Ji Wushang shook his head. Regarding marriage, aside from the Second Young Master Nan refusing to marry, he could consider marrying anyone else! Could he really choose for himself? Hopefully! However, he needed to find a way to prevent the Second Young Master Nan from ever having designs on him again!
He will get back everything he owes me!
——
Ji Yinxue was admiring the flowers in the courtyard when a young maid ran in from outside the garden and immediately went to Ji Yinxue's side, saying, "Fourth Miss."
"Hmm?" Ji Yinxue turned around, looked at the little maid, and saw her wink at her. She then put down the broken flower branch in her hand. "Let's go inside!" After saying that, she went back to her room.
The maidservant immediately followed.
"Speak!" Ji Yinxue sat on the chaise lounge, gently picked up the teacup on the table, and immediately, the maidservant came forward and poured a cup of tea for Ji Yinxue. Ji Yinxue took a sip of tea with relish, and the maidservant stood up and said, "Fourth Miss, just now, this servant overheard these words outside Xin Garden..." She then recounted the entire conversation between Ji Wushang and Ji Tiankui.
After listening, Ji Yinxue nodded and took another sip of tea. "Well done. I will have someone take care of your mother's illness. In addition, I will send someone to deliver some money to your home."
"Thank you, Fourth Miss." Upon hearing this, the little maid immediately knelt down.
"Go back! If you have anything good to tell me, be sure to come over and tell me when you have time. I'm feeling quite bored!" Ji Yinxue smiled slightly.
The maid nodded, "Yes," and left immediately.
Ji Yinxue looked at the sky outside the door, holding the teacup in her hand, but her mind was wandering to other things.
Didn't she not want to marry him? Didn't she actually like that Prince Nan? If she marries the younger brother but likes the older brother, tsk tsk, what a fascinating situation that would be! Eldest sister, if this drama were to unfold, you would attract so much attention!
What's more, I heard that Second Sister is in love with that Second Young Master Nan. I wonder if Second Sister will run back from Yuanyue Nunnery when she hears that Eldest Sister is going to marry Second Young Master Nan.
Ji Yinxue looked at the teacup and smiled. She put it down and went into the inner room. Seeing Aunt Nangong still lying motionless on the bed, Ji Yinxue hardened her heart even more.
She immediately called over a few people and gave them instructions. Then she called over a few more people and told them to do this and that. By the time Ji Yinxue finished this task, the city lights were already on.
The family sat down together for a small meal, all because Ji Tiankui had returned from outside. The matriarch was happy, and although only Ji Wushang, Ji Yinxue, and Aunt Xie were present, they still drank a few cups of wine.
Just as I was thinking of picking up my chopsticks, I heard from a maid that an invitation had arrived from the palace.
The elder's wife was surprised and immediately had someone bring the invitation over to read it.
"There's a banquet in the palace on September 29th. You two girls should go to the East Palace!" the Old Madam said after reading the document. "As for Tiankui, you can stay at home and properly prepare for your wedding on October 8th. The Crown Prince hasn't made any demands on you. As for Wuxia and Meiyuan, forget about them!"
September 29th, isn't that just three days from now?
"Yes." Ji Tiankui nodded, while Ji Wushang and Ji Yinxue exchanged glances. Ji Wushang asked, "Grandmother, what's going on? Why would the Crown Prince host a banquet for us unmarried young ladies? This is so inappropriate if word gets out." And it was the Eastern Palace!
"We have no choice but to listen to what the Crown Prince says." The matriarch seemed to have a hint of helplessness. "The invitation mentions daughters of officials of the sixth rank or above, which is fine. Once you arrive at the Eastern Palace, just enjoy the sights and don't get into any disputes with anyone."
"Yes." Ji Wushang nodded in response, and Ji Yinxue nodded in agreement as well.
As if remembering something, Ji Wushang hurriedly said, "Grandmother, I have a request to make."
“Go ahead,” said the matriarch. “There’s no need to talk about begging or not. Don’t be so formal.”
"Yes, it was Wu Shang's fault." Ji Wu Shang said with a smile, "Recently, I have been unable to sleep at night, and I often dream about things at the Right Prime Minister's residence. Grandmother Rong has granted me permission to return to the Right Prime Minister's residence for two days after tomorrow's religious ceremony. I will definitely return before the evening of September 28th."
Upon hearing this, Madam Yuan looked at her, as did Ji Tiankui, Ji Yinxue, and Aunt Xie, all wondering why she was thinking of returning to the Right Prime Minister's residence. However, Madam Yuan said, "Alright, you are permitted."
"Thank you, Grandmother," Ji Wushang said with a smile.
"What is Eldest Sister doing back at the Right Prime Minister's residence?" Ji Yinxue asked with a smile.
"Isn't it just that I wanted to fulfill my filial duty? I haven't been back for so long, so I wanted to visit my maternal grandmother, the prime minister, and my maternal grandfather. Besides, with my mother gone, I should be even more attentive to her." Ji Wushang said, lowering his head, a hint of sadness in his voice.
