Aunt Xie didn't seem to notice anything amiss, and still smiled, saying, "Sister Bai, I specially had some tonics prepared for you. I brought them here to help you recover." With that, she had Biyu and Wang Lian bring over the ginseng chicken soup and turtle chicken soup.
The maids and servants who were originally surrounding Aunt Bai naturally bowed and made way when they saw Aunt Xie coming. When Aunt Bai saw that what was served was ginseng chicken soup and turtle chicken soup, she felt a wave of nausea and vomited all over the ground with a "whoosh"!
Aunt Xie looked on in alarm. "What happened? Quick, get the doctor!" she exclaimed, and immediately rushed forward to support Aunt Bai. "Sister Bai, what's wrong?"
Aunt Bai wanted to slap her a few times; she was in the middle of a reaction period and must have been disgusted by what Aunt Xie was saying! But Aunt Xie meant well!
Aunt Bai pushed her, "Don't come near me!"
Aunt Xie was completely stunned. "Sister Bai, did I...did I do something wrong? I only wanted you to recover faster, so I had these tonics prepared so you could get better and continue managing the household!"
Upon hearing the final two words, "in charge," Aunt Bai immediately coughed up a mouthful of black blood!
Turning around, she slapped Aunt Xie across the face! "Smack!" Aunt Bai was ruthless; she could make Aunt Xie's face unbearable! Unexpectedly, at that moment, a voice came from outside, "The Old Madam has arrived!"
Aunt Bai almost died!
The matriarch had already lifted the curtain and entered. The first thing she saw was Aunt Xie sitting by the bed, trying to comfort Aunt Bai. Aunt Bai, however, was ungrateful and slapped Aunt Xie across the face! Five finger marks!
Aunt Xie's eyes were brimming with tears, which she dared not let fall. When she saw the old lady enter, she immediately knelt on the ground and said, "Old Madam."
Aunt Bai's mind was filled with only a few words, "It's over!" She had fallen into someone else's trap! It was obvious that Aunt Xie knew that Madam Yuan was coming back, so she took the stew and arrived before Madam Yuan! What a wonderful show this was!
The matriarch, her face dark, glared at Aunt Bai before leaning down to look at Aunt Xie, lifting her face. "Was it Bai Aomei who hit you?" Her tone was extremely cold. Aunt Bai, lying on the bed, simply closed her eyes and remained silent.
☆、094 Aunt Xie and Aunt Bai clash!
Aunt Xie shook her head, and immediately, the maids she brought were all furious on her behalf. This was clearly bullying!
Biyu put down the ginseng chicken soup, knelt down, and kowtowed several times. "Old Madam, please do justice for Aunt Xie! Aunt Xie kindly asked us to bring the medicine to Aunt Bai, but, but..." Biyu didn't finish her sentence, and remained kneeling without speaking. Anyone with eyes could understand what she meant. Besides, Old Madam Yuan had just witnessed that scene.
Hearing this, Aunt Xie looked at Biyu and said, "You maid, it's not your turn to speak yet! Slap her!" Although her tone was not harsh, it made everyone feel that Aunt Xie was being tolerant. However, Aunt Bai knew very well that this woman was just putting on an act for Madam Yuan!
"Madam, cough cough, it's true that Sister Xie brought some medicinal soup just now, but as you know, Aomei is pregnant and can't drink certain kinds of soup. However, Sister Xie brought ginseng chicken soup and turtle chicken soup. That turtle was so smelly and disgusting, I naturally felt nauseous. I didn't expect to accidentally hit Sister Xie. It was indeed Aomei's fault, Madam, please punish me!" How could Aunt Bai be the kind of person to be slaughtered? If she was going to die, she would take a few people down with her!
As Aunt Bai spoke, she deliberately showed the mouthful of black blood she had just vomited. Sure enough, when Madam Yuan saw the black blood, which was still not congealed, she was immediately terrified. "What happened? Why did you vomit blood?" she exclaimed. Then she immediately turned and shouted outside, "Why aren't you calling a doctor right now? Are you trying to kill my grandson?"
