After sweeping the first floor, Ji Wushang went up to the second floor. The second floor was where some scriptures were kept. Ji Wushang put down the feather duster and then focused on selecting some scriptures to read.
After wandering around a few halls, he picked up a copy of the Diamond Sutra, when suddenly he heard a deep male voice, "Miss Ji?" He had actually seen her the moment she pushed open the door, but he hadn't expected her to be bowing before the Buddha statue. What surprised him even more was that, disregarding her noble status, she took a feather duster and began cleaning herself. Her figure was petite, yet resolute. Seeing the tall Buddha statue, she moved a stool to sweep; noticing the low seat, she even lifted her skirt to sweep… He didn't want to disturb her and planned to leave after she finished. But then she came upstairs; it turned out her purpose was to read the Buddhist scriptures.
After thinking it over, Nan Xuzong decided that it would be good to go out and see her.
Ji Wushang was startled, and the Diamond Sutra in her hand fell to the ground. Turning around, she saw a man sitting a few feet away in a wheelchair. His handsome face remained expressionless, but at the same time, he looked down at the Diamond Sutra on the ground. "Does Miss also like the Diamond Sutra?" As he spoke, he flicked a golden thread with one hand, rolled up the Diamond Sutra in his hand, and grinned.
Ji Wushang was momentarily stunned, never expecting him to smile. And so, so incredibly...
Ji Wushang composed himself. Thankfully, it should only be the two of them here; he hoped no one would spread the word. "Young Master Nan," he said, bowing respectfully. But he felt strange. Wasn't the entire nunnery supposed to be empty? Why was he here? And why was this Round Moon Nunnery, filled with women, a grown man like him?
Although it had been several days since they last met, he seemed to have lost weight. His already not-so-round face now had a few stubble stubble, which made Ji Wushang feel a little embarrassed.
Seeing the embarrassment on her face, Nan Xuzong realized that he himself looked rather forlorn, so he lowered his head and remained silent, only clutching the Diamond Sutra tightly in his hand.
"Could you please return the Diamond Sutra to me?" Ji Wushang felt a pang of guilt seeing how badly he had damaged the Diamond Sutra; he had been hoping to read it himself! Why was he acting like this?
Nan Xuzong was taken aback, his face showing embarrassment, and he forced a smile that looked worse than a grimace. "I'm sorry," he said, extending his hand.
Ji Wushang didn't know whether to accept it or not. He shouldn't have said that he was returning the Diamond Sutra. At most, he would just not read it... He felt annoyed, but after thinking about it, he still went forward to take it.
☆、052 Annoying, the young lady's wedding!
Nan Xuzong knew she was embarrassed, and he was also very awkward. Seeing that Ji Wushang had just picked up the book, he immediately withdrew his hand and took a few steps back.
With their own thoughts, neither of them knew what to say, and the atmosphere became awkward again. Nan Xuzong thought for a moment and decided to say something to break the silence, but Ji Wushang had just spoken when they both burst into laughter.
"Miss, you go first." The two laughed, easing the awkward atmosphere, and Nan Xuzong spoke up. He coughed slightly, a little embarrassed.
Seeing his deep black eyes and the imposing presence between his brows, Ji Wushang thought for a moment before saying, "I just don't understand why the young master is here."
“Master Jingni is my martial aunt, and I have been here for many days.” Nan Xuzong looked up at her and said, “I have disturbed you, Miss. I suppose it is the Elder Madam who has come to offer incense today?”
“Indeed.” Ji Wushang nodded. So this Abbess Jingni was his martial aunt. No wonder she was here. But why had she been here for several days? Had no one in the Marquis of Jinnan’s mansion noticed him? However, this was not his concern. He had no connection with the Marquis of Jinnan’s mansion anymore!
When Ji Wushang thought of the Marquis of Jinnan's mansion, she recalled the events of her past life, and her gaze inevitably turned slightly cold. When Nan Xuzong saw her eyes turn cold, he didn't know why, and thought that he had disturbed her, so he apologized, "I have disturbed Miss, I will leave now."
