Ji Wushang really wanted to say that she only wanted a man like this with whom she had feelings, and she didn't want anyone else.
"You haven't even come of age yet, and besides, Madam Bei has only recently passed away. In fact, we shouldn't be arranging your marriage so soon. Alas, the main problem is that you two are really exhausting your grandmother, both physically and mentally."
“It is unfilial of Wu Shang to cause Grandmother worry.” Ji Wu Shang stood up and knelt down in front of her.
The matriarch helped her up, saying, "Alright, after this winter, whoever is supposed to get married can get married!"
“Grandmother.” Ji Wushang stepped forward and took her hand.
"You may leave now, Grandmother is tired." The old lady waved her hand.
Ji Wushang could only nod, "Yes."
As Ji Wushang walked along the road, he wondered how Ji Dingbei would view this marriage. What if he disagreed? What would he do? Elope with Nan Xuzong? But he probably couldn't do that. Damn it, what's wrong with him? He just hoped his father wouldn't only care about his legs!
"Isn't this my eldest sister? Eldest sister, you're finally back! I've missed you so much!" Ji Meiyuan glared at her fiercely. At this moment, she saw Ji Wushang walking along the corridor, deep in thought, from the pavilion and called out from a distance.
Ji Wushang turned his head and looked in her direction. This was perfect, saving him the trouble of running into the plum garden!
"It's Second Sister," Ji Wushang said with a smile, then stepped forward. "How did you get back to the manor?"
"It was Prince Nan and the Iron Guards brought by Aunt Xie from the manor who rescued us. I was terrified when my eldest sister went missing. Thankfully, I'm much relieved to see that she's alright now." Ji Meiyuan stood up from the stone bench with a smile on her face.
Sitting opposite her was Ji Wuxia. When Ji Wushang arrived, Ji Wuxia bowed and said, "Greetings, elder sister."
"Yeah, it wasn't easy for him to come back! He was scared half to death!" Ji Wushang exclaimed dramatically.
Ji Wuxia listened, a hint of disdain flashing across her face, but she said, "Please sit down, elder sister."
"Hmm." Ji Wushang smiled and sat down, then asked, "Third Sister, have you recovered?"
"Yes, I'm much better than before," Ji Wuxia said, glancing at Ji Meiyuan.
Ji Meiyuan then said, "Third Sister's health is recovering. The doctor said she needs to rest well."
"Oh." Ji Wushang nodded. "Second Sister, did you see or hear anything while you were at the Round Moon Nunnery?"
"I didn't see or hear anything. I just listened to Buddhist scriptures in the nunnery and didn't go out to see anything," Ji Meiyuan said, her face showing displeasure. Everyone knew that Ji Meiyuan had been punished to cultivate in seclusion at the Yuanyue Nunnery. What could she possibly see or hear? She almost got ordered by Ji Dingbei to shave her head and become a nun! Wasn't Ji Wushang's question just peeling back the layers of Ji Meiyuan's wounds?
"Oh, that's true. It seems Second Sister is doing quite well in her meditation. She looks even more refreshed and energetic," Ji Wushang said with a harmless smile.
"Yes." Ji Meiyuan's eyes were filled with resentment, but she forced a smile.
"Oh, why are you both standing? Sit down, sit down, you're too kind!" Ji Wushang said, noticing how tired they looked from standing. The two women exchanged a glance before sitting down. Hmph, she was deliberately preventing them from sitting!
The two then sat down. Ji Wushang said, "Third sister's marriage is already arranged, and fourth sister is engaged to Second Young Master Nan. Hmm, it's time to find a good family for second sister. When I went to Jingyuan earlier, Grandmother mentioned it to me. I said I would try my best to keep an eye out for good young masters and gentlemen for second sister."
As Ji Meiyuan listened, her face grew increasingly grim, as if she wanted to devour someone. When she heard that "Fourth Sister is already engaged to Second Young Master Nan," she was already furious, but she had to endure it!
"When will Fourth Sister and Second Young Master Nan's wedding be set?" Ji Meiyuan asked, suppressing her anger.
"I haven't heard about this yet. We'll probably decide in the next two or three days. They can't wait any longer, after all..." Ji Wushang lowered his voice intentionally or unintentionally, and then gave a wink at the end.
