The surroundings were completely silent, with only the occasional bird calls echoing through the valley.
Ji Wushang looked around. The trees had sprouted new buds. Last autumn, the surroundings were ablaze with red, but now they were a vibrant green. Time flies, but Ji Wushang had no heart to appreciate it.
She kept calling out and knocking on the door.
Huangfu Xuan, unable to bear watching from the carriage, got off and walked behind her. "Don't shout, there's no one here."
"No, there's definitely someone here. I'll call a little longer, please wait a moment!" Ji Wushang's voice was hoarse from shouting, yet he still managed to say such a thing. Huangfu Xuan shook his head, "Why are you doing this? What can you do if the person isn't here?"
"Huangfu Xuan!" Ji Wushang turned around, her fierce eyes fixed on him, but then turned sorrowful. Heaven knows how conflicted and torn her heart was! There was no one here, no one there, what should be done about Nan Xuzong? What should she do?
Huangfu Xuan remained silent, while Ji Wushang turned around and continued banging on the door and shouting.
Huangfu Xuan, unable to bear it any longer, also joined in, shouting, "Is anyone there? Nan Xuzong and Ji Wushang request an audience with Abbess Jing'an! Nan Xuzong and Ji Wushang request an audience with Abbess Jing'an!"
☆、237 Acting with him is a bit of a jerk!
After calling for a long time without any response, Ji Wushang burst into tears. Huangfu Xuan looked on helplessly, then glanced at the sky. If they didn't return to the palace soon, trouble might ensue. He had no choice but to grab her and pull her away, saying, "Fourth sister-in-law, let's go."
But Ji Wushang held tightly to the door knocker, crying, "No, no, I want to see Abbess Jing'an! Don't take me away!"
Huangfu Xuan's eyes darkened. Without a word, he swept her into his arms and turned to leave. "What time is it now? What's the use of your excitement! Perhaps Abbess Jing'an has already left. This is an empty nunnery!"
"Put me down! Put me down! Huangfu Xuan, you bastard! Bastard!" Ji Wushang shouted, struggling.
Huangfu Xuan freed one hand and pressed her speech and movement acupoints. Ji Wushang could only remain silent, unable to move or speak in his arms, but her tears could not be stopped and soaked her entire clothes.
Huangfu Xuan looked at the woman in his arms and his heart softened, but he still walked back.
Unexpectedly, the temple gates opened at that moment.
Ji Wushang was startled and let out a sob.
Huangfu Xuan turned his head and saw a nun coming out. Huangfu Xuan immediately released Ji Wushang's pressure points and put her down on the ground.
Ji Wushang immediately rushed to the mountain gate, knelt before the nun, and without even wiping away her tears, said, "Ji Wushang, wife of Nan Xuzong, requests an audience with Abbess Jing'an!"
The nun was probably in her thirties. Seeing Ji Wushang crying so pitifully, she lovingly helped Ji Wushang up. "Amitabha, benefactor, the abbess has already gone on a journey. Before she left, she left a message saying that if anyone comes looking for her in the future, she should tell them to go to the top of the snow mountain to find the Snow Mountain Elder."
"Old Man of the Snow Mountain?" Ji Wushang looked at her, and was helped to stand up. "Where is the summit of the Snow Mountain? Wushang is looking for Abbess Jing'an, hoping she can help treat my husband Nan Xuzong. He is seriously injured and critically ill. Please, Abbess, be lenient! Please inform Abbess Jing'an!" As she spoke, Ji Wushang was about to kneel down again, and tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.
Looking at Ji Wushang's state, the nun sighed, "Amitabha, as I just said, benefactor, you should go to the summit of the snow mountain! As for your husband's critical illness, let it be!"
“Uh…” Ji Wushang was stunned. “No, this can’t be done. Please tell me, Master, how do I get to the top of the snow mountain?”
With no one around to turn to, should I just give up? No! I absolutely must find a master to cure Nan Xuzong! No matter how difficult, I must keep searching!
"To the south, there is a newly rising country called Qingzhao. At the border between Qingzhao and the Western Regions, there is a high mountain called Snow Mountain. On the summit of Snow Mountain lives the Snow Mountain Elder. It is said that no one has ever been able to climb to the top of Snow Mountain. If you have the perseverance, you may try. The Snow Mountain Elder has been living in seclusion for many years. If you want him to help your husband, you will probably have to be sincere."
"How can I be sincere?" Ji Wushang asked immediately.
