The imperial physicians dared not be stunned for even a moment longer, because Bei Gongminhao was already looking at them with murderous eyes!
Ji Wushang was finally saved, but he was left with an extremely important question about the child.
The child was named Huangfu Jun'an by Ji Wushang, with the courtesy name Zijun and the given name Nianlang. This name signifies her wish for Nan Xuzong's safety, as Ji Wushang thinks of him constantly. Yes, she has been waiting, she has always firmly believed that Nan Xuzong will reappear. How much he longed for a child of their own! Now that they are together, he should return!
Unfortunately, due to a difficult childbirth and Ji Wushang's thousand-year-old icy body, Huangfu Jun'an was weak and extremely cold-blooded. Although not as cold as Ji Wushang, he still had to rely on medicine to maintain his life.
The imperial physicians have yet to find a solution, and for now, they are only managing to stabilize the patient's condition thanks to Ji Wushang's care.
Ji Wushang was extremely worried. Huangfu Jun'an was now her life, and she would not allow her son to suffer any harm or hardship! If anyone dared to bully her son, she would make sure they died a horrible death!
Now, Ji Wushang lives only for Huangfu Jun'an!
That was the only thing he left her!
Time flies. Two and a half years have passed in the blink of an eye.
Ji Dingbei finally retired and returned to his hometown. Ji Wushang and Huangfu Jun'an stayed at General Ji's residence for quite some time. Seeing Ji Wushang raising a child alone, Ji Dingbei felt sorry for her and tried to ask if she would consider remarrying. He added that the Zhou Emperor no longer cared about the previously bestowed marriage…
Ji Wushang's attitude was extremely firm; she would absolutely never remarry! Her life and death were now tied to Nan Xuzong's!
Ji Dingbei could only nod helplessly, but he did take good care of her and the people in the mansion.
Ji Tiankui naturally inherited the position of Grand General, while Ji Wusi became a Young General at a young age, which pleased Ji Wushang.
The Ji Wusi I was worried about back then has grown into a man... That's great!
In the desert, Huangfu Xuan and Ma Ruyi were a couple and had a son and a daughter. Now that he was a father, he was even more eager to conquer the world. However, the border wars were constant, and the war between Qingzhao and the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty had been going on for more than a year.
Meanwhile, the wars between the Xia and Zhou dynasties and the Bohai Kingdom became even more frequent.
Huangfu Xuan wanted to withdraw and return to the capital to unleash his power and inherit the throne, but while he had the courage and the strength, he lacked the time.
Emperor Zhou, surrounded by beauties and indulging in nightly revelry, seems to be hopelessly addicted. Yet, he occasionally displays moments of astute decision-making, leaving Bei Gongminhao and his associates helpless.
Bei Gongminhao and Huangfuyu joined forces to cultivate a new force in the imperial city, but this was also for the sake of peace in the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty.
Night was falling.
Ji Wushang personally fed Huangfu Jun'an, who was sitting at the table, with gentle eyes, "Nianlang, come on, eat a little more."
Huangfu Jun'an is extremely intelligent!
Before she was even a little over a year old, she could call out, "Mama." By the time she turned one, she had already started walking.
Now approaching three years old, she is even more lively, mischievous, and adorable, with a cute way of speaking and a sweet tongue that brings joy to everyone. The entire household is delighted.
Huangfu Jun'an looked at Ji Wushang with her small black eyes and said in a childish voice, "Mother, Nianlang is full, why aren't you eating?"
"I'll eat after you've eaten your fill," Ji Wushang said with a smile. With Huangfu Jun'an by her side, Ji Wushang felt much happier. Even though she would sometimes be lost in thought for a long time, as soon as the wet nurse brought Huangfu Jun'an to her, Ji Wushang would immediately come back to her senses and smile.
She didn't want to bring her emotions to Nan Jun'an, and she wanted him to live happily... It's just a pity that he was so young and had to suffer from illness, which made Ji Wushang anxious and heartbroken.
“Nianlang is full, Mother, let Nianlang feed you!” As he spoke, Huangfu Jun’an actually reached out to take his little spoon!
Ji Wushang felt a warmth in his heart, "You can't carry it yet, don't bother."
