“She’s in the carriage too,” Bei Gong Jue Shi blurted out.
Bei Gongminhao was startled. "Who?" He immediately realized what was happening and turned around. He saw that it was Ji Wushang. As soon as Ji Wushang saw him looking at him, he lowered his eyes and turned his head away to look elsewhere.
Beigong Minhao was taken aback, and a hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes.
"What are you looking at?" Princess Zhenbei asked immediately when she saw that they were not leaving.
"No." The two spoke at the same time, exchanged a knowing glance, and immediately hurried over.
——
Seeing that the people had already dispersed, Ji Wushang said to Ji Yinxue, "We should go back."
With a slight sense of regret, Ji Yinxue lowered the curtain and then asked, "Is it the lantern festival tonight?"
"Hmm." Ji Wushang nodded, but then, remembering something, he immediately said to Ji Yinxue, "Fourth sister, I'm not trying to criticize you, but you need to be careful about your identity, and... his identity. If it gets out that you two are having an affair, you know the consequences. You also know about what happened to third sister. If it weren't for Father suppressing it, just think about how bad her reputation would be."
Ji Yinxue listened, looked up at Ji Wushang with innocent eyes, and after a long while, said, "Big sister is right, I understand."
Ji Wushang shook his head. "You still don't know. You don't know how serious the consequences would be if we were not careful. I just hope that if he likes you, he should propose to Father sooner. Even if he arranges for you to marry before me, it's better than having a bad reputation."
"Elder sister, if I get married before you, won't you be burdened with the reputation of being unable to get married? That would be so bad for you." Ji Yinxue lowered her eyes.
"It's better than letting people spread rumors of your secret affair!" Ji Wushang stared blankly at the curtain. "I... I've given up hope." Her voice was extremely soft, but Ji Yinxue still heard it. However, she didn't understand why she would say that. This older sister of hers had always been someone she couldn't understand.
"I feel like the Crown Prince has a bit of a thing for you," Ji Yinxue whispered tentatively, glancing at Ji Wushang, hoping to glean some clue.
Unfortunately, Ji Wushang shook his head, his face expressionless. "He... I don't know. I... I don't know." A sense of helplessness seemed to linger within him. The person who made his heart flutter wasn't him. Although he knew that if it were his parents' arrangement for him to marry Beigong Minhao, he would have no choice but to wear the wedding dress. But him... if he was attracted to her, why didn't he dare take that step? What good would it do to regret not taking a chance when he lost her?
If he thought I disliked his leg disability, I could have simply returned his things. But I accepted them anyway, didn't I?
Nan Xucong.
As Ji Wushang thought about the name, a slight smile appeared on his lips, leaving Ji Yinxue stunned. Just a moment ago, he looked preoccupied, so why did he suddenly smile?
"Big sister?"
"Let's go back!" Ji Wushang turned around and smiled. "It's time to go back; Grandmother will probably be worried!"
“But there’s a lantern festival tonight. Didn’t Grandmother say we could go back before 9 PM?” Ji Yinxue said reluctantly. Ji Wushang shook his head, “You… you’re hopeless.”
"Yes." Ji Yinxue pursed her lips and lowered her head without saying a word.
"I'll keep you company." Ji Wushang smiled, gently tapping Ji Yinxue's nose with her delicate hand. "I never would have guessed! I thought you were so docile, but you're actually a wild girl!"
"Don't laugh at me, big sister!" Ji Yinxue said with a smile.
"Ah San, Ah Si, take the carriage into the street. Night is coming, let's find a place to rest," Ji Wushang said to the coachman outside.
The two drivers immediately agreed and drove the carriage to the crowded market, with the six guards following behind.
Night was finally falling, and the silvery moonlight bathed the earth, bathing the surrounding scenery in a silvery glow. Everywhere, people and dazzling lights adorned the city—octagonal lanterns, ox-horn lanterns, lotus lanterns, and others emitting red, green, and other colors—all decorating the imperial city's nightscape. The vendors had all dispersed, returning home to their families. On the streets, some women gathered to play, while others men went out for leisure. This was a night of openness, a night of unrestrained revelry.
