Xue Ruduo cast a seductive glance at Tuoba Heyan before stepping down, her movements alluring, her lotus steps light, and her waist swaying like a water snake.
Ji Wushang's expression was displeased, but he didn't show it on his face.
Xue Ruduo stepped forward and placed the wine glass in front of Ji Wushang. Ji Wushang's eyes were quite sharp, but Xue Ruduo seemed not to notice. Her eyes were captivating. She glanced at Ji Wushang, snorted softly, and then began to pour the wine.
Watching her technique, Ji Wushang knew that there would be a whole bunch of women looking for trouble again. And now, this Duo'er was here to pour wine for Ji Wushang with Tuoba Heyan's permission...
Alright, then your wish will be granted!
Ji Wushang's cold gaze darkened slightly.
Xue Ruduo sneered inwardly. The woman before her was veiled, yet her figure was extremely alluring. If she gained favor, she would surely be all-powerful, even dominating the court! Therefore, she had to teach her a lesson as soon as possible, to make her back down, or even kill her! Otherwise, she would have no status whatsoever!
Ji Wushang remained unmoved.
Xue Ruduo thought Ji Wushang was afraid of her, so she slowly filled the wine glass to the brim and kept pouring!
"Ah!" Ji Wushang immediately cried out in surprise. Upon hearing this, Xue Ruduo's hand trembled, and she poured the wine glass she had just poured all over Ji Wushang! Instantly, Ji Wushang was covered in wine!
Ji Wushang glared angrily at Xue Ruduo, while Xue Ruduo was smug, apologizing profusely, "I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry!"
Ji Wushang snorted coldly, picked up the wine pot that Xue Ruduo had put down, and poured all the wine in it over Xue Ruduo's head! Instantly, Xue Ruduo was completely soaked!
"Ah!" Xue Ruduo screamed immediately! Everyone around was stunned, including Tuoba Heyan and Beigong Minhao!
This Ji Wushang is no ordinary person!
After pouring it, Ji Wushang said coldly, "Sorry? Is that all? This is Wushang teaching you a lesson on behalf of the king, letting you taste the flavor of this wine first!"
"You, you, Ji Wushang!" Xue Ruduo screamed in utter rage! Her beautiful eyes blazed as she glared at Ji Wushang, who coldly snorted, "Duo'er, do you know your crime?"
"What?!" Xue Ruduo was about to go crazy! What was Ji Wushang saying? It was Ji Wushang who deliberately poured the wine on her head! She herself didn't want to live!
Tuoba Heyan's eyes were fixed on Ji Wushang.
None of the ministers intended to help either of them. After all, the infighting among the women in the harem was sometimes more intense than that in the court, and their king, Tuoba Heyan, thoroughly enjoyed watching such power struggles!
"Did I say something wrong?" Ji Wushang stood up and glanced at Tuoba Heyan. "The king said he wanted to toast me and asked you to pour the wine for me. I, Ji Wushang, was flattered and obediently sat here waiting for you to come forward. But who knew you would be so careless as to fill the wine glass to the brim and spill it, ending up spilling it all over me!"
"Excuse me, Duo'er, is this how you serve the King? How long have you been in the palace? You can't even pour wine properly? Are you playing with me? Such contempt for the King's orders, such treatment of me—how many heads do you have to chop off!"
Everyone gasped. Ji Wushang's words were not without reason! Indeed, the king had instructed Xue Ruduo to pour wine for Ji Wushang. Having served Tuoba Heyan in the palace for many years, how could she not even know how to pour wine? Now, she was clearly deliberately pouring wine on Ji Wushang, intending to embarrass her! Although she was a princess from the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty sent for a political marriage, her status was extremely noble. Just now, Ji Wushang had already engaged in a verbal battle with those two ministers; Xue Ruduo had truly walked into a trap!
Ji Wushang's eyes were cold as he knelt before Tuoba Heyan. "Your Majesty, I just punished her on your behalf, hoping to refrain from unleashing your wrath! I have already punished her; please spare her life!"
