Nan Xuzong waved his hand, signaling him to leave. The Ghost Doctor immediately took his leave, walked out, and closed the door.
After a while, Nan Xuzong seemed to be talking to thin air, "Keep a close eye on the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion!" His tone deepened slightly, "Especially the Crown Prince. If anything happens, be sure to tell me."
"Yes." A voice responded from the darkness. After speaking, there was a soft sound, and the figure had disappeared.
Nan Xuzong turned his wheelchair and pressed a button on the wall. Immediately, the wall in front of him opened, revealing a dark room.
Gong Shu had been waiting there for a long time. Seeing Nan Xuzong open the hidden door, he immediately came out of the secret room and said, "Master."
"Return to the manor," Nan Xuzong said in a deep voice, fiddling with the gold thread in his hands.
——
Ji Wushang sat under the lamp for a while, copying the scriptures, before lying down fully clothed.
The night was alluring, the moonlight shining brightly on the windowsill, and a gentle breeze sneaked into the room, causing the beaded curtains to sway and the pink drapery to flutter. Ji Wushang, having already dealt with Aunt Qin's matter, was somewhat exhausted and quickly fell into a deep sleep.
A figure jumped in through the window, looked around at the furnishings, and then locked onto the inner room behind the beaded curtain. Yi Yun Shangcheng, dressed in tight black clothes, walked in and saw Ji Wushang sleeping soundly on the bed with a peaceful expression on his face.
Seeing her brought him some relief. When he arrived last night, the room was empty! He had intended to tell her he wanted the painting, but she was nowhere to be found. This had worried him greatly. He had initially considered going to the mansion to arrest her and question her, but seeing several maids crying inside, he couldn't quite make out what they were saying, so he steeled himself and left. Unexpectedly, as he passed by that so-called "Hall of Repentance," he saw her figure, and only then did Yiyun Shangcheng's heart find peace.
Watching her reprimand the maids without any politeness was a pleasure for Yiyun. She was surprised to see her so animated and managing to subdue the maids and servants. She never expected that such a small body could have such explosive power.
Seeing her sleeping here again today, like a cat, Yi Yun Shang Cheng smiled. He walked over and sat down by Ji Wu Shang's bedside. His large hand couldn't help but reach out and touch her smooth face, making Yi Yun Shang Cheng's heart skip a beat.
Gently, it traced her cheek, then down her beautiful neck, and unexpectedly slid down to her shoulder. Ji Wushang felt disturbed and turned around. Yi Yun Shangcheng was startled and immediately withdrew her hand. Had she just touched her?
Still lost in thought, Yi Yun Shangcheng was startled to hear footsteps approaching! She was immediately taken aback. Who was this? In a flash, she glanced around, then ducked under Ji Wushang's bed. Today, she was determined to find out who this was!
Also dressed in black, a rather tall man wearing a butterfly mask seemed very familiar with the room. He lifted the beaded curtain and walked to the front of the canopy, his eyes fixed intently on the beauty on the bed.
Those dark eyes stared at Ji Wushang for a long time before reluctantly looking away. He walked over and sat on the chaise lounge next to him.
Looking at the person before him, smelling the scent, and seeing the butterfly mask in the distance, Yi Yun Shangcheng immediately knew who it was: Bei Gong Minhao! Yi Yun Shangcheng sighed inwardly. He never expected that the two of them, who had become sworn brothers, would be connected to Ji Wushang because of the events on Qingxuan Street. And today, they had both come here.
Bei Gongminhao seemed oblivious to the person under the bed, simply staring intently at Ji Wushang without saying a word, remaining quietly still.
This reminded Evian City of their conversation that day.
She laughed at him, saying that even heroes can't resist the charms of a beautiful woman, but he retorted that he might be bewitched by some woman in the future. He even countered that he was the future king of the Western Regions, and what kind of woman couldn't he have?
Heh, I really was wrong. Yi Yun Shangcheng chuckled to herself. She figured no man would be so easily swayed by a beautiful woman!
