Unable to obtain what one desires, yet unwilling to relinquish it.
In the next life, in the next life, endlessly.
Those who know me say I am worried.
Those who do not know me, what do they think I seek?
Those who know me say I am worried.
Those who do not understand me, what do they think I seek?
[This song is from "Painted Skin 2," titled "Knowing Lotus Picking." I love it so much that I'm borrowing it for this purpose.]
Accompanied by the pipa, the singing became even more heart-wrenching and moving. As the music ended, Ji Wushang made a sharp, tearing sound, as if ripping silk! As if jolting the slumbering crowd awake, Ji Wushang bowed deeply, saying, "I have made a fool of myself!"
With brisk steps, she walked directly to her seat amidst the astonished gazes of the crowd. As she passed Ji Meiyuan, she paused slightly, raising her eyes a little higher, and asked, "Is my sister satisfied?"
Ji Meiyuan looked on, her face turning pale. What did she mean by that? But, seeing this, the others didn't dare to say anything, so they simply said, "Sister, you have such talent!"
Ji Wushang sneered, flicked his sleeve, and returned to his seat.
Ji Meiyuan, of course, had no idea that Ji Wushang had already begun to deal with her! Just as she was singing and playing the pipa, Ji Wushang had already harbored resentment towards her! Just wait and see!
Nan Xuzong was stunned. Behind her radiant light, she seemed like a goddess descended from heaven. Her eyes were clear and serene, her entire being possessing an extraordinary aura. The music she played and the song she sang captivated him. He wondered what kind of heart, like crystal, lay within this woman.
"Truly astonishing!" Bei Gongminhao exclaimed, while Nan Xuzong remained silent, simply gazing at the figure.
"Oh dear, the song you sang today has broken everyone's hearts! Today is the Princess's birthday! No, no! Why didn't you sing something cheerful!" Ji Wuxia sneered. With everyone's attention focused on her, where did the women of the Ji family stand? What about the legitimate daughter? Should she be the center of attention?
"Not to mention that, this melody evokes strong emotions in me as well. It reminds me of the time I spent with the Prince back then. Ah, the melody is beautiful, the lyrics are beautiful!" the Princess sighed, seemingly reminiscing.
"It was Wu Shang who offended me." Ji Wu Shang said deeply.
"Second sister, isn't it your turn?" Ji Wuxia was a little anxious, as Aunt Bai's gaze was already piercing her!
Ji Meiyuan feigned shyness before taking the stage.
Unexpectedly, after going on stage and just as she was about to dance, she discovered she couldn't even lift her legs! Ji Wushang panicked, trying to pull her legs out, but while she managed to pull her legs free, her shoes remained on the floor! This caused everyone to burst into laughter. In the strict etiquette of the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty, unmarried young women were not allowed to easily show their feet in front of others! Unexpectedly, tsk tsk tsk…
Ji Wushang slowly picked up the teacup, took a small sip, and glanced towards Ji Meiyuan. This was just a little trick; there was more to come!
☆、018 American aid workers make a fool of themselves! The whole audience bursts into laughter!
As he walked back, he had secretly sprinkled some powder on the floor. It was the face powder he usually used for makeup. This face powder was different from others. If it got on some gold-threaded brocade shoes, it would cause a reaction. He had read about this in the ancient medical book that Zhu'er had given him. Hehe, Ji Meiyuan liked to wear gold-threaded brocade shoes! The effect of the face powder only lasted for a quarter of an hour, so Ji Wushang had already calculated the time accurately.
Ji Meiyuan became anxious. She couldn't possibly embarrass herself at this moment! Cold sweat streamed down her forehead. She looked around and saw everyone laughing so hard they were doubled over. They probably thought Ji Meiyuan looked like a monkey!
Aunt Bai was so angry she gritted her teeth, but she didn't know what to do. She forced herself to remain calm and tried to think of a way to save face. Ji Meiyuan had been humiliated in public; how could she ever live in the capital again? She wouldn't be able to marry into any family! Aunt Nangong covered her mouth and laughed, but she couldn't be too presumptuous in front of Aunt Bai, after all, her status was lower. She was just as upset as she was.
Ji Meiyuan was so anxious she was about to cry. What should she do? Fortunately, the princess had already ordered someone to bring a pair of brocade shoes. Ji Meiyuan looked at them and quickly took them and put them on.
"Miss Meiyuan is so funny! She's going to tell us this joke about taking off your shoes," said Gao Fengfen, the eldest daughter of the Left Prime Minister, covering her mouth and raising her voice. This made everyone laugh even harder, while Ji Meiyuan was extremely embarrassed. She wanted to leave the stage, but she couldn't, because not performing for the Princess was disrespectful. If she didn't leave the stage, she could only continue to embarrass herself!
