“Okay.” Ji Wushang nodded, looking at his golden ratio physique. He stood up and was really tall and strong.
He felt her gaze, so he smiled and turned around, then looked at her and asked, "Are you satisfied with your husband's body?"
Upon hearing this, Ji Wushang's face immediately turned bright red with embarrassment, and she buried her head under the covers, saying, "I won't answer."
"Hehe!" Nan Xuzong chuckled. He couldn't help but quickly step forward, scoop her up from the covers, and kiss her hard. "I'm very satisfied with you."
Ji Wushang looked at him, took the initiative to peck his lips, and just looked at him without saying anything more.
Nan Xuzong smiled, got up again, dressed, and left.
But as he closed the door to the secret room, he glanced back at her, and she was looking at him with deep affection.
Nan Xuzong thought to himself, "If we love each other so much, those two paintings on the wall will definitely not happen! If we carefully watch over each other, we can definitely make it happen!" As if remembering something, Nan Xuzong took out the odor-removing powder from his pocket and sprinkled it into the air to remove the rotten smell.
Ji Wushang looked at him quietly without saying a word.
Only after the person left did Ji Wushang cover himself with the blanket again.
He warmed her heart so deeply. Last night, he… Ji Wushang thought for a moment, a sense of unease creeping into her heart. How could she possibly leave him? Why did he say that?
Just then, someone knocked on the door from outside. "Princess Consort, are you awake?"
"Hmm." Ji Wushang nodded, touching his lips with his hand. They weren't very red or swollen, thankfully. As for the ones on his body, well, they can't be seen once he's dressed... He'll definitely have to make him pay attention in the future!
After getting dressed and ready, Ji Wushang had a simple breakfast and then headed towards the mourning hall.
Nan Jinxue, I've finally sent you to the Western Paradise! I will take back everything I've suffered! This isn't over yet! The coldness in Ji Wushang's eyes became even more pronounced, but as he approached the mourning hall, he quickly composed himself. With a touch of sorrow and grief, Ji Wushang stepped inside.
Zhao Yirou and Aunt Zhao were both in the mourning hall at the time. When they saw Ji Wushang, they both looked at her with vicious eyes.
Ji Wushang calmly walked over and lit incense. "Second brother, may you rest in peace!" Ji Wushang looked at the large black lacquered coffin in the mourning hall, and then he remembered when he died in his previous life. The coffin was just as black! So cold! He and Zhu'er lay inside, their bodies exposed to no light!
I will always remember the blood oath I swore back then!
Now that I have returned from the ashes of Phoenix Rebirth, I will surely send them to hell!
Seeing Ji Wushang standing in front of the coffin, Zhao Yirou's eyes darted around before she immediately stepped forward. "Sister-in-law, please kneel over here!"
"Kneel?" Ji Wushang turned to look at her. Why should he kneel? Kneel to the person who had killed him? Kneel to this scum? Kneel to this man who had lusted after him? Bullshit!
“I am the eldest sister-in-law, and you are the second brother’s woman, second brother’s wife. You should kneel down! Otherwise, when people come to pay their respects later, they will be laughed at if they see that you, as the second wife, are not kneeling to see the second brother off.” Ji Wushang stepped forward coldly and walked to Zhao Yirou. “I am not feeling well. The doctor just checked and said that I should not stand for long, let alone kneel.”
Hearing this, Zhao Yirou was filled with rage. She had originally intended to make her kneel down with her, but she never expected that she would be ridiculed like this!
Ji Wushang meant that Zhao Yirou should kneel down herself!
At this moment, Aunt Zhao spoke coldly, "Princess Consort Wushang! You should show some respect for the deceased. No matter how unwell you are, once you enter this Marquis's mansion, you must kneel when there is a funeral!"
“Auntie is right!” Zhao Yirou immediately said, “Sister-in-law, you should know the rules of this household!”
"Of course I know." Ji Wushang smiled. "However, according to my status, I am the matriarch of the household, and my second brother's death has nothing to do with me. Therefore, I don't need to kneel! But you all need to kneel for three days and three nights! You will only be allowed to stand up when the funeral is held!"
"You, you!" Zhao Yirou pointed at Ji Wushang in anger, "You, does Aunt really have such a rule?"
"...Yes." Aunt Zhao answered hesitantly, lowering her head. That damned thing, I'll make sure you die someday! Ji Wushang, you wait! My face is ruined and I'm out of favor, but that doesn't matter! I still have my assets!
