and said, "Yes."
Seeing that she seemed a little afraid of him, Ji Wushang chuckled and said, "As for you, I think you're probably just lovesick, aren't you? Should we find a good family to marry you off to?"
"This servant wouldn't dare! This servant will just serve by Miss's side." Yue'er was delighted to see the smile on Ji Wushang's face. "Then, Miss, are you going or not?"
"What do you think?" Ji Wushang said with a smile.
The next day, after visiting Madam Bei at the North Garden, Ji Wushang, along with Consort Nangong, Consort Bai, Ji Wuxia, Ji Meiyuan, and Ji Yinxue, set off for the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion. Consort Nangong still harbored resentment towards Ji Wushang, so she didn't give him a friendly look. Ji Wushang ignored her and went about his own business. Ji Meiyuan, who wasn't fully recovered, insisted on going to admire the chrysanthemums, and Consort Bai, unable to dissuade her, had no choice but to take her along.
Upon arriving at the Prince of Zhenbei's mansion, they found it indeed bustling with activity. The women of each household alighted from their carriages at the front gate of the mansion and were led into the back courtyard by their maids. Ji Wushang and his companions, guided by maids, passed through the back courtyard and several other courtyards before arriving at the Fallen Blossom Garden.
Ji Wushang stood in front of the courtyard gate, looking at the scene inside. Suddenly, he thought of the Prince of the South he had seen when he first entered this Fallen Blossom Garden. His expressionless face, yet with an unconcealable sadness, his sharp eyes, and his exquisite golden hair.
"Big sister, what are you thinking about? They've all gone inside to admire the chrysanthemums," Ji Yinxue said softly, already standing beside Ji Wushang.
Ji Wushang snapped out of his reverie. "It's nothing, the flowers in this courtyard are just beautiful. Let's go inside!"
Ji Yinxue smiled and pulled Ji Wushang's hand to go inside.
This time, Ji Wushang finally got to see the beauty of the Fallen Petals Garden. The first time, he was so busy that he didn't remember anything except the fallen flowers and Prince Nan. Ji Wushang shook his head slightly helplessly to clear his mind.
This Luoying Garden is extremely spacious, surrounded by artificial hills and interspersed with green forests. Winding paths lead to secluded rooms where one or two elegant retreats can be found, tranquil and refined. The garden not only boasts tall flowering trees but also abundant chrysanthemums of various kinds. Whether imported from the Western Regions or from all over the country, each chrysanthemum possesses its own unique characteristics.
Princess Qinlian, accompanied by several maids, came through a side path and greeted them with a smile from a distance, "I've finally been waiting for you all!"
Upon hearing this, the four Ji sisters were overjoyed. Princess Qinlian led them to the Chrysanthemum Fragrance Pavilion in the garden, where there were five or six elegant rooms for resting. Many of the ladies from various families were resting and chatting there, making it a lively and bustling place.
“It’s been many days since we last met, Miss. You must sing a song today.” Princess Qinlian smiled and took Ji Wushang’s hand, gently patting it.
Ji Wushang also smiled and said, "The princess is truly talented. As for me, I won't embarrass myself by showing off."
"Oh, look at what you're saying." Princess Qinlian smiled and led her sisters to meet each other. Then she turned around and was called away by other princesses, and then she greeted the women of other families.
Ji Meiyuan's face was slightly pale, which she covered with some rouge. At this moment, Ji Wushang looked even more beautiful, wearing a light pink jacket with white plum and bamboo patterns, over which she wore a light white floral floor-length skirt. A unique white jade and silver hairpin adorned her hair, making her look even more elegant, smiling and radiant, a model of a well-bred young lady.
Ji Meiyuan watched, her heart filled with jealousy. She turned her head and saw Ji Wuxia sitting there, seemingly doing nothing. Her anger flared even more. She walked over and grabbed Ji Wuxia, saying, "What are you doing?"
Ji Wuxia was still thinking about that Young Master Zhou when Ji Meiyuan pulled her, causing her to stumble and almost fall, but she was caught by a man.
Ji Wuxia turned around in shock and saw Nan Jinxue, the most handsome man with a face as red as peach blossoms.
Immediately, the two sisters blushed and were at a loss for what to do.