"After feeding Nianlang, Mother always sits on the stool in a daze!" Nan Jun'an picked up his spoon with all his might, his little hands were so cute.
Ji Wushang sighed, unsure whether he should be happy. Huangfu Jun'an was smarter than most children; he could always see through Ji Wushang's actions. Just like now, Huangfu Jun'an was acting like an adult...
"Mother was just thinking about some things, it's nothing." Yes, Nan Xuzong used to feed her during meals, and every time she ate, she couldn't help but think of him, and then tears would stream down her face.
She patted Huangfu Jun'an's little head. "Mother is really alright, don't worry." Ji Wushang smiled.
Just then, Hongfei came in from outside and said, "Fourth Imperial Concubine, the Second Master has arrived."
"Is that Uncle Beigong? Is he here to see Nianlang?" Huangfu Jun'an immediately tried to jump off the stool, but Ji Wushang had no choice but to go forward and pick him up. Huangfu Jun'an was very dependent on Beigong Minhao.
"Please invite him in! Nianlang and I are having a meal," Ji Wushang said, then squatted down and looked at Huangfu Jun'an. "Nianlang, don't say anything careless later, understand?"
“Nianlang heard that.” Huangfu Jun’an nodded his little head.
Ji Wushang smiled. Huangfu Jun'an always easily revealed some information about Ji Wushang to Beigong Minhao. For example, if Ji Wushang couldn't eat lunch or had a nightmare and cried loudly at night, Huangfu Jun'an would tell him the next time he saw Beigong Minhao.
Ji Wushang knew Bei Gongminhao well. If she didn't accept him, he wouldn't dare take another step, and would always silently watch over her. She simply didn't want him to worry! To this day, he hasn't taken another concubine… even now, having inherited the title of Prince of Zhenbei and become the new prince.
Beigong Minhao entered and bowed to Ji Wushang, "Young Master..."
"Please rise, Your Highness, there's no need for such formalities." Ji Wushang smiled slightly. In truth, in terms of status and position, Ji Wushang was already inferior to him, yet he still greeted him with the utmost courtesy.
She knew his intention: he was telling the world that he, Bei Gongminhao, and Ji Wushang had a very clean friendship.
Huangfu Jun'an turned his head, and seeing Beigong Minhao about to pounce on him, he staggered over, "Nianlang, greetings... Uncle Beigong!"
"Nianlang is such a good boy." Beigong Minhao smiled and then picked up Huangfu Jun'an. "Oh, Nianlang has grown up so much. It's hard for Uncle Beigong to carry him!"
“Mother said that Nianlang should grow up quickly!” Huangfu Jun’an said, glancing at Ji Wushang. Ji Wushang smiled but did not reply.
"Uncle Beigong, Mother just fed Nianlang his meal!" Huangfu Jun'an said in a childish voice.
"Hmm." Bei Gongminhao did see some food on the table, but it was very bland. Apart from some minced meat in Huangfu Junan's small bowl, there was no other meat on the table.
It was obvious without asking that Ji Wushang had a poor appetite.
It's probably something on your mind.
Beigong Minhao sighed inwardly.
“Mother hasn’t eaten yet,” Huangfu Jun’an replied.
Bei Gongminhao listened and looked at Ji Wushang. Ji Wushang listened in silence, not looking in the direction of Bei Gongminhao and Huangfu Junan, but picking up his bowl and chopsticks and eating in silence.
"Your mother is having her meal." Bei Gongminhao smiled at Huangfu Jun'an, then his expression turned serious. "Nianlang, have you been good these past few days? Have you made your mother angry?"
"No, Nianlang is very well-behaved and hasn't made his mother angry." Huangfu Jun'an smiled as he spoke, revealing a small tooth that had just grown in.
Bei Gongminhao watched, feeling a sweet warmth in his heart. It was just a pity that he also knew about Huangfu Junan's illness... Right, that's why he came today.
Ji Wushang glanced at the sky outside, then looked at Beigong Minhao and said, "Your Highness, it's time for Nianlang to take his medicine."
“Yes, that’s right.” Beigong Minhao smiled.
Ji Wushang called out towards the outside, "Wet Nurse."
Immediately, an older maidservant came forward, quickly bowed, and then, as Ji Wushang had instructed, took Huangfu Jun'an away from Beigong Minhao.