As Nan Xuzong spoke, his eyes darted around, and he placed his hand on the wheelchair before heading downstairs. Ji Wushang was startled and hurriedly said, "No."
The words had barely left his mouth when Ji Wushang regretted them. What had he thought? Was he afraid he'd leave? What was going on? Yes, he didn't dislike him; it was just that his affairs were beyond the understanding of the Marquis of Jinnan's household, weren't they? Besides, he and the Marquis of Jinnan had no real relationship! His behavior was just too strange. He'd only heard a few days ago that the Eighth Prince was gone, and the Emperor had ordered a thorough investigation, yet he hadn't expected to be here. Could it be that the Marquis of Jinnan's household wasn't involved?
"Oh?" Nan Xuzong was taken aback, turning to look at Ji Wushang. Was she too difficult for him to understand? Wasn't she afraid that people would find out they were together and ruin her reputation? When they first met, she cared a great deal about his reputation, so why was she trying to keep him now that he was leaving? Thinking this, Nan Xuzong's eyes grew even deeper.
“I just thought that this Diamond Sutra is very good. If Prince Nan likes it, I would not dare to take it away from someone else.” Ji Wushang immediately made up for what she had said and put the Diamond Sutra back in its original place. “Prince Nan originally wanted to cultivate here. It was I who disturbed you.” Ji Wushang bowed slightly.
Nan Xuzong smiled slightly, "Miss, you're so young to be reading Buddhist scriptures, don't you find it a bit boring?"
"Thanks to Grandmother's blessings, if she can protect my Ji family, then reciting a few more Buddhist scriptures would be quite beneficial." Ji Wushang's gaze softened slightly, regaining its cool and aloof demeanor. "Life in this world is nothing but fleeting smoke. Even while alive, we are merely trying to survive. If there is suffering, it is a tribulation that must be overcome. Reciting a few more Buddhist scriptures in our spare time can calm the mind, so why not?"
"How do we break this 'life' concept?" Seeing her like this, Nan Xuzong looked at Ji Wushang with a strange expression. He couldn't believe that this person would summarize life into the word "life".
"Don't be fooled by the seemingly peaceful world. What I know is that the borderlands are never truly tranquil. And why? Isn't it all for survival? But when survival is within reach, people become more greedy." Ji Wushang's gaze turned slightly cold, precisely because too many people, driven by greed for power, have committed heinous acts!
"It seems that Miss has seen far more than most people; even I am ashamed of myself." Nan Xuzong's hand clenched slightly.
Ji Wushang smiled and looked at Prince Nan, "You flatter me. My knowledge is only a fraction of what you've learned. How can I compare to Prince Nan? You say you've seen a lot, but that's just what you've seen in your daily life. I'm just an ordinary person, only occasionally copying Buddhist scriptures and reciting Buddhist texts. What could a woman confined to her chambers possibly understand?"
As Nan Xuzong listened, he slowly unfurled his hand. "It's getting late, I shall take my leave."
Ji Wushang nodded. "Are you going to see my grandmother?"
Nan Xuzong shook his head. "I'll visit another day. I won't disturb Madam Yuan this time. Besides, Aunt Jingni doesn't know I'm here. I came quietly, so I should leave quietly as well."
Ji Wushang breathed a sigh of relief. He was afraid that he would go to see his grandmother, which would cause a lot of trouble. As soon as he saw her turn her wheelchair and slowly disappear, Ji Wushang dared not continue reading the Buddhist scriptures. He went downstairs, walked out, and closed the door.
Seeing that Zhu'er was still dozing under the banyan tree not far ahead, Ji Wushang felt a little relieved. He composed himself and went up to call Zhu'er back.
When they arrived at the meditation room, Ji Wushang saw that Ji Yinxue and Ji Wuxia had returned to their grandmother's place. The old lady was thinking about going back and wondered if she should send someone to look for Ji Wushang. Fortunately, Ji Wushang returned at that moment.
Ji Wuxia looked on and muttered, "They've been gone for so long! They've kept us waiting!"