"Oh, look what Sister Gao is saying. Miss Meiyuan was just performing, and everyone was happy. The Princess was happy too, wasn't she?" This high-pitched voice belonged to Li Wan'er, the governor's daughter.
This remark drew laughter from everyone again. Princess Zhenbei looked at her and said with a smile, "Miss Meiyuan is quite witty. I'm happy to see her today."
Bei Gongminhao, who was in Tinglou Xiaozhu, was already laughing so hard he was clutching his stomach. "Oh my, Brother Nan, do you think all the young ladies in the Ji family are this interesting? It's truly an eye-opener!" Nan Xuzong nodded slightly and turned his gaze to the expressionless woman.
Ji Wushang gently peeled a peanut and put it in his mouth, as if what had happened had nothing to do with him. However, at this moment, he felt a gaze cast upon him. He tried to catch it, but he couldn't! Ji Wushang immediately realized that he had been careless. He turned his head and his expression was the same as everyone else's, with surprise and worry.
Nan Xuzong shook his head slightly. This woman is not simple; she's very interesting!
"May the Princess enjoy boundless happiness and longevity! I, Ji Meiyuan, now make a fool of myself!" Ji Meiyuan looked at everyone, thinking it was better to finish her performance quickly than to embarrass herself here! Damn it, how did she know what was going on! How could she not lift her shoes after stepping on the floor! Ji Meiyuan had no words to express her suffering, so she could only sit on the stool and gently pluck the strings of the zither.
Dancing is out of the question, so I'll have to play the piano! Ji Meiyuan made up her mind and was just about to play the piano when she noticed that her laughter had attracted even more young men from noble families. Seeing their sisters, wives, and aunts laughing so happily, they all came to take a look.
The young ladies from various families blushed shyly at the sudden arrival of so many young gentlemen. At that moment, a young man dressed in white appeared among the group. Ji Wushang looked over upon hearing the sound and recognized him as Nan Jinxue.
Nan Jinxue greeted everyone humbly and politely, while Ji Meiyuan, seeing this handsome man who had suddenly appeared, felt a surge of joy and immediately began to play the zither.
Nan Jinxue sensed Ji Wushang's gaze and looked over as well.
Ji Wushang watched, his face expressionless, and grabbed an apricot pit to eat. Nan Jinxue watched, a hint of disappointment flashing through her mind, but it quickly disappeared. Listening to the music, she turned her gaze to Ji Meiyuan, who was performing on stage.
Princess Qinlian, standing to the side, observed the two of them. Recalling the events of a few days ago, she carefully examined them, but they seemed completely unaffected. This young lady hardly resembled the shameless, foolish woman who would shamelessly woo someone, get caught in the rain, and develop a high fever. However, she had recently heard that this was all a rumor…
Princess Qinlian stared at Ji Wushang for a few moments before denying the so-called rumors.
Inside the small pavilion, Bei Gongminhao chuckled, "Your second brother is here." "Hmm," Nan Xuzong replied, without much reaction. Bei Gongminhao looked at him, sizing him up, "I'm curious about your Marquis's residence..." "No need to be curious," Nan Xuzong interrupted him, "I've been staying in the pavilion for too long, I want to go out for a walk."
Bei Gongminhao knew that Nan Xuzong had something on his mind that he didn't want to say, so he sighed and said, "You're such a secretive person!" He then shook his head and said, "You go ahead and I'll watch for a while."
"Hmm." Nan Xuzong nodded and turned his wheelchair to leave Tinglou Xiaozhu through a small corridor.
Here, Ji Meiyuan knew that everyone's attention had finally turned to her, so she played the zither with even more joy. However, unexpectedly, at the crucial climax, the string broke! Everyone was shocked. Today was the princess's birthday, and a broken string... was not a good omen.
"Damn it, American aid!" Ji Meiyuan immediately knelt down, terrified and at a loss. She had no idea that the string would break! Otherwise, she would never have chosen this instrument!
Everyone around was looking at the Princess of Zhenbei. She was perfectly fine, but no one expected such a thing to happen!
Aunt Bai and Aunt Nangong immediately stood up. Aunt Bai lowered her head and thought for a moment before kneeling down and saying, "My daughter's talent is shallow and she has truly offended Your Highness! Please forgive her, Your Highness. Aomei will be severely punished when she returns to the manor!"
“Alas, this is not your fault. Perhaps the zither is old and that’s why this happened. You may all get up!” Princess Zhenbei said, flicking her sleeve. “Everyone, there’s no need to be so formal. Let’s treat this as a regular tea party. Bring the dishes!” The maids and servants responded and replaced the pastries in front of everyone with other dishes, and also added a few new dishes.