Bei Gongminhao stood up at this moment. He looked at Ji Wushang on the table, who had stopped eating, and couldn't help but say, "How can you survive on such a small amount of food to find a cure for Nianlang?"
"I really can't accept this." Ji Wushang waved his hand, signaling Hongfei to have the food removed, before asking, "What brings Your Highness here today?"
“I’ve returned from outside and learned that the Miluoxiang in Qingzhao is very helpful for Nianlang’s illness,” Beigong Minhao said seriously. “I have already sent people to infiltrate Qingzhao to find Miluoxiang.”
"Miluoxiang?" Ji Wushang wondered, then recalled the books he had read before and remembered this herb. "This...this is a herb that grows exclusively in the Qingzhao Palace. Wouldn't it be extremely dangerous to send someone there?"
“It’s alright. If we can gather some, it will alleviate Nianlang’s pain. If I have time, I will definitely go and gather them myself,” Beigong Minhao said. “However, to cure Nianlang’s illness, we will probably need Qingzhao’s national treasure, the Yuehai Pearl.”
Ji Wushang's eyes darkened. "I've only heard that the ruler of Qingzhao, Tuoba Heyan, is extremely ruthless. He's a shrewd monarch who, during the war between our Great Xia Zhou Dynasty and the Western Regions, swiftly annexed the surrounding countries and rapidly developed his power. Now, Qingzhao has been at war with our Great Xia Zhou Dynasty for over a year. I'm afraid if you go there, your chances of survival are slim. I don't want you to risk your lives for Nianlang." Ji Wushang didn't want to owe this man anything more. What she owed him was something she could never fully repay.
"It's alright, I'll have someone be careful, and I'll be careful too." She did care about me, whether out of friendship or something else, and that was enough.
Besides, this is for Nianlang, for her child, how could I not do my best?
"The Pearl of the Sea is in the palace, reflecting endless light and illuminating the entire Qingzhao Royal Palace. King Tuoba Heyan of Qingzhao is extremely cautious and has heavily guarded the Pearl of the Sea. If you want to steal it, I'm afraid you can't. Let me see if we can borrow it for a while." Beigong Minhao sighed slightly and then said, "However, I'm afraid Nianlang can't wait that long."
Just as she finished speaking, Hongfei rushed in from outside, "Fourth Princess, Second Master, something has happened to the young prince!"
"What?" Ji Wushang's expression changed drastically upon hearing this, and he quickly headed towards Huangfu Jun'an's courtyard. Bei Gongminhao followed closely behind.
Fortunately, the household has imperial physicians on standby at all times; otherwise, it's uncertain whether they could have saved Huangfu Jun'an!
After Nan Xuzong's death, the Empress Dowager was deeply saddened and sent people to take good care of Ji Wushang. She also ordered some imperial physicians to be on standby at the residence at any time. Knowing the friendship between Nan Xuzong and Beigong Minhao, she specially permitted Beigong Minhao to show concern for Ji Wushang at appropriate times.
Furthermore, after Huangfu Jun'an gave birth, she took even better care of the Prince Zong's residence, allowing several imperial physicians to serve directly within the residence. Ji Wushang was also given free access to the palace's medicinal herbs.
However, time waits for no one, and the Empress Dowager aged considerably in the past two years, no longer leaving her Cixin Palace.
Ji Wushang broke out in a cold sweat and stayed by Huangfu Jun'an's side all night. Bei Gongminhao watched with a heart full of resentment that he could neither find the Miluoxiang nor obtain the Yuehai Pearl.
After a long while, Ji Wushang and Beigong Minhao went to the outer room and met with several imperial physicians.
"Fourth Imperial Consort, the young prince... I'm afraid he doesn't have much time left..." The imperial physician knelt down, his voice trembling.
Ji Wushang's face was deathly pale, and tears streamed down her face uncontrollably. Was she going to lose the son Nan Xuzong had left her? No, she wouldn't let Nianlang die! Nan Xuzong hadn't returned yet, and Nianlang was so obedient and clever—how could he die!
Ji Wushang originally knew medicine, but she was at a loss when it came to Huangfu Jun'an's illness. She was afraid that if she made a mistake, she would lose Huangfu Jun'an completely.