Ji Wushang pretended not to hear and went straight to answer the old lady. The old lady looked at Ji Wushang and asked, "Where did you go? Why are you so late?"
"I just wandered around, and Zhu'er played with me for a while." Ji Wushang naturally wouldn't mention meeting Nan Xuzong, so he lied.
The matriarch nodded, "Pack everything up, let's go back to the manor."
The group returned to General Ji's mansion in a grand procession. They had just returned home and had not rested for long when Ji Wushang heard his maid, Yue'er, running back from outside.
"Miss, Miss, people from the Zhou family have arrived! They've gone to see the matriarch!"
Ji Wushang was shocked. The Zhou family... was this all for his marriage?
Ji Wushang had no desire to sleep any longer. She paced the room, unable to think of a good solution. Marrying Zhou Muxuan might be a bad idea. Even if she became the principal wife, what difference would it make? Even concubines could rise to the top; what did it matter whether she became the principal wife or not? All she wanted was peace and stability. Seeing her mother and Wu Zi safe and sound was her greatest happiness.
He couldn't help but feel a little more worried, and after thinking about it, he decided to go to see the matriarch.
After announcing the arrival, Granny Guo led Ji Wushang inside. The old lady, Madam Zhou, and Zhou Muxuan had already been sitting down and talking for quite some time. Also present were Ji Wuxia, Madam Bei, and Aunt Nangong.
Ji Wushang lowered her head, greeted them, and then said, "I originally intended to bring my newly copied Buddhist scriptures for Grandmother to review, so I could place them before the Buddha and offer them some incense." Everyone nodded in agreement; this young lady was indeed sensible. The Old Madam accepted the newly copied scriptures, saying, "Wushang is so thoughtful! The scriptures she gave me the other day truly pleased me; her handwriting is so delicate and beautiful!" With that, she held up Ji Wushang's copied scriptures for everyone to see. Everyone nodded in approval.
Madam Zhou looked at him and scrutinized Ji Wushang from head to toe, as if she were examining an object.
Zhou Muxuan, seemingly refined and polite, was also looking Ji Wushang up and down, as if plotting something. Ji Wushang felt a chill run down her spine under those gazes. Madam Zhou's gaze clearly indicated she wanted to marry a docile wife, while Zhou Muxuan, who clearly had no feelings for her, seemed to want to marry her at first sight. Did he think she was just a piece of clothing? She absolutely could not repeat the mistakes of her past life!
You shouldn't marry someone like that.
The matriarch had Granny Guo put away the Buddhist scriptures, and patted Ji Wushang's hand, saying, "You're happy today, so don't overwork yourself. You're busy all day, and you've gotten thinner. Granny Guo, give the Jade Hairpin I brought back to the young lady."
Upon hearing this, Ji Wuxia immediately said, "Grandmother, you can't be so biased towards my eldest sister! Just a few days ago, Wuxia worked day and night to make a screen for Grandmother!"
Upon hearing this, the matriarch laughed and said, "Oh, is Wu Xia jealous? Hehe, Granny Guo, why don't you give Wu Xia that exquisite bracelet I'm wearing too!"
Upon hearing this, Ji Wuxia felt smug. Who told Ji Wushang to always steal the spotlight in front of so many people? This time, she finally got her revenge!
“Grandmother, there’s no need. Look, isn’t the jade hairpin I’m wearing the one you gave me last time? Although it’s been a while, I like it very much and don’t want to take it off. If you want to give me another one, I’ll wear both hairpins together.” Ji Wushang said with a smile, “Grandmother, please keep it! Wearing it will make you look several years younger!”
"Look at your mouth!" the old lady said with a smile. "Since you don't want a hairpin, then how about a jade bracelet as a reward?"
Ji Wushang made an excuse and followed Granny Guo to a side courtyard to retrieve the jade bracelet.
