Ji Wushang looked at him, "Didn't you have a lot to tell me? Why aren't you saying anything now?"
Nan Xuzong smiled. "How about I tell you about my childhood?"
"Great!" This was enough to pique Ji Wushang's interest.
Nan Xuzong was satisfied; his efforts hadn't been in vain. He made a decision: he had to pique her interest even more; she couldn't be too quiet, she needed to do a lot of things.
In the carriage, Ji Wushang listened to Nan Xuzong tell his story like a curious child, asking questions and answering them. The two of them joked around, which helped to dispel the previous dullness.
It was quite some time before they returned to the Marquis's residence.
Nan Xuzong and she returned to the affiliated hospital.
"I have some things to do now, you handle things yourself!" Ji Wushang said with a smile, as if he was full of energy again.
"Hmm." Nan Xuzong nodded. "Do you need my help?"
"Well, I'll definitely let you know when you need to!" Ji Wushang thought for a moment.
“I’ll have Hongfei and Cuiwu follow you,” Nan Xuzong waved.
“Alright.” Ji Wushang, along with his two maids, Hongfei and Cuiwu, went to check out other courtyards.
Even from a distance, I could see groups of maids whispering amongst themselves. The events of the past few days hadn't ended there. The fact that Nan Jinxue had "indulged in excessive pleasure" would surely spread in private, and no matter how much it was forbidden, it would reach every corner of the capital.
Ji Wushang did not stop them from talking. Ji Yinxue must feel sad to have married such a man!
The sunlight was still a bit warm.
When Ji Wushang arrived at the accounting room, he saw Nan Aoyu working on an abacus from a distance. A maid was about to go and announce Ji Wushang's arrival, but Ji Wushang quickly dismissed her, saying that he did not need to announce her arrival.
The date has been set, and the Marquis should be returning today. It would be good to invite him to a good show.
Ji Wushang beckoned Cuiwu over, then whispered a few words to her. Cuiwu immediately nodded, her eyes seeming to say, "Sister Hongfei, please take good care of the Crown Princess!"
"Go!" Hongfei gestured with her eyes to indicate her agreement.
Ji Wushang led Hongfei inside, saying, "Second Uncle, you're really dedicated!"
Nan Aoyu was caught off guard by Ji Wushang's voice and was immediately terrified. She gripped the account book in front of her tightly. Damn it, didn't she and Nan Xuzong leave the manor? Why were they back so early? And why didn't anyone inform her? She already knew that she had taken 200,000 taels of gold from the Marquis's manor. If she caught her red-handed and had evidence against her, wouldn't she be finished?
“Oh, it’s the Crown Princess. Why don’t you go sit in the front courtyard instead of coming to this accounting office? It’s so dusty here. It wouldn’t be good if the Crown Princess’s clothes got dirty,” Nan Aoyu said with a smile.
Ji Wushang said, "I just came to check the ledgers to see if the estate has been affected in the past few months. Second Uncle knows that business is not very good these days." Ji Wushang stepped forward and his gaze fell on the ledger that Nan Aoyu was pressing down. "Second Uncle, is this a newly recorded ledger? Let me see it."
"Ah, this is not very well written, it's a mess, I doubt the Crown Princess can understand it either. I'm organizing it now, and once it's organized and clear, I'll show it to the Crown Princess. Right now, the Crown Princess doesn't need to waste her time looking at this!" Nan Aoyu said, then put the account book in front of her into her bosom.
Ji Wushang's outstretched hand was still in mid-air when she pulled it back. "Since Second Uncle says so, then I'll stop watching for now and watch it later!" Ji Wushang was very generous and understanding.
Nan Aoyu nodded hurriedly, "Yes, that's exactly what I meant. I'll definitely make a big account book for the Crown Princess to see from now on!"
Ji Wushang gave a simple bow, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Second Uncle."
"No need for that, no need for that." Nan Aoyu secretly wiped away a cold sweat. Luckily, this kid was quite easy to fool! Saying that, she immediately put the account book into her bosom. "It's getting late, I should go back first. Hao'er has been very naughty these past few days, I need to go and see how his studies are going!"
"Is that so? Then I won't bother you any longer, Second Uncle." Ji Wushang stepped aside to let him walk out.
Ji Wushang watched his departing figure and said coldly, "Send someone to steal the account books."
“Yes.” Hongfei, who was standing to the side, immediately replied.
At this moment, Cuiwu ran back, "Princess Consort."
"How is the situation?" Ji Wushang asked quickly. There were still few people in the room, so they could still exchange a few words.
"Everything is taken care of. The Marquis has returned and entered the Golden Jade Garden."
"Fine, let them enjoy their time together for a while." Ji Wushang sneered, "What is the Second Young Mistress doing?"
"She was sewing clothes for the children in the yard, and nothing else happened."
"So they really know how to be quiet now? No, they'll make sure there's no quiet at all," Ji Wushang thought to himself, then walked towards the side courtyard of Yuxue Garden. "I wonder how Youlan and Shuipei are doing?"
