"Yes, Father."
Ji Wushang walked slowly towards his courtyard alone. Jia Zhu'er committed suicide, not murder. She was loyal, and one could say he had driven her to her death. But isn't this world just a cycle of mutual pressure? Her loyalty to her master and her gratitude towards Ji Wushang were the very reasons for her death.
Ji Wushang sighed. He was determined to find out what was going on at Qingya Garden tonight!
"Miss." Xian'er called out cautiously when she saw Ji Wushang sitting on the chair, looking slightly lost in thought.
Ji Wushang nodded, "I'm fine. Give Jia Zhu'er a proper burial. I don't know her name, so today I'll give her the name 'En'er' and write it on her tombstone."
"Yes, this servant will take care of it right away." Xian'er nodded.
"Also, don't tell anyone what happened tonight," Ji Wushang said.
"yes."
"I'm not going to Qingya Garden tonight. I'll rest now, and no one should disturb me." After saying this, Ji Wushang went into his inner room and closed the beaded curtain.
Xian'er nodded in agreement. Perhaps the death of the fake pearl was a blow to the young lady! Otherwise, she wouldn't have given that fake pearl a name. Sigh, I hope the young lady can find the pearl and be happy again!
Ji Wushang turned her head and watched Xian'er go out to run errands. She sat down in front of her dressing table, took off the cumbersome headdresses, and then curled her hair.
Knowing that she was going to Qingya Garden, Jia Zhu'er must have already told her colleagues, judging from the tampered tinder and lanterns. So, after what happened tonight, she spread the word that she wouldn't go to Qingya Garden, which would surely confuse those people, and naturally, not many people would be guarding Qingya Garden!
Therefore, it would be most appropriate to visit Qingya Garden tonight.
Ji Wushang took out a simple set of clothes, his expression somewhat cold. He never knew that he would actually be wearing these clothes one day! He always thought he was wearing those gorgeous clothes. This set of clothes was something he bought on a whim, probably before he was reborn! How foolish he was back then to buy this set of clothes and even think about eloping with Nan Jinxue?
How ridiculous! Ji Wushang scoffed sarcastically, then began to tidy up.
As night deepened, the entire Ji General's mansion gradually returned to darkness and silence, but Ji Wushang quietly emerged from the courtyard.
Ji Wushang didn't bring anyone with him. He carried a lantern and went to Qingya Garden alone. Qingya Garden was already pitch black and there seemed to be nothing there. Ji Wushang carefully walked into it.
The Qingya Garden was quiet, and Ji Wushang's tiny footsteps could be clearly heard.
Suddenly, footsteps sounded, and Ji Wushang immediately hid behind a tree. He saw the Iron Guards on patrol. Ji Wushang nodded as he watched them pass by; their continued patrolling so late showed they were trustworthy.
After they left, Ji Wushang walked into Qingya Garden. Once inside, there was a long path.
Ji Wushang was constantly on guard, not daring to say whether someone was watching him or waiting for him. If something happened, it wouldn't be easy for him to escape.
I have some medicine with me, but I don't know if it will be enough.
Ji Wushang had already arrived at the gate of Qingya Garden. It was pitch black inside, without any lights. Even the eaves were empty, as if no one lived there.
If it was something Ji Yinxue said, that Ji Meiyuan was crazy, then she should be acting strangely and abnormally!
As for Pearl, where exactly is she?
If you can't go through the front door, you'll naturally have to climb through the back door.
Ji Wushang blew out the lantern, placed it in a secluded spot, and then went around to the back door.
Seeing that no one was around, Ji Wushang gently dug a small hole in the window with his hand, then peeked inside. There was absolutely no one there! The surrounding furnishings were all intact and tidy, not at all like anyone had lived there! Looking through the beaded curtain, even in the moonlight, there was no one there. Let alone Ji Meiyuan.
Ji Wushang had many questions in his mind. After thinking for a while, he gently pushed open the door.
With a creak, the door opened.
Ji Wushang looked inside, his heart pounding in his chest. Was he really going in? Trying to calm his nerves, Ji Wushang silently entered the room. With no one around, Ji Wushang grew bolder and ventured deeper, until he saw the inner chamber.
The interior was neat and tidy.
Ji Wushang was slightly disappointed. He hadn't expected this situation. Ji Meiyuan was supposed to be punished by living in Qingya Garden. Could it be that she disobeyed her father's orders and ran away on her own?
Ji Wushang thought for a moment, then turned around and checked the rooms. He didn't see anyone when he left the rooms, as if there was no sign of activity at all. Moreover, Qingya Garden was cleaned during the day, although not often, but judging from the dust, he could tell that there was really no one here.
