“I know you’re not mute,” Yiyun Shangcheng said with rare patience, uttering a pointless statement.
Ji Wushang glanced at him sideways, and was momentarily stunned to see that his attire was different from that of the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty. His phoenix eyes and thick eyebrows were slightly upturned, his eyelashes were long and narrow, and his pupils were dark purple. He had a high nose bridge, and his whole demeanor exuded nobility and arrogance. His deep-seated ferocity had been concealed by his unique temperament. However, to his disappointment, Ji Wushang still said rather coldly, "I will never forget the life-saving grace! I will repay it one day! I only ask you to tell me where my mother is, and how she is?" As he spoke, a trace of sadness appeared on his face.
Yi Yun Shangcheng's purple eyes darkened slightly. She knew that she was no longer a person from the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty, but she neither asked nor talked about it. Even her emotions were so cold. So be it. "She is not well. The doctor is treating her."
Upon hearing this, Ji Wushang felt dizzy and had to brace herself against the bed to avoid falling. She didn't want this outcome; she wanted to return to the manor! She had to get to the bottom of this! Whoever owed her, would pay! They had tried to harm her time and time again, so they wouldn't be polite!
"I want to see her, please." This was the third time she had begged him, and it was still because of Madam Bei.
Yiyun Shangcheng raised an eyebrow. "You're not fully recovered yet, you can't move."
"I can!" Ji Wushang said anxiously. "Besides, Mother and I must return to the manor tonight." Otherwise, Father and Wu Zi would worry! Moreover, after not returning to the manor for so long, he dared not say what might have happened there!
“If you can get out of bed and walk out of this door on your own, I will send you back tonight.” Yi Yun Shangcheng’s face was cold, and his purple eyes looked at Ji Wushang with a slight chill. He wanted to see just how stubborn she was and how determined she was.
"Okay!" Ji Wushang forced a pale smile. Immediately, she felt dizzy, but she bit her cherry lips tightly. With her stubbornness, she managed to get off the bed by supporting herself with her hands. Only then did she realize that her knees were bandaged and clearly treated with medicine. She hadn't noticed the pain before! Now, the pain traveled from her knees to her brain.
Yiyun Shangcheng felt a pang of pity. "You can give up."
Ji Wushang shook his head; he would not give up!
Ji Wushang strained to move towards the door. He had to go back tonight; he couldn't stay a moment longer! This must be an underground palace, and this room was magnificent and ridiculously large! It was circular, with a diameter of at least fifty zhang, and the bed was at the center! Ji Wushang slowly moved towards the door.
Yi Yun Shangcheng stepped forward to help her up. "You've won. I'll take you back to your residence later." His tone was calm, but his heart was stirred. He had never understood why this woman could contend with Bei Gong Minhao for so long and even attract Nan Xu Cong to rescue her. It was because she possessed an inherent pride, something he could never comprehend.
She's like a mystery; you'll be captivated by her after just one or two encounters.
No, that's not right. I am the future king of the Western Regions... Yiyun Shangcheng frowned, denying her own wild thoughts, and helped Ji Wushang to sit down on the chaise longue.
"I'll go call someone to change the dressing. After it's changed, you can go see your mother. Later, the two of you can return to the manor." Yi Yun Shang Cheng met those clear eyes and realized how beautiful she was. She seemed like a fairy who had stepped out of a painting. Her skin was like a piece of treasured jade. Her slightly pale face had a touch of Xi Shi's beauty, especially now that she was wearing the palace dress of a woman from the Western Regions. Yi Yun Shang Cheng felt that this woman should have been born from the Western Regions, not from the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty.
Ji Wushang's gaze turned slightly cold. "Please go and call for help, young master."
Yi Yunshang's expression changed slightly, and he stood up and walked out without saying a word. Ji Wushang finally breathed a sigh of relief.
A moment later, Maria entered carrying a tray of medicine and gauze. Yiyun Shangcheng didn't follow. Ji Wushang sized her up. She was dressed in linen, adorned with some head ornaments, and barefoot. Golden rings made of bells were attached to her feet, jingling as she moved. Her skin was somewhat dark, but her teeth were very white.
Maria noticed Ji Wushang scrutinizing her, then lowered her head and placed her things on the other side of the chaise lounge. She then clasped her hands together in front of her chest in a gesture of respect.
Ji Wushang said calmly, "Thank you for your trouble."
Maria skillfully removed the gauze and changed the dressing for Ji Wushang. Looking at the medicine, Ji Wushang discovered many herbs he didn't recognize. However, when the plaster was applied to his knee, he felt a cool sensation followed by a comfortable feeling. It wasn't his imagination; indeed, applying the medicine like this really didn't cause any pain.