Ji Meiyuan was furious! When she saw the letter at the Yuanyue Nunnery, she didn't believe it. Now that she's back, she's dragged Ji Wuxia here to talk and find out what really happened. She heard that Ji Yinxue had seduced the Second Young Master Nan, and something inappropriate had happened. To avoid damaging his reputation, they reluctantly made the Second Young Master Nan take responsibility! Hearing Ji Wushang's tone now, Ji Meiyuan felt even more that Ji Yinxue was utterly hateful!
Unexpectedly, the seemingly gentle and unassuming Fourth Miss had quietly seduced the Second Young Master Nan into bed! Ji Meiyuan cursed Ji Yinxue countless times in her heart, still feeling indignant. Why should she marry the most handsome man in the capital?
Seeing the constant changes in her expression, and Ji Wuxia's slightly worried look, Ji Wushang cleared her throat and said, "This matter definitely can't be delayed... Sigh, but as the eldest sister, I certainly wish you both well. Second sister, don't be sad, your eldest sister will definitely find a very good man to match you with."
"Big sister, don't tease me!" Ji Meiyuan said through gritted teeth.
"What are you teasing me about?" Ji Wushang asked, her face full of questions. She pretended to be annoyed and said, "You, your elder sister is really looking out for you. Don't worry, I feel that there are a few good young men in the capital. I will talk to Grandmother and Aunt Xie about it. If you all marry into good families, I think Aunt Bai will be very happy."
These words, seemingly expressing concern for this person and reassuring that person, were actually a slap in the face to these three! How many decent families are there in the capital? The legitimate sons are all married; those who aren't are either members of the royal family or have illnesses. Could this illegitimate daughter of General Ji's family possibly climb the social ladder and marry into the royal family? And what about trying to please Aunt Bai? Would Aunt Bai be happy? Would she be happy in the dungeon?
Ji Wushang felt a surge of satisfaction at their sour expressions, but he feigned concern and said, "What's wrong? Are you unhappy? We're family after all. There's nothing wrong with Nan Ershao becoming our fourth sister's husband. We're all family, after all."
Upon hearing this, Ji Meiyuan immediately stood up. What family! What fourth brother-in-law! No way! "Eldest sister, I'm tired, I'm going back first!" With that, she turned around and stormed off towards her plum garden.
Ji Wushang smiled slightly, but the smile quickly disappeared. Instead, he looked at Ji Wuxia and said, "Young Master Zhou is not bad either. I've heard that his family owns vast tracts of fertile land. When Third Sister marries into his family, she will surely enjoy a life of luxury." As if seeing that she didn't react, Ji Wushang continued, "Young Master Zhou is a scholar and has quite a romantic talent. Third Sister, you'll have plenty of happiness ahead of you!"
"Yes, thank you for your blessing, elder sister!" Ji Wuxia glanced at her, then stood up, thinking of leaving.
"Third Sister, won't you sit a little longer?" Ji Wushang said with a smile. "I just got back, why don't you keep me company? Second Sister is tired, are you tired too?"
"Uh, yes, keep my older sister company." Ji Wuxia's face darkened as she looked at her. This older sister, is she looking for trouble?! She just got back, and she's already chattering away, making my second sister and me angry. What is she up to?!
Ji Wushang looked at her with a beaming smile, then gently rolled up his sleeves on the table and placed the pastries on the table into the small dish in front of Ji Wuxia. "Eat up! These pastries look pretty good." He then took a piece for himself, put it in his mouth, and exclaimed, "They're really good, Third Sister, why are you just looking? Eat up!"
"Yes." With the pastries placed in front of her, how could she not eat them? Ji Wuxia had no choice but to pick them up and eat them.
"Big sister, I'm really a bit tired. The weather's changing so fast. I'll head back now." Ji Wuxia stood up. "If you're interested, big sister, why don't you sit in this pavilion for a while?"
"Okay, then you should go and rest!" Ji Wushang nodded.
Ji Wuxia nodded, then bowed slightly.
Ji Wushang watched her retreating figure and chuckled silently. "Aren't you almost fully recovered? Here, have some croton oil to try and cleanse your body of toxins!"
