Ji Wushang felt uneasy. What if it was something disgusting or threatening to him, or something else that was meant to poison him? For a moment, Ji Wushang didn't dare to open it.
But after looking at it for a long time, it seemed there was nothing unusual. Ji Wushang picked up the brocade box and looked around. He found only one lock. The lock seemed to be winding and interlocked. If one link was wrong, it could not be opened. Only when all the links were in place could the contents be opened.
It seems there really are people who want to test their intelligence? Isn't this something that will poison them?
☆、068 No sorrow, no sorrow, where does love belong? (Climax!)
Ji Wushang looked at the exquisitely crafted Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams lock with some interest. It must have been difficult for the lock maker to create such a challenging puzzle. But did the person who gave it to him really believe he could open it? The Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams were truly profound, yet they had managed to create a lock with each part interlocking with the next.
The Nine Palaces refer to: Qian Palace, Kan Palace, Gen Palace, Zhen Palace, Central Palace, Xun Palace, Li Palace, Kun Palace, and Dui Palace. Among them, Qian, Kan, Gen, and Zhen are the four Yang Palaces, while Xun, Li, Kun, and Dui are the four Yin Palaces. Together with the Central Palace, they make up the nine palaces. In Qimen Dunjia, the Nine Palaces represent the earth, the foundation of Qimen Dunjia, and are immovable. Qimen Dunjia is divided into four plates: Heaven, Earth, Human, and Spirit. Among the four plates, only the Earth plate is immovable, representing the sitting position.
The eight trigrams are: Qian, Kun, Zhen, Xun, Kan, Li, Gen, and Dui. Qian represents heaven, Kun represents earth, Kan represents water, Li represents fire, Zhen represents thunder, Gen represents mountain, Xun represents wind, and Dui represents lake.
Ji Wushang chuckled. This job was really difficult. Since they were delivering something, they still wanted to test him. What a strange person.
How to open it? Ji Wushang pondered for a moment. This Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams system emphasizes the gates of life and death; the slightest mistake could lead to total defeat. Ji Wushang touched the brocade box, trying to find some clues. Finally, he vaguely saw a few small gold characters printed on the base. If he hadn't looked closely, he really wouldn't have been able to see them.
Ji Wushang leaned closer and saw clearly that it was four characters: "Ten Miles of Red Makeup".
Ji Wushang was immediately taken aback. "Ten Miles of Red Dowry"—wasn't that the song she sang? The song she sang at the lantern festival. Did "Ten Miles of Red Dowry" mean that the person sending her off was the man who received her song? Ji Wushang blushed slightly. Who exactly was this man?
But what does this "ten-mile-long red bridal procession" mean?
Ji Wushang touched those four characters. The characters, when touched, were clearly carved by hand. Ji Wushang's heart pounded.
However, a slight disappointment lingered in his heart. Although he had sung the song about the ten-mile-long red bridal procession, he still didn't know who had sent it or what it meant. Just as Ji Wushang was about to put it aside, a phrase suddenly came to mind.
The phrase "ten miles of red bridal procession" refers to the ground covered in red bridal makeup. It represents the earth! Kun! Ji Wushang found the character Kun and made up his mind: let it be wrong, since he couldn't open it anyway, he would just give up!
With a slender finger pointing at the character "Kun," the Nine Palaces Eight Trigrams Lock seemed to come alive, opening one ring, and then the next! This continued until all ninety-nine locks were open! The brocade box was now open!
Ji Wushang was somewhat excited, which washed away most of his worries from the past few days.
Ji Wushang held the brocade box, lifted the beaded curtain, and sat down in front of the dressing table. She placed the box on the table and looked at it, her heart still pounding with excitement. What was this? Who gave it to her? After a long while, Ji Wushang still couldn't guess the sender's intention.
Well, it won't hurt to take a look.
Ji Wushang laughed at himself before gently opening the box.
Unexpectedly, there was another box inside, wrapped in bright yellow Xuan paper! Ji Wushang was speechless at the person who delivered the gift. He shook his head and took out the box.
After examining it closely and removing the Xuan paper, I finally saw the exquisite little box.
The box wasn't locked, and Ji Wushang's curiosity had been largely exhausted by this object, so he opened it.