"Don't believe her!" Huangfu Xuan frowned immediately upon hearing this. "I've been on the frontier for many years and have never even heard of the country of Qingzhao. You nun, are you trying to deceive your fourth sister-in-law?"
The nun listened and smiled as she looked at Huangfu Xuan, "Believe it or not, it's up to you."
Ji Wushang glanced at Huangfu Xuan. "Third brother, do you have any other way to find one or two people? Master, the Ghost Doctor, and the Old Man of Panyao are all missing. It would be good if we could find them, but we can't find them now. Are we just going to sit here and wait to die?" Ji Wushang looked at him, his eyes lowered. "Wushang knows that Your Highness doesn't believe in reincarnation, but Ji Wushang does..." Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to be reborn!
"Never mind!" Huangfu Xuan shook his head and sighed, standing aside quietly waiting.
"Master, please tell me, how can one be sincere?" Ji Wushang asked quickly as he watched the nun preparing to enter the nunnery.
"This requires you to understand," the nun said, before entering the nunnery and closing the door.
Ji Wushang stared blankly at the temple gate in front of him, wondering how he could be truly sincere.
"Come with me!" Huangfu Xuan said at this moment. "It's getting late. If you don't leave now, you'll have to deal with the trouble yourself!" He turned around and left, but after walking for a long time, he didn't feel Ji Wushang chasing after him. He turned around and looked at her. She was still there, deep in thought.
Helpless, Huangfu Xuan turned back, grabbed her hand, and pulled her away, saying, "You're really naughty!"
Ji Wushang snapped out of his daze, "I'm going to the summit of the snow mountain, and I'm taking him with me!"
"Don't do something so foolish!" Huangfu Xuan said coldly. She actually believed what that old nun said? She must be out of her mind!
"Don't stop me! If you don't like it, you can leave on your own. Just don't worry about me!" Ji Wushang said. "His life is slipping away, and I can't just stand by and watch him die! If you pity my wife and me, and if you still care about him being your brother, please keep this a secret for us. If necessary, please help us out!"
"Ji Wushang, please use your brain! When you reach the summit of the snow mountain, do you think your fourth brother will still be alive? Do you think you can just go? Do you know how far the journey is? Have you calculated it? Do you know how many dangers there are along the way? You're taking him alone? Do you think you're in good health? Do you think you can handle all of this by yourself?" Huangfu Xuan couldn't hold back any longer and shouted at Ji Wushang.
The carriage, traveling on the quiet road, became somewhat noisy after Huangfu Xuan's angry roar. The coachman, Huangfu Xuan's confidant, would certainly not reveal what had happened that day. Shaking his head at his master's outburst towards that woman, he continued driving.
Ji Wushang paused, then said earnestly, "I can take care of him on the journey. If he dies before reaching the summit of the snow mountain, I will bury him by the roadside. If he dies, I will die too! I don't know how far the journey is, but I do know that if I can't even take one step, he will have no hope! I don't know how many risks there are along the way, but I do know that I will do everything I can to protect him. He has guards, many people. I believe there are still people willing to follow me and protect both of us! I don't know how long I can hold on, but as long as I don't die, I will keep going!" Ji Wushang spoke each word carefully, forcing back the tears in his eyes, and looked at Huangfu Xuan, "He has done so much for you, you only need to help him a little!"
"Heh!" Huangfu Xuan chuckled coldly, turning his face away from Ji Wushang. "You really love him." He sighed. "If Fourth Brother knew you were like this, he would be heartbroken."
"He hasn't woken up," Ji Wushang coldly reminded him.
"I'll help you," Huangfu Xuan said with a smile. "I can postpone the selection of concubines."
"You mean you're coming with us to the summit of the snow mountain?" Ji Wushang asked, then shook his head. "No, Miss Ma is already on the list of candidates for imperial concubines. If you're not here, perhaps the Second Prince will take a liking to her! She's the daughter of General Ma, the city's garrison commander. Whoever marries her will gain the support of General Ma's mansion. The Second Prince surely understands this stakes!" Huangfu Xuan and Huangfu Ting are both choosing concubines; who knows what might happen? If Huangfu Ting takes Ma Ruyi as his concubine, wouldn't Huangfu Xuan harbor resentment for life? Doesn't he love Ma Ruyi very much? Moreover, judging from his tone earlier, it seems he and Ma Ruyi have already consummated their marriage! Besides, this selection of concubines is inherently a matter of interests; Huangfu Ting is definitely trying to win over many powerful figures! Marrying Ma Ruyi is certainly part of his plan!