"What kind of medicine is this?" Ji Wushang asked, looking at her. Maria did not answer, but at this moment Yiyun Shangcheng came in from outside. "She can't understand what you're saying. That's Black Calcined Blood-Regenerating Ointment. You Great Xia Zhou people don't understand it."
"Who are you?" Ji Wushang asked as Maria bowed to Yiyun Upper City before leaving.
"What, you're only asking now?" Yiyun Shangcheng smiled slightly. "Weren't you uninterested?"
"Since you won't answer, please take me to see my mother. Thank you very much!" Ji Wushang had no time to play games with him! He didn't have time to waste here.
Seeing her speak like this, Yi Yun Shang Cheng could only sigh inwardly, "Remember, my name is Yi Yun Shang Cheng!" He leaned closer, his purple eyes gazing deeply into Ji Wu Shang's eyes. Ji Wu Shang's lips twitched slightly, "No need to get too close, I can see you."
Yiyun Shangcheng suddenly felt like killing someone. Why was she speaking so coldly after waking up? Who owed her anything? But she shouldn't owe her anything, right?
"Can you walk?" Yiyun Shangcheng took a step back and then asked.
"Yes." Ji Wushang didn't want him to touch him. He wasn't from the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty, and he didn't know that the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty valued etiquette, hierarchy, and the separation of men and women.
However, before they could walk very far, Ji Wushang wanted to stop. Yi Yun Shangcheng walked over and said, "I don't know if all the women of your Great Xia Zhou Dynasty are this stubborn. Why do you insist on going when you are already in so much pain?"
Ji Wushang looked up at him without speaking. Even if she did, he probably wouldn't understand. She didn't know about the other women, but she had her own convictions!
Yiyun Shangcheng exchanged a glance with her, and finally let out a barely audible sigh. He then swept her up in his arms, and Ji Wushang immediately exclaimed in surprise, "What are you doing?!"
"How long will it take you to walk there by yourself? Hmm?" Yi Yun Shangcheng lowered her head, her brows furrowing slightly. This woman is troublesome.
Ji Wushang could only remain silent as he listened, but why did his face seem to turn red? Moreover, he dared not look at the man in front of him, enveloped by his intense, sunny aura.
No, he's not from the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty, so he must be from a neighboring empire. He's from the Western Regions! Such noble clothes, such a magnificent underground palace—he must be incredibly wealthy and powerful! He's either a prince or the son of some minister… "You are… a prince from the Western Regions?" Ji Wushang thought for a moment and asked.
"She is indeed a clever woman. Indeed, I am the future king of the Western Regions." Yi Yun Shangcheng's lips curled up, as if he were discussing some great achievement.
“Arrogant,” Ji Wushang replied coldly.
Yiyun Shangcheng was instantly enraged. Did she think she was truly helpless and had no choice but to save her? What was her status? At most, she looked like the daughter of some official, yet she dared to accuse her of arrogance?
"Say that again." Yi Yun Shangcheng, suppressing his anger, stopped and glared coldly at Ji Wushang. Ji Wushang met his gaze and smiled, "Shouldn't the future king of the Western Regions be arrogant? How can one become a future king without arrogance?"
Yiyun Shangcheng was taken aback, not expecting her to say that. She had thought she was being scolded for overestimating herself, for being arrogant and self-deprecating! "You, is that really what you think?"
What do you think?
Yiyun Shangcheng was stunned again. Her words always left him speechless and unable to find a way to respond! He could only stop talking and walk towards a room.
Ji Wushang watched as he carried her through corridor after corridor, which was like a maze, making it difficult for Ji Wushang to remember the way. When the maids around saw Yi Yun Shangcheng carrying Ji Wushang out, they all stepped back and bowed. Yi Yun Shangcheng seemed not to see them and walked towards the innermost room.
Standing at the door, Yiyun Shangcheng stopped, and Ji Wushang said, "Please put me down, Your Highness, thank you."
Yi Yun Shangcheng didn't say anything, put her down, and then let Ji Wushang push open the door and go inside.
Ji Wushang saw several physicians treating Madam Bei, but their methods were quite strange. Ji Wushang thought about going over to take a look, but Yi Yun Shangcheng grabbed her and said, "Don't go over there! Do you want her to die?"
Ji Wushang was taken aback and turned to look at him. "Why?"
“Our medical methods are different from those of your Great Xia Zhou Dynasty. If you want her to die, then go ahead.” Yi Yun Shangcheng frowned. No matter how she was explained, she wouldn’t understand. This was a secret technique unique to the Western Regions, and only kings or their heirs were entitled to enjoy it! These five physicians were, to be precise, five elders of their clan. They possessed spiritual power and followed the king. However, the Western Regions king had ordered them to protect Yi Yun Shangcheng.