Ji Wushang stood in the courtyard, looked around, and finally fixed his gaze on the inconspicuous little woodshed next door.
Walking slowly towards the small wooden door, afraid of missing something, Ji Wushang approached and heard some whimpering sounds inside! Ji Wushang was immediately alarmed. After listening carefully for a while, he guessed that someone must have been tied up and gagged!
Ji Wushang thought of Zhu'er! She pushed open the door, and the moonlight shone on the ground as the door opened, reflecting off the bound person!
"Zhu'er!" Ji Wushang saw Zhu'er! Zhu'er was still wearing the clothes he had given her, which the servants had made. Seeing that they fit her well, he gave them to her. Upon hearing Ji Wushang's voice, Zhu'er immediately looked up, her eyes filled with disbelief, but she stared at Ji Wushang.
"It's me, Zhu'er!" Ji Wushang called out and stepped forward.
Only then did Pearl realize it was real. She was overjoyed, but tears suddenly streamed down her face as she nodded vigorously, her face streaked with tears and snot.
"Don't be so agitated, I'm here, aren't I?" Ji Wushang immediately stepped forward upon seeing her expression, taking out a dagger. Zhu'er stared at the dagger, her eyes widening in surprise. She hadn't expected her mistress to carry a dagger. In her memory, Ji Wushang was a well-read young lady from an official family; how could she possibly carry a dagger or a knife?
Ignoring all that, Ji Wushang immediately stepped forward and used his dagger to cut the rope binding Zhu'er. He was worried about how long she had been imprisoned.
As soon as Zhu'er realized what was happening, she threw herself at Ji Wushang, crying, "Miss!"
"I'm here." Ji Wushang smiled. This girl really is like a child. Although, well, she is indeed a bit young. If he hadn't lived two lives, he might also be like her, so easily happy and so easily like a child!
Seeing that she had recovered for a while, Ji Wushang patted her shoulder and said, "We shouldn't stay here any longer, let's go quickly!"
"Yes," Pearl replied.
It wasn't that he didn't want to ask her how she got here, but this wasn't the place to talk. Ji Wushang immediately helped Zhu'er up. Zhu'er looked weak, probably having not eaten for a day or two.
Just then, a stomach rumbled once or twice, and Zhu'er immediately clutched her stomach. Ji Wushang looked at her and said, "Go back and order food immediately." He was about to head towards the door when, unexpectedly, he looked up and saw a tall man in black standing there. This man was clad in armor, exuding an imposing aura, and wore a helmet with golden horns! He carried a heavy bronze sword in his hand!
Ji Wushang was startled by his attire and took a step back. This must be a man! He had never known that there was a general dressed in armor in this Qingya Garden! The bronze sword in his hand was incredibly powerful; if it were to strike, he would probably be dead soon!
Upon seeing that person, Zhu'er turned deathly pale with fright and quickly hid behind Ji Wushang. However, as if she had just remembered something, she immediately grabbed Ji Wushang and cried out, "Miss, Zhu'er will protect you!"
Ji Wushang remained calm and pulled Zhu'er along, saying, "Yes, you stay behind me."
The newcomer didn't speak, but stood there quietly, his gaze slightly vacant, but his eyes were fixed on Ji Wushang, as if he had locked onto his target.
Ji Wushang slowly pulled Zhu'er to the other side, and the man's gaze also turned towards Ji Wushang! Ji Wushang felt cold sweat dripping down his forehead! Was this really going to be his death?
Ji Wushang pulled Zhu'er back, and the man watched as he slowly walked forward. His steps were very steady, and the boots on his feet made a rustling sound. Ji Wushang was startled. These boots were not made of black iron, but must be made of some kind of heavy metal! If he stepped on them, he would definitely be crushed to dust!
"Miss……"
"Don't make a sound!" Before Zhu'er could finish speaking, Ji Wushang whispered, and Zhu'er immediately looked at Ji Wushang, not daring to speak again.
The person was clearly able to recognize sounds and sights. Ji Wushang continued to pull Zhu'er into another, deeper place.
The man immediately stepped forward, approaching step by step.
Ji Wushang quietly freed his right hand and took out a pill the size of a bullet from his pocket. As the person drew closer, Ji Wushang suddenly shouted, "Ji Meiyuan!" The person was startled, and Ji Wushang took advantage of the moment to throw the pill at him!
"Bang!"
Immediately afterward, Ji Wushang grabbed Zhu'er and ran outside. The person was still in the smoke; the pill was a smoke bomb that Ji Wushang had developed for escape. The two of them ran quickly outside, but the person soon caught up!
Using that heavy bronze sword, he suddenly slashed at Ji Wushang's back!
