Aunt Jin went outside, and after confirming that Ji Wushang could neither hear her nor see her, she instructed the maid, "Keep a close eye on her and see which piece of fabric she chooses, then report to me!"
"yes."
Aunt Jin sneered inwardly. They actually chose this fabric to make a robe for Nan Xuzong? Hmph, she'd make sure this robe tore them apart! If anything happened to the robe, Nan Xuzong would definitely not treat her well anymore!
Ji Wushang slightly raised his head and looked outside.
Her hand touched a crescent-white robe, which she liked very much, and she believed that Nan Xuzong would like it too. Moreover, it was made of top-quality Suzhou silk, with excellent craftsmanship.
Ji Wushang had Zhu'er hold the moon-white cloth in her arms and then walked out. Before leaving, he also took another piece of cloth, which was of slightly lower quality and was purple.
The little maidservant seemed to be waiting outside. As soon as she saw Ji Wushang and Zhu'er come out, she immediately went to greet them, "Princess Consort."
"Hmm." Ji Wushang glanced at her. "Where is Aunt Jin?"
"My aunt has some matters to attend to, and she asked me to escort the Crown Princess out." She said this while humbly bowing and offering to lead the way.
Ji Wushang smiled faintly, "No need, we know the way. You just take good care of Aunt Jin!"
"Yes!" The maid didn't insist. After all, the goal had been achieved. Knowing what kind of fabric Ji Wushang had chosen, there was no need for her to stay here any longer.
Ji Wushang led Zhu'er out of the Golden Jade Garden.
Aunt Jin waited until everyone had left before coming out. "How was it?"
"Yes, madam, it's purple brocade, and also top-quality Suzhou and Hangzhou silks," the maidservant replied very respectfully.
“Okay!” Aunt Jin nodded.
As soon as Ji Wushang stepped into the courtyard, someone in the pavilion called out to him, "It's your sister-in-law!"
Ji Wushang looked over upon hearing the sound and saw Zhao Yirou, Aunt Leng, and Nan Zaiqing together, along with Madam Qi from the second branch of the family and Aunt Liu.
"It's so lively! Why didn't you call me?" Ji Wushang said with a smile as he stepped forward, gave a simple greeting to each of them, and then sat down with them.
"I didn't see my elder brother and sister-in-law on the day Yi Rou was serving tea. I thought Yi Rou had done something wrong! When I asked, I found out that my elder brother and sister-in-law had gone out." Zhao Yi Rou said at this moment, "Sister-in-law, have some tea."
"Thank you." Ji Wushang smiled. These were such warm terms, calling her "sister-in-law" and "brother"! How affectionate! She'd always wanted to take his place! "Sister-in-law, you seem to be in a good mood today."
“Yes, it was very enjoyable chatting with the aunts!” Zhao Yirou said, looking at Aunt Leng, then at Madam Qi and Aunt Liu. “Aunt Qi and Aunt Liu have been very kind to me.”
Ji Wushang smiled and looked at Madam Qi. Madam Qi was looking at Ji Wushang when she remembered what Nan Aoyu had told her about the 200,000 taels of gold. Although it had been transferred to the money shops in her hometown, she was still afraid that Ji Wushang would find out!
Ji Wushang looked at Madam Qi and asked, "Second Aunt, I've heard that your hometown is in Jiecheng?"
"Ah!" Madam Qi's face turned deathly pale. She had never mentioned that her hometown was in Jiecheng, yet Madam Qi had blurted it out all of a sudden!
"What's wrong, Aunt Qi?" Zhao Yirou was determined to play the role of a good wife to the end, so she quickly stepped forward to ask.
Lady Qi took a breath and said, "It's alright. I was quite surprised when the Crown Princess mentioned where my hometown is. I wonder how she knew?"
"Oh? I knew that from the family genealogy! So I just asked you casually when I saw you, Second Aunt. I heard that a lot of refugees are pouring into Jiecheng. Because the towns around Jiecheng are suffering from locust plagues and famines, there are many refugees. I wonder if your hometown has been affected."