Before he could think it over, Bei Gongminhao stood up, glanced at Ji Wushang one last time, and said, "When Father returns to the manor, I will definitely plead with him to let you marry me!" With that, he took three steps in two, lifted the beaded curtain, and flew out.
Upon hearing Bei Gongminhao's words, Yi Yun Shangcheng was stunned. A request for a marriage alliance? He wanted her to marry him? She needed to think carefully about the customs of the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty… marriage emphasized matching social status. Bei Gongminhao was the Crown Prince, and she was… the legitimate daughter of the General's Mansion. Yi Yun Shangcheng seemed to suddenly understand, but anxiety filled her heart. If the Prince of Zhenbei had truly returned, wouldn't that mean she would have to marry Bei Gongminhao?
No, no.
Yi Yun Shangcheng thought for a moment, then shook her head. This was originally the person that Bei Gong Minhao, her sworn brother, liked. How could she possibly like her? As Yi Yun Shangcheng pondered, she didn't notice that the night had already fallen and dawn was approaching.
Ji Wushang had a habit of getting up early to recite, so she naturally woke up and sat up in bed. Her bare jade feet stretched out under the bed, and Yi Yun Shangcheng was startled when she saw them.
Those jade-like feet were crystal clear, with smooth, delicate skin that was pleasing to the eye. Yi Yun Shangcheng was captivated by them, but Ji Wushang was unaware that she had gotten out of bed barefoot. At this moment, she habitually walked to the clothes rack next to her, where some of her silk robes were laid out.
At this moment, Ji Wushang seemed like a fairy from outer space. She was wrapped in a gauze dress, which was not very transparent, and one could vaguely see the spring scenery inside. She wore underpants on her lower body, not revealing any more than necessary, and her jade feet stepped on the ground lightly and gracefully.
Yi Yun felt her heart was about to leap out of her chest. Even though she could only see her back, which was barely visible, a surge of heat rose from her lower body to her heart. It was a feeling she had never experienced before, and it was so intense!
Ji Wushang was unaware of the person under the bed. He simply picked up a garment from the rack, draped it over his shoulders, and then walked to the desk, grabbed a book, and began to read it aloud softly.
Yi Yun Shangcheng was awakened by the clear voice, feeling as if she had been injected with some kind of drug. Yi Yun Shangcheng dared not stay any longer, otherwise, she was afraid she might do something drastic. Without hesitation, she took out a silver needle from her body, aimed it at Ji Wushang's sleeping acupoint, and released it.
Ji Wushang's vision went black, and he fell into a deep sleep, still clutching the book in his hand.
Yi Yun Shangcheng swallowed hard before crawling out from under the bed. She tiptoed to Ji Wushang, looked at the silver needle inserted into her sleeping acupoint, reached out, slowly pulled it out, put the needle away, glanced at Ji Wushang, and then reluctantly walked out the window and jumped out.
The thrill he had just experienced was something he could never forget. He immediately returned to the underground palace, where Maria came forward to help him change.
Yiyun Shangcheng refused in a Western Region language, "No need, you can leave."
Maria resigned.
Yiyun Shangcheng immediately went to her private hot spring and took a refreshing bath to calm her racing heart.
His heart pounded as he recalled that enchanting figure.
Daylight came quickly, and Ji Wushang woke up to find himself at his desk. He was puzzled and rubbed his eyes, but found nothing amiss. He could only conclude that he was too tired and had fallen asleep at his desk.
Yue'er brought in the toiletries. "Miss, it's time to wash up."
"Hmm." Ji Wushang nodded, stood up and sat down in front of the dressing table. Yue'er helped her make a long, curly bun and inserted a hairpin. Ji Wushang noticed that her face was slightly pale, so she applied some light rouge.
After washing up, while having breakfast, Ji Wushang asked as usual, "Has my mother woken up yet?"
"Miss, not yet!" Yue'er replied.