This was the custom of the Xia Dynasty: only on festival days could women confined to their chambers be allowed to come out and breathe the long-lost air of freedom.
The carriage of General Ji's mansion traveled at night on a special horse path. Ji Yinxue and Ji Wushang both lifted the curtain to look at the night outside.
The west wind wasn't strong yet, giving a cool autumn night feel. Here, the sound of phoenix flutes filled the air; there, the jade pot gleamed, and fish and dragons danced. Here, elegantly dressed women chatted and laughed; there, tall, distinguished noblemen spoke with refined manners. Ji Wushang was in high spirits. Just then, the carriage turned a corner and arrived at a City God Temple, which was still brightly lit and bustling with worshippers.
Perhaps because of the Mid-Autumn Festival, there were more worshippers coming to pray at the City God Temple.
Seeing the commotion, Ji Yinxue said, "Big sister, why don't we go in and pray too?"
Ji Wushang looked around. The surrounding area was full of ordinary people, so there shouldn't be any assassination attempts. Besides, no one should have noticed him leaving the mansion!
"Okay." Ji Wushang then called for the coachman to stop the carriage.
After parking the car, Ji Wushang and Ji Yinxue got out, followed by six iron guards, and entered the City God Temple together. The abbot of the City God Temple was sitting to one side, resolving some of the doubts and questions of the worshippers.
The young monk on the other side saw the two young ladies who looked like officials arrive, and immediately stepped forward and said, "Amitabha, thank you for coming to offer incense. However, this is a Buddhist temple. Please, the six benefactors carrying knives, remove them outside the door before you come in."
Ji Wushang sized up the young monk and then glanced at the people around him. Indeed, they were all young ladies from prominent families or sons of high-ranking officials, none of them carrying knives or other weapons. "I am truly sorry for my rudeness," Ji Wushang said, bowing with her hands clasped in return. Then she turned to the six guards and said, "You can wait outside for a moment. My fourth sister and I will come out after we finish offering incense. Nothing will happen."
“Young Miss, our duty is to protect you and the Fourth Miss’s safety. It would be inappropriate for us to leave on our own.” The leader was a man in his early twenties with a cold and sharp brow. He was Tie Yi’s cousin, Tie Feng, and he immediately replied when Ji Wushang spoke.
“This is the City God Temple, not our residence.” Ji Wushang frowned. “We will be fine. If anything happens, we can call for help immediately. We are just offering incense here, that’s all. But you are carrying swords and exuding murderous intent. Buddha will surely take offense.”
"You can just wait outside the door," Ji Yinxue said. "Don't make things difficult for the temple." By this time, some worshippers had already come over and were pointing and whispering about Ji Wushang and the others, especially the six iron guards with swords.
Upon hearing this, Tie Feng cupped his hands in greeting, "If anything happens, please call for help, Miss and Fourth Miss! We will be waiting outside the City God Temple!"
"Go!" Ji Wushang waved his hand.
Tie Feng and his six companions immediately headed out of the temple.
Ji Wushang took Ji Yinxue's hand and they walked into the temple. The temple was magnificent, with incense burning and smoke filling the air, like a fairyland on earth.
Ji Wushang and Ji Yinxue knelt before the Buddha statue, then joined their fingers in prayer, their faces devout.
While he was praying earnestly, he was unaware that someone was approaching in a wheelchair. The man's lips twitched slightly, but he did not say anything. The young monk beside him offered him three sticks of incense, saying, "Please, benefactor."
"Thank you." The voice was pleasant, mellow, and cheerful, like a clear spring flowing through the heart.
Upon hearing those words, Ji Wushang was immediately surprised. He opened his eyes, turned his head, and saw Nan Xuzong praying beside him. At this moment, he was wearing a golden crown, his black hair was tied up and secured with a phoenix hairpin. His eyes were closed, his eyelashes were slightly long, and his profile was as beautiful as a painting.