"I'm sorry, elder sister, I've made you sad again," Ji Yinxue said with deep remorse.
"Look at you all, talking so much, the food's getting cold. Eat up, eat up," Aunt Xie said immediately, noticing Madam Yuan's expression.
"Exactly." Ji Tiankui said with a smile, "Someone, go and bring up a few dishes."
"Yes." The maids and servants on the side acknowledged the order and left.
The matriarch of the family didn't say much, and the family finished the meal in silence before going their separate ways.
Ji Wushang walked back aimlessly, his mind a jumble of thoughts about the banquet he was to attend at the East Palace on September 29th. How could he possibly escape this devilish Crown Prince! And then there was his conversation with Ji Tiankui in the courtyard that afternoon. The thought of the Second Young Master Nan coming to propose marriage filled him with inexplicable panic. According to the terms, he was fully qualified to marry him. He'd heard that Consort Zhao of the Marquis's mansion was in power, pressing him relentlessly, waiting for the right opportunity.
Ji Wushang was unaware of the opportune moment.
Fortunately, I had already said I would be staying at the Right Prime Minister's residence for two days, so I'll wait until tomorrow and see how things go. These days have been somewhat dull, but I still need to be careful in everything I do.
"Big sister, what are you thinking about?" Ji Yinxue came forward and gently touched her arm.
Ji Wushang turned to look at her. "It's nothing. Why don't you go back to your courtyard?"
"Isn't it because of the matter of the Eastern Palace that we just talked about? I wonder what it is?" Ji Yinxue glanced at Ji Wushang out of the corner of her eye, wondering how she would react.
Ji Wushang coldly replied, "How would I know? But I think the Crown Prince is a man of status; he wouldn't do anything outrageous!"
"Hmm." Ji Yinxue nodded, then suddenly stepped forward and whispered to Ji Wushang, "Elder sister, may I speak to you in private?"
"What is it?" Ji Wushang looked at her, and seeing her mysterious expression, he could only nod. He saw that there was a pavilion ahead, and they went into the pavilion together. After making sure that no one was around, he said, "Go ahead and tell me!"
"Big sister, he, he wrote a letter." Ji Yinxue whispered to Ji Wushang, her face flushed with embarrassment.
"Oh? Good news." Ji Wushang sneered inwardly, looking at her. "What are you talking about?"
"We agreed to meet again at Jiuyue Tower the day after tomorrow." Ji Yinxue took her hand. "Weren't you going out to the Right Prime Minister's residence that day? Why don't you take me with you? That way, Grandmother won't notice anything amiss!"
Ji Wushang was startled; she certainly had a clever plan!
"I need to see how things go before I tell Grandmother about this. You know, it wouldn't be right for you to come with me to the Right Prime Minister's residence for no reason." Ji Wushang looked at her.
"Elder sister, please!" Ji Yinxue was about to kneel down, but Ji Wushang grabbed her and stopped her. "You don't need to kneel anymore. I'll write back to you tomorrow! Let me see what Grandmother thinks."
"Okay." A sly glint flashed in Ji Yinxue's eyes, but it disappeared just as quickly.
Ji Wushang was just thinking of going back, but then he suddenly remembered something and said, "Fine, I agree. Just wait to come out with me the day after tomorrow. I'll see you off, and you can go back to your residence after you're done."
"Really?" Ji Yinxue clearly didn't believe it, but seeing that Ji Wushang wasn't joking, she believed him. "Thank you, elder sister!"
"Yes, if you can be happy, how can I, as your older sister, not be happy too? You should try to win him over!" Ji Wushang gently patted her shoulder.
Ji Yinxue gave a slight bow, "Thank you for your kindness, elder sister."
"Okay, you go back first," Ji Wushang said. "I'll sit here for a while; the breeze is quite pleasant."
"Okay." Ji Yinxue looked her over for a while, and only left after confirming that there was nothing wrong.
Ji Wushang watched her retreating figure, finding it somewhat amusing. She probably had some good news for him. Last night, Yue'er had secretly told him everything. That little maid was someone Ji Wushang had deliberately left in Xinyuan as a spy.
I'll just wait and see what happens!
Ji Wushang clapped his hands, vaguely brushing off some powder.
If I have no ill intentions, I won't harm a single hair on your head! But if I do have ill intentions, don't say I'm merciless!
As night deepened, Ji Wushang returned to Xinyuan. Zhu'er had already brought in a bowl of bird's nest soup. "Miss, would you like some bird's nest soup?"
Ji Wushang nodded, "Leave it for now, I'll finish copying it." At this moment, she was copying some Buddhist scriptures, which she also used to calm her mind. It had been quite a while since she had copied any for the Elder Madam, so she copied a few now, which could be taken to the temple for worship tomorrow.
Seeing how carefully she was copying the text, Pearl silently went downstairs.
After Ji Wushang finished writing, he remembered the embroidery that was not yet finished, so he did a few more stitches.