Tuoba Heyan was taken aback. This mouth of his was truly remarkable! He could actually make black seem white! He certainly had amazing skills!
Tuoba Heyan's eyes darkened slightly. "Princess Wushang, please rise. Your actions, done without my consent, constitute punishment for Duo'er..."
"That's because Wu Shang was afraid that Your Majesty would be angry about this matter. Anger will damage your liver and be bad for your health. Therefore, Wu Shang dared to punish her without your permission to show that Wu Shang has forgiven this person's disrespect!"
Everyone who heard this was astonished.
Xue Ruduo, however, was already deathly pale! Ji Wushang meant that she poured the wine on her head to prevent Wang Bu from getting angry and taking action, in order to save her life!
"Princess Wushang seems to understand my heart very well?" Tuoba Heyan raised an eyebrow as he looked at Ji Wushang.
"Wu Shang dares not presume to know the king's thoughts; he has merely considered things one step ahead for the king!"
"Heh, very well!" Tuoba Heyan looked coldly at Xue Ruduo. "I ordered Xue Ruduo to pour wine for Princess Wushang, but she deliberately poured the wine on her. Although Princess Wushang has forgiven you and punished you, you may escape death, but you cannot escape punishment! Guards, drag her out, give her eighty strokes of the cane, and demote her to a palace maid!"
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, spare me! Spare me!" Xue Ruduo immediately knelt down and cried out for mercy.
Ji Wushang neither looked nor listened.
These people aren't worth pleading for. Having lived in the Qingzhao Palace, I already know they're ruthless traitors who eat people alive. Don't even think about sparing them; even if they survive because of your pleas, they'll surely strike you deadly later! So the most important thing now is to let anyone who comes forward looking for death die!
Tuoba Heyan waved his hand, and immediately the guards came forward and quickly pulled Xue Ruduo away.
Ji Wushang sat down and regained his calm expression.
“Your Highness, your clothes…” Bei Gongminhao looked at her; her clothes were stained with wine, some parts were wet, and others were dirty.
Ji Wushang smiled and said, "Thank you for your concern, Prince Zhenbei. I'm fine. I'll change after I return to the palace in a little while." His composure and lack of any unnecessary emotions were truly remarkable.
But for Beigong Minhao, this was a bittersweet moment.
But he knew what kind of occasion this was, so he simply nodded and said nothing more.
The ministers present were all stunned for a long time before they came to their senses. The princess sent for the marriage alliance was truly astonishing!
Tuoba Heyan pushed aside another beauty who was serving him, composed himself, and sat up straight on the dragon throne. He raised his wine cup, "Then, would you please trouble Princess Wushang to pour me some wine? I, the King, would like to offer you a toast."
Ji Wushang nodded, "Thank you!" He then poured himself another glass of wine. His technique was skillful and elegant, making it seem as if it wasn't just a simple act of pouring wine, but an art form worthy of appreciation and savoring!
Ji Wushang put down the wine pot with her jade-like hand, then picked up the wine cup. But in that instant, she thought of Nan Xuzong, as if Nan Xuzong were right beside her.
Nan Xuzong always poured wine for himself. He only allowed himself one cup, and he would shield himself from the rest, saying it was bad for his health. He would personally pour himself fruit wine, saying that it was beneficial to his body... Ji Wushang's eyes were filled with sorrow. She picked up the wine glass in front of her, still suppressing her emotions, and said to Tuoba Heyan, "Please, Wushang will drink first as a sign of respect!" With that, she poured the wine down her throat.
The spiciness was so intense, it felt like it burned my heart and lungs.
Tuoba Heyan's deep eyes were fixed on Ji Wushang. Even though she was wearing a light veil, it was nothing more than a transparent cloth to him, who possessed powerful internal energy!
He saw the blankness in her eyes, and the sadness in them, as if there had once been someone in his heart... No, that wasn't it. He was certain he had never seen such a look in her eyes before!
Tuoba Heyan watched as Ji Wushang drank the spicy wine, her delicate brows furrowing, knowing she couldn't hold her liquor. "Hmm," she murmured, finishing her drink.