"How much time does he have left?" Ji Wushang asked, his voice trembling as he held back tears.
"In less than two years..." the imperial physician said, "at present, medicine can still be used to maintain his condition, but as time goes by, if the young prince is not cured, I'm afraid he will... he will die."
"I will find the medicine you want, I, I definitely can! Nianlang can't be hurt, I beg you, you must save Nianlang!" Ji Wushang said, about to kneel down, but Beigong Minhao helped Ji Wushang up, "There must be a way, Fourth Princess, please don't be anxious."
“Prince Zhenbei, Nianlang…” Ji Wushang gently pushed away his support.
"Please rest assured, Fourth Princess Consort, we will certainly treat the young prince well. However, the young prince has suffered quite a bit..."
Ji Wushang covered her face, suppressing her sobs, tears streaming down her face. She was pregnant with Nan Xuzong's baby, yet she never imagined that she would cause Nianlang to suffer...
I'm not a good enough mother, not good enough!
"Fourth Imperial Consort, you need not worry. I will definitely have people find those medicines as soon as possible." Bei Gong Minhao tried his best to comfort Ji Wushang, but he knew that finding those medicines would be harder than climbing to heaven! You must know that Qingzhao and the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty are in the midst of a fierce war. It is already extremely difficult for anyone from the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty to enter Qingzhao! What's worse, if Qingzhao finds out that someone is from the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty, they will surely die!
Ji Wushang took a deep breath, wiped away her tears with a silk handkerchief, and composed herself. "Thank you."
The night was surprisingly deep. Ji Wushang entered Huangfu Junan's inner room and sat down by his small bed. Huangfu Junan was sleeping peacefully. Ji Wushang reached out and touched Huangfu Junan's face.
Huangfu Jun'an bore a striking resemblance to Nan Xuzong, and Ji Wushang had a strange feeling that Nan Xuzong was lying right there...
“Cong…” Ji Wushang called out, and suddenly, tears fell again.
The next day, Ji Wushang was feeding Huangfu Jun'an breakfast in the courtyard when he heard that an imperial edict had arrived from the palace!
Ji Wushang immediately had the wet nurse bring Huangfu Jun'an into his small courtyard and reminded him to take his medicine on time.
She changed her clothes and then quickly went outside.
"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Recently, the war between Qingzhao and our country has been initially settled, ending with a peace treaty and marriage alliance. Now, Lady Ji Wushang, originally the eldest daughter of General Ji's family, is virtuous and talented. She was initially married to the Fourth Prince, Prince Huangfu Zong. However, Huangfu Zong has been dead for more than three years, and Lady Ji Wushang has completed her widowhood. She may now find another husband! At this time, the royal family has no princess to send to Qingzhao for the marriage alliance. Therefore, from today onwards, Lady Ji Wushang is hereby granted the title of Princess Wushang. Three days later, she will marry the Qingzhao ruler, Tuoba Heyan, as a concubine. Because Huangfu Jun'an is young, and with the consent of the Qingzhao ruler, Princess Wushang may bring her son to marry into Qingzhao. This is the imperial decree!"
Wait, what did I just hear? Ji Wushang was completely stunned, kneeling on the ground without changing her position! What did she just hear?! She was actually going to become a princess for a political marriage and marry Tuoba Heyan, the Qingzhao monarch she had never met?
Ah! What on earth is going on! How can I accept this! I was born a Nan Xuzong, and I will die a Nan Xuzong! How can I remarry? How can I be made a princess again and sent to marry Qingzhao!
What does the peace treaty between their two nations have to do with a mere woman like me? Why were they pushing her out? Why? What had I done to offend them?! In the past three years, I've only gone out once or twice, just to buy medicinal herbs for Huangfu Jun'an! Why are they targeting me?! Why, does the heavens have eyes?
"Princess Wushang, you should accept the decree!" The eunuch watched Ji Wushang's constantly changing expression and felt deeply moved. Originally, everyone in the capital knew that the Fourth Prince Huangfu Zong and the Fourth Princess Ji Wushang were a loving and devoted couple! Unfortunately, a battle took the Fourth Prince's life, and now, because of a battle, the Fourth Princess has become Princess Wushang.
Princess Wushang...