Ji Wushang remained silent, only watching Madam Bei. Madam Bei's clothes were undamaged, but her head was wrapped in thick bandages. She lay on the bed, seemingly lifeless, until Ji Wushang finally noticed her breathing. The five elders, each dressed in a white linen robe, their hair and eyebrows completely white, hovered in mid-air, casting spells. Ji Wushang was anxious. He glanced out the window and realized it was already dark. He feared that if he and Madam Bei hadn't returned to the manor by then, Ji Dingbei would surely send troops to search for them, potentially stirring up conflict between the Right Prime Minister's residence and General Ji's residence. After all, the accident had occurred on their way from the Right Prime Minister's residence to General Ji's residence.
Suddenly, Yiyun said from the city, "Aren't you tired? Come and rest here for a while." As she spoke, she patted the spot next to him.
Ji Wushang turned around and saw that a chaise lounge had appeared there sometime during the night, and he was already sitting on it, looking quite relaxed. He turned back and continued to stand, looking at Madam Bei.
Yi Yun Shangcheng walked over somewhat helplessly, then pressed Ji Wushang's pressure points. Only then did Ji Wushang react, "Let me go!"
“A woman who is too stubborn is not lovable.” Yi Yun Shangcheng picked up Ji Wushang and placed her on the chaise longue, making her sit properly, before pressing her acupoints.
Ji Wushang glared at him angrily, "Please stay away from me, thank you." Why can these people so easily manipulate other people's lives! Why am I not strong enough!
"What if I say no?" Yi Yun Shangcheng's lips curled slightly, looking at Ji Wushang with an expression of watching a good show. Ji Wushang ignored him; he didn't care what he looked at! Yi Yun Shangcheng watched her turn to the side, just in time to see her profile. Her profile perfectly showcased her curves, her slender neck, her fair face, and he could see her delicate skin up close. Finally, his gaze fell on her earlobes, and he suddenly realized that those small earrings didn't seem to suit her. Perhaps the large earrings he wore were more suitable for her.
Ji Wushang was unaware that Yiyun Shangcheng had actually removed the earring symbolizing the Western Regions' royal power from his ear and was now playing with it in his hand. There were two pairs of these royal earrings. One pair belonged to the king, and the other to the queen. The new king's pair was a gift from the previous king, while the queen's pair was a gift from the new king himself.
Ji Wushang felt something hissing near his ear. Turning around, he saw Yiyun Shangcheng remove one of his royal earrings. Of course, Ji Wushang didn't know that it was an earring symbolizing royalty. He was holding the removed earring to Ji Wushang's ear.
Ji Wushang frowned, "Yiyun Shangcheng, are you a pervert?!" In his anger, Ji Wushang could only call out his name.
Yiyun Shangcheng stopped listening, looked at her pouting lips, and her anger vanished. She even felt comfortable when Yiyun called her by her own name. "I am a pervert."
Ji Wushang was extremely helpless upon hearing this, "You... Your Highness is a pervert, don't drag me into this."
"Put it on." Yi Yun Shang Cheng was eager to see Ji Wu Shang wearing the earrings, and looked at her expectantly.
It was as if the two of them were present while everyone else was invisible.
Ji Wushang turned around angrily, "Your Highness's things are not something this humble girl dares to accept!"
"I said wear it, so wear it." Yi Yun Shangcheng's expression was uncertain, his tone becoming more forceful. Ji Wushang looked at him, feeling like a fish on a chopping block, completely at his mercy. He dared not provoke his unpredictable nature, nor could he afford to gamble with it. His mother's life was still in his hands; with just one order from him, he believed his mother would be gone. Why had he saved him? He didn't know. What did he want? He didn't know either… For now, he should endure as much as possible. If he wanted revenge, he had to learn to endure!
Ji Wushang took off her small earring with an unhappy expression and put it aside. Just as she was about to take the large earring from his hand, he earnestly helped her put it on.
Ji Wushang could only let him help him.
Thankfully, only his men are here; no one will spread this news. His own men have probably all been killed by the thugs. Thankfully, he didn't bring Zhu'er, Xian'er, or Yue'er with him, otherwise, they would likely have met the same fate!
After Ji Wushang put it on, Yiyun Shangcheng seemed very happy. Her purple eyes looked Ji Wushang up and down, making Ji Wushang feel like he was going crazy. Was she crazy? Why did he always feel that everyone he knew was extraordinary?
"It looks beautiful. It suits you perfectly," Yi Yun Shangcheng exclaimed. Ji Wushang was about to take off the earrings, but Yi Yun Shangcheng grabbed her hand. "You're not allowed to take them off!"