"Oh, is that so? Then, Princess Consort, you don't need to worry. My father should handle things back home. There shouldn't be any problems in Jiecheng." Madam Qi listened and secretly made a note of it. She must find out what was going on when she got back. Were there really a lot of refugees pouring into Jiecheng?
Ji Wushang smiled, his gaze falling on Nan Zaiqing's face. Nan Zaiqing lowered his head, covering half of his face with his bangs. Ji Wushang laughed inwardly, "Let's see how arrogant you are now! You don't even dare to speak!"
"Why isn't Fifth Miss resting in the courtyard? Staying in this pavilion too long in the wind won't be good for your health," Ji Wushang said.
Nan Zaiqing raised her head slightly. She had to be patient now, otherwise Ji Wushang would definitely harm her again!
“I felt stuffy in the courtyard, so my aunt suggested that I come out and sit for a while.”
"Oh, I see." Ji Wushang looked at Aunt Leng, whose face was rosy. Aunt Leng smiled and said, "Yes, she was feeling bored in the courtyard, so we're all chatting together."
At this moment, Aunt Liu said in a charming voice, "Oh, Princess Consort, is the silk from Suzhou and Hangzhou that you had Zhu'er carry?"
“Yes, make a garment for the young master; he likes what I make.” Ji Wushang smiled.
"Oh, tsk tsk tsk, the Crown Princess is truly virtuous!" Aunt Liu stepped forward, looking at her. "May I see? Did you get it from Aunt Jin's place?"
"Yes, she manages the cloth shop. They have a lot of silks there, all of which are quite beautiful and of high quality." Ji Wushang watched as Aunt Liu held the cloth in her hand and gently touched it. Zhu'er was worried; what if she accidentally tore the cloth?
Ji Wushang stepped forward and gently pulled the cloth over, preventing Aunt Liu from touching it. How could he allow her to trample on the silk he had personally chosen for Nan Xuzong so casually? "If Aunt Liu is interested, she can ask Aunt Jin for a bolt of it." Ji Wushang smiled as he touched the cloth.
Aunt Liu looked at her silly grin and cursed inwardly. She'd been married for so long and was still clinging to her husband like this. What was she doing? Ji Wushang smiled and said, "I see that Second Uncle wears a dark blue robe every day. Aunt, you can make one for him. He'll definitely like it."
“Yes, of course I will!” Aunt Liu said. “He is very happy about it!”
Lady Qi, who was listening from the side, was not happy at all. She had also made many robes, but Nan Aoyu wore the ones made by Aunt Liu every day! The two of them talking like this was like a knife being cut into her heart!
Ji Wushang shifted his gaze slightly and clearly saw the displeasure on Madam Qi's face.
"My husband raves about my cooking! He wears clothes I make every day!" she boasted. Aunt Liu thought smugly, "He also loves my pastries and many of my dishes; he really enjoys them!"
Hearing their words, Aunt Leng felt a surge of desire. She never imagined that a mere garment could capture a man's heart. She had never made a single garment for the Marquis before. If she were to make one for him, perhaps she could hold onto his heart even more firmly! Now, while the Marquis was away from the manor, she could quickly make one and surprise him when he returned!
Thinking this to herself, Aunt Leng stepped forward, "Such fine satin? Let me see it!"
Ji Wushang smiled and then made room for her to come over; he had been waiting for her to come over!
Aunt Liu was displeased to see Ji Wushang turn his back to her and flatter Aunt Leng. "Let me see too!"
"Alright, alright, let's look at it together!" Ji Wushang said helplessly as he brought over another bolt of purple cloth. Aunt Leng looked at it and immediately said, "I think the crescent white one is better."
As she was saying this, she stepped forward to take it. Ji Wushang didn't notice for a moment and instead placed the crescent-white cloth on Aunt Liu. Before Aunt Liu could take the crescent-white cloth from Ji Wushang, she felt a momentary dizziness and missed her target. Instead, she pressed down on Aunt Leng, knocking her to the ground!