Hearing this, Aunt Xie was displeased. What grandson? She probably didn't know that Aunt Bai was carrying a cursed child. No, she probably did know. This was called refusing to accept fate! I don't care if she accepts fate or not! I've been a vegetarian and a Buddhist for so many years, I should have long since transcended worldly affairs and seen through everything! These worldly matters should be left to the younger generation!
Aunt Xie felt wronged. Besides, she had served the Old Madam Yuan for so many years, and even if she hadn't made any great contributions, she had certainly worked hard. If she hadn't gone to the Yuanyue Nunnery with the Old Madam Yuan years ago, she could have received some favors from Ji Dingbei and was sure she could have given birth to another son! (The Fifth Miss, Ji Sisi, was Aunt Xie's daughter.) So many years had passed, and now that it was finally her turn to be in power, she was determined to deal with these people to improve her status in the family! This would also ensure that when Ji Sisi returned, she could marry into a good family in peace!
Just then, the doctor rushed in from outside. The matriarch of the family saw him and immediately scolded, "You doctor, do you want to quit?! Why are you so slow!"
The doctor lowered his head, not daring to utter a word of rebuttal, and focused on examining Aunt Bai's illness. Aunt Bai, seeing this scene, naturally sneered inwardly, "You're still too green to mess with me!"
Aunt Xie looked on without saying a word, but Biyu knelt down and stepped forward, "Auntie, how is your face? Why is it so red and swollen? Waaah, Auntie..."
"It's alright. It's only right that Sister Bai wants to stand up for me." Aunt Xie listened and began to sob softly.
Only then did the matriarch realize that she had indeed neglected the vegetarian Buddhist who had been by her side for many years. She stepped forward and said, "Come, let me take a look."
"It's alright." Aunt Xie looked at Madam Yuan with teary eyes and a lot of grievances. Madam Yuan insisted on going to see for herself. Indeed, Aunt Bai was extremely ruthless. Her perfectly good face was swollen from being beaten.
"Aomei, you're really outrageous!" Old Madam Yuan scolded angrily, looking at Aunt Bai, who simply lay on the bed, pretending to be asleep or dead. Old Madam Yuan looked on helplessly, after all, she still hoped that the General's Mansion could have many sons. Ji Dingbei only had two sons, so having another son wouldn't be unreasonable! Aunt Qin had heard that the chances of her having a daughter were higher, so naturally she was hoping that Aunt Bai could give birth to a boy. Call him a cursed loner if you want, everyone knows that there is also the second son of the Prince of Zhenbei, Beigong Jueshi, in the capital who is also a cursed loner! Even though his heterochromia is pointed out by the world, hasn't he still lived a wonderful life?
Thinking this to herself, Madam Yuan looked at Consort Xie and said, "Sigh, when you go downstairs later, take a good look at your face. You need to be careful. You know your sister Bai has a bit of a temper, so you should take better care of yourself and not get so close in the future. Alright, when you get back, have the doctor take a look at her. You should take good care of the household affairs." Madam Yuan was giving Consort Xie a treat while simultaneously suppressing Consort Bai's matter. Consort Xie was furious but couldn't vent her anger. However, since Madam Yuan had spoken like this, she naturally nodded and agreed with tears in her eyes.
"Thank you, Madam Xie." Aunt Xie said, and with Biyu's help, she stood up and returned to her courtyard with her chicken soup and other things.
Aunt Bai knew that Madam Yuan was protecting her so much because of the child in her womb, and she couldn't help but sneer. However, she had no intention of waking up and talking to this old woman.
