Nan Xuzong was stunned, staring at Ji Wushang in disbelief. Ji Wushang also lowered his head shyly, overwhelmed with joy and speechless.
"Look!" someone shouted at that moment.
Everyone then looked toward the performers in the main hall.
Ji Wushang lowered her eyes and glanced at him briefly. He longed to pull her into his arms, but refrained from doing so because there were many people around.
At this moment, the singing and dancing began, and the dancing figures, along with some acrobats, all joyfully wished Nan Xuzong a happy birthday.
Yiyun Shangcheng sat alone at a table, picked up a wine glass, took a sip, and a sinister glint flashed in his purple eyes, which shot straight at that beautiful and delicate body.
Huangfu Ting and Huangfu Yu were both shocked, not by the program, but by the fact that Ji Wushang had just dared to kiss Nan Xuzong so boldly in front of everyone! What wouldn't this woman do? Was she telling everyone that she belonged only to Nan Xuzong? Was he her husband for life?
Nan Jinxue came in from outside. Seeing their intimate behavior, her thick eyebrows furrowed. She walked over to Ji Yinxue, who gritted her teeth and asked, "Where did you go?"
"Don't ask any more questions!" Nan Jinxue replied coldly.
At this moment, Ji Wushang gently released Nan Xuzong's hand. Nan Xuzong was taken aback, and her lips moved slightly, "Wait for me."
"Where are you going?" Nan Xuzong exclaimed in surprise, his eyes filled with reluctance. But with a slight smile on her lips, she gracefully moved into another room.
The singing and dancing continued, and the audience watched with rapt attention.
Yi Yun Shangcheng narrowed her purple eyes, her hand gripping the wine glass. With just a little force, she could crush it to pieces! She thought to herself, "Impossible! Her people should have all been drugged by her own men, how could she possibly still have any manpower left!"
Before they could think too much, a deafening sound suddenly rang out, surprising everyone around. It was the sound of a pipa piercing the sky! At that moment, a breeze blew by, carrying the faint fragrance of orchids. The large strings resounded, the small strings whispered, and with the sound of the pipa, a woman descended from the sky. She sat on a white swing made of swaying ribbons, and her lips moved slightly, from which a beautiful song flowed:
Time always flies by, please wait for me.
The moon remains as beautiful as ever; let us invite each other to stroll among the flowers.
Three thousand strands of black hair bear no sorrow, a gentle spring breeze never ceases.
Its fragrance is unparalleled, and our longing for each other is endless.
Drinking and singing, you remain as you were at the beginning; amidst the wind, flowers, snow, and moon, we laugh with carefree abandon.
Year after year, I think of you, so beautiful.
Looking back a thousand times, her willow-leaf eyebrows are charming, sigh.
A heart as pure as ice in a jade pot, brimming with tender joy.
Slender fingers, joined together, a bond of destiny.
A fleeting thought, hearts in perfect harmony, an unforgettable bond.
Your heart is mine, our black hair is like raindrops!
Ji Wushang paused, plucking the strings of his zither.
That voice was like heavenly music, striking the hearts of everyone present. Ji Wushang smiled at Nan Xuzong, as if he were the only person in the world.
Everyone was captivated by the sound of the pipa and mesmerized by the little tune sung by Ji Wushang.
Yiyun Shangcheng's hand holding the wine glass trembled slightly. He looked at her, but she kept her gaze fixed on Nan Xuzong. Nan Xuzong's eyes were filled with surprise, indescribable emotions, and endless longing.
If it weren't for the problem with his legs, Nan Xuzong would definitely have flown into the air to pick up that beauty and bring her down.
Her pipa playing continued, and Ji Wushang's cherry lips moved slightly. The pipa music changed tune, but the transition was so natural. She sang:
"Oh Heaven! I wish to be with you forever, and live a long and prosperous life."
Until the mountains crumble, the rivers run dry, winter thunder roars, summer snow falls, and heaven and earth unite, only then will I part from you!
If you will not abandon me, I will stay with you until death!
A smile appeared on Ji Wushang's lips. At this moment, five dancers jumped into the air and steadily brought Ji Wushang down from the swing. Instantly, a fragrant breeze blew by, carrying the scent of crabapple blossoms, bringing peace of mind and endless beauty.
Ji Wushang slowly walked down and handed the pipa to the maid who came up beside him.
She gracefully walked to the stunned Nan Xuzong's side. Was what she had just said her confession? "If you do not abandon me, I will be with you until death!" That "Shang Xie" was the poem he copied most often from the Book of Songs—no, there was another one, "Bei Feng Ji Gu" from the Book of Songs. She had chosen to sing "Shang Xie" from a woman's perspective.