Huangfu Xuan listened with deep eyes. What she said was right. If he missed this opportunity, he didn't know what might go wrong. If he wasn't there, no one would protect Ma Ruyi. If Ma Ruyi was found out to be not a virgin, she would probably be drowned!
"I appreciate your kindness, Third Imperial Brother, but if possible, please provide us with some excuses so that Cong and I can leave the capital safely, undisturbed and unattended!" Ji Wushang said. Empress Yao's actions during the morning court session this morning showed that she was determined to eliminate him and Nan Xu Cong. This situation was extremely dangerous! Moreover, there were Huangfu Ting's men, the young ladies of the Jin Nan Prince's Mansion, and many, many other people, all of whom wanted him and Nan Xu Cong dead!
Nan Xuzong is now the fourth prince, and his life is even more precious, but this will definitely attract more people to hunt him down!
Huangfu Xuan's eyes darkened as he looked at her for a long time before saying, "I will send people to guard you. I will come to find you immediately after the selection of concubines is over."
"Third Imperial Brother, your kindness and virtue are beyond repayment. Please accept my three bows!" Ji Wushang said, rising from his seat to kneel before him. The carriage was large enough.
Huangfu Xuan grasped her wrist with his large hand and helped her up. "No need to thank me! If I need your help in the future, don't refuse!" His eyes were dark and unfathomable. He did not accept Ji Wushang's kneeling. After pulling her to sit opposite him, he released her wrist. "I think you understand what I mean!"
"Don't worry, if my third brother ever needs any help, my wife and I will do our utmost!" He only wants the throne, so of course we can fulfill his request! We know Nan Xuzong doesn't want to be emperor, so what's wrong with satisfying Huangfu Xuan? It's also a way of thanking him!
The two remained silent. After arriving at the palace, they entered Rongguang Hall hand in hand. To outsiders, it seemed as if the two had spent the entire afternoon outside the palace and were having a great time!
After returning to Rongguang Palace, Ji Wushang immediately wrote several letters and then called Hongfei in.
"The...Fourth Imperial Consort!" Hongfei hesitated for a moment, then changed his words. My lord has become the Fourth Prince! His status is truly immeasurable. But this morning I saw that my lord was seriously injured. Why then did I hear that my lord and the Fourth Imperial Consort were seen going in and out hand in hand?
"I need you to do something tonight. You know Cong is seriously injured, and there's no time to lose. So, quickly gather some people. I need to take him to the summit of the snow mountain to see the Old Man of the Snow Mountain!" Ji Wushang wrote a letter and then handed it to Hongfei. "Give this letter to my elder brother Ji Tiankui and tell him to keep an eye on the border war, especially the newly rising Qingzhao Kingdom."
"Yes." Hongfei nodded immediately.
"This journey to the summit of the snow-capped mountains is a long and perilous one, and we don't know if we'll live or die. So, if you're willing to come with us, then come along. If you're not, stay in the imperial city and keep an eye on everything here. If anything happens, report it to my third brother!"
“Yes,” Hongfei replied.
"Go and find out for me where the King of the Western Regions is, and whether he is dead or not."
Hong Fei was immediately shocked. Dead? Oh... I must have fought the King of the Western Regions, and they both suffered heavy losses! How hateful!
"Yes! I'll do it right away!" Hongfei said. "If he's not dead, I'll send someone to..."
"Suit yourself!" Ji Wushang said coldly. "He was struck by Cong's sword, his life hangs in the balance. Find out everything for me. Be extremely careful; even injured, he's still incredibly skilled!"
"This servant will obey the Fourth Imperial Consort's orders!"
"Keep a close eye on the movements of the Prince of Jin's Mansion!" Ji Wushang's eyes flashed coldly. His business with the Prince of Jin's Mansion was far from over! Now that their status had risen, who knew what they would do!
Hongfei wrote everything down before immediately taking action.
Ji Wushang sat at the table, looking at the huge bed inside, but not seeing Nan Xuzong made him uneasy. After thinking for a moment, he called Xian'er and Yue'er over.
The investiture took place in the morning, and in the afternoon, Ji Wushang sent someone to bring over some simple items from the Marquis's residence. He then sent Xian'er, Yue'er, Hongfei, and Cuiwu to the palace to serve as head maids in Rongguang Palace. Meanwhile, the nannies and maids continued to look after the servants in Moxuan Garden. If it weren't for Nan Xuzong's injury, Ji Wushang and he should have returned to Moxuan Garden to spend the rest of the day.