As expected, Madam Yuan was about to say something, but seeing that Concubine Bai's eyes were already closed, and the doctor also looking at Madam Yuan, said, "Madam, Concubine Bai should have already fallen asleep. Her injuries are not serious. It was a good thing she vomited that mouthful of black blood just now! Vomiting it out has improved her blood circulation, which will help her recover faster. After I go downstairs, I will write a few prescriptions and have Concubine Bai decoct and drink them. She will definitely recover in less than a month."
Upon hearing this, Aunt Bai smiled inwardly. Aunt Xie probably never expected that what she had intended to do was to make her angry to death, but instead, it had helped her recover from her illness even faster! It seemed that heaven was on her side! Aunt Bai was overjoyed.
The matriarch nodded, "Very good." Seeing that Aunt Bai was asleep, there was naturally no possibility of her staying, so she sat for a while and then returned to her own Jingyuan Garden.
Ji Wushang slept soundly and woke up at the beginning of Shenshi (3:15 PM Beijing time). Zhu'er came in from outside to help make the bed, while Xian'er helped him put his hair up in a bun. Ji Wushang looked at the woman in the dressing mirror; her every gesture was quite pleasing to the eye.
Ji Wushang smiled at himself in the mirror and then asked, "Has anything happened at home?" Aunt Xie has just taken power; I wonder what she might do that would make us a laughingstock!
"Miss, I heard that Aunt Xie went to Aunt Bai's courtyard with her maids Biyu and Wanglian to visit her, but she did a thankless job. She had to carry the chicken soup there and back. I also heard that she was slapped by Aunt Bai, even though the old lady was there and didn't punish Aunt Bai."
"Why were you beaten?" Ji Wushang asked, looking up. "It's only been a few days, but your ability to find out things has improved quite a bit."
"Wasn't it Miss who taught me? Otherwise, how could Xian'er dare to do it?" Xian'er said, and then recounted what had happened.
Ji Wushang listened and nodded, "It seems there's going to be another fight in this manor. Fortunately, I hope they don't get involved."
“Who dares to mess with Miss?” Xian’er laughed.
"You're such a chatterbox," Ji Wushang said reproachfully. "My elder brother's wedding day is just around the corner, so we should probably make some preparations. Bring me the gold and jade brocade that Grandmother gave me later, so I can make a dress and give it to my future sister-in-law as a gift."
"yes."
After dismissing Xian'er and Zhu'er, Ji Wushang looked at the wound on his forehead. The scar had disappeared, and his face was now flawless. This face of his—yes, the face Ji Meiyuan had once said he loved most—suddenly felt, after being reborn, that face wasn't so important. Faces age, don't they?
Ji Wushang smiled.
Just then, Yue'er ran in from outside, "Miss."
"What is it?" Ji Wushang turned around and looked at her.
"Miss, the Right Chancellor's men have arrived," Yue'er said, panting.
The Right Prime Minister's residence? They've finally arrived. When Madam Bei passed away, several of my uncles came, but unfortunately, they said the Right Prime Minister, Bei Zhentang, and my maternal grandmother were unwell and too grief-stricken to attend. I, as their granddaughter, should have gone to the Right Prime Minister's residence to visit them. I never expected them to come again, making me, a junior granddaughter, feel ashamed.
Ji Wushang asked, "Who are you? What brings you here? Where are you resting now?"
"It's the eldest son and the second son. They're having tea and chatting in the old lady's quiet garden right now."
"Hmm." Ji Wushang nodded. What were his cousins, Bei Juefeng and Bei Luojun, doing here? He wondered if something had happened at the Right Prime Minister's residence. He should go and see.
"Granny Shi." Ji Wushang called out to Granny Shi, who was in charge outside. Granny Shi immediately came over and said, "Miss, please give your orders."
"After Xian'er brought the gold and jade brocade back, I told her to put it away. Yue'er, come with me to Jingyuan."
"yes."
Ji Wushang's mind was a bit unsettled on the way. He wondered what the two brothers wanted, and decided he should pay a visit to the Right Prime Minister's residence another day. He hadn't seen his uncles and beautiful cousins for a long time and missed them somewhat.