Seeing that no one was around, Ji Wushang stepped forward and asked, "Does Granny Guo know about Cousin Zhou? I saw that Grandmother hasn't rested enough yet, and Madam Zhou has already arrived. Is there something important?" As she spoke, Ji Wushang took a purse from her sleeve and stuffed it into Granny Guo's hand. Granny Guo quickly refused. Granny Guo had been with the Old Madam Yuan at the Yuanyue Nunnery for a long time, practicing vegetarianism and chanting Buddhist scriptures, so she naturally wouldn't accept such a gesture.
"No need, no need, Miss, please keep it." Granny Guo said kindly. She thought that the marriage between the Zhou family and General Ji's mansion was not unreasonable. The young lady's question was naturally because she was afraid of the marriage. Such worries were not unreasonable for a young lady.
Thinking about it, things are still far from settled, so it's best not to spread the word too much. Granny Guo glanced around, making sure no one was watching, and said, "Madam Zhou and Madam Yuan just spoke. This young master Zhou has somehow fallen for a girl from a private school. He originally intended to marry her, but Master Zhou wouldn't agree. They compromised, agreeing that once young master Zhou is married, he can take that woman as a concubine. Madam Yuan thinks you're not young anymore, and Madam Zhou also mentioned that a marriage between equals is a good thing. Miss, you can rest assured, young master Zhou's character is excellent; Madam Yuan has approved him!"
Ji Wushang was stunned. It was as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over his head. What was he to do? What good character? He was bad to her but good to the concubine. Wasn't he just like in his previous life? What about social standing? She was just a legitimate daughter! He was just a legitimate son!
With such a perfect match made in heaven, would Young Master Zhou really give up his love for that woman? A woman who could make Young Master Zhou so infatuated that he would quarrel with his family must have some serious skills!
I don't want to follow the same path as before.
Ji Wushang said she was tired, so she put on the jade bracelet, bid farewell to Granny Guo, and returned to Xinyuan. Granny Guo thought that she was having trouble accepting this sudden event, so she smiled and told her to rest well before returning to Madam Yuan's place.
This matter needs to be resolved quickly! Ji Wushang was in a state of confusion and kept walking forward. Unexpectedly, before he even reached the courtyard, he didn't see Yue'er walking ahead and bumped into her. Yue'er stumbled and fell to the ground, shattering the potted plant in her hand and scattering soil all over the ground.
Ji Wushang looked on, his eyes growing even colder. Yue'er, seeing this, immediately knelt down, pleading, "Miss, spare me! Miss, spare me!"
Ji Wushang rubbed his temples. "Get up! Clean up the yard. What kind of potted plant is this?"
“It’s a peony. I was originally planning to display it in the front hall,” Yue’er said, seeing that Ji Wushang wasn’t angry.
"Hmm, change to something new." The smell wasn't unusual, so Ji Wushang started walking into the house. He'd only taken a few steps when something came to mind. He immediately turned back, looking at Yue'er who was still tidying up on the floor, and said, "Yue'er, come inside when you're done."
"Yes." Yue'er didn't know why Ji Wushang had called her to do something, and she was timid, but she still nodded.
Once inside, Yue'er saw only Ji Wushang and Zhu'er. Ji Wushang was doing embroidery on one side, while Zhu'er was fanning herself on the other.
"Miss." Yue'er was still a little scared, so she knelt down in front of Ji Wushang.
"Get up." Ji Wushang placed the embroidery on the table and looked at Yue'er. "Yue'er, Zhu'er, listen to me..."
“Miss, I’m afraid this won’t do. It would be so bad for your reputation.” Upon hearing this, Zhu’er frowned.
Ji Wushang shook his head, "This is the only way. Besides, I don't think that Young Master Zhou would spread any gossip about young ladies. As long as you don't say anything, I'll be fine." Zhou Muxuan is an official's son from a prestigious family, and he wouldn't ruin his reputation like those gossipy old women.
Yue'er and Zhu'er exchanged a glance, and since they couldn't think of a better way, they nodded.
Just then, the maid Chunfeng reported that the eldest young master, Ji Tiankui, was drinking with Young Master Zhou at the Sunrise Pavilion on the artificial hill. This reassured Ji Wushang even more.