Everyone then burst into laughter. Ji Meiyuan lowered her head, extremely annoyed, and stepped off the stage. She felt suffocated and unable to say anything, silently wondering what had happened.
The next performer on stage, however, did not experience anything, leaving Ji Meiyuan unable to find any clues.
Turning their gaze towards Ji Wushang, they found him already engaged in conversation with Ji Wuxia, oblivious to what was happening. Ji Meiyuan, seething with anger, was gesturing for Aunt Bai to sit down, and she began to scold in a low voice, "How did things get like this!"
"Auntie!" Ji Meiyuan responded with a drawn-out, dissatisfied tone. Aunt Bai had no choice but to remain silent. After all, this was her own child; if she didn't protect her, who would?
The performers continued their show, and as it approached midday, the princess ordered the stage to be dismantled and everyone led to the backyard to have their own meal.
After finishing their meal and having some snacks, everyone chatted and played games.
Ji Meiyuan and Ji Wuxia were both clinging to Princess Qinlian, following her around. Meanwhile, Aunt Bai and Aunt Nangong were chatting and joking with the other ladies. Seeing everyone chatting so happily, Ji Wushang didn't want to disturb them, so he went out to the backyard and slowly strolled along a path. He had heard that the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion had four extremely beautiful scenic spots: the Fallen Blossom Garden, the Listening Pavilion Pavilion, the Strolling in the Clouds at Dusk, and the Tall Bamboo Lampposts.
Since I've come all this way to the Prince's mansion, I might as well take a look.
Ji Wushang thought for a moment, then walked across the small bridge and stream, then through some flower and grass groves, and asked some maids and old women working nearby for directions. Finally, he smelled the fragrance of Luoyin Garden.
Ji Wushang smelled the fragrance of the flowers from afar and felt refreshed. A smile bloomed on his lips as he stepped into the garden.
The fallen flowers covered the entire garden like a brocade blanket. Stepping on them felt like walking on petals, making Ji Wushang feel as if he were in a fairyland.
Suddenly, he heard a woman's voice from inside, "Prince Nan." Ji Wushang looked up and saw a woman standing there, while a man was sitting in a wheelchair.
☆、019 First Encounter with Prince Nan During the Falling Flowers Season!
Ji Wushang saw something clearly, but couldn't quite recall who the woman was. He hadn't seen her perform in the back hall. She was about thirteen or fourteen years old, with a slender waist, fair and delicate skin, and large, pure eyes. Now, as she gazed at Nan Xuzong, a slight blush rose on her face. And Nan Xuzong—strange, why wasn't he there to wish the Princess a happy birthday? Sneaking in was impossible; the male guests were probably in the front hall…
"What is it?" Nan Xuzong asked in a deep voice, seemingly in a bad mood because he had been disturbed.
Upon hearing the voice, Ji Wushang looked at him and immediately felt a chill rise from her feet to her heart. He wore a slightly yellowish-white long robe, with jade ornaments at his waist. His face was handsome and stern, his sword-like eyebrows exuding an air of commanding authority. Unfortunately, he sat motionless in a specially made wheelchair, his hands resting on the shaft and his legs on the footrests. His eyes were sharp, but a hint of hesitation lingered within them. Looking at the woman before him, he seemed to harbor a hidden anger.
Ji Wushang recalled his past life. He hadn't seen the Prince of the South much in the manor... The only time he saw him was at his wedding banquet... He didn't know how much time had passed when he heard news about him again, only to find that the Prince of the South had been crippled and carried into the manor, and even his personal servant who helped him was killed...
Ji Wushang sighed silently, but Nan Xuzong, with his profound inner strength, noticed it! "Who?!"
Ji Wushang was startled and turned to run away. As soon as Nan Xuzong saw the figure, he nodded to the woman in front of him. Instantly, the woman flew out like an arrow and blocked Ji Wushang's way. Ji Wushang didn't even have time to react before she blocked his way, and his shoulder was being squeezed painfully by her!
"Who are you?" the woman asked coldly.
Upon hearing this, Ji Wushang realized something was amiss. This tone couldn't possibly come from a well-to-do family! This was—Nan Xuzong's man! It seemed Nan Xuzong was no ordinary person. But now, was he planning to kill her to silence her?
"Miss Wushang?" Before Ji Wushang could answer, Nan Xuzong appeared in front of them without them noticing. The woman turned to look at him and asked, "Master?" Her meaning was clear: she was asking Nan Xuzong whether he would kill the woman in front of him.
"You go back first. I think Miss Wushang is just like me, out here to enjoy the scenery. These fallen flowers are indeed quite beautiful," Nan Xuzong said casually. "Tell Aunt Zhao that I'll be back in a little while."
Upon hearing this, the woman released Ji Wushang's grip, bowed slightly, and said, "Yes, this servant will take her leave."