Ji Wushang's lips twitched slightly. "Second sister-in-law, kneel properly. I need to take care of some other things first. The mistress of the house is really busy. Please excuse me!" With that, he turned and walked out.
Zhao Yirou was furious; the position of head mistress was a real headache for her! Ji Wushang's words about the head mistress really hit her right where it hurt!
Just then, a maidservant outside announced, "The Marquis has arrived!"
Zhao Yirou couldn't help but glance at Aunt Zhao, and they both knew what was going on. This time, they were determined to put on a show together!
☆、227 Nan Xuzong, a great man who stands tall and upright!
Upon hearing that the Marquis had arrived, Ji Wushang stopped and stood aside, lowering his eyes slightly and feigning sorrow. To contend with others, one must be able to bend and stretch, and to feign sincerity. Zhao Yirou glanced at Aunt Zhao, then immediately knelt down, crying out, "Father!" before beginning to sob. Her face was utterly miserable.
Seeing this, Aunt Zhao rushed forward, "Yi Rou, don't be sad! As her birth mother, I know to grieve in moderation. Please grieve in moderation! Alas, Jin Xue died so tragically, it's heartbreaking! Waaah!" As she spoke, she wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes with a silk handkerchief.
Ji Wushang sneered inwardly. A double act? Fine, I'll take them all down with me!
Nan Jinxue's death was utterly ignominious and a disgrace to the Marquis's mansion. How dare Aunt Zhao claim that his death was tragic? It's utterly laughable! Ji Wushang stepped forward, "Father, should we send someone to inform the ministers and nobles of the capital? As Aunt said, my second brother died tragically. Let them come to pay their respects to him, what do you say?"
The Marquis of Jinnan snorted coldly at them, intending to speak, but then he heard someone outside say that they wanted to come in and report something.
The Marquis of Jinnan waved for the servant who had come to report. The servant immediately entered and knelt down, exclaiming, "My lord, something terrible has happened! Something terrible has happened!"
"What are you exclaiming about? Speak if you have something to say!" Marquis Jinnan sneered. He was already in a bad mood because of the death of his son, and now they were making such a big fuss about something bad. Were these people trying to drive him crazy?
"In the capital, almost everyone is talking about the Second Young Master, about how he died from exhaustion..." The servant said, his head bowed, his heart pounding with anxiety, wondering how the Marquis would react.
"What? You bastard!" Marquis Jinnan's anger surged instantly, and he kicked the servant in the chest. "Get out!" he yelled, then spun around in circles. "It's all because of people like you! You're infuriating! You sons of bitches have to tell everyone about this!"
Aunt Zhao and Zhao Yirou looked at each other, bewildered.
"You sons of bitches! You actually went and invited people to offer condolences? Isn't this making our Marquis's mansion a laughingstock? You're all bastards! Who spread this mess of rumors? It's infuriating!" Marquis Jinnan berated Aunt Zhao and Zhao Yirou. "It's all your fault! You couldn't even raise a son properly. Now he's turned out like this. How can our Marquis's mansion have any face left in this capital? And you, as a wife, you should be Jin Xue's virtuous helper, but instead you let him get involved with sleazy people! You caused his death because of this! You shameless women, you shameless women!"
The Marquis of Jinnan grew angrier with each word, while Ji Wushang sneered inwardly. Go ahead and curse! Aren't you cursing yourself too? You say they're dogs, but aren't they yours to raise? I, Ji Wushang, have never asked you, the Marquis, to raise them! Ha!
Standing to the side, Aunt Jin was secretly delighted. Aunt Zhao and Zhao Yirou actually dared to try and get revenge on Ji Wushang? Didn't they even consider their own limitations? If it were me… Aunt Jin thought for a moment, then resolved to plan carefully! Their miserable defeat had set a precedent for her, a lesson she couldn't afford to learn; she absolutely couldn't follow in their footsteps!
Ji Wushang glanced at Aunt Jin and Nan Xianxian, his eyes slightly lowered. This person knew how to conceal his deep thoughts; he would probably have to be careful dealing with her in the future!
Fourth Miss Nan Zhaoxue and Fifth Miss Nan Zaiqing were also standing there. Nan Zhaoxue's eyes were cold and aloof, lost in thought, while Nan Zaiqing seemed to be watching the show. Aunt Leng, of course, wouldn't be here; being pregnant, she couldn't afford to be associated with bad luck in the mourning hall.