Suddenly, inside lay the white jade hairpin that he had dropped in the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion!
Could this be something the Prince of Zhenbei found and brought to his residence? Ji Wushang found it hard to believe. He picked up the white jade hairpin and examined it for a long time. It really was his own hairpin, but why did he feel that it couldn't have been sent back by Beigong Minhao? Because the words "Ten Miles of Red Dowry" shouldn't have come from his hands... But, this white jade hairpin was indeed something he lost at the Prince of Zhenbei's residence... or at least on the way to the Prince of Zhenbei's residence.
Ji Wushang was suspicious, but then he saw another small piece of Xuan paper wrapped around something, so he picked it up and looked at it.
It is a phoenix jade hairpin! A phoenix is carved at the front of the hairpin, a phoenix rising from the ashes, its cry startling the world! This jade hairpin is amber in color, and the phoenix is carved with exquisite detail, every single detail is clearly visible! The amber color complements the phoenix's fiery appearance, and the jade itself is crystal clear and flawless.
Ji Wushang frowned, only to discover that there was a piece of paper underneath. Ji Wushang picked it up and read it.
A single glance could topple a city; her smile was captivating, graceful as a startled swan, elegant as a swimming dragon.
Light clouds veil the moon, a gentle breeze swirls like snowflakes, the scene is as radiant as a lotus flower, laughter and conversation are intimate.
My heart is pleased with your beauty, and I sincerely wish to convey your sentiments. I remove my hairpin, for you, my beloved, are eloquent in your poetry.
The creeping grasses are lush and green, the dew is glistening, we meet in the deep pool, and hold fast to our promise.
...
The phoenix is startled and cries out in the heavens.
The signature was surprisingly that of Nan Xucong, and it even had a red square seal affixed to it.
Ji Wushang immediately felt his face burning, his heart pounding, and he could hear the sound himself, while everything around him seemed to disappear.
Ji Wushang's face was flushed, as if rouge had been applied. She covered her face, then looked up at the dressing mirror and saw her own bright red face. For a moment, Ji Wushang felt even more confused.
He, the Prince of the South, actually wrote a poem for her! The poem described her as a beauty whose glance could topple a city, a graceful figure as swift as a dragon in flight—not only did he praise his own beauty, but he also mentioned that the hairpin he gave her was meticulously crafted, and he even secretly inquired whether she was satisfied with the poem and the hairpin. Amidst the lush greenery, he was willing to spend his life with her, hand in hand, until old age.
Why does the brocade box say "Ten Miles of Red Makeup"? This means he was present at the lantern festival... and he sang the song that was sung.
A few fragments of his encounters flashed before Ji Wushang's eyes. They hadn't had much contact, but he always seemed to be looking into those eyes… Ji Wushang covered his face. What… what was he thinking? Was he proposing to him? "A promise made in the abyss, a vow of eternal love." A promise made in the abyss—such a long time, could he wait?
Ji Wushang's face flushed red, his heart pounding like a deer, unable to calm down. This Nine Palaces Eight Trigrams Lock was actually designed by him, and the Phoenix Jade Hairpin was also crafted by him. The words were written and carved by him.
This was the first time he had received such a gift since his rebirth. He never expected that he would be so bold... Could he still hope for such love? In his previous life, he was his uncle, and he was his sister-in-law... A wave of panic suddenly rose from the bottom of Ji Wushang's heart. Although others might not know about this relationship, he had lived two lives. This was incest... Ji Wushang covered his chest, his mind in turmoil.
Incest is a major taboo!
But, thinking about it, that's not right.
Ji Wushang looked at the dressing mirror, resolving never to marry that Nan Jinxue again in this lifetime! She would never become his wife or concubine! In her past life, she had never had any interaction with this lame prince, Nan Xuzong… Living a secluded life, she would never have known that such a man possessed such a delicate and perceptive mind… Ji Wushang's face changed like a chameleon, constantly shifting with her emotions. Looking up at the dressing mirror, she saw a blushing young girl. Ji Wushang dared not sit before the mirror any longer and hurriedly put the phoenix jade hairpin back in its original place.