The elder lady's party had probably all dispersed. Ji Tiankui had been busy with the wedding these past few days, but now that he knew Zhou Muxuan had arrived, he instructed his servants to do their work and then invited Zhou Muxuan to the pavilion on the artificial hill to enjoy the scenery and reminisce.
Ji Wuxia returned to her bamboo garden, feeling unhappy and resentful. She had only taken a few steps slower and hadn't heard her grandmother's conversation with Madam Zhou and Young Master Zhou. Was it really true that her eldest sister was going to marry that Young Master Zhou? Ji Wuxia tugged at her braid as she walked back, pondering the question.
Unexpectedly, she bumped into a maid without even looking, and Ji Wuxia immediately became furious. "You slut, are you blind? You dare to bump into me when you see me, are you tired of living?" Ji Wuxia cursed.
The little maid immediately knelt on the ground and kowtowed repeatedly, "Second Miss, spare me! Second Miss, spare me! It was my fault for being blind and offending you, please forgive me, please forgive me!" Ji Wuxia was still watching, and sneered, "You slut, I'd better sell you to a matchmaker!"
"No, no, Second Miss! Please have mercy, Second Miss!" The little maid kowtowed repeatedly, her head almost bleeding from the effort.
Ji Wuxia looked on and said, "Forget it, get out of here right now!" This crying is going to attract attention! Young Master Zhou is still at the manor!
The young maidservant kowtowed several times and then ran away immediately.
Ji Wuxia lost her mood and walked slowly. Unexpectedly, she faintly heard two maids discussing something. Immediately, Ji Wuxia went forward to listen.
"I heard that the young lady's marriage has been arranged, and it's with Young Master Zhou!"
"Not yet. Now that the eldest young lady is getting married, there is another happy event in the manor."
"That would be even better; the Elder Madam will surely reward you."
...
Ji Wuxia frowned and immediately headed towards Aunt Bai's East Garden. Upon arrival, she learned that Aunt Bai was in the Plum Garden taking care of Ji Meiyuan. This only fueled Ji Wuxia's anger. She had originally intended to ask Aunt Bai for help; even if she didn't marry that Young Master Zhou, she couldn't let Ji Wushang marry into that family! At least let Ji Wushang marry a heartless scoundrel!
As Ji Wuxia pondered, she suddenly remembered the plan she had devised many days ago. She immediately inquired about Young Master Zhou from her maid and learned that he was still at the mansion, drinking with Ji Tiankui. Hope ignited in her heart.
In the pavilion, Ji Tiankui talked to Zhou Muxuan while pouring wine. "I never expected that you would actually pass the civil service exam and even achieve official rank! You'll be promoted and have a bright future!" Ji Tiankui smiled, thinking of himself as a mere warrior.
Zhou Muxuan looked at Ji Tiankui, waved his hand, raised his wine cup and said, "Where? Isn't it because my cousin is riding high? Even the Seventh Princess of the Loyal and Righteous Prince's Mansion is willing to marry you. You are the one who is blessed with good fortune!" Zhou Muxuan's face was slightly red. He was feeling troubled about his marriage, but now it was all right. He had finally settled on Ji Wushang, which was a relief.
Ji Tiankui said, "As long as my cousin studies hard, our Ji family will definitely do our best to help him in the future."
"Thank you, cousin." After a few drinks, Zhou Muxuan was already slightly tipsy.
Ji Tiankui watched, then patted him on the shoulder, "Be nicer to my sister from now on."
"Definitely, definitely." Zhou Muxuan seemed a little dizzy and lightheaded. Seeing that he was drunk, Ji Tiankui called for a maid.
Unexpectedly, no maidservant heard him in the pavilion. Ji Tiankui frowned, then cupped his hands in farewell to Zhou Muxuan, saying, "Don't drink so much. I'll go and call someone right now."
Zhou Muxuan waved his hand. After Ji Tiankui left, Zhou Muxuan was alone in the pavilion, still feeling down, so he drank a few more cups.