The servant who had been kicked realized something was wrong, clutched his chest, and crawled out, resigned to his bad luck.
Ji Wushang smiled as he looked at the disheveled figure. It seemed that Hongfei and Cuiwu were indeed doing a good job. People trained by Nan Xuzong would definitely be willing to risk their lives for their master!
"Father, I think whether this matter is true or false, it has already been spread. People only spread rumors because they don't know the truth... Since that's the case, Father, why don't we spread the real truth? Second Brother died of a sudden illness, that's the truth. Second Brother was the most handsome man in the capital, admired by everyone. How could he be like what outsiders say?" Ji Wushang watched as he finished cursing, giving Aunt Zhao and Zhao Yirou a thorough dressing down, leaving them too afraid to raise their heads and utter a word in rebuttal, before stepping forward and speaking gently.
"Hmm!" Marquis Jinnan turned to look at Ji Wushang. Damn it, why didn't he think of that! He was just thinking about cursing! Oh well! "Do as you say. Quickly spread the truth and prevent people from discussing anything else!"
"Yes, Wu Shang will have the servants do it immediately." Ji Wu Shang bowed his head in response, and then immediately walked outside.
The Marquis of Jinnan turned his head and sneered at Aunt Zhao and Zhao Yirou, "Look at this, this is the proper mistress of the house! You dogs! You only know how to cause trouble! Humph, kneel down, kneel until the funeral! You are only allowed to get up for one hour during the meal!" With that, he walked out.
Upon hearing this, Aunt Zhao immediately cried out, "My lord! How can you be so heartless? I have done so much for the Marquis's mansion, how can you be so cruel to me!"
"How am I heartless? Your face is like a ghost, and I didn't even kick you out. What, am I not merciful enough?" In his anger, how could the Marquis of Jinnan possibly remember the promises he made to Aunt Zhao, the care he showed her, and the kindness he had shown her? He was already furious, and the sight of her face made him want to vomit. How could he possibly have a good mood to talk to her?
"You, sob sob!" Aunt Zhao burst into tears immediately upon seeing this.
"Fine, keep crying, keep wailing like this!" The Marquis of Jinnan was in a state of turmoil. Seeing her crying so irritatingly, he immediately walked away, but then turned back. "If you don't cry this miserably when someone comes to offer condolences later, I'll take your dog's life!" With that, he left.
There are several versions of this story, so we need to bring some people here to dispel their suspicions. Otherwise, how can we possibly quell this storm? We mustn't let the centuries-old Marquis of Jinnan's mansion be ruined in our hands!
Ji Wushang instructed his servants not far from the courtyard to spread the so-called truth. Then, he stayed behind to oversee the servants and selected a shrewd, calculating, and, most importantly, obedient person to be the steward, named Cai Gui. Cai Gui was a middle-aged man in his thirties who looked decent; Tie Feng had brought him there.
Ji Wushang trusted Tie Feng's judgment.
Ji Wushang turned slightly, able to see the scene in the mourning hall. This was just a small lesson; next time, he would definitely give them a severe beating!
None of these people can be let go! Just wait and see!
At this moment, Ji Wushang saw Aunt Chen helping Old Madam Yun arrive at the end of the corridor, followed by four young maids. They were all dressed in plain-colored clothes, tied with white ribbons, even their belts were white. Ji Wushang looked at his own attire. He had been extremely careful with it, with nothing flashy, all in light-colored clothes. The only precious thing he wore was the phoenix jade hairpin that Nan Xuzong had given him. This was something he absolutely could not take off; he had always cherished and worn the gift from him.
However, we should also be careful to avoid others gossiping in front of Old Madam Yun.
Looking around, I saw a potted plant with white flowers blooming on the side. The flowers were not very big.
"What kind of flower is this?" Ji Wushang asked the flower farmer beside him.
“Your Highness, it is emerald green and golden fragrance,” the flower farmer said earnestly. “It symbolizes beauty and reverence.”
“Okay.” Ji Wushang nodded. “Is there any other use for it?”
"No, these are ornamental flowers. We dare not buy flowers that have any use because we are afraid that our masters will like to pick them, for fear of offending them."
“Very good,” Ji Wushang said. “Someone, give this flower farmer five taels of silver. It’s not much, but if you work hard in the Marquis’s mansion, I won’t treat you badly.”