After a while, having cleared up some of his thoughts, Ji Wushang returned to his Xinyuan Garden. At this time, Zhu'er, Xian'er, Yue'er, and others were all in the courtyard. Seeing Ji Wushang return to Xinyuan Garden, they were all delighted.
"Miss, you're finally back."
"Um."
Are you injured?
"Has anyone bullied you? Tell us, and we'll teach them a lesson!"
Ji Wushang looked at them and said with amusement, "Would anyone bully your young lady? What kind of skills do you have? Want to teach someone a lesson?"
Everyone lowered their heads at this question, but Xian'er immediately replied, "Skills aren't important, what's important is being able to teach bad guys a lesson!"
"You're quite the talker," Ji Wushang said with a smile, then tapped Xian'er's nose. "Today, you'll give Zhu'er your half bowl of rice."
"Ah?" Xian'er and Zhu'er exclaimed at the same time. If Xian'er gave half a bowl of rice to Zhu'er, then Xian'er would go hungry, while Zhu'er would be stuffed.
"Pfft." Ji Wushang looked at their expressions and their simultaneous exclamations just now, and couldn't help but laugh. "Just kidding." After saying that, he went inside.
Zhu'er and Xian'er looked at each other in bewilderment, and then Yue'er came up and said, "You've both been tricked by Miss!" After saying that, she playfully followed Ji Wushang.
Zhu'er and Xian'er grumbled to themselves before going off to do their work.
Knowing that Yue'er had followed, Ji Wushang sat down and asked, "Is there any news?"
"Yes, Miss, one day when I was passing through the Orchid Garden, I heard some sounds! I couldn't hear them clearly, but it seemed like I heard a man's voice! I thought about getting closer, but there were guards patrolling, so I had to hide. But when I tried to listen again, I couldn't hear anything for a long time, so I had to come back." Yue'er said, seeing that no one was around.
"Hmm." Ji Wushang nodded. This meant Ji Yinxue definitely had connections, which meant she was involved in the group that had plotted to assassinate him before. However, now they had plenty to worry about. Ji Meiyuan, I don't believe you'll let Ji Yinxue off so easily!
I'm waiting to see what happens to you!
"Miss, is there anything else?" Yue'er asked softly after a long while, watching Ji Wushang deep in thought.
"At night, keep an eye out for me! Go to the accounting office and get my monthly salary for me. Then, I'll give you five taels of silver as a reward. Take good care of your mother."
"Yes, thank you, Miss!" Upon hearing this, Yue'er immediately knelt down to pay her respects.
Ji Wushang waved for her to leave.
Then Granny Shi was summoned and asked to call Tie Yi to bring Ji Wusi here. I wonder how Wuzi is doing now!
It's been so long since I've seen him!
Ji Wushang felt a sense of anticipation, so he sat down in the courtyard to wait. The sun had not yet set.
Not long after, Tie Yi led Ji Wusi into Xinyuan. Ji Wushang stood up immediately. When he saw that Ji Wusi had grown taller, Ji Wushang was overjoyed!
"Quick, let your older sister take a look."
"Sister!" Ji Wusi saw Ji Wushang and immediately ran over, rushing into Ji Wushang's arms, while Tie Yi, quite sensibly, stood aside.
Ji Wushang looked at Ji Wusi and smiled, "You've made progress, haven't you? Have you been studying well? Have you been practicing your martial arts well?"
“Yes. Now Wu Zi can protect his elder sister!” Ji Wusi said earnestly, raising his fist as if to demonstrate his strength to Ji Wushang.
Ji Wushang nodded, his smile fading. "Yes, Wu Zi has grown up and can protect his elder sister now!"
Ji Wushang was filled with emotion and joy. Ji Wusi had finally lived up to his expectations and was able to understand so many things.
“Recite two or three poems for your elder sister,” Ji Wushang said as he put him down.
Ji Wusi nodded, then recited the poems fluently, and said, "The principles the sages spoke of ultimately need to be put into practice. Sister, do you think I'm right?"
"Yes, that's very true." Ji Wushang had to praise him for having such a way of thinking.
"So what are your plans for the future?" Ji Wushang asked.