"Sigh, what's going on? Why isn't she awake yet?" Ji Wushang frowned and put down his breakfast. "After I pay my respects to Grandmother, I'll go to Beiyuan to see Mother. You should go to Miaoshoutang and ask the Ghost Doctor to come over. I want to ask him how we can wake Mother up."
"yes."
"Go and take care of it! As for Grandma, I'll have Xian'er come with me."
"Yes, this servant will go right away." Yue'er said and immediately ran off.
After Ji Wushang finished her breakfast, Xian'er returned from the courtyard and happily said to Ji Wushang, "Miss, a letter has arrived from the Right Prime Minister's residence!"
"Oh?" Ji Wushang looked up. This must be because he had stood out at the Autumn Chrysanthemum Banquet the day before yesterday, and the people in the Right Prime Minister's residence knew about it! Sigh, this letter is probably to reprimand him for being disobedient. "Bring it to me." Whether it's good or bad, he has to take a look.
"Yes." The thread was presented.
Ji Wushang opened the package and read the contents. Inside, it was written that Ji Wushang was being blamed for failing to take good care of Madam Bei, resulting in Madam Bei being injured and unconscious. It stated that his eldest and second uncles had arrived with a doctor to check on Madam Bei. The matter at the Autumn Chrysanthemum Banquet was not mentioned.
Ji Wushang put the letter away and asked, "Xian'er, did you hear that my eldest uncle and second uncle came to the mansion?"
Xian'er pursed her lips and said, "No, I'm sweeping in the courtyard right now, I didn't hear anything. Miss, why don't I go and ask around right away?"
"Then who gave you this letter?"
“It was a servant boy outside the door. He gave it to me and said it was a letter from the young lady before leaving. I didn’t have time to ask him anything.”
As soon as Xian'er finished speaking, a young maid came over, bowed to Ji Wushang, and said, "Miss, the old lady invites you to the living room! Your eldest uncle and second uncle are here."
Ji Wushang nodded, "I'll go right away."
A short while later, Ji Wushang arrived in the living room. His eldest and second uncles immediately stood up upon seeing him and exclaimed, "Wushang is here!"
"Wu Shang, come quickly, greet your two uncles." The matriarch of the Yuan family looked at Ji Wu Shang with a bright and cheerful expression.
Ji Wushang first bowed to the matriarch, saying, "Greetings to Grandmother." Then he bowed to his two uncles, saying, "Greetings to my two uncles."
All three nodded in satisfaction, finding it to be in accordance with proper etiquette. The matriarch even smiled and offered Ji Wushang a seat.
The group then inquired about each other's health, whether the Right Chancellor Bei Zhentang had recovered, and also asked about the current condition of Madam Bei.
This made Ji Wushang frown. "Did your two uncles bring a doctor with them? It would be good for Mother to have a look at her."
As the old lady listened, the smile on her face froze. After all, this Lady Bei was her legitimate daughter-in-law, so it would be a lie to say she wasn't worried.
“Madam, what do you think…” Uncle Bei Junfeng stood up to ask for Madam Yuan’s opinion.
"Alright, Wushang, why don't you take your two uncles to Beiyuan for a visit?"
"Yes." Ji Wushang nodded and immediately led the two of them there.
Upon arriving at Beiyuan, Ji Wushang entered the inner room. He had been chatting and laughing with his two uncles, but when he saw Madam Bei's expression, he immediately froze and stood there in fear.
☆、067 A spy in the manor! He's gone and killed someone!
Madam Bei's face was completely bloodless, as if she had no life left. She lay there stiffly. Ji Wushang looked at her and came to his senses. He immediately rushed over, "Mother! Mother!" He grabbed Madam Bei's wrist and felt her pulse.
However, it was extremely chaotic; look at her face, it was deathly pale!
Ji Wushang was completely flustered. He turned around and looked at his two uncles, who were also standing there dumbfounded, and immediately called out, "Where's the doctor? Uncle, Uncle, where's the doctor?"
