"What is it?" Ji Dingbei's eyes were deep. Could it be that this matter had reached the palace?
“My lord, rumors are spreading throughout the capital that Concubine Bai is a witch in disguise, and that the child in her womb is a cursed star! The Emperor has already been alerted and has sent a eunuch, who is currently sitting in the main hall! My lord, please go to the main hall immediately!” Yue Shisi hurriedly said.
Upon hearing this, Ji Dingbei's face turned deathly pale. Was it really impossible to protect his own flesh and blood? He had at least planned to give birth to his child before executing Bai Aomei! Ji Dingbei dared not think any further and immediately walked towards the main hall.
Upon arriving at the main hall, Ji Dingbei saw Eunuch Li, dressed in a wide robe and black boots, and immediately stepped forward, cupping his hands in greeting, "Eunuch Li, I am so sorry that I was unable to greet you properly!"
Eunuch Li was a favorite of the Emperor, so Ji Dingbei naturally dared not offend him easily.
Seeing Ji Dingbei approach, Eunuch Li immediately stood up as well. "General, you're too kind. I didn't come with an imperial decree, so there's no need for any welcoming formalities. I just happened to be passing by the General's residence, so I came up to bother you!"
"You're too kind, sir. Someone, bring tea and snacks," Ji Dingbei said with a smile. "Please sit down, sir." He then gestured for Eunuch Li to sit next to the main seat as a sign of respect.
Eunuch Li nodded and sat down. "Actually, I did come with some of His Majesty's intentions, but that's all." Eunuch Li's red lips parted slightly.
Ji Dingbei nodded, took out a gold ingot from his pocket, and held out his hands to grasp the old eunuch Li's hands. "Please take good care of me, sir." He then slipped the gold ingot into the old eunuch Li's hands.
Eunuch Li nodded, and then naturally took the gold into his pocket. "I heard that something happened at your residence, which has alarmed His Majesty. Does the General know how to resolve this?"
“Well… to be honest, in just three days, on the fifteenth of November, will be the wedding day of my two daughters. I really can’t bear to kill any animals. Even some chickens, ducks and geese were killed outside before being brought into the manor to cook. I would like to ask you to put in a good word for me with His Majesty.” As Ji Dingbei spoke, he took out another gold ingot and stuffed it directly into the hand of Eunuch Li.
"General, you are right. The wedding is indeed approaching, and it is inappropriate to kill any living beings, especially since I have heard that your wife is pregnant." Eunuch Li is ruthless!
Ji Dingbei nodded in agreement. "Exactly, exactly." As he spoke, Ji Dingbei immediately took out another gold ingot from his pocket and placed it in his hand. "I will definitely resolve this matter. I will, I will."
"Well then, I'll report to His Majesty. I'll give the General five days! As long as those rumors in the capital no longer reach His Majesty's ears, the matter will be resolved," Eunuch Li said with a smile, then stood up.
Ji Dingbei also stood up, "Yes, yes, Father-in-law is absolutely right." As long as the rumors are quelled, Bai Aomei can continue to give birth to this child!
After seeing off Eunuch Li, Ji Dingbei immediately returned to his Songyuan Garden.
"Yue Shisi, find out as soon as possible who leaked the news about our residence!" Ji Dingbei said coldly.
"yes!"
This is a matter for our own household; why should others interfere?
Ji Wushang returned to his Xinyuan Garden and saw that Tie Feng had been waiting in the courtyard for a long time.
☆、134 In the wedding hall, they drank the nuptial wine together!
Everyone was busy with their own things at this time.
Ji Meiyuan was overjoyed. She tried on her new wedding dress in the room, complaining about how good it looked, much to the annoyance of the maids. Aunt Bai, on the other hand, was in high spirits today, pointing and criticizing everything in the plum garden, finding fault with this and that, saying it wasn't pretty or auspicious enough.
Meanwhile, the Orchid Garden was bustling with activity. Although Ji Yinxue was not in good health, she was determined not to give up and was determined to marry into the Marquis's mansion as Nan Jinxue's principal wife. So she mustered her spirits and, despite Aunt Nangong still lying in bed as if dead, went to visit her in the South Garden before returning to her own courtyard to continue tidying her clothes.
Ji Wushang was in the main hall, watching as many people arrived to offer their congratulations. As an unmarried young lady, Ji Wushang could only entertain the young ladies who came to offer their congratulations in the back courtyard, while Ji Dingbei, Aunt Qin, and others were entertained in the front courtyard.