"Little... Fourth Imperial Consort!" Xian'er bowed and said, "This servant is nervous!" Xian'er changed her address. This was the imperial palace, not an ordinary mansion. She never thought she would have a day when she would be here!
Ji Wushang looked at her and smiled slightly. "There's nothing to be nervous about. Entering the palace is like entering a deep sea. I hope you're mentally prepared!"
"Yes." Xian'er and Yue'er exchanged a glance and immediately agreed.
"I'm used to you serving me and doing things for me. I won't be in the palace for the next few days, so you all stay here, do your jobs well, and don't go out and cause trouble."
"yes."
"If anything happens, go to the Hongxuan Palace and find the Third Prince; he will help you."
"Yes, Your Highness, please rest assured, we will do our job well," Yue'er said.
"That's good. You may all leave now and remain outside the hall. If anything happens or anyone comes, be sure to report to me immediately. I'll go check on Cong." Ji Wushang said, waving them away.
Seeing that they were guarding outside the hall, Ji Wushang felt relieved and went into the inner hall. He then went through a secret passage and arrived at Huangfu Xuan's Hongxuan Hall.
He gently knocked on the door of the secret room, and the door opened, revealing Huangfu Xuan standing outside. "Come in!"
After bowing to him, Ji Wushang immediately rushed to Nan Xuzong's bed.
“He’s much better now. I’ve treated his injuries, and he can hold on for a while,” Huangfu Xuan said, standing to the side and watching Ji Wushang busy checking his pulse and administering acupuncture.
Ji Wushang turned his head, "Thank you." After saying that, he immediately turned back to administer acupuncture to Nan Xuzong, "He is indeed much better, but it will be difficult for him to wake up. Thank you, Third Brother, for everything you have done for him!"
“As you said, he is my brother, I should help him!” Huangfu Xuan stepped forward. “Just tell me what medicinal herbs you need.”
"I will tell him," Ji Wushang said. Since ancient times, royal brothers have either fought to the death, murdered the emperor, usurped the throne, or even killed their fathers and brothers. He actually said he considered Nan Xuzong his brother! Hopefully, it's true!
After a long while, Ji Wushang finished administering acupuncture to Nan Xuzong and then massaged and loosened the muscles in his hands and feet. He had been lying down for too long, and if he didn't do this, it might be bad for his health. Moreover, his legs had only recently recovered, and now he was lying down like this again... Ji Wushang wiped the sweat from his forehead and continued.
Huangfu Xuan was no longer staying here. He was outside looking through letters and official documents, and writing some letters, which he then ordered his guards to do.
He sat at the desk, separated from Ji Wushang and Nan Xuzong only by a beaded curtain. If he looked up, he could clearly see Ji Wushang tirelessly doing the same things for Nan Xuzong through the curtain.
Even Huangfu Xuan felt tired and that time had gone by. He looked up and still watched Ji Wushang helping Nan Xuzong stretch his muscles.
Huangfu Xuan stood up, lifted the beaded curtain, and looked at the two of them, his thick eyebrows slightly furrowed. "Aren't you tired?"
"Not tired." Ji Wushang didn't even look up.
Huangfu Xuan had nothing to say. He turned to leave, as he needed to rest, but seeing the situation, he could only sleep in the study. He would leave the rest of the room to them.
"Third Prince!" Ji Wushang looked up at him at this moment, "I need your help with something, is that alright?"
"Go on," Huangfu Xuan said, turning around. She really had a lot on her plate!
"I'd like to help him bathe, is that alright? I need some medicinal herbs, and I'd like to ask if I can stay at your place?" Ji Wushang looked at Huangfu Xuan with pleading eyes, thinking to himself, "Please don't refuse, please don't refuse..."
Huangfu Xuan's thick eyebrows furrowed deeply as he looked into her eyes, then at the man who had been lying there all day. Counting the time, he'd probably been lying there for over twelve hours… Oh well! "I'll have someone prepare!" Huangfu Xuan sighed, then added, "No need for help?"
Ji Wushang shook his head and silently continued with his work. He didn't want anyone to touch him; he was his own… and he knew better than anyone what he needed and what to be careful about. He couldn't afford to make even the slightest mistake; he preferred to do it himself.
"Hmm." Huangfu Xuan walked out. "Tomorrow, I will go with you to tell Father that you and Fourth Brother can go to the summit of the snow mountain." Even if I didn't say it, she would definitely make the same request to me!
Ji Wushang was extremely grateful, "Thank you, Third Imperial Brother! I will repay your great kindness today in the future!"