It was a long night before Ji Wushang finally fell asleep.
Unexpectedly, in the dead of night, he heard a loud noise outside! Ji Wushang suddenly woke up from his bed and immediately smelled something burning! Ji Wushang immediately got out of bed and pushed open the window, only to see that the East Garden was on fire!
Who did this? Ji Wushang quickly dressed and pushed open the door. He saw Zhu'er, Yue'er, Xian'er, Granny Shi, and others waiting outside. It seemed they didn't know whether or not to wake Ji Wushang!
"What happened?" Ji Wushang asked them.
"Miss, the East Garden is on fire!" Zhu'er exclaimed immediately. "I don't know why, but everyone is trying to put out the fire!"
"Were there any casualties? How is Aunt Bai?" Whether she burned to death... Ji Wushang still didn't say the last question. If the fire had burned her, it would save them from all other trouble!
"Aunt Bai is still recovering from her fright and is resting in the side room," Yue'er said as she stepped forward.
"Is anyone injured?"
"I've never heard of it."
Ji Wushang couldn't help but find it amusing. Could this be a play she herself had put on? If it were a fire, how could it not have killed one or two maids and servants? If there was any explanation, it could only be that Aunt Bai had directed the play herself! If that were true, then she was quite ruthless! She even burned down her own lair... No, something suddenly occurred to Ji Wushang.
This vicious woman, does she want to fight for something? She's thinking of becoming a lady and moving into her mother's North Garden! How despicable!
Ji Wushang's eyes sharpened. "Come on, take me to see!"
"Miss, the fire is raging, and it's likely that the East Garden has been reduced to ashes. Do you still want to go and see it?" Xian'er looked at her, unable to help but worry.
Ji Wushang nodded, "Go, how could I not go!" Burned to ashes, that's probably what Aunt Bai herself wanted!
Before leaving, Ji Wushang pulled Zhu'er aside and then stuffed something into her hand. Zhu'er was puzzled, but she quickly understood and nodded in agreement.
Before long, they arrived outside the East Garden. Inside the East Garden, the fire was raging, and the water that people were fetching was practically a drop in the ocean! It was more like they were simply enjoying a spectacular fire!
Just then, Aunt Xie rushed over from outside, exclaiming, "What happened! How could such a thing happen!"
Hearing this voice, Ji Wushang thought to himself, "Aunt Xie, you're still a step behind Aunt Bai! Everyone else has schemed against you several times, and you're still asking how this happened! With such a big incident this time, it's hard for Grandmother not to be angry!"
Aunt Xie looked at the servants, pulled a few aside, and questioned them, "Is anyone inside who hasn't come out yet?"
"Reporting to Madam, everyone should have come out. We haven't heard any cries for help," a servant said.
Aunt Xie breathed a sigh of relief. "Quickly, put out the fire!" Turning her head, she saw Ji Wushang beside her and immediately went over. "Miss, what are you doing here?"
“Such a thing happened at your residence, I have to come and see.” Ji Wushang sighed and looked at Aunt Xie. “Aunt, what you said is so strange. It was meant to burn down the East Garden, but no one was injured. It’s really fortunate.”
Upon hearing this, Aunt Xie immediately sensed a hidden meaning in the words. If it were a sudden fire, or if someone were plotting against Aunt Bai, several people would surely be burned to death. Besides, burning down the East Garden would be less desirable than secretly causing Aunt Bai's death!
She felt something was off, but she was powerless to do anything about it. She was afraid her time as the head of the household was coming to an end! Aunt Xie looked at Ji Wushang and said, "I also want to know what's going on."
"I don't understand. Perhaps it really is a divine intervention. There should have been several people burned to death, but Heaven took pity on General Ji's mansion and spared lives, only burning down the East Garden," Ji Wushang said expressionlessly.
Aunt Xie was naturally skeptical. She had originally thought that if the East Garden burned down and Aunt Bai died, she would have gotten her revenge. But after hearing what Ji Wushang said, she became somewhat worried.
"What's wrong?" The voice of the old lady came from afar. Ji Wushang and Aunt Xie turned around. The old lady was being helped in by Granny Guo. She looked at the fire in the East Garden and was shocked for a while.
Aunt Xie didn't know how to answer, so she could only stand there.
"Grandmother, I don't know what happened. Suddenly, the East Garden caught fire. Fortunately, Aunt Bai was not injured, only frightened, and is resting in the main hall." Ji Wushang stepped forward to help the Old Madam Yuan. "Alas, we don't know the reason at all. What on earth is going to happen in this mansion?"
The matriarch looked at the East Garden with heartache; it had truly been burned to the ground. Fortunately, the East Garden had been isolated, preventing further damage to other areas.
"Madam! We've found a gold nugget!" Just then, a servant suddenly shouted from afar.
Ji Wushang frowned. "What is that?"
"Bring it here quickly!" Aunt Xie said immediately.
The gold nugget was immediately brought over and presented on a plate.