"I am not from the Western Regions! Your Highness, please have some self-respect!" Ji Wushang emphasized, her eyes coldly fixed on Yiyun Shangcheng. Yiyun Shangcheng frowned, unable to understand her words. Did being from the Western Regions preclude her from marrying him? Why could her father marry the Bohai princess as his queen, and so could she marry her... And what self-respect? When Yiyun Shangcheng saw the look in her eyes as she held his hand, he slowly released it. "You mean, I shouldn't be holding your hand?"
Ji Wushang just wanted to roll his eyes. If he stayed any longer, he'd probably foam at the mouth.
However, seeing him release his grip, Ji Wushang sighed and said, "Your Highness, I cannot accept such a precious item so casually... Moreover, please understand the etiquette and rules of our Great Xia Zhou Dynasty..." Ji Wushang tried to be as subtle as possible, hoping that he could understand the meaning behind his words.
However, Evian Upper Town was very stubborn, "What rules and etiquette? Tell me."
Ji Wushang rolled her eyes at him, genuinely annoyed. "First, an unmarried woman cannot casually... hug and cuddle with other men..." Ji Wushang blushed slightly, but continued, "Second, she cannot casually accept gifts from other men..." She was specifically referring to him! It was one thing for some women and men to exchange gifts secretly, but who would give earrings like he did! And such a huge bracelet! Was he giving her earrings or a bracelet?! It would make everyone laugh!
Upon hearing this, Yiyun Shangcheng pursed her lips, as if suddenly realizing something, and said, "Oh, I see."
Ji Wushang immediately took off the large earring from her ear and placed it in his palm. "Thank you!" She then quickly put on the small, delicate earring beside her.
By the time Yiyun Shangcheng realized what was happening, Ji Wushang was already sitting up straight. "When can we go back?"
"tomorrow."
"Can we send a message by carrier pigeon to let Father know that my mother and I are safe? Just say that we encountered bandits on the road and barely escaped with our lives by hiding in a farmhouse. It's already dark, and we won't be able to return home until tomorrow."
Upon hearing this, Yiyun Shangcheng exclaimed, "A farmhouse? She said his underground palace is a farmhouse? And what about pigeons? In the Western Regions, there are only soaring eagles, never low-flying pigeons!"
"I only have eagles, not pigeons like you said!" Yiyun Shangcheng was a little displeased.
“Flying Eagle, my father can shoot it down with a bow!” Ji Wushang said calmly, looking at him.
"Who is your father?" Yiyun Shangcheng asked, puzzled.
"The First-Rank General Who Guards the North, Ji Dingbei." Ji Wushang thought for a moment, then said his father's name.
Yiyun Shangcheng asked in surprise, "The person lying on the bed is... who are you?"
"My given name is Wushang. I am my father's eldest daughter, born of the same mother. The woman in bed is my birth mother."
After listening, Yiyun Shangcheng sighed and said, "Indeed, like father, like son! Your Ji family army has utterly defeated our Western Regions! I have fought against your elder brother Ji Tiankui on the battlefield!"
Ji Wushang stepped back, only then realizing that he was a prince of the Western Regions and his father was the General Who Guards the North... Fortunately, the war had been initially settled, and the Western Regions and the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty had submitted a treaty, and the two sides began cultural and economic exchanges.
Unexpectedly, the person she had saved was the daughter of her longtime mortal enemy. Yi Yun Shangcheng sighed inwardly and looked up to see that the five elders had already stopped their magic and were walking towards her.
The five elders looked at Ji Wushang with a hint of surprise in their eyes. Yi Yunshang asked, "How is it?"
“He is out of danger,” said an elder with long eyebrows and a long beard.
"Who is she?" another elder stepped forward and asked, pointing at Ji Wushang.
"Miss Ji." Yi Yun Shangcheng rolled her eyes at him; she herself had only just learned her name!
"Thank you, five elders, for saving me. I am deeply grateful." Ji Wushang knelt down and bowed to the five elders.
The elder with long eyebrows and a long beard immediately helped Ji Wushang up, saying, "No need for thanks."
"You may leave now," Yiyun Shangcheng waved his hand. The five elders immediately went out of the room.
“You should go back and rest. I will send someone to take you back to your residence tomorrow! I will do as you say tonight, but I really don’t have any carrier pigeons here! Only hawks!” Yiyun Shangcheng frowned.
"I'm fine here, thank you, Your Highness." Ji Wushang didn't want to leave. Besides, that room was probably his, not one that had been deliberately vacated.
"Whatever you want!" Seeing her resolute expression, Yi Yun Shangcheng could only utter a helpless remark.