"What you learn from books is never enough; you must put it into practice to truly understand. I want to be like my father and elder brother, fighting for the country and protecting our home! I don't want to pass the imperial examinations and speak in fancy words!" Ji Wusi said loudly, straightening his back and patting his chest.
Looking at his still-grown little body, Ji Wushang couldn't help but laugh at his somewhat comical appearance. However, he knew he couldn't laugh at him, otherwise, if the boy thought he was mocking or looking down on him, it would be a huge blow to him. He couldn't give him that feeling. Ji Wushang said seriously, "If you want to achieve great things like Father and Elder Brother, then you must hone your skills and have the demeanor and style of a great general. Wu Zi, do you understand?"
“Sister, Wu Zi understands! Watch Wu Zi demonstrate a set of boxing moves for you!” Ji Wu Si said earnestly.
"Okay." Ji Wushang nodded as well. This kind of younger brother, so energetic and ambitious, is the best!
Ji Wusi nodded, then seriously rolled up his sleeves and began to practice his boxing. Ji Wushang watched from the side and cheered continuously. This was only a seven or eight-year-old child. His movements were very standardized and powerful. Ji Wushang watched and couldn't help but nod.
After the fight was finally over, Ji Wushang came forward, intending to hug him, but Ji Wusi stepped back. Ji Wushang was slightly taken aback and said, "Wuzi has been boxing and is sweaty. He can't let his older sister hug him, otherwise, he will get his older sister's clothes dirty."
After listening, Ji Wushang smiled and said, "Wu Zi is very sensible."
“Wu Zi has grown up. He practices boxing not only to protect his elder sister, but also to protect his father, his elder brother, and many, many other people!” Ji Wusi said, pacing back and forth as if he were a very old man. “When I’m a few years older, I will tell my father that I want to go to the frontier with him!”
“You’re still young. Your body isn’t as strong as your older brother’s. He’s in better health, which is why he went to the frontier to train so early. You, on the other hand, need to be careful.” Ji Wushang stepped forward and then said to the maids Ying Sheng and Yan Yu who were waiting on the side, “Quickly, bring me a silk handkerchief.”
"Yes." Ying Sheng immediately handed over the silk handkerchief, which Ji Wushang took and then helped Ji Wusi wipe his sweat. "Your body can't catch a cold, you have to be careful."
"Yes. Thank you for your concern, sister."
"What a joke! If I don't care about Wu Zi, who will?" Ji Wushang laughed, then tapped his little nose. "Yingsheng, take the young master away to change his clothes so we can have dinner together tonight." Then he looked at Ji Wusi and said, "It's getting cold, Wu Zi, you should be careful. Go, go change your clothes, and then we'll have dinner."
"Yes." Ji Wusi nodded.
As Ying Sheng and Yan Yu led Ji Wu Si away, while Tie Yi stood to the side waiting for him to speak, Ji Wu Shang said, "Brother Tie Yi, I hope you can always protect Wu Zi and prevent him from getting hurt."
"I will obey Miss's orders." Tie Yi cupped his hands and then went down to follow Ji Wusi.
Ji Wushang nodded.
When they had dinner that evening, the whole family was there. Ji Wushang and Ji Wusi sat at the table below the matriarch of the family, and opposite them sat Aunt Xie, Ji Meiyuan, and Ji Wuxia.
The old lady was overjoyed to see Ji Wusi and immediately showered him with gifts. Ji Wusi could answer any question the old lady asked fluently. Although his voice was a little childish, he had a strong sense of righteousness that made the old lady happy from the bottom of her heart.
However, only two people were unhappy. Ji Meiyuan and Ji Wuxia were already unhappy watching them fool around, being ignored like air. But seeing Ji Wusi being favored by the matriarch of the Yuan family made them even more unhappy. Their own mother, Aunt Bai, was still in the dungeon recovering from her pregnancy, while this young master was here laughing and joking with the matriarch of the Yuan family. It felt like a thorn was deeply embedded in their hearts.
The two exchanged a knowing glance.
Ji Wushang then looked at them with a cold gaze, clearly warning them that if they harbored any ill intentions, he would make them taste the bitterness of heartbreak!