Ji Wushang felt his heart pounding, his gaze fixed on the phoenix hairpin. He hadn't expected it to be a pair; he'd kept one for himself, but secretly given the other to himself…
Ji Yinxue had finished praying and noticed that Ji Wushang seemed slightly lost in thought. Following his gaze, she saw Nan Xuzong. "Young Master Nan?"
Ji Wushang snapped out of his daze, stood up from the futon, and dusted off his knees. "Fourth Sister, we should go."
Upon hearing this, Ji Yinxue also got up from the futon and brushed the dust off her knees. "Eldest sister?" Could it be that eldest sister is in love with Prince Nan?
"It's getting late." Ji Wushang was a little flustered, unsure of how to face him. All she could do was leave.
"Oh, so it's the Fourth Miss, the Eldest Miss." Nan Xuzong opened his eyes at this moment, handed the three-ingredient incense to the little monk who came, but his eyes were on Ji Wushang.
Ji Wushang could only stand there, then slowly turned around, gathered his thoughts, and calmly said, "Greetings, Prince Nan."
"Greetings, Prince Nan!" Ji Yinxue also bowed slightly.
"No need for formalities, ladies." Nan Xuzong nodded slightly, his face expressionless, but he was looking at Ji Wushang. Her attire was simple, yet pure and beautiful.
Ji Yinxue raised her eyebrows slightly, noticing the undisguised blush on Ji Wushang's face. She boldly guessed what was going on and said, "Elder sister, I'll go check on those guards outside the temple first. I'm worried they've been waiting too long. Prince Nan, I'll take my leave now." Before Ji Wushang could respond, Ji Yinxue had already run off.
Ji Wushang thought of calling out, but her figure had already walked far away.
"Hehe, what a coincidence. I didn't expect to meet Prince Nan here. It's a pleasure to meet you." Ji Wushang casually made a conversation when he saw that Prince Nan was looking at him.
Actually, there are many people coming and going here, and exchanging a few words wouldn't arouse suspicion. However, Ji Wushang was flustered, and his thoughts drifted off course.
Aside
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☆、072 He is deeply poisoned by her!
Seeing her reaction, Nan Xuzong guessed what was going on, but he wanted to know her meaning. If she was unintentional, then he should give up. Perhaps someone like him was indeed unworthy of her. Nan Xuzong cupped his hands in greeting, "It's indeed a pleasure to meet you."
Seeing him say this, Ji Wushang couldn't find anything else to say. He didn't know what to do with his hands and feet, and stared straight ahead. "It's getting late, so I should go out now."
"Hmm, that's fine too." Nan Xuzong's face remained expressionless, but he was watching her face. Her slightly flushed cheeks made him feel great. She must like him! At least, she wouldn't dislike him.
Nan Xuzong suddenly smiled slightly, "Please."
Ji Wushang stared blankly at his smile for a moment, but thankfully, she quickly recovered and said, "Goodbye." Then she ran out immediately.
Nan Xuzong looked at that figure, his heart pounding. She was so close to him.
As soon as Ji Wushang went out, he saw Ji Yinxue standing to one side, while the six iron guards were all respectfully waiting for orders.
As soon as Ji Yinxue saw Ji Wushang come out, she immediately pulled Ji Wushang aside. "Big sister?" Her face was full of surprise, as if she had discovered a new continent.
Ji Wushang frowned and glanced at Ji Yinxue. "What? What's with that strange expression on your face!"
"Eldest sister, don't change the subject. Fourth sister isn't confused; if eldest sister likes..."
"Don't say it." Ji Wushang suddenly interrupted her. "This is in public, you mustn't say anything out of turn!" Ji Wushang's face turned slightly serious. Ji Yinxue realized that she had almost spoken out of turn. This unmarried young lady actually said that she liked someone. Wouldn't that make her a laughing stock? If word got out, she might as well hang herself!
Ji Wushang patted Ji Yinxue's shoulder, his expression improving slightly. Indeed, he might have liked her a little, but he didn't know what his father and mother thought. His heart was still conflicted. He was a little confused about love, and there was always a shadow in his heart that he couldn't shake off.