"Ouch! It hurts!" Aunt Leng cried out. Ji Wushang was startled and quickly handed both bolts of cloth to Zhu'er. His eyes flickered, and Zhu'er immediately stepped back.
Ji Wushang turned around and bent down, "How are you? What happened?"
"You! Didn't you hear me say I wanted to see that cloth? Why are you trying to take it from me?" Aunt Leng scolded Aunt Liu, pointing at her.
Nan Zaiqing quickly came to help Aunt Leng. Seeing Nan Zaiqing help, Ji Wushang quickly helped Aunt Liu, saying, "It's my fault. I wasn't paying attention for a moment. Aunt Liu was thinking about looking at the fabric. Oh, are you alright?"
"It hurts!" Tears welled up in Aunt Liu's eyes. Ji Wushang looked at her with a cold smile. This Liu Yanyan was a master of acting!
"Ah, my stomach hurts so much!" This exclamation came from Aunt Leng's mouth! Ji Wushang immediately went forward, because he saw that there was something that looked like blood flowing out from Aunt Leng's lower body!
The people around were all surprised.
Ji Wushang quickly called out, "Quickly, summon the family physician!" As he spoke, he grasped Aunt Leng's wrist; she was indeed pregnant!
Aunt Liu was stunned; she realized she had gotten herself into serious trouble!
Just then, Nan Aoyu and Nan Jinxue were walking through the corridor when they heard a painful scream. Peeking out, they saw what appeared to be blood on Aunt Leng's hands! Nan Aoyu was startled. Her elder brother wasn't home, so she was responsible for taking care of her sisters-in-law. Aunt Leng looked like something had happened to her.
Nan Jinxue saw Ji Wushang. "Second Uncle, go and take a look."
“Okay!” Nan Aoyu and Nan Jinxue went ahead.
The imperial physician arrived quickly and immediately treated and examined Consort Leng, and then had her sent back to Lanruo Garden as soon as possible.
The people present all went into Lanruo Garden.
After having the royal physician examine her, Ji Wushang immediately asked, "Doctor, is my concubine pregnant?"
"Yes, congratulations!" the physician said, bowing. "Two months! Thankfully, the baby hasn't been harmed much, otherwise the consequences would have been unimaginable!" He smiled and took a few steps. "I'll immediately write some prescriptions to help the baby stay healthy for you, my aunt!"
Two months… Ji Wushang calculated the days. Had Aunt Leng eaten something else? Otherwise, the medicine he had given them shouldn't have caused them to become pregnant! However, pregnancy wasn't necessarily a happy event; there were many things to worry about in the future! How could the people in this backyard be so easily merciful to a new life!
Upon hearing this, Nan Zaiqing immediately went to Aunt Leng's bedside. "Aunt, did you hear what the doctor said? You're pregnant! Pregnant!"
Aunt Leng opened her eyes, her face full of smiles. "Yes, yes! Finally, we have one! When the Marquis returns, we must tell him right away! No, we must quickly write a letter and send it to the Marquis to inform him!" Such a joyous occasion must be known to the Marquis, otherwise he won't care about her!
Those around them listened with a variety of thoughts: some were worried for them, some were watching the show, and some were thinking about how to get rid of them.
Everyone came forward to offer their congratulations, but it's hard to say how many of them were truly sincere!
Upon hearing this, Nan Aoyu immediately turned around and looked at Aunt Liu, who was standing to the side with her head down. She slapped her across the face and said, "You are really outrageous! You almost ruined the life of our Marquis's mansion! If my elder brother finds out, he will definitely make you pay!"
Aunt Liu covered her face, "I... how was I supposed to know it would turn out like this? I didn't want it to happen either!"
"Still trying to argue?" Nan Aoyu glared at her, ready to hit her again, but Aunt Liu covered her face, not wanting him to hit her again.
Nan Aoyu snorted coldly.
Lady Qi felt a sense of satisfaction at the sight of the beating, and then stepped forward, saying, "Husband, please don't be angry. It was all unintentional. Please forgive Sister Liu!"
Stop with your crocodile tears! Aunt Liu glared coldly at Madam Qi. Watching herself being beaten by Nan Aoyu, how could she not be unhappy? You bitch, I'll remember this!
