"Go back!" the Marquis said unhappily, and immediately returned to his courtyard. He decided to ignore the affairs of the inner quarters from now on, if possible! He didn't want to be caught in the middle, getting involved in the women's squabbles! A few women couldn't possibly cause any trouble!
Nan Jinxue smiled gently and said, "Yes." Ji Yinxue echoed her.
Ji Wushang looked at the two of them and said coldly, "If your second brother and sister-in-law have nothing else to do, please leave!" The maids and servants around were all panicked, not knowing what Ji Wushang would do. The guards dealt with the man's body while cleaning the courtyard.
Having been held hostage, Nan Jinxue had no choice but to say, "Then I'll take my leave!"
Ji Yinxue smiled and said, "Sister-in-law is truly amazing. I admire you greatly!"
Ji Wushang snorted coldly, "I'm just telling the truth. You came later, so there are many things you don't know!" The implication was that she shouldn't spout any nonsense flattery!
Ji Yinxue was displeased and didn't dare to show it, so she could only nod and say, "Yes, sister-in-law is right."
"I'm not lecturing you. It's late, please go back!" Ji Wushang said, then returned to the courtyard.
Ji Yinxue clenched her fists, wishing she could rush forward and punch Ji Wushang! Nan Jinxue's lips curled into a playful smile, "Compared to her, you are worlds apart!"
"Hmph, then why don't you take her away from me!" Ji Yinxue's eyes flashed with anger, and she broke free from his grasp.
"You think I care about you! If it weren't for your scheme, would you be in this state now? Humph! Ugly freak!" Nan Jinxue cursed in displeasure before turning back to her courtyard without looking back.
Ji Yinxue felt extremely suffocated in her chest. She gritted her teeth and stomped her feet in anger, but she had no choice but to follow.
Ji Wushang peeked at the scene outside through the crack in the door, then closed it with disgust before returning to the inner room.
Sure enough, Bei Gongminhao had already left. However, there was a piece of paper left on the desk. Ji Wushang picked it up and read:
Thank you!
Just two words. Ji Wushang's eyes flickered. He should be the one thanking him. If it weren't for him, he would never have woken up, and he would never have been able to temporarily bring down Aunt Zhao and cripple her. Surely, every courtyard in the entire Marquis's mansion had her people! He couldn't eliminate the people from her Zhuangshu Garden, but at least he had to cleanse the servants in the remaining courtyards!
But what was that heart-protecting pill that Beigong Minhao gave himself? And why did he give it to him?
Ji Wushang stared at the words "Thank you" for a long time before finally burning the paper over the candlelight. Although the paper didn't say anything, if someone recognized Bei Gongminhao's handwriting, both he and Bei Gongminhao might be in trouble!
It's best to be careful!
Ji Wushang lay on the bed fully clothed. After this incident, he was no longer sleepy. He took the time to think about how to deal with the servants in the mansion. This power grab was actually for Nan Xuzong's birthday banquet. If he took control of the backyard, things would not be so difficult for him!
After watching Ji Wushang leave, Bei Gongminhao held his breath and hid in the shadows to observe. He saw that Ji Wushang's mouth held a sharp sword, leaving Aunt Zhao with virtually no power to fight back! He cheered inwardly, but due to time constraints, he made sure Ji Wushang was unharmed before disappearing back to the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion.
Seeing that no one was around, Beigong Minhao went into his study. He changed into his usual clothes before coming out. After thinking it over, he finally went into his Dianxiang Garden.
He heard soft moans and heavy breathing. Bei Gongminhao frowned slightly. With a flick of his finger, he pointed directly at the window.
The person inside seemed to stop abruptly. After a short while, they quickly came out and knelt before Beigong Minhao, saying, "Your Highness."
Beigong Minhao's gaze drifted into the distance. "How are they?"
"Just as the Crown Prince said, she has become so infatuated that she believes her subordinates are the Crown Prince!"
"Very good." Beigong Minhao smiled slightly. "Go down."
"yes!"
A breeze blew by, and Bei Gongminhao's gaze flickered slightly. After Gao Fengfen was brought into the Prince's residence by his men, the Left Prime Minister immediately came to the door—he hadn't expected it to be so fast!
Bei Gongminhao gave a perfunctory answer, saying that it was just for show and that Gao Fengfen had not been punished in any way. Prime Minister Gao left only after seeing Gao Fengfen peacefully asleep in her room.
To gain Gao Fengfen's trust and make her work for him, he naturally needed to consummate their marriage, win her trust, and seize the secrets of the Prime Minister's residence. However, Bei Gong Minhao would never consummate the marriage with such a woman, so he naturally had a guard conspire with her in a blunder!
Gao Fengfen still believes that Bei Gongminhao is loving towards her, which is why she dares to challenge Ji Wushang at the banquet in the Imperial Garden. Little does she know that she was just putting on an act from beginning to end!
She still fantasized about having a child, little did she know that Beigong Minhao had already put a fertility-inducing soup in her food. If she wanted to have a son or daughter, she was dreaming!