"Husband, do you like it?" Ji Wushang stepped forward and looked at him intently.
"I like it." After a long silence, he finally uttered these words. This song called "Shang Xie"... He had once dreamed that if she could sing it to him one day, he would die without regrets... He never thought it would actually come true... Ji Wushang, I am also willing to live a long and prosperous life with you!
Those around were filled with admiration. They never expected that the Princess Consort of the Southern Kingdom would sing such a song. The first part was a blessing, while the latter part was a passionate declaration of love from a devoted woman…
"There's a second gift." Ji Wushang's lips twitched.
Nan Xuzong was startled and followed her gaze, only to see several dancers coming out and performing some difficult moves in the air above the hall. The red color of celebration filled the entire hall, and the melodious sound of silk and bamboo instruments blended with the beautiful dance, making people feel happy.
Nan Xuzong reached out and pulled her to his side. "I won't allow you to stay in the air any longer. It's dangerous. Just now, it was really too dangerous." He was even prepared to wrap Jin Si around her and pull her into his arms at any moment... She really made him worry.
Ji Wushang smiled, seeing his worry, "I promise you, I won't stay in mid-air again."
"Hmm." Nan Xuzong nodded slightly, with a childlike air. Ji Wushang was pleased. "But you should still accept this gift."
"Hmm?" He tilted his head back.
But at that moment, the crowd erupted in thunderous applause.
I didn't dare clap just now because I didn't want to disturb their deep affection; we were both so engrossed in each other's love...
Ji Wushang gestured for Nan Xuzong to look over. Nan Xuzong looked up into the air, where the lead dancer was being lifted high by several partners. In her hands, she held a large, wide painting. Unfolding the painting, Nan Xuzong was depicted beneath a red plum tree. Petals drifted down onto his shoulders, along with some snowflakes. His gaze was intense, oblivious to the objects on his shoulders, focused solely on what lay ahead. He wore a jade crown, without a touch of vermilion, and his hands were entwined with gold thread. His movements combined strength and grace. He was smiling, smiling as he looked into the distance, as if gazing upon a priceless treasure, his face beaming with joy.
Red plum blossoms bloom, petals fall in a symphony of fate. Golden threads of affection, snowflakes flutter down, a deep and tender love.
Nan Xuzong's hand twitched slightly, his thin lips parted in surprise, unable to utter a word.
She had never seen a painting like this before, one that captured her very essence. She was utterly astonished that, in just three days—no, certainly not three days—she had prepared so much and been so busy, to produce such a masterpiece!
Nan Xuzong's vision seemed to freeze; he stared at the painting, unable to look away for even a moment.
Those around looked at the painting and couldn't help but sigh. They never expected that the Prince of the South, who had been expressionless for a thousand years, would have such a gentle smile! It was truly unexpected!
Yiyun Shangcheng's face changed color like a chameleon, her heart filled with rage. Previously, she had placed a large painting in the room depicting Nan Xuzong deep in thought, but this one showed him beaming with joy! She hadn't expected her to have such a hidden trick up her sleeve! Placing the large painting in the room was a diversion, while the real gift was secretly concealed!
The way she won Nan Xuzong's favor was making him insanely jealous!
Ji Wushang's lips curled slightly, his gaze lingering on Yi Yunshang's face for a few seconds, discerning his astonishment and anger. Ignoring him, Ji Wushang turned away, then stepped forward, took the painting from the dancer's hands, and gently placed it in Nan Xuzong's hands. "Husband, do you like it?"
"...I like it." These two words seemed to linger in Nan Xuzong's throat for a long time before finally escaping his thin lips. His dark eyes shifted repeatedly, "I really like it..."
Ji Wushang's lips curved into a smile, "And one last gift..." He then clapped his hands.
To everyone's astonishment, maids kept bringing in a variety of things, all of them snacks. However, all of these snacks were different! Each one had its own unique color and type!
When all the desserts were placed in front of the guests, everyone looked on in bewilderment.
Look at mine, I look at yours, they're all different. I'm itching to try them, wondering what it will taste like? And what about the person across from me?
But he could only take a small sip of what was in front of him...
The last thing the maid brought up and placed directly in front of Nan Xuzong was a seven-layered pastry cake.
Ji Wushang followed the instructions from the book, creating a seven-star pattern around the moon, with each layer decreasing in size upwards, but still consisting of seven pastries. This resulted in a total of forty-nine pieces across seven layers. Each one was different. The central piece depicted dragons and phoenixes playing, exquisitely carved and crafted.
Moreover, the entire surface was covered with the character "Cong" from Nan Xuzong's name... Nan Xuzong was astonished, "This..."