"Thank you, Princess Consort!" The flower farmer immediately knelt down to express her gratitude. These five taels of silver were equivalent to a month's salary, and she had even said it wasn't much! She would definitely work harder from now on!
Ji Wushang carefully picked a flower, intending to treat it and wear it in her hair. The flower farmer immediately said, "Princess Consort, let me treat it for you. After you're done, you'll look even more beautiful wearing it."
Ji Wushang nodded and handed the flowers to the flower grower.
After gently tucking the flower into her hair, Ji Wushang hurriedly entered the mourning hall.
Upon meeting Grandma Yun, Ji Wushang knelt down and bowed, saying, "Wushang greets Grandma. May Grandma be well and healthy."
"Get up!" Old Madam Yun glanced at Ji Wushang's attire and nodded in satisfaction. However, when her gaze fell upon the phoenix jade hairpin, she seemed somewhat lost in thought. This must have been given to her by Cong'er! Such mutual affection! As for the flower, well, she's a very sensible woman.
"Wu Shang, get up and come inside with Grandma." Old Madam Yun came back to her senses, her tone softened, and then she beckoned for her to stand beside her.
Nan Jinxue is dead, but he was still her grandson, so she should go see him! These unfilial descendants, they're all just here to drive this old woman crazy! Only Wushang and Cong'er put her mind at ease!
Ji Wushang stood obediently beside her, then greeted Aunt Chen, "Greetings, Aunt Chen."
"The Crown Princess is truly lovely." Aunt Chen nodded in satisfaction.
Upon entering, one could hear Aunt Zhao weeping miserably. Old Madam Yun sneered, "If she could discipline Nan Jinxue properly, would he have ended up like this? Outsiders are spreading rumors that Nan Jinxue died from exhaustion. This is so shameful that she has lost all face!"
"May the Old Madam enjoy good fortune and health." Aunt Zhao and Aunt Jin bowed to Old Madam Yun almost simultaneously, one kneeling and the other standing, which was rather comical.
The ladies around him all bowed.
Old Madam Yun snorted coldly and waved her hand dismissively, "Forget it! It's enough if you don't drive this old woman crazy, what's with all this talk of good fortune and peace!"
Seeing that their efforts had been in vain, none of them dared to utter a word.
Grandma Yun glanced at the mourning hall and Nan Jinxue's coffin. Though her eyes were cold, she still felt a pang of sadness in her heart.
"Grandma, please don't be too sad. Second brother is gone, let him rest in peace! If he could see you so heartbroken in heaven, he would not be at peace either..." Ji Wushang comforted her in a low voice.
Old Madam Yun sighed, "How can I not be heartbroken to have an old woman like me bury her son like this! Oh, all of you people! You've truly broken my heart!"
“It is Wu Shang’s fault for being unfilial. Please punish me, Grandmother.” Ji Wu Shang said as he knelt down in front of her.
"What have you done wrong? Get up, don't kneel. You're not well, get up!" Old Madam Yun gently helped Ji Wushang up, his face full of sorrow.
Aunt Zhao watched, her heart pounding with rage, her hatred seeping into her very bones. This Ji Wushang, her acting was more and more elaborate than the last! She had so easily won over the Old Madam's favor! She herself had knelt for so long! And Ji Wushang, she just got up as soon as she knelt, and even won the Old Madam's affection!
Zhao Yirou's gaze drifted to Aunt Zhao, both of them looking at her with hatred.
"Sister-in-law, how can you curse your husband to be restless!" Zhao Yirou said coldly, burning the paper ingots in front of her in the incense burner. "My second brother hasn't gone far, and you're already cursing him like this. Aren't you afraid of divine retribution?"
Ji Wushang looked at her with sharp, bright eyes. "Second sister-in-law, I don't understand why you would say such a thing! What did I say that made you want to bite me?"
Those around listened, each with their own opinions, but none dared to say a word.
Aunt Zhao said, "Alas, enough is enough. The Princess Consort only said that Jin Xue will certainly not be at ease. As for whether she will be at ease or not, it still depends on fate. Enough is enough, alas! We people don't fight or grab, yet we are still like this. Enough is enough, alas!" Aunt Zhao said "enough" many times, making everyone feel that Aunt Zhao's family had suffered all kinds of grievances, and these grievances came from Ji Wushang!