Nan Jinxue watched them stand still, then released their hands. "Ladies, please be more careful next time." Her voice was like a sweet wine that had been brewed for many years, sweetening the hearts of the Ji Meiyuan sisters.
Ji Meiyuan quickly reacted, "This humble girl greets Second Young Master Nan." With that, she bowed gracefully, her manners impeccable.
Nan Jinxue smiled gently, "I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now." With that, she turned and left.
Ji Meiyuan stared blankly at that smile, and by the time she wanted to say something, the person was already far away. Seeing Ji Meiyuan's discomfiture, Ji Wuxia laughed, "Oh, I never expected Second Sister to have such an expression! Even I, as her younger sister, am quite surprised!"
"What do you know?!" Ji Meiyuan snapped angrily at Ji Wuxia's sarcastic remarks. "You can stay here then! Humph, you don't even know how to socialize with other women! All you do is stand here like an idiot!" With that, she stomped out. Ji Wuxia, annoyed by her words, spat at her retreating back. "With your looks, would the Second Young Master Nan ever fancy you?"
Ji Yinxue stepped forward and said, "Big sister, look, everyone has gone to admire those chrysanthemums. Why don't we go and take a look too? It's better than staying here."
“Very good, let’s go take a look.” Ji Wushang took Ji Yinxue’s hand and left Juxiang Pavilion.
Just as they reached the artificial hill, a young woman approached with graceful steps. She appeared to be about fifteen or sixteen years old, wearing a pale yellow silk robe with plum blossom prints and a silk-trimmed jacket. She had a pointed face and bright, sparkling eyes. She walked over with a smile, "Sister Yinxue, I'm so glad to see you today! I've missed you so much!" After saying that, she turned her gaze to Ji Wushang, "And this is?"
Ji Yinxue lowered her eyes and smiled, "This is my eldest sister. She doesn't usually go out to play. This is Shangguan Feiyan, the third young lady of the Marquis of Zhongyi."
Ji Wushang nodded. According to the hierarchy, in the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty, the Marquis's mansion and the General's mansion were not necessarily of equal status. However, men's status was always higher than women's. Therefore, the Ji sisters would pay their respects first when they met the sons of the Marquis's mansion. As the legitimate daughter, Ji Wushang's status was probably similar to that of the Marquis of Loyalty and Righteousness's illegitimate daughter, so Ji Wushang simply smiled and greeted him.
Shangguan Feiyan listened and looked her up and down. "Last time, when you played the zither and sang lyrics at the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion, I was quite surprised."
"It was just a spur-of-the-moment thing, nothing particularly refined," Ji Wushang said with a modest smile.
"No, no, that's not right." Shangguan Feiyan shook her head as she listened, leaving Ji Wushang and Ji Yinxue looking at each other, completely bewildered.
She said, "I racked my brains last night but couldn't come up with any words! How did you suddenly come up with such a good one? In previous years, the custom was that people would always compose poems or write lyrics at the chrysanthemum appreciation gathering. I must ask for your advice and come up with a poem." Shangguan Feiyan was a bit older than Ji Wushang and Ji Yinxue, but she frowned as she spoke. Ji Wushang couldn't help but laugh, while Ji Yinxue covered her mouth and laughed secretly.
Shangguan Feiyan wasn't annoyed. "I'm just telling the truth." This made the two sisters laugh even harder, forgetting all their composure.
Some people were drawn over by the laughter and saw that it was the young ladies from the Ji family and the Marquis of Zhongyi's mansion. Some of them were disdainful and some were sarcastic. Ji Wushang and the others didn't blame them and let them look.
"Let me tell you, the three princesses are in the backyard entertaining us to write poems and lyrics, while in the front yard, the heir of the Prince of Zhenbei is entertaining the male guests. I heard that the well-written lyrics should be passed around for everyone to read! The second son of the Prince of Zhenbei has also returned," Shangguan Feiyan said with a grin.
Ji Yinxue immediately asked in surprise, "Do the women's writings also need to be shown to the male guests?"
"Of course! To lose face in front of so many male guests would be truly shameful!" Shangguan Feiyan blinked. The heir and second son of the Prince of Zhenbei's mansion were not yet married. Hadn't the Princess of Zhenbei understood her feelings?
Ji Wushang's face twitched slightly, and he smiled, "Weren't we supposed to be admiring chrysanthemums? Why are we chatting so openly? Why don't we admire the chrysanthemums while thinking about what words to write?"