"In that case, everyone, please feel free to do as you please. I've come all this way to celebrate Princess Wushang's arrival. You can all give her a small token of your appreciation." Tuoba Heyan's lips curled up, his eyes gleaming as he looked at Ji Wushang.
As expected, Ji Wushang's expression changed under the veil, but he quickly concealed it.
I will endure it. Ji Wushang's eyes narrowed slightly, her hand casually lowered, and then the medicine under her fingernails curled and dug into her palm.
This hangover cure takes a while to work, but it's better than getting drunk.
Sure enough, a minister raised his cup at this moment, saying, "Your Majesty Wushang, I offer you a toast, please!" He then immediately drank all the wine.
Ji Wushang smiled and said, "I am honored that you think so highly of me, please!" He poured himself a glass of wine and drank it despite feeling unwell.
Bei Gongminhao was already on the verge of losing control, but Ji Wushang reached out her hand and gestured to him, indicating that he shouldn't act rashly and that she was fine. She already had some hangover medicine and naturally didn't want Bei Gongminhao to take any risks.
At this moment, another minister raised his wine cup, saying, "Princess Wushang, you have a truly remarkable capacity for alcohol! I toast you!" He then downed his own cup first.
Ji Wushang's lips twitched. This meant they were going to take turns getting him drunk!
We need to think of a solution! The hangover cure hasn't fully worked yet!
"Thank you for your kind words, sir. I don't drink, but I dare not refuse your hospitality." With that, he forced himself to drink another cup of wine.
Tuoba Heyan watched this scene with amusement. He seemed to be in a good mood, leaning back on the dragon throne, playing with the golden dragon wine cup in his hand, a smile intentionally or unintentionally playing on the corners of his mouth.
All eyes were focused on Ji Wushang, so no one noticed Tuoba Heyan's expression at that moment.
Ji Wushang had just put down her wine cup when another minister raised his cup, saying, "So many officials are toasting Princess Wushang, so of course I should also offer a toast. Please!" He then downed his cup.
Ji Wushang smiled at this moment, "Please wait, my lord."
"Hmm?" The minister stopped, but then, remembering Ji Wushang's methods just now, his expression immediately changed!
Ji Wushang sneered. These people are thinking of using a war of attrition. Hmph!
"Just now, the master said that so many adults have toasted me, and you should also offer a toast. Wu Shang thinks this is inappropriate, inappropriate."
"Why does the princess say that?" Fortunately, it wasn't anything offensive. The minister breathed a sigh of relief.
"Everyone's toasting me, it's nothing new. Let's try something different." Ji Wushang said, glancing at the items on her table. There were many snacks and other drinks. She noticed something that looked like goat's milk, which is very good for you. Ji Wushang picked up the goat's milk and poured herself a glass. "This seems pretty good."
"Princess, your words are elegant." The minister, as if surprised by the discovery, praised her and immediately poured himself a cup of goat's milk, saying, "To Princess Wushang!"
Ji Wushang smiled behind his veil, then nodded and drank the goat milk in his hand.
It's warm and tastes much better than wine.
As everyone watched, they came to offer Ji Wushang goat milk or other fruit wines, and tried to find different ways to drink whatever was on the table.
Tuoba Heyan's eyes narrowed slightly. This Princess Wushang was quite cunning! She had managed to evade the drinking contest with such ingenuity; she was truly a master! It seemed that the princess sent by the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty for a marriage alliance was indeed extraordinary, and her intentions were something to ponder deeply!
"By the way, Your Highness, why don't you lift the veil? Or are you going to leave it until night for the King to lift it?" At this moment, a minister suddenly asked.
Ji Wushang was almost stunned. The effects of the alcohol had long been washed away by the goat milk, various fruit wines and teas, and he even had hangover medicine to help him stay alert. However, the question asked by this minister really made him feel an urge to rush up and kill!