When they arrived, they saw that Youlan and Shuipei had woken up and were lying on their respective beds, being served by a maid.
Upon seeing Ji Wushang arrive, he immediately bowed.
Ji Wushang stepped forward. "If you two are not feeling well, there's no need for such formalities." She stood and looked at the two of them. "I don't know why you've become like this. Even though you were my sister-in-law's head maids back then, I don't think she treated you badly. But things have come to this point, so just take good care of my second brother. I think he will definitely give you a good life."
"Thank you for your blessings, Princess Consort!" Youlan said. Yes, wasn't she forced into this situation? From beginning to end, it was Nan Jinxue who manipulated her and Shui Pei's fate! She had already accepted it, but that bitch Ji Yinxue insisted on killing her and Shui Pei. How could she let her have her way? She had to strike!
Ji Wushang watched as her eyes changed rapidly, but he still managed to catch it.
"Since that's the case, I won't bother you any longer. Late spring is actually quite nice. I'll go see my sister-in-law; she's making clothes for the children! Hehe, I'll go ask her for advice!" Ji Wushang said cheerfully, then walked out with Hongfei.
"Child, child..." Youlan's eyes held a hint of cruelty as she glanced at Shui Pei, who was still asleep and clearly unaware of their conversation.
“Shui Pei, I once swore in my heart that if one day they have to force me to protect myself, I will not hesitate! I will give you one more day... just one more day! It will be enough to fulfill our sisterly bond!” Youlan’s eyes were cold at this moment.
Ji Wushang did indeed go straight into Yuxue Garden. The person walking towards him was Aunt Leng. At this moment, Aunt Leng did not look very happy. She should have gone to the pavilion to sit and relax.
“Aunt Leng, why do you look so worried?” Ji Wushang stepped forward and said in a friendly manner.
"Princess Consort, hehe, I'm fine. I was just feeling stuffy in the courtyard, so I came out to sit for a while!" Aunt Leng said coldly. Nan Zhaoxue, who was behind her, also stepped forward at this time, "Sister-in-law."
“It’s Fourth Miss. Why don’t the three of us sit in the pavilion ahead? The breeze is quite pleasant,” Ji Wushang said. “By the way, how is Fifth Miss now?”
When Aunt Leng heard the mention of Fifth Miss Nan Zaiqing, her head started to ache. Nan Zaiqing's face was probably beyond repair; her entire face was ruined. Although she hadn't spread the news, no one would dare to propose marriage to her in the future. Even if someone did, they would find that Nan Zaiqing's appearance was already disfigured, and her situation would probably not be good.
What should we do? That's a real problem!
“Fifth Sister is recovering now, so there’s no need for you to worry, Sister-in-law,” Nan Zhaoxue said. “Aunt, let’s go sit in the pavilion next door, enjoy the breeze, and admire the scenery.”
"Alright!" Aunt Leng was in a really bad mood. She was worried that her husband, the Marquis, did not favor her but instead focused on Aunt Jin. She was also worried that Nan Zaiqing's beauty was gone and that marriage was a problem. In the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty, no official's children had never married.
The three sat together. Ji Wushang carefully examined Nan Zhaoxue. This Nan Zhaoxue was quite eloquent. Could she be the second Ji Yinxue?
They were talking about all sorts of nonsensical things, and Ji Wushang found it rather boring.
Nan Zhaoxue walked to the edge of the pavilion and looked at everything outside. "This breeze is really refreshing."
"Isn't that right?" Aunt Leng said. Just then, she saw the Marquis heading towards the garden, accompanied by Aunt Jin! The two were chatting happily and were very intimate!
Aunt Leng immediately trembled with anger. She was sulking here because he was her and his daughter, but he was just a womanizer!
"Ouch, my stomach hurts so much!" Aunt Leng immediately cried out. Ji Wushang and Nan Zhaoxue rushed forward upon hearing this, "Aunt, what's wrong?"
"It hurts so much! It hurts so much! My stomach hurts so much!" Aunt Leng cried out.
Ji Wushang looked at her. If she was really in so much pain, why was her complexion so good? Moreover, she… Ji Wushang followed her gaze and spotted the Marquis and Concubine Jin.
At this moment, the Marquis and Consort Jin also heard the sound of pain. The Marquis narrowed his eyes and said, "It's Ruolan crying out in pain."
Aunt Jin's face was cold, but her tone was extremely coquettish, and she clung to him, "My lord, didn't you say you would take me to the garden to see the new flower seeds?"
“Well, Ruolan has something to attend to, so I can’t just ignore it.” As he spoke, the Marquis immediately pried the jade hand that was clinging to his arm away and strode toward the pavilion where Aunt Leng was.
Aunt Jin was furious when he abandoned her! "Leng Ruolan, I've given in to you so many times, and now you're unhappy to see me doing well?! Are you determined to steal my happiness?! You've got guts! Since you're so heartless, don't blame me for being ruthless!"
Aunt Leng was overjoyed to finally see the Marquis approaching.