Seeing that the sky was approaching the auspicious hour, Ji Wushang immediately handed the matter over to several nannies and took Zhu'er and Xian'er to the Orchid Garden.
Ji Yinxue was still trying on her new wedding dress. After she finished dressing, she slowly started doing her makeup in front of the dressing mirror when she heard that Ji Wushang had arrived.
As Ji Wushang entered, Ji Yinxue was about to rise and bow when Ji Wushang said, "Fourth sister, there's no need for such formalities. You look very beautiful today. Getting married really makes a difference."
"Thank you, big sister!" Ji Yinxue smiled, then looked at Ji Wushang, sized him up, and said with a smile, "Big sister, you're dressed very well today too!"
Ji Wushang nodded, "I can't compare to you two. It's a double blessing that you and your second sister are getting married together. Prepare well, the auspicious time is almost here."
Hearing that she would be marrying Ji Meiyuan together, Ji Yinxue was displeased. No one wants to share a husband, especially not her half-sister. She felt she would be being suppressed! She had overheard some maids whispering that Ji Dingbei and Nan Jinxue had discussed making Ji Meiyuan the principal wife, while she, Ji Yinxue, would be a secondary wife. Although she would be a wife, it was clearly a way to prevent her from living comfortably in the Marquis's mansion! Wouldn't she be inferior after marrying into the family? No, she had to think of a way!
Seeing that she seemed to be thinking about something, Ji Wushang stopped disturbing her. Instead, he looked around the room and said, "It's a pity that Aunt Nangong hasn't woken up yet. Otherwise, it would definitely be as lively as Plum Garden."
"Eldest sister!" Ji Yinxue was filled with resentment. If she hadn't schemed against Aunt Nangong, Aunt Nangong wouldn't be lying in bed like this now!
"Did I say something wrong?" Ji Wushang walked over. Hmph, she should remember better than to forget that it was she who plotted against her first, which led to Aunt Nangong becoming like this! She herself ruined her own aunt's life!
"Oh dear, young ladies, what are you saying? On this joyous day, it's best not to bring up anything unpleasant, or it will spoil the festive atmosphere." An old nanny, who had entered at some point, came forward, fanning herself with a small palm-leaf fan, and pulled Ji Yinxue aside, saying, "The newlyweds must marry happily, otherwise it will be bad luck!"
"Fourth Sister, Granny is right. Just enjoy your wedding and be a good bride! Don't worry about anything else." Ji Wushang glanced at her red eyes, smiled smugly, and then flicked his sleeves and walked out.
Ji Yinxue was furious. Watching Ji Wushang leave, she wanted nothing more than to tear him to pieces! However, just as she was about to step forward, she suddenly couldn't breathe. She felt as if her heart was being cut by a knife, and the pain was indescribable!
"Miss, what's wrong?" Youlan, seeing her clutching her chest, quickly stepped forward. "Miss, how are you? Should we call a doctor?"
"What are you yelling about!" Ji Yinxue glared at her. Immediately, Youlan stood to the side looking aggrieved. Ji Yinxue became even angrier. "You, are you aggrieved? Who are you trying to impress with that look on your face! Get out, get out of here!" Ji Yinxue shouted.
Hearing this, Youlan had no choice but to quickly leave. Ji Yinxue looked at the maids in the room and roared, "Get out! Get out of here!" As she spoke, she disregarded her image and piled everything on the table onto the ground, shattering the porcelain pieces. The maids all ran out in a panic.
Seeing that she was now alone in the room, Ji Yinxue slumped down against the table leg. Recalling Ji Wushang's words and the things she'd overheard from the maids—the contempt and disgust for Ji Yinxue, the fawning over her—her heart swelled with resentment. "You wretches! You all wish I were dead! I will make sure you don't get your way! Ji Wushang, you just wait! Ji Meiyuan, even if you become the legal wife this time, I will make you pay!" But just as she finished speaking, she noticed a folded piece of paper on the floor. A warning bell rang in her mind, and she immediately crawled over, picked it up, and unfolded it:
"...I plan to kill her the very night I marry into the Marquis's household, preventing the Second Young Master Nan from entering her room for the wedding night. You must help me. On our wedding day, you must help me switch the two cups of nuptial wine in the hall. Remember, the one on the left is poisoned; I will drink the one on the right. Thank you so much! If the nuptial wine fails, I will have to..." The most crucial words were missing! Ji Yinxue was stunned. She hadn't expected that they had indeed been plotting to kill her all along!