Before even reaching the quiet garden, a burst of laughter could be heard from afar, indicating that they were having a very pleasant conversation.
The matriarch set up a table in the courtyard and invited the two brothers, Bei Juefeng and Bei Luojun, to eat and drink together. Ji Wusi, who was playing, was sitting on one side, and Xier was also sitting on the other side.
Ji Wushang stopped in his tracks. Before, when Zhou Muxuan, the eldest cousin, came, the courtyard was full of people. Ji Yinxue, Ji Meiyuan, Ji Wuxia, Aunt Xie, and Aunt Nangong were all there. More importantly, his mother was still there! But now, it was all deserted.
Granny Guo, with her sharp eyes, spotted Ji Wushang in the distance and whispered in Old Madam Yuan's ear, "Old Madam, the eldest young lady has arrived; she's over at the courtyard gate!"
"Oh?" The matriarch nodded and turned to look at Ji Wushang. Yue'er, who was standing next to him, seemed to be thinking about asking Ji Wushang what he was thinking, but in the end, she didn't ask.
"Why is Wu Shang standing at the courtyard gate? Granny Guo, quickly, go and invite the young lady in," said the old lady.
The old lady's voice wasn't too loud or too soft, but Ji Wushang could still hear it before he came to his senses and walked over. "Grandmother, there's no need for Granny Guo to call me. I was so happy to hear that laughter just now. I'm so sorry for making everyone laugh."
"Come, come." The old lady didn't blame her. Seeing her come over, she pointed to the seat next to her and said, "Sit here. These are two cousins from the Right Prime Minister's residence. Do you recognize them?"
"Yes." Ji Wushang nodded, then looked at his two handsome cousins and bowed to them one by one, "Greetings, eldest cousin and second cousin."
"You're too kind, Cousin Wushang."
"No need for such formalities, Cousin Wushang."
The eldest cousin, Bei Juefeng, nodded as he looked at his younger cousin, while the second cousin, Bei Luojun, was overjoyed, his heart pounding faster, and his face burning as he looked at Ji Wushang.
Ji Wushang felt a little embarrassed by their stares. These two grown men were quite different. Her eldest cousin already had An Yi'er from the Prince An's mansion as his wife, so he wouldn't make any moves on her. What she feared most was her second cousin, who was unmarried and had never been heard of having a girlfriend. What if he came looking for her...? The matriarch of the Yuan family probably wouldn't let her marry a second son, would she? After all, she was a legitimate daughter.
With that thought in mind, Ji Wushang felt a little more at ease and chatted openly with the matriarch of the elder family. The two brothers watched them talk and occasionally chimed in.
Unexpectedly, the conversation turned to the concubines in the household.
Bei Luojun said, "I heard on the way here that Aunt Bai is pregnant. Congratulations!"
"Yes, congratulations." When the old lady heard that Aunt Bai was pregnant, she wondered if there were rumors that she was a cursed jinx, and that was the worst fear she could have!
"Second cousin, when will you be able to marry your second cousin's wife?" Ji Wushang asked when he saw that Madam Yuan's voice had fallen, knowing that she was somewhat unhappy.
When Ji Wushang asked him this, Bei Luojun felt somewhat embarrassed. To be honest, he did have feelings for his eldest cousin. He had come out this time to talk to the matriarch of the Yuan family and sound her out, since he had heard that Ji Dingbei had left the manor. Otherwise, he would certainly have been able to speak to Ji Dingbei. If it weren't for the fact that Ji Dingbei and his father, the Right Chancellor Bei Zhentang, had different political views, he would have asked his father to inquire on his behalf.
The person in charge was that Aunt Xie, but how did Bei Luojun know her? So he had no choice but to come and pay a visit to the matriarch of the Yuan family.