Nan Zhaoxue also noticed something amiss, and then looked at Ji Wushang. Ji Wushang said, "Fourth Miss, let's quickly get a doctor to see what's wrong with Aunt! You stay here and watch over her, I'll go right away."
"Alright then." Nan Zhaoxue didn't say anything else.
Just then, the Marquis came up. "What's wrong? Why did I hear you cry out in pain?"
"My lord!" Upon hearing his voice, Consort Leng burst into tears. "I'm not feeling well. Am I about to die? Don't you even care about me? Waaah..."
Ji Wushang remained silent, turning his head to look in the direction of the garden. Aunt Jin was still standing there, her face full of cold hatred.
"Father, Aunt, I still have some things to take care of in my courtyard, so I'll go and take care of them first." Ji Wushang didn't need to stay any longer. Aunt Leng and Aunt Jin had already started their feud, and there would definitely be a good show to watch within three days. This Marquis's mansion was really like a play that hadn't finished before another one started!
Marquis Jinnan waved his hand, and Nan Zhaoxue bowed and then withdrew.
In Yu Xue Garden, a joyous scene unfolded, with beautiful patterns adorning many places. In just one more day, Zhao Yirou would marry into the Marquis's mansion and become Nan Jin Xueping's wife. Ji Yinxue disliked it immensely, but with a touch of helplessness, she sat in the courtyard, letting the people decorate the yard while she made clothes for the children.
I must time this perfectly and kill Zhao Yirou and the others!
She put down her white undergarment and touched her lower abdomen. She had never known that faking pregnancy could be done like this! The night Huangfu Ting left, he gave her a medicine that, once taken, would slowly swell her stomach, making her feel like she was really pregnant! She had doubted whether it would have any adverse effects on her body, but in fact, it did not. So Ji Yinxue obediently took the medicine once a day.
Now, my belly is slightly protruding, making it obvious to everyone that I'm pregnant, which is much better than having to tie a cloth bag around my waist!
My pulse really does indicate pregnancy! Ha! No one would doubt that!
"Sister-in-law, you're in such a good mood. Even with all this noise, you can still sew beautiful clothes," Ji Wushang said as he entered the courtyard.
The maid didn't even have time to announce it.
Ji Yinxue glared coldly at the maid standing to the side, then looked at Ji Wushang, "Yes, the child is more important, of course we should make some nice clothes." She used Zhao Yirou's marriage to Nan Jinxue to provoke her, so she would provoke her with the child!
Ji Wushang smiled slightly. "Yes!"
"Is there something you need, sister-in-law?" Ji Yinxue asked. Why doesn't she just die? Why does she keep appearing in front of me?
"I just came to see you. Are you feeling better?" Ji Wushang said. "If you want to eat anything, just have the kitchen prepare it."
"Do you even need to tell me that?" Ji Yinxue really wanted to say that sarcastically. She was, after all, the second young mistress. Although she wasn't the head mistress, she was pregnant now. Did anyone restrict her from eating whatever she wanted?
"Thank you, sister-in-law!" Ji Yinxue said coldly. "It's getting windy, I'll go back first. If you'd like, sister-in-law, please come inside with me."
"No, I have some things to attend to," Ji Wushang said. "Tomorrow is the auspicious day of Miss Zhao's marriage, and I need to go and take care of things. Oh, and if you see my second brother, please tell him not to forget to tell the Marquis. Our Marquis's mansion must still fulfill its proper etiquette."
"I know!" Ji Yinxue replied casually, not caring about Nan Jinxue's affairs at all! What's the point of etiquette? It's not like I, Ji Yinxue, am losing face!
After watching Ji Wushang leave, Nan Xuzong immediately sent someone to speak with Huangfu Xuan. However, he kept wondering if it was really for Yiyun Muchen's medicine. And what had he overlooked?
Nan Xuzong waited in the secret chamber. As the wind blew, someone entered Nan Xuzong's simple secret chamber. Huangfu Xuan stepped forward and asked, "You said that the man in black was the Second Prince?"
"Yes. It's in the dungeon, but it hasn't been dealt with yet. I'd like to know how you're going to handle it," Nan Xuzong said.
"Kill." Huangfu Xuan said coldly, his whole body radiating coldness.
Nan Xuzong was slightly taken aback; he really had the heart to do that!
"Aren't you afraid of Empress Yao?" Nan Xuzong asked.
"We don't even know who killed him, so why are you so worried?" Huangfu Xuan sneered.
“Someone witnessed Bei Gongminhao helping the Second Prince away. If the Second Prince dies, Empress Yao will definitely point the finger at the Zhenbei Prince’s Mansion.”
“Those who achieve great things must make sacrifices.” Huangfu Xuan’s eyes turned slightly cold.
"Hmph!" Nan Xuzong sneered. He certainly knew how to make a move! Anyway, it wasn't him who was going to die!
"Anyway, he was just a man in black back then. He died, so what? He wasn't some high and mighty Second Prince!"