At this moment, I saw a lot of people rushing towards the city gate, probably because some event or riddle-guessing game had started.
Ji Yinxue looked at Ji Wushang and, seeing that she wasn't blaming her anymore, whispered, "Then, eldest sister, where are we going now? Are we going back to the manor?"
"Yes, it's time to go back. It's too late." Ji Wushang nodded and looked at the night sky.
However, at this moment, she saw two people walking over. Ji Yinxue had sharp eyes and recognized them as Bei Gongminhao and Bei Gongjueshi. As soon as she saw Bei Gongjueshi, her heart immediately leaped with joy. She pulled Ji Wushang's arm and whispered, "Big sister, big sister, he, he's coming this way."
"Who?" Ji Wushang had been paying attention to the temple, but he could no longer see Nan Xuzong. He wondered if he had left through another door. Hearing Ji Yinxue's words, he immediately looked in the direction she indicated and saw Beigong Minhao and Beigong Jueshi looking in their direction.
Upon seeing Ji Wushang, Bei Gongminhao's lips immediately curled into a slight smile. Bei Gongjueshi gently nudged him, saying, "I told you, we should have come out earlier. Otherwise, if we waited until Father finished the banquet to report this private matter, the two sisters would probably have already returned to their residence!"
Bei Gongminhao, his eyes fixed on Ji Wushang, paid no attention to what she might say and simply nodded in agreement, "Mm." Then he immediately jogged up to her, blocking her path. "Miss Ji, what a coincidence!" he exclaimed.
"Greetings, Your Highness. May Your Highness be well." Ji Wushang immediately bowed to him, and then, seeing Beigong Jueshi approaching, he also bowed to him, saying, "May the Second Prince be well."
Ji Yinxue quickly bowed as well, and the six guards immediately saluted the two of them.
Bei Gong Jue Shi looked at Ji Yin Xue, his eyes glistening with tears, making Ji Yin Xue lower her head in embarrassment. Ji Wu Shang watched, thinking that if Bei Gong Jue Shi liked his fourth sister, he should hurry up and propose marriage to her! That would avoid such an awkward situation. If they were already engaged, then it would be up to them to decide what to do.
"Where are you going?" Beigong Minhao asked when they didn't speak.
"It's getting late, we should head back to the manor." Ji Wushang looked at Ji Yinxue and smiled gently.
Seeing this, Beigong Minhao immediately became anxious, "No, don't go back so soon!"
Ji Wushang was taken aback. This guy really was like a child. He was clearly much taller and older than him, at least over eighteen, so why was he talking like that and blocking a young lady?
"Brother, you've frightened Miss Ji." Seeing Ji Wushang frown, Bei Gongminhao knew that she was somewhat resistant to this older brother, in a way that she couldn't handle, rather than disliking him.
Upon hearing this, Bei Gongminhao's eyes darkened slightly, and he lowered his arm from Ji Wushang's. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry." His handsome face, comparable to that of Pan An, was now filled with tears, looking extremely aggrieved.
Ji Wushang looked at him helplessly and said calmly, "It's alright, but please, Your Highness, show some self-respect." Turning her head, she glanced at the six guards, who were all seemingly on guard duty and not paying any attention to what was happening here. Ji Wushang felt slightly relieved. If these guards were to spread rumors that she and the Prince were having an affair, Aunt Bai and the others could use this as an excuse to kill her!
Bei Gong Minhao noticed this and slightly changed his attitude. Bei Gong Jueshi said, "If we're not enjoying ourselves enough, why don't we go for a walk over there? The Mid-Autumn Festival night is so beautiful, how can Miss Ji refuse?"
These words made Ji Yinxue look at Ji Wushang. Ji Wushang gave Ji Yinxue a hopeless look, probably thinking they wanted to chat about something. Sigh, it's good for them to exchange ideas. "There are some people guessing riddles over there. Let's go take a look."