Ji Wushang thought for a moment, "This is longevity cake. Seven times seven is forty-nine, symbolizing longevity, happiness, and peace."
Nan Xuzong seemed to suddenly realize something. He had never known that pastries could be made like this!
She added, "These dragon and phoenix carvings, and these pastries, were made for you personally. Try them."
Nan Xuzong nodded, and a maid respectfully presented chopsticks and a plate. Ji Wushang took them and then served him a piece of pastry with a smile. It was the grape pastry on top.
Under everyone's watchful eyes, Ji Wushang fed the pastry to Nan Xuzong. Nan Xuzong felt overwhelmed with happiness, wishing he could freeze this moment forever.
Ji Wushang looked at him and smiled gently, "Is it delicious?"
"Delicious." Nan Xuzong looked into Ji Wushang's bright eyes, staring at her as if afraid it was all just a dream.
Ji Wushang smiled and gently took his hand. His hand was very warm. Ji Wushang thought of pulling away, but he grabbed it and kneaded her slightly cold little hand. "Thank you."
Besides thank you, he really didn't know what else to say.
He knew she was shy and easily embarrassed, but today she bravely stepped out of that box, showing him her love in front of everyone… What more could he possibly hope for? Just her! Just her overflowing love!
Ji Wushang turned around and smiled apologetically at everyone, saying, "I'm really sorry, because this birthday banquet was indeed a bit rushed, so I only prepared this much. I'm sure you've all laughed at me! Please enjoy your meal! The longevity cake was made by me personally according to the recipe, so please do me the honor of trying it."
Everyone nodded.
"The Princess Consort of the Southern Prince is truly virtuous and kind!"
"I've tried it, and I never expected it to be such a delicacy! I doubt you could ever find a taste exactly like it anywhere else in the world!"
"Enjoying this! Thank you, Princess Consort Nan!"
...
Various words of praise came from their mouths.
Upon hearing this, the Marquis, who was sitting opposite Ji Dingbei, stroked his beard and said to the Marquis, "Please."
The Marquis nodded, "I didn't expect Wu Shang to be so good to Cong'er, hehe!"
Ji Dingbei nodded slightly and ate the pastry placed in front of him. He took a bite and savored it.
Unexpectedly, it reminded him of Bei Luo'er, who also made some pastries, but she hadn't eaten them for many years... The past is gone... Ji Dingbei turned his face slightly away and gently wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes with his sleeve.
Nan Xianxian looked at Ji Wushang, then at Nan Zhaoxue across from her, who was enjoying her snacks. She felt a pang of envy and glanced at Aunt Zhao. Aunt Zhao snorted and moved the snacks in front of her aside.
Nan Xianxian was too greedy. Ignoring the look that Aunt Zhao was giving her, she ate... and after eating, she wanted to eat even more, but unfortunately, there was none left!
Nan Jinxue stared at the exquisite longevity cake in front of him, then viciously devoured the entire piece, swallowing it whole before he could even savor it. For him, this was a feeling of pure bliss he would never experience before!
Beigong Minhao's hand remained motionless for a long time. Seeing that no one was around, he suddenly took out a silk handkerchief and quickly wrapped the birthday cake in it, putting it into his pocket. In the blink of an eye, he pretended to wipe his mouth and drink some wine.
She made it, how could I bear to eat it? Even if it's moldy... I have to preserve it!
Yi Yun Shangcheng narrowed her purple eyes, scrutinizing the pastry for a long time. Then she looked at Ji Wushang and Nan Xuzong, who were so engrossed in their meal that they seemed oblivious to everyone else. The two of them were eating quietly. When she looked up, she smiled, and he ate intently. When she looked down, her hair fell down, and he gently gathered it up with his hand.
What a sweet scene it was...
Nan Xuzong noticed the sharp gaze at that moment. He glanced at Yi Yunshangcheng and met her eyes. Yi Yunshangcheng looked at him with cold purple eyes, and Nan Xuzong's eyes also turned cold. His aura suddenly became cold and expanded.
Ji Wushang was taken aback, noticing something was amiss, and asked in a low voice, "What's wrong?"
"It's alright." Nan Xuzong pulled her close, pulling her into a tight embrace. Ji Wushang exclaimed, "Wait! Everyone's watching!"
"It's alright." Nan Xuzong's eyes were deep, and at this moment Ji Wushang also felt the gaze behind him, and his whole body trembled. But in the next moment, he pulled her closer and gently kissed her forehead.
She didn't resist; instead, she smiled, hooked her arm around his neck, pulled him close, and gently kissed him. He was momentarily stunned.
Ji Wushang lowered his head, while Yiyun Shangcheng stormed out in a rage.