Upon hearing this, the two nodded in agreement and strolled off together to admire the chrysanthemums.
Over here, women were already jostling and crowding around to write poems, while over there, people were admiring chrysanthemums and making merry. The three princesses were divided into three groups, each happily having their respective women write some poems.
Ji Meiyuan was currently admiring chrysanthemums with Princess Qinlian, and climbing to a higher branch was precisely Ji Meiyuan's idea. Before them was the "Phoenix Spreading its Wings," with relatively thick, grayish-green branches, long leaves with rounded, shallowly lobed tips and a prominent midrib at the base. The outer petals were brownish-red, with a yellow base. The flower bloomed outwards, its petals curling upwards, resembling a phoenix spreading its wings. The entire flower was beautifully shaped, extremely delicate and charming, drawing exclamations of praise from all the women.
Princess Qinlian saw Ji Meiyuan staring at the "phoenix spreading its wings" and said with a smile, "Second Miss, you must compose a poem. This flower is blooming so beautifully. If you don't do it well, you'll have to punish yourself with a cup of wine!"
"How could I spoil the fun?" Ji Meiyuan said proudly, full of confidence in her own talent. How could she possibly lose?
Seeing that Princess Qinlian wanted Ji Meiyuan to compose a poem, the group of female guests all rushed forward to surround her. Ji Meiyuan was delighted. She glanced at Ji Wushang from a distance and saw Ji Wushang and Ji Yinxue strolling with a woman. She felt even more contempt for them. Then, she was surrounded by the women and led to the Chrysanthemum Fragrance Pavilion.
Ji Wushang heard the commotion from a distance and saw Ji Meiyuan being surrounded by women as she went to write poetry. He smiled and said to Ji Yinxue and Shangguan Feiyan, "Why don't we go and take a look? Writing poetry is quite a lively affair."
Ji Wuxia also returned to the Chrysanthemum Fragrance Pavilion after watching the lively scene unfold. She saw that everyone had laid out Xuan paper and ground ink, placing it aside.
Ji Wushang watched, a smile playing on his lips. Just a little show of interest? Why such eagerness? Then, noticing a maid bringing over some snacks, Ji Wushang smiled and called the maid over, "Which table should these snacks be served to?"
"Miss, this is for the second young lady of General Ji's mansion. She ordered rice cakes, bean curd cakes, and osmanthus taro cakes." The maidservant replied happily upon seeing that the young lady was beautiful.
Ji Wushang looked at it and said, "Oh, not bad." He pretended to place his hand on top of the pastries, fanning away the aroma, seemingly intoxicated by the smell. "Very fragrant! In that case, I'll have a plate too. Place it on the table of the eldest daughter of General Ji's mansion." Upon hearing this, the maid recognized the eldest daughter of General Ji's mansion and bowed again.
Ji Wushang waved for her to take the pastries over. Once the pastries were sent, they were reserved for a specific table, and that wouldn't change. Ji Meiyuan was determined to eat them. She would reciprocate the gift; she would make them herself. She had sent some pastries a few days ago, and sprinkling something on them now was a token of her appreciation.
Ji Meiyuan was still thinking about it when Princess Qinlian urged her to write a poem. Ji Meiyuan was delighted and picked up her pen to write a poem.
Ji Wuxia stepped forward and looked at Ji Meiyuan's poem, and couldn't help but sigh, "Second Sister's poem is truly excellent! When it gets out, it will surely be highly praised!"
Upon hearing this, Princess Qinlian nodded in approval, saying, "Indeed, it's well done. It perfectly captures the essence of 'Phoenix Spreading Its Wings.'" Several female guests around also praised it repeatedly. Ji Meiyuan was even more delighted and responded with a grin.
Ji Wushang glanced at Ji Yinxue and said, "Why don't you write a poem too? Or paint a picture?"
"How could that be?" Ji Yinxue laughed. "How could my talent compare to my elder sister's?"
Ji Wushang shook his head, "Third Sister is too modest."
Ji Yinxue was still thinking of declining, but Shangguan Feiyan, who was listening from the side, laughed and said, "Sister Yinxue, you can't decline! You said a long time ago that you would give me a painting. There's no better time than today. Take advantage of this beautiful day and scenery to paint it. I can take it back to my mansion and have it framed!"