Seeing Bei Luojun stuck there, unable to utter a word, and looking at Ji Wushang with some embarrassment, Bei Juefeng knew his true feelings even more. So, he secretly stepped on Bei Luojun's foot under the table, and Bei Luojun finally snapped out of it and said, "No, Father doesn't have such plans yet. When the time comes, it will happen. This matter can't be rushed, hehe." As Bei Luojun spoke, he scratched his head and then gave a silly laugh.
Bei Juefeng continued, "Yes. There's no rush for Second Brother's marriage. Aren't we preparing for his wedding? After he passes the imperial examination, Father will arrange the marriage. It will be a double celebration."
"Brother." Bei Luojun was a little embarrassed by his flattery. "How could I say such things in front of the old lady?"
"It's alright, this is good news. Alright, the time is about right, someone bring some refreshments." Seeing the topic change, Madam Yuan gradually relaxed. But what she had just seen... could it be that the Second Young Master was thinking of Wu Shang? That wouldn't do. Wu Shang should be able to marry into a good family. Even if she couldn't join the royal family, she could still marry a high-ranking official as his principal wife. This Second Young Master is a good person; if he's interested, Yin Xue could be arranged to marry him. Madam Yuan thought to herself as she took a sip of tea.
"Wu Shang, where is the Fourth Miss?" the old lady asked Ji Wu Shang.
Ji Wushang was dazed before saying, "Fourth Sister? She should be in her orchid garden." Perhaps she's taking care of Aunt Nangong! I heard Aunt Nangong is currently receiving treatment, but I don't know if she'll recover.
But all I can do is lament that they brought this upon themselves! Don't think you're a fool! Anyone can pinch you!
"Granny Guo, send a maid to invite the Fourth Miss over," the Old Madam Yuan said with a smile.
Ji Wushang listened, wondering if this meant... Ji Wushang looked at the matriarch and saw her beaming at Bei Luojun. A guess formed in his mind: was the matriarch planning to marry his fourth sister to his second cousin? But his fourth sister was in love with the second son of the king... Ji Wushang gasped, wondering if this was considered breaking up a loving couple. Currently, the relationship between Ji Yinxue and Bei Gongjueshi was unknown to the rest of the household, having been put on hold because of Madam Bei's affair. However, this had been disrupted by the sudden arrival of his two cousins.
Although this won't be said outright—after all, Madam Bei's body is still warm—it will gradually be brought up on the agenda. If the matriarch of the elders approves, it can be said that the marriage is half done! Would Ji Yinxue willingly marry Bei Luojun?
Ji Wushang's mind was in turmoil. Indeed, Ji Yinxue had hurt him and tried to ruin his life, but he had been close to her since childhood and never understood why she would do such a thing that day.
At this moment, the matriarch had someone bring Ji Wusi back to his courtyard, where Ji Wushang held his little hand affectionately.
As evening approached, Ji Yinxue slowly walked in from outside, her face filled with sorrow. Looking at the matriarch, Ji Wushang, Bei Luojun, and Bei Juefeng, she bowed deeply, saying, "Greetings, Grandmother, Eldest Sister. I've met you before..." She paused, realizing she hadn't met you before.
☆、095 She cried and knelt, begging for her help!
The matriarch smiled and said, "Those are your two cousins, the eldest cousin Bei Juefeng and the second cousin Bei Luojun."
"Greetings, eldest and second cousins," Ji Yinxue said, bowing again. Her appearance was truly comparable to that of the sickly Xi Shi; her sorrowful face at this moment resembled that of Daiyu reborn.
Bei Juefeng and Bei Luojun immediately said, "Cousin, please don't be so polite."
"Yinxue, sit here." The old lady was quite pleased, and Granny Guo stepped forward to wipe the stone bench clean.
Ji Yinxue then sat down, looked at everyone, and remained silent.
Ji Wushang looked at her and, seeing the continued worry on her face, asked, "Fourth Sister, are you busy with something?"