Ji Wushang's bringing up of the past just now is the best indication of his disgust for me! Hmph! So this is how they intend to deal with me! Fine, I'll fight you to the death today!
In the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty, a woman's marriage was determined by her social status. If a woman was of noble birth and came from a prestigious family, she would first drink the nuptial wine with the groom at her parents' home before going to the groom's house to pay respects to heaven and earth and enter the bridal chamber, as a sign of respect for the bride's family.
If the bride comes from a poor family, she can be carried directly to the groom's house for the wedding ceremony.
Therefore, it was common practice for wealthy officials to hold two wedding ceremonies: first at the bride's home, and then at the groom's home. Since Ji Dingbei was marrying off two daughters, this was naturally a customary practice.
——
Ji Wushang walked out of the orchid garden with a smile on his lips. Others would have thought that Ji Wushang was going to congratulate Ji Yinxue and take care of her!
Seeing that no one was around, Ji Wushang went to the pavilion, where Zhu'er and Xian'er stood by to serve him.
Ji Wushang whispered, "Zhu'er and Xian'er, go to the courtyard later and quietly let people discuss these things..." Ji Wushang gave these instructions in a low voice, and then sent Zhu'er and Xian'er to do their work.
Ji Wushang watched the two of them go downstairs, then waited here reassuredly for them to return after they finished their work.
Unexpectedly, less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, they saw a person slowly walking towards them from a distance.
Ji Wushang stared intently, and it was actually Beigong Minhao! At this moment, he was wearing a bright yellow robe, a jade crown on his head, and had a handsome face. He was walking on the wind like a seven-star formation. If an ordinary woman saw him, she would definitely be overjoyed and unable to control herself.
Ji Wushang thought to himself, "Why is he here?" He looked left and right, but the pavilion was at the end of the lotus pond, with no way back. He couldn't avoid it.
"Greetings to the Crown Prince," Ji Wushang said as he watched him approach.
Bei Gongminhao was also looking at her. He had come all this way to offer his congratulations, but he was thinking of her. He knew she would be in the backyard, and sure enough, as soon as he entered the backyard, he saw her! And what a coincidence, she was all alone!
Beigong Minhao nodded, "Why don't you go out and sit for a while, Miss?"
"Wu Shang is waiting for someone." Ji Wu Shang lowered his head. "If Your Highness has nothing else to do, please come to the front courtyard. My father should be entertaining guests there!"
"Hmm." Bei Gongminhao was standing in the pavilion at this moment, but he showed no intention of leaving, making Ji Wushang want to ask him to leave, but he was too embarrassed to do so.
"Who are you waiting for?" Bei Gongminhao suddenly asked. Ji Wushang thought for a moment, and was about to say that he was waiting for Zhu'er and Xian'er, but he murmured, "Is it him?"
"Him?" Ji Wushang stared intently. Was he referring to Nan Xuzong?
"Heh, I knew it was him!" Bei Gongminhao sighed, then asked, "When did you start liking him?"
Ji Wushang felt extremely embarrassed upon hearing this. How could a man like him ask about a woman's affairs? What was he thinking?
"Please forgive me," Ji Wushang said coldly.
Beigong Minhao stared at her for a long time before walking out, his back to her, and said, "I won't force you, hehe!" His tone was sarcastic and mocking, "But if anything happens to you, I'll be the first to hold him accountable!"
“Your Highness, your future is bright. In the future, it will be easy for you to have any woman you want. Wu Shang is not worth you saying such things, nor is she worth your sacrifice.” Ji Wu Shang stood up.
“From the first moment I saw you, I felt you were different. I had already decided on you then. It’s just a pity that fate plays tricks on us. Humph, you think it’s easy to get any kind of woman? I want a woman just like you, is that possible?” Bei Gongminhao turned around and looked at her with deep eyes.
Ji Wushang stepped back and leaned against a pillar. "There is only one Ji Wushang in this world."
“You’re right,” Kitagong Minho nodded.
"What are you two chatting about so happily?" They hadn't expected that someone would suddenly appear in the pavilion at this time! The two turned around and immediately looked at the speaker—who else could it be but Nan Xuzong?