But when she touched the white jade hairpin, Ji Wushang fell into deep thought. How did he know it was her hairpin? She recalled what had happened back then—being stopped by Beigong Minhao, and then almost being harassed by that despicable and cunning prince, fleeing in panic… Could it be that she had accidentally dropped the hairpin while running away? But if that were the case, then the Prince of the South knew about her affair with Beigong Minhao…
Ji Wushang shook his head, unable to understand what they were thinking.
Ji Wushang was experiencing the first stirrings of love, her face filled with panic and confusion, her heart pounding. Her small face flushed slightly, like a flower in the first bloom of love, captivating all who saw it.
The Prince of the South, the Prince of the South… Ji Wushang’s heart was in turmoil, his calm mind disturbed by this piece of Xuan paper hairpin.
For a moment, Ji Wushang lay on the bed, his face covered by the blanket. The things he had given him were still on the bed.
She didn't know if it was his love or something else, but her heart couldn't bear another betrayal. Every step she took felt like walking on thin ice. Who doesn't yearn for perfect love? But for someone who has been hurt, perhaps it's time to let go of the original wounds and accept someone who truly loves you.
But does he really like me? Or does he have ulterior motives? Ji Wushang wasn't sure, but his actions really left Ji Wushang at a loss.
At this moment, Xian'er lifted the curtain and came in. She looked at the bird's nest on the desk but didn't eat it. She frowned and looked at Ji Wushang lying on the bed with his face covered. She asked in a low voice, "Miss? Are you asleep?" Xian'er usually waited until a certain time to come in and take the bowls and chopsticks back to the kitchen.
Ji Wushang abruptly threw off the quilt and covered the brocade box beside the bed with it. "Not asleep!"
“Miss, why don’t you eat that bird’s nest? It’s good for your health. If it gets cold, I’ll warm it up for you.” Xian’er said, turning to look at Ji Wushang, only to find that her hair was disheveled from being covered by the blanket. She was so surprised she couldn’t close her mouth. She had originally styled her hair in a flowing cloud bun, but today it was all hanging down, which was really not Ji Wushang’s style.
Ji Wushang then realized his lapse in composure and quickly straightened his clothes. "I'm not eating anymore, you can take it away!" How could he possibly have the appetite to eat bird's nest now?
"Yes," Xian'er replied, but noticed a slight blush on Ji Wushang's face. Why was Miss different tonight? But she couldn't quite put her finger on what was wrong; she just felt that Miss had lost her composure.
"Help me comb my hair." Ji Wushang saw what she was thinking. He had lost his composure. Sigh! Just because of a piece of Xuan paper and two hairpins, he had become like this?
Ji Wushang, oh Ji Wushang, have you finally fallen for that person? But…
A scene flashed through Ji Wushang's mind: his legs. Those must be his eternal pain! Ji Wushang closed his eyes and murmured, "I don't want to think about it anymore, I don't want to think about it anymore. Let everything go with the wind, let it go with the wind..."
After calming herself down, Ji Wushang glanced at the brocade box still under the quilt, took a deep breath, and then got out of bed and sat down in front of the dressing table. Xian'er looked at Ji Wushang in confusion, then walked up to her, looked at her, and after confirming that nothing had happened to her, picked up the wooden comb and helped her comb her hair.
Ji Wushang looked at her and smiled, "Why do you look so dazed? Hmm? What are you thinking about?"
"Miss, how could I be thinking about anything?" When Xian'er heard her ask, the weight in her heart finally lifted. This was the young lady's way!
"Miss, your hair is so beautiful, even I'm envious!" Xian'er said, looking at the dressing mirror as she helped comb your hair.
"Okay, I'll go to bed now that I've combed my hair." Ji Wushang nodded. He probably didn't even feel like sleeping tonight. But he still needed to sleep, didn't he?
After the thread was removed, Ji Wushang sat back on the bed, lifted the quilt, and saw the brocade box again. She opened it once more, and the sheet of Xuan paper and the two hairpins were still lying there quietly. Ji Wushang's face flushed slightly again.
After a long while, he finally tidied up the cabinet under the bed and locked it. Lying by the window, Ji Wushang was wide awake.
I wonder what he's doing right now? His social standing would normally make for a perfect match, but he's disabled… If he can't be cured, I doubt any girl would want to marry him…
As night deepens and a gentle breeze blows, the autumn night grows cooler. The insects and birds have long since fallen silent and ceased their chirping. Life seems to have entered a cycle, with the surrounding life diminishing yet slowly giving birth to new life.