"Yes, I really didn't mean it. I don't know what happened. Waaah, my husband..." Aunt Liu cried pitifully, pulling on Nan Aoyu's arm from left to right.
Nan Aoyu said helplessly, "Alright, alright!" He was only disciplining Aunt Liu to show Aunt Leng and the others, otherwise word would spread that he hadn't disciplined them properly, or worse, that he had instigated Aunt Liu to offend Aunt Leng. This would incur the wrath of the Marquis of Jinnan! You see, the Marquis of Jinnan is nearly fifty years old, and it's no easy feat that he's still able to get Aunt Leng pregnant! It would be surprising if his heart wasn't with Aunt Leng!
Ji Wushang sneered inwardly. Everyone in this compound was a master of acting!
Aunt Leng glared at Aunt Liu with fiery eyes. This wretched woman had almost caused her to lose her hard-won child! She would never let her get away with this! That damned bitch! She wanted everyone else to be unable to have a son, didn't she?!
snort!
Just then, a maid came from outside to announce, "Aunt Jin has arrived!"
The wind is blowing quite fast!
Ji Wushang looked at Aunt Leng, whose face twitched. She knew that her pregnancy would attract many people to frame her, and she was now undoubtedly in the eye of the storm!
"Sister Leng is finally pregnant! Congratulations!" Aunt Jin exclaimed in a shrill voice before even entering the room. "I wonder if it's a boy or a girl this time!"
Aunt Leng's face paled. The Fourth Miss, Nan Zhaoxue, and the Fifth Miss, Nan Zaiqing, were both born to her. Before giving birth to Nan Zaiqing, she went to a temple to pray, and the abbot said she was expecting a son, which pleased the Marquis of Jinnan greatly. But in the end, she gave birth to Nan Zaiqing, a young lady! This caused the entire Marquis's mansion to laugh behind her back, saying that Aunt Leng would probably never be able to give birth to a boy in her life!
Although Aunt Jin only had one daughter, Nan Xianxian, she had never suffered such mistreatment!
This is like bringing up old stories again, reopening Aunt Leng's wounds!
"Why don't we go to the temple to pray and ask the abbot if it's a boy or a girl? Hehe!" Aunt Jin stepped forward, her face a mixture of smiles and sinister intent. "Congratulations!"
☆、219 Please, Madam, come out of seclusion and take charge!
Aunt Leng listened with displeasure. "Praying is a must. Even if I don't go, the Marquis should take me with him! As for whether to find those abbots or something to see if it's a boy or a girl, is it necessary? Whether it's a boy or a girl, I think the Marquis will love her dearly!" As she spoke, her eyes were filled with disdain. So what if she was pregnant?
Ji Wushang smiled and said, "We're all family! We should be happy! Light all the lanterns in the mansion, and give every servant a reward."
Aunt Leng was delighted to hear this. Lighting the lamps was a custom of the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty, indicating that a new member had been added to the grand mansion. However, lighting the lamps required the order of the mistress. Ji Wushang had ordered the lamps to be lit so quickly, which clearly gave Aunt Leng a great deal of face and undoubtedly raised her status in the mansion. Since the mistress had approved, everyone in the mansion would have to be even more respectful and filial to Aunt Leng!
The servants were all delighted, as Ji Wushang's rewards were always quite generous, which could take a long time to accumulate!
Seeing that Ji Wushang's few words had brought joy to the whole courtyard, Aunt Jin decided not to make things awkward. She glanced at the room, said she wasn't feeling well, and left.
Ji Wushang looked at Aunt Leng and said, "Aunt Leng, you need to take care of your health, because you're carrying two people!"
"I know." Aunt Leng was trying to figure out whether Ji Wushang's words were sarcastic or a well-intentioned reminder, but Ji Wushang had already turned around and instructed several servants to take good care of Aunt Leng.
Nan Zaiqing was overjoyed, looking at Ji Wushang, "Auntie is pregnant, how come there's not even the slightest sign of pregnancy from my sister-in-law?"