As soon as Beigong Minhao entered, he smelled the scent of lovemaking in the air, frowned, and stepped back. "Someone, help the Crown Princess deal with this!" he said, and then walked out.
The maidservant naturally took care of it.
Beigong Minhao returned to his study, lay on the chaise lounge, and stared at the ceiling. He recalled the scene just now. Sharp and intelligent as she was, those eyes and her methods were absolutely unmatched in the world!
Bei Gongminhao took a deep breath. Nan Xuzong, Nan Xuzong, you've done everything you asked. Just remember our promise!
Because he was preoccupied with replacing the servants in the mansion so he could suppress Aunt Zhao, Ji Wushang got up early, read for a while, and secretly practiced some martial arts before going out.
After the meal, he summoned all the maids and servants one by one and examined them carefully. Everyone was worried about being sent away. Ji Wushang had already sent people to investigate the people in the mansion, and he knew exactly who Zhao Yiniang's henchmen were. Therefore, it didn't take him too long to send them all away.
He immediately instructed Zhu'er to go directly to the medicine shop and find the manager. Sure enough, after a short while, Zhu'er arrived with a number of maids and servants. Soon, almost half of the people in the mansion were newly recruited by him.
Ji Wushang nodded and immediately gave instructions to prepare for Nan Xuzong's birthday banquet.
Ji Wushang awaited his return.
——
At this moment, a man was sitting in the inn, his thin lips slightly pursed, listening to the report from the guards.
"Your Majesty, General Mu and General Hao were no match for the princess and her consort, and have been defeated and retreated back into the country!"
"Who will help them?" Based on his guess, unless someone helps them, they will not be able to leave the Western Regions!
"I've inquired, and it is indeed the Princess Consort of the Southern Prince!" The guard paused slightly before finally uttering Ji Wushang's name.
"Get out!" Yi Yun Shangcheng said coldly, and the guards immediately disappeared.
Yi Yun Shangcheng's hands clenched slightly, his eyes turning bloodshot. Ji Wushang, is he really going to go against me? Wushang, Wushang… Yi Yun Shangcheng narrowed his eyes, his fist slowly loosening, a slight smile appearing on his lips.
What if Yi Yun Muchen were married to Nan Xu Cong? How would you react? Wouldn't that make the whole situation even more intriguing?
"Keep an eye on Nan Xuzong and his group's movements. Once they enter the imperial city, report immediately!" Yi Yunshangcheng waved her sleeve and walked into the inner chamber. The hidden guards naturally carried out the order.
Ji Wushang was busy preparing for the birthday banquet and hadn't paid attention to anything else. Just then, a servant rushed over, "Princess Consort."
"Speak." Ji Wushang stared intently at the servant.
"A letter from Madam Qin of the General's Mansion has arrived." The servant respectfully handed it over. Ji Wushang took it. "You may leave."
"yes."
Ji Wushang opened the package and read that the phoenix jade hairpin that Ji Wushang had given her before had been remade by the craftsmen, and that Ji Wushang should go back to the manor to get it.
Ji Wushang was overjoyed. The broken phoenix jade hairpin was a gift from Nan Xuzong, so it was naturally more significant than the one given to him by his grandmother. Moreover, there must be some connection between them, otherwise, why would they be identical hairpins?
That branch was left by Nan Xuzong's birth mother, while this branch was given by the matriarch of the elder family. This relationship needs further investigation.
"Zhu'er, tell someone to prepare the horse. I need to go back to the General's Mansion." Ji Wushang said to Zhu'er, who was instructing the maid to move the flower pots.
Pearl responded and immediately went to do it.
It took quite a while to arrive at the General's Mansion. The guards there, seeing that it was Ji Wushang, immediately informed him.
Ji Wushang led Zhu'er inside, and upon reaching the main hall, they saw that Madam Qin was already waiting.
Ji Wushang stepped forward and bowed, "Mother."
"Oh." Madam Qin nodded and immediately stepped forward to help Ji Wushang up. "Come, take a look at this jade hairpin." As she spoke, she took out the phoenix jade hairpin from her bosom.
Ji Wushang took it and examined it closely. It was indeed the same one as before. Moreover, this phoenix jade hairpin seemed to have never been broken. It was still bright, smooth, and had a beautiful color.
Ji Wushang nodded, "Thank you, Mother!"
"I'm glad you like it. Come, sit down. I'll have the servants prepare a few dishes. Eat them before you leave!" Madam Qin said with a smile. "You don't know how much Master misses you. He's been talking about you constantly. He should be back from court by now. Just wait here and don't go back yet."
Ji Wushang glanced at the time; there was still some time. He still had some things to take care of personally, but thinking of how much his father cared for him, his heart softened. "Yes," he replied.
Sure enough, in less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Ji Dingbei returned from court. He asked about the carriage outside and learned that Ji Wushang had returned to the mansion. He immediately went into the main hall.
Ji Wushang looked at Ji Dingbei and immediately stepped forward, "Father!"