At this moment, Gong Shu, dressed in a blue servant's uniform, knocked on the door of a study before gently entering. Inside, he saw a man in a wheelchair who seemed completely unfazed, staring intently at a painting open on the desk.
Gong Shu stepped forward respectfully and said, "Master, it's almost midnight, you should rest."
Nan Xuzong turned around, looked at Gong Shu, thought for a moment, and asked in a low voice, "Did they say anything?"
"They didn't say anything."
"Have you done everything I asked you to do?" Nan Xuzong turned to look at the painting of the phoenix in front of him, which was painted by Ji Wushang at the Autumn Chrysanthemum Banquet.
"Yes, everything is arranged, just waiting for your command, Master." Gong Shu's tone became very serious and cautious at this moment.
"Where are the things I asked you to deliver? Have they all been sent to her residence?" Nan Xuzong reached out, trying to reach the painting, but because of his lower body disability, he couldn't reach it.
Nan Xuzong looked at it with great disappointment, realizing that he couldn't even touch her painting.
"Master, it has already been delivered to the manor." Gong Shu looked up in confusion, but when he saw Nan Xuzong's outstretched arm, he immediately felt his sorrow.
"Master." Gong Shu wanted to step forward to help take the painting, but Nan Xuzong had already raised his hand to stop him.
Nan Xuzong's expression was solemn, filled with mixed emotions. She must be able to open that brocade box, given her intelligence. He just wondered what her expression would be when she saw the poem. Perhaps she had truly fallen in love with it, but he had never been so moved before.
Who will grow old with her? With her disability, she shouldn't expect any woman to marry her. But why is there a voice telling her that she is unique, different from other women in the world?
Perhaps it was just an impulse that led me to do such an impulsive thing.
Nan Xuzong suddenly smiled. Perhaps he shouldn't have hoped for this relationship. Because he wasn't good enough for her. How could someone with a disability like himself be worthy of such a smart and beautiful woman?
"Master?" Gong Shu stood to the side, watching Nan Xuzong's expression change constantly, and not knowing what he was thinking, he couldn't help but feel a little worried.
Nan Xuzong was struggling internally, but she had already given the gift, and whether it worked out or not, she could deal with it later. This secrecy meant that even if she refused, it wouldn't harm her reputation in any way.
"I'm fine." After a long while, Nan Xuzong finally said, looking at Gong Shu and sighing, "I want to touch this painting." As he spoke, he pointed to the "Wind Howling" painting on the desk.
Gong Shu immediately stepped forward, carefully picked up the painting, and then respectfully placed it in front of Nan Xuzong.
Nan Xuzong grabbed the sleeve of his left hand with his right hand and reached out with his left hand to touch the painting.
The paper's fine texture goes without saying, but the painting itself, every stroke, seemed to come alive, merging seamlessly with the paper. Nan Xuzong traced the image with his left hand, a smile involuntarily spreading across his lips. It was as if he could almost feel her expression and movements as she painted.
Nan Xuzong's obsidian-like eyes darkened further as he withdrew his hand. "Roll it up and put it over there."
Gong Shu looked in the direction he was pointing and saw that the spot he was pointing to was exactly where his longsword was. Gong Shu stared, stunned.
He hadn't touched that longsword in a thousand years; the last time he'd touched it was the day before his leg was severed. Nan Xuzong's eyes also fell on the longsword. All his cherished memories seemed to have been frozen and buried with it. Every time he entered this study, he would simply stare, blankly. He dared not touch that longsword, as if touching his own wound.
If it hurts so much, why keep telling yourself that the pain is still there? It's better to numb yourself.
Gong Shu looked at Nan Xuzong, and finally finished rolling up the painting and placed it in the box under the long sword. If he wanted to take it out to look at, it wouldn't be difficult.
"Master, it's time to retire for the night." Gong Shu asked tentatively after seeing him sitting there in a daze for a while.
"Hmm." Nan Xuzong nodded, snapping out of his reverie. It was probably already midnight.
Gong Shu carefully helped Nan Xuzong to sleep before leaving the study.