At this moment, he was sitting alone in the wheelchair, his hands twirling gold thread, his eyes gazing affectionately at Ji Wushang. Ji Wushang looked at him, then at Beigong Minhao, and then at Nan Xuzong, and said, "Greetings, Prince Nan." He bowed slightly.
Nan Xuzong looked at her and smiled, "Miss, there's no need for such formalities." Then he turned to Beigong Minhao, "Your Highness, how have you been?"
"Hmm." Bei Gongminhao nodded at him. "As expected, you really were waiting for him. Now that he's here, I won't disturb you any longer. I'll take my leave now." Bei Gongminhao looked at Ji Wushang, a hint of disappointment in his eyes.
Nan Xuzong listened, a question lingering in his mind. She was waiting for him? How come he didn't know? He had seen Bei Gongminhao suddenly disappear in the front yard, so he looked for a few people and followed him here. Unexpectedly, he found him talking to Ji Wushang. Although he knew that Ji Wushang liked him, he didn't want another man to compete for his woman!
So it came, and very quickly!
Ji Wushang had no choice but to bow. Indeed, since he had already misunderstood, let him continue to misunderstand! This way, it would be better for him to give up, and he wouldn't have to be so confused in the days to come.
After watching the person leave, Nan Xuzong asked, "Were you waiting for me?"
“No.” Ji Wushang looked at him, “but I think you will definitely come.”
Nan Xuzong felt a little disappointed when he heard her say that she didn't believe him, but when she said that she believed he would come, the gloom in his heart was swept away. "You really believe I will come?"
"Hmm." Ji Wushang smiled. "I was waiting for Zhu'er and Xian'er. I sent them to do other things, but I didn't expect him to misunderstand. Oh well, oh well." Ji Wushang sighed.
Nan Xuzong nodded, "Let bygones be bygones."
"yes."
"What did you send Zhu'er and Xian'er to do?" Nan Xuzong asked. "In that case, I should leave as soon as possible."
"It's nothing. Something will happen at the manor. I hope you won't take offense." Ji Wushang's eyes flashed with a hint of ferocity.
Nan Xuzong listened and looked at her, "Who are you going to kill?"
"What are you saying!" Ji Wushang smiled.
“There’s no one around.” Nan Xuzong knew what she was worried about. Ji Wushang nodded, her eyes filled with ruthlessness. “I will make them all pay the price. I don’t know what you’re thinking, but I, Ji Wushang, am a person who will definitely avenge any wrong done to me. Prince Nan, if you can’t accept this, please… leave.”
“How could I leave? I really like your personality. I, Nan Xuzong, just like Ji Wushang like this.” Nan Xuzong said cheerfully, “If you can’t bring yourself to do it, I’ll help you get rid of the person you want to kill!”
"Thank you, but as I said, I'm going to do it myself. Don't worry, I'll be fine." Ji Wushang nodded. "You just need to watch the show."
"Alright." Nan Xuzong's expression changed, and he took out a piece of Xuan paper from his pocket, unfolded it, and said, "You little rascal, why did you draw me like this, turning me into...you naughty girl." Nan Xuzong didn't finish his sentence.
"You don't like it? Then give it back to me." Ji Wushang said reproachfully, stepping forward to snatch the painting away. "I haven't agreed to paint for others!"
"Who asked you to paint?" Nan Xuzong asked, pulling her close and laughing. "Who asked my wife to paint?"
"What do you mean, 'wife'? You're not the one getting married, and I'm not the one getting married. Where did this 'wife' come from?" Ji Wushang said seriously.
"You silly girl." Nan Xuzong looked at her, pulled her into his arms, and was about to cover his lips with hers when Ji Wushang quickly blocked him with her hand, "Someone's here!"
"Nobody's here, you don't need to lie to me!" Nan Xuzong's profound internal strength allowed him to detect whether someone was around within a hundred meters. He knew there was indeed someone spying from a distance, but today he was going to let him spy to his heart's content!
As Nan Xuzong spoke, he kissed her cheek. Ji Wushang blushed and quickly broke free from his embrace, then stood a little distance away from him.
"You're so improper!" Ji Wushang scolded. "It's almost time. Zhu'er and Xian'er will be back soon, and the auspicious hour is almost here. You should hurry up and go to the front yard!"
"Yes, I will listen to my wife." Nan Xuzong said with a smile. Ji Wushang blushed as she listened. "You should say less."