"Yes." Ji Dingbei nodded happily. "Fu'er, could you please tell me to make some snacks and dishes?"
"Reporting to Master, everything is ready." Madam Qin stepped forward with a smile, "Please come and sit in the backyard."
The three of them then went to sit in the backyard.
"Father, there's something I'd like to ask for your help with." As they were chatting, Ji Wushang changed the subject, revealing that one of the reasons he had come here was for this matter.
"What is it?" Ji Dingbei looked at Ji Wushang. "Wushang, tell me quickly."
"Father, tomorrow is the Heir Apparent's birthday. I'd like to hold a birthday banquet for him, inviting all the high-ranking officials and nobles in the capital, as well as the Second Prince and others from the palace. The Heir Apparent isn't at home right now and doesn't know about this, so I, Wu Shang, will give him a surprise. I humbly request that you grace us with your presence at the Marquis's residence tomorrow to attend the Heir Apparent's birthday banquet." Ji Wu Shang, though somewhat embarrassed, still explained the matter. Ji Wu Shang had thought it over. The Nine Moon Pavilion was indeed large enough and convenient, but because it was for hosting high-ranking officials, nobles, the royal family, and the King of the Western Regions, it had to be held at the Marquis's residence!
Firstly, since this is the Marquis's residence, the invitation was extended in the Marquis's name, which is why these people were invited, and the King of the Western Regions couldn't refuse. The reason for inviting him was that the King had a very important purpose…
Secondly, it aligns with the Marquis's character. He has always sought to interact with more high-ranking officials and royalty, and when he went to ask for permission this morning, the Marquis readily agreed. Why would the Marquis let go of an opportunity to meet such influential people? Besides, it's just a birthday banquet; a little celebration might even strengthen the relationship between Nan Xuzong and him, opening up more avenues for future opportunities!
Ji Dingbei was taken aback. He never expected that his daughter would think of such a thing for the Prince of the South. He asked, in the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty, where would a woman disregard her shyness and make such a request to her father?
But this is my good daughter! She's definitely different!
"Alright! Since Wushang wants to hold a birthday banquet for the young master, I will naturally make the arrangements for you! I will invite many people." Ji Dingbei nodded. The young master of the south... indeed, he had not been taken seriously by anyone before. If he could be recognized by all the powerful people in the capital through this banquet, then at least they would not dare to underestimate him, their son-in-law. Although he had a leg ailment, as long as he had the ability, he could still protect his daughter from the wind and rain!
I know my daughter well. The fact that she made this decision means that she has chosen this person in her heart, and as her father, I must fulfill her wish!
However, with a slight concern, Ji Dingbei asked, "Has the Marquis's residence agreed to hold a birthday banquet for the young master?"
"Yes, because, in the Marquis's mansion, Wu Shang asked her father, the Marquis, and he agreed." Ji Wu Shang briefly mentioned it, not wanting Ji Ding Bei to worry about the struggles between her and the other young ladies, including Aunt Zhao, in the Marquis's mansion.
"But, Father, could I borrow some of your men for a while?" Ji Wushang asked cautiously. To give Nan Xuzong a surprise, simply inviting those nobles wasn't enough; they also needed some entertainment. This required manpower, and these men had to be highly skilled in martial arts. And this was the General's Mansion; the Ji family army was not to be underestimated.
“Okay. No problem. Yue Shisi!” Ji Dingbei shouted outside.
The servant Yue Shisi immediately stepped forward, "Master."
"Select fifty elite soldiers to accompany the young lady," Ji Dingbei said, then turned to Ji Wushang, "Would a hundred be enough?"
Ji Wushang was grateful. "That's enough, thank you, Father!"
"Hmm." After saying that, Ji Dingbei's eyes drifted to Yue Shisi, who immediately nodded, "Yes!" Yue Shisi immediately went to count the men.
"I will go tomorrow too, Father! Pick a nice gift for the Prince..." Since Ji Wushang has already married him, it's a done deal, so she should accept this relationship. Judging from the current situation, this Prince Nan is definitely a stock with great potential. Let's carefully observe how he will behave in the future!
"Thank you, Father!" Ji Wushang stepped forward gratefully, wanting to kneel down to pay her respects, but Ji Dingbei helped her up. "No need for formalities, hurry up and get things ready! Time is running out!"
"Yes, farewell, Father!"
"Once there is news, I will send someone to inform you." Ji Dingbei stroked his half-white beard.
Ji Wushang bowed in gratitude.
After leaving the General's Mansion, Ji Wushang sat in a carriage and headed directly to Panyaoju in the east of the city.
Upon arriving there and seeing the familiar words on the plaque, Ji Wushang felt overjoyed and went inside with Zhu'er.
Upon recognizing Ji Wushang, the shopkeeper immediately stepped forward, "Princess Consort of the Southern Prince! Please, have a seat!"
"Is my master... Doctor Cui in the hall?" Ji Wushang changed his question.
"Doctor Cui has just returned and is in the backyard. If Princess Nan wishes to see Doctor Cui, please follow me."