Immediately, a doctor rushed forward towards Madam Bei, saying, "This old man has arrived."
The doctor was clearly in his seventies or eighties, looking frail and old. Even Ji Wushang doubted whether he knew any medicine! But, in his anxiety, Ji Wushang excitedly grabbed the doctor's arm, "Please, sir, my uncle is my mother!"
The doctor nodded, "I will do my best." As he spoke, he immediately looked at Madam Bei.
Ji Wushang was helped up by his two uncles. His eldest uncle, Bei Junfeng, said, "Wushang, don't worry, your mother will definitely be alright. She hasn't had enough of her good fortune yet! Relax! Doctor Cui will surely be able to bring her back to health!"
Ji Wushang turned to look at her uncle, Bei Junfeng, tears still on her face. "Uncle, why didn't you invite the Ghost Doctor? He was perfectly fine when he treated me before."
“We had already sent someone to invite him, but we didn’t expect that he was no longer at Miaoshoutang. Your second uncle had no choice but to invite this Doctor Cui instead.” The eldest uncle, Bei Junfeng, said, looking at the second uncle, Bei Zhenyun.
Bei Zhenyun nodded, "Yes, I had no choice but to have someone invite another doctor, Dr. Cui. Dr. Cui is very experienced, your mother will definitely be fine."
Ji Wushang turned to look at Madam Bei. She was perfectly fine when he secretly came to see her yesterday, so why did her expression change so suddenly today? Something's not right, someone must be up to something!
"Granny Shi!" Ji Wushang called out to the outside.
The two uncles were men, and although they were relatives, it was not appropriate for them to stay in the lady's room for long. So, Xian'er led them to sit down in the hall outside.
Hearing the shouts, Granny Shi immediately ran in from outside, breathless, "Miss, did you call for this old servant?"
"I wanted to ask you, were you watching over my mother the whole time?" Ji Wushang looked at her with a grim expression and said in a deep voice.
Upon hearing this, Granny Shi immediately knelt down. "Miss, this old servant has indeed been staying by Madam's side the whole time. I have never gone out."
"Who brewed the medicine and who fed it to me?" Ji Wushang frowned. If Granny Shi hadn't left, then there must be something wrong with the medicine!
“It’s the head maid, Chunfeng,” Granny Shi said after thinking for a moment.
"Did she brew and feed all the medicine to you?"
"There is also a second-class maid named Xiaomi."
"Take both of them to the Xiaoyao Room next door! Tell them that the young lady needs to see them!" Ji Wushang ordered. "Now think of someone else who has entered my mother's inner room, and who else has been to this room?"
“Well, there are quite a few. All the maids of the third rank and above in the courtyard will come into this hall. The third-rank maids will clean and do laundry, the second-rank maids will be responsible for meals and tidying up, and the head maids and old women will be responsible for daily life and other matters.” Granny Shi looked at Ji Wushang with a troubled expression.
Ji Wushang pondered, "Let Chunfeng and Xiaomi go to Xiaoyao Hall together. I'll go there later."
Granny Shi agreed and immediately went to make the arrangements.
Ji Wushang stood up, rolled up the beaded curtain, and saw that the doctor was still treating Madam Bei, his silver needles inserted all over her head and arms. Ji Wushang looked on and asked, "Old sir, is this acupuncture?"
"Exactly." Seeing the burning passion in Ji Wushang's eyes, Doctor Cui knew she enjoyed studying this kind of medical skill, and said, "If you like it, I can teach you in the future."
"Thank you very much, sir!" Ji Wushang bowed to Doctor Cui, then turned and asked with a frown, "What happened to my mother? Is she alright?"
"Yes, she had almost fully recovered and should have woken up in two or three days. It's a pity, though. She should have taken three parts of the medicine, but she took eight parts. That's too much, and it's turned into poison!" Doctor Cui said, shaking his head. His hands were busy, slowly pulling the silver needles out of Madam Bei's head and inserting another one into another acupoint.