At this moment, Bei Gongminhao said, "The princess has just entered Qingzhao, and she may only remove her veil after three days. This is the rule for princesses sent for political marriages in the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty. Princess Wushang is naturally unable to remove her veil, please forgive her, sir!"
Ji Wushang finally calmed herself down; she had been so nervous that she had forgotten this point. But she couldn't be blamed for that; after all, she had only been a princess in the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty for three days! How would she know about rules and regulations?
"Yes, please forgive me, sir." Ji Wushang's expression calmed down.
"Hehe!" Tuoba Heyan laughed, and all the ministers immediately sat up and looked at him.
Tuoba Heyan looked at them and said, "I am tired. Please make yourselves at home." He glanced at Ji Wushang, then took the beautiful woman who had been standing there and led her behind the screen.
His actions show that he is not very interested in that Princess Wushang!
Everyone looked at Ji Wushang, who appeared extremely relaxed.
However, Ji Wushang was also a little anxious at this moment. She wanted to go back and see Huangfu Jun'an. She wondered if he would take care of her and take his medicine on time. This was because Hongfei, Cuiwu and other maids who had come with her as part of her dowry had gone to another palace to learn the rules of Qingzhao Palace and would not be able to return until evening.
At this time, ministers began to leave one after another. Ji Wushang immediately stood up and said, "I'm not feeling well, I'll go back first, please excuse me." He then left.
Just as she stepped outside, Beigong Minhao caught up with her, "...Wu Shang...Princess, are you feeling unwell?"
"I'm going back to see Nianlang." Ji Wushang glanced back at him and hurried towards his Mi Luo Palace.
Bei Gongminhao was relieved to see she was alright. He watched her leave before turning in the opposite direction. He knew he had to be extremely careful here, as his actions might affect Ji Wushang's safety or interests! After witnessing Ji Wushang's verbal battle with the ministers today, Bei Gongminhao knew her future path would be even more difficult, and he would only be staying for ten days! Once ten days were over and Ji Wushang had stabilized, he would have no reason to stay any longer.
A figure emerged from the darkness. Long Yu watched the two part ways, thinking they would be secretly investigating something together. It turned out they just exchanged a few simple words?
Ji Wushang relied on his memory to quickly return to the Mi Luo Palace, but it still took him a long time.
The Miro Palace is somewhat comical. It's a palace of moderate size, yet Tuoba Heyan didn't send any palace maids to serve Ji Wushang! Fortunately, Ji Wushang brought his own people with him, and Hongfei and Cuiwu were there to take care of him and Huangfu Jun'an.
The palace felt so cold that not even a single lamp was lit! Night had already fallen!
Ji Wushang felt her heart skip a beat. "Nianlang! Nianlang!" Damn it, not a single person came to serve her, and why haven't the maids returned for so long! Haven't they learned the rules and etiquette properly yet?
Ji Wushang went inside and quickly lit the candles, and the palace gradually brightened up.
"Nianlang, Nianlang!" Ji Wushang called out Huangfu Jun'an's name anxiously, and hurried inside. To her surprise, she saw Huangfu Jun'an's small body curled up in a ball by the bed! Ji Wushang was shocked. "Nianlang!" Tears immediately fell down her cheeks! She quickly went forward.
Upon hearing Ji Wushang's voice, Huangfu Jun'an immediately looked up, calling out several times, "Mother, Mother, Mother!" He rushed forward, and Ji Wushang embraced him tightly, asking, "Nianlang, are you alright?"
"Nianlang is scared, it's so dark!" Huangfu Jun'an looked up at Ji Wushang and said aggrievedly.
But when Huangfu Jun'an saw the tears in Ji Wushang's eyes, she quickly said, "No, no, Nianlang is not afraid, Nianlang is not afraid! Mother, don't cry!" As she spoke, she touched Ji Wushang's face with her little hand and gently wiped it.
Ji Wushang reached out and wiped away her tears. "Mother isn't crying. It's all my fault. I shouldn't have left you here. I apologize."
"Nianlang is just afraid of the dark, because he can't see anything," Huangfu Jun'an said, seeing that Ji Wushang had stopped crying.