Ji Wushang looked at the two of them, her face still pale, her heart still pounding. Just moments ago, that woman seemed intent on killing her, yet now she was acting like a servant girl, so obedient? What was going on? Ji Wushang turned to look at them, puzzled, when Nan Xuzong spoke, "Miss Wushang?"
Ji Wushang looked at the pool of black water, as if drawn in. Fortunately, he immediately realized what was happening. "I did not mean to disturb Your Highness's enjoyment of the flowers. I will take my leave now!" With that, he tried to turn back, but before he could run, Nan Xuzong struck his pressure points from a distance!
Ji Wushang was stunned. This method was exactly the same as when he performed on stage! Could it be him? If so, why?
"Shouldn't Miss Wushang have something to say?" Nan Xuzong's tone turned serious as he slowly pushed his wheelchair to her, looking up at her. Only then did he get a clear look at her face. This was Nan Xuzong's first impression of what a beauty should be like: fair skin, bright eyes like the moon. Perhaps due to nervousness, her brows were slightly furrowed. Though she was immobilized by his acupoints, his stubbornness was evident in her very being…
Perhaps after seeing it, Nan Xuzong, for some reason, unconsciously flicked a golden thread from his right hand. The golden thread wrapped around Ji Wushang's body, and with a force, he actually brought Ji Wushang right in front of him! Ji Wushang was stunned, as she was brought in front of him, his magnified face right in front of her! Even his hot breath was on her face.
Instantly, Ji Wushang's face turned red, her eyelashes trembled slightly, and her delicate red lips wanted to speak, but she was immobilized by acupressure. At this moment, Ji Wushang was so anxious that tears welled up in her eyes.
Seeing the tears welling in her eyes, Nan Xuzong felt a pang of guilt. He instinctively pulled back the golden thread with his right hand, straightened her body, and then flicked it at Ji Wushang, releasing her pressure points. Looking at her utterly aggrieved expression, Nan Xuzong forgot what to say and could only gaze into her eyes. He had indeed lost control just now.
After catching her breath, Ji Wushang looked at Nan Xuzong, gazing into his eyes. Remembering what had just happened, her heart raced. But then she remembered the strict rules of the world—what was he doing? Anger welled within her, but her face betrayed only deep grievance. "I never imagined Prince Nan would resort to such methods to bully a weak woman! I was merely passing by, and said goodbye to avoid further disturbance. Why did you use acupuncture to keep me here? Do you intend to ruin my reputation before you're satisfied? I've been well-versed in traditional female virtues since childhood; it's said that boys and girls shouldn't sit together after the age of seven. How can you be so disrespectful, Prince? If word gets out, I, Ji Wushang, will spend the rest of my life in solitude!"
Nan Xuzong was completely stunned, never expecting her to utter such indignant words. She had just been on the verge of tears, and now she was questioning him? No, it should be that she had seen something she shouldn't have, yet now she was the one interrogating him? Seeing her aggrieved expression and the tears welling up in her eyes, Nan Xuzong finally snapped out of it. "I was wrong, I'm sorry!"
"Then I won't disturb Prince Nan." With that, Ji Wushang's face changed faster than anyone else's, and she turned to run away. Nan Xuzong watched, realizing that she had been fooling him! This girl, she changes her mind pretty quickly!
"Oh? Miss Wushang." Nan Xuzong's smile widened slightly.
Helpless, Ji Wushang could only turn around and face him. If he ran, he would probably use acupressure on him again... "Is there something wrong, Your Highness?" Tears were welling up in his eyes.
"Miss Wushang, did you see anyone here? I discovered that my jade pendant was missing while I was admiring the flowers; I guess someone took it." A slight smile appeared on Nan Xuzong's lips.
“We haven’t seen anyone. The prince’s jade pendant might not have been lost here. We should be able to find it by searching around.” Ji Wushang said seriously, his expression somewhat grim.
"Then please go back, Miss! I'll look around here some more." Nan Xuzong noticed the anxiety in her eyes and said. He figured that a woman who could say something like that must be a smart person. Even if she had seen or heard something, she certainly wouldn't say it.
I saw her perform on stage before, and then I saw her retaliate against her second sister. She's so interesting!
Nan Xuzong turned his wheelchair and left.
As Ji Wushang watched his retreating figure, he finally felt relieved and immediately ran out of the Luoyin Garden.
Back at her quiet little retreat, Ji Wushang hadn't even caught her breath when Ji Wuxia pushed open the door and entered. "Big sister, why have you been gone for so long? Aunt Bai is calling you over."
Ji Wushang looked up in surprise. Why was Aunt Bai calling him?
☆、020 Unintentionally, but still stealing the spotlight!
Ji Wuxia shook her head. "I don't know."