"Miss!" Zhu'er called out, but Ji Wushang abruptly shook off Zhu'er's hand. "Quick, you go first!"
“No, Miss!” Pearl exclaimed immediately.
Ji Wushang, however, drew a sword from somewhere. Knowing he was no match for this man, he still had to put up a fight! "Go and call the Iron Guards! Idiot! I can get away by myself!"
Ji Wushang didn't have time to waste words with her and immediately attacked the person.
She's a delicate young lady from an official family, how could she possibly compare to this man? A tall, heavy sword, a full suit of armor, dressed as a general—can he even fight? Ji Wushang's goal was to buy time and dodge his attacks.
Upon hearing the gravity of the situation, Pearl immediately ran towards the outside of the garden, her face covered in tears.
Watching Zhu'er run away, Ji Wushang, not wanting to stay any longer, pulled out another smoke bomb. Just as he took it out, before he could throw it at the man, the man suddenly took several steps back. Ji Wushang immediately understood something. Could he have memories? Was this person even human? If so, why was he wearing such tall clothes? Such a terrifying helmet, and such heavy boots?
Ji Wushang ignored him and watched him retreat. He immediately ran towards the outside of the garden, and the man saw this and immediately gave chase!
Ji Wushang's heart was pounding in his chest. Just as he was about to step forward, Ji Wushang suddenly threw out a smoke bomb, which hit the man's chest armor squarely! With a loud "bang," the smoke bomb exploded. Ji Wushang didn't linger and continued running.
The man seemed to be enraged and suddenly chased after Ji Wushang, actually using his lightness skill!
Ji Wushang immediately felt his life hanging by a thread!
The bronze sword in the man's hand was already being thrown towards Ji Wushang's back. Ji Wushang dared not turn around, but he heard a whooshing sound behind him! The gate of the garden was right in front of him! Ji Wushang was like a fugitive, thinking of running out of the garden.
However, the bronze sword on his back was aimed directly at Ji Wushang's back!
Ji Wushang turned around and saw that the sword was already thrusting towards him! At the critical moment, someone suddenly pulled him into their arms!
Suddenly, the man hurled his sword at the man with incredible speed! The man had no chance to dodge! The sword pierced straight into the man's body!
The man suddenly retreated, pulling out the long sword that was stuck in his body with a swift motion! Ji Wushang was startled. The man holding her frowned, immediately picked her up, and in a few leaps, they flew to Ji Wushang's Xinyuan Garden! Before Ji Wushang could even settle down, he had already jumped in through the window with her in his arms!
Only then did Ji Wushang calm down. Looking up, she saw the man wearing the butterfly mask. It was him? Ji Wushang was surprised and pushed him away abruptly, but unexpectedly, he hugged her even tighter!
Ji Wushang's face fell. "You, you let me go first!"
"I won't let go!" His tone remained stubborn.
Ji Wushang looked up at him, "You, please let me go first, okay?"
Beigong Minhao clearly didn't want to let go of her, holding her tightly.
Ji Wushang's mind was in turmoil. How could he have run into him? And how did he know she was in Qingya Garden? And who exactly was he? As Ji Wushang pondered, she remembered that she had just sent Zhu'er with the Iron Guards to Qingya Garden!
"I... I don't know who you are, but please let me go first. I just sent my maid, Zhu'er, to call the Iron Guard to Qingya Garden..." Ji Wushang tried to squeeze out a sentence, but he felt like the Iron Guard couldn't explain himself to him.
Bei Gongminhao was taken aback before releasing her. "Zhu'er? Is she your maid?"
"Okay." Ji Wushang nodded, but then added, "You mustn't hurt her!"
"She went to call the Iron Guard? What did she call him for?" The tone was clearly somber.
"I didn't know you suddenly appeared. As you know, it was so dangerous just now. If I hadn't sent Zhu'er to call the Iron Guards, how could I have escaped?" Ji Wushang tried to keep his tone calm, then took a small step back to maintain distance. "Thank you for saving me earlier, young master."
"I'm going to find Zhu'er, I'll be right back!" Bei Gongminhao said decisively, and then jumped out of the window again!
Ji Wushang wanted to call out to him, but he had already disappeared without a trace!
Never mind, I'm grateful to this person, but I have a feeling they're incredibly dangerous! My heart was pounding just now, and besides, hugging and cuddling... isn't that a good idea? Getting caught wouldn't be so easy!
However, he should go out now to find Zhu'er without alerting the Iron Guards. It would be better if they weren't alerted... He also needs to think of a way. Tomorrow at sunrise, he needs to go to the Buddhist temple to offer incense. His father will set off southeast at sunset. The best time to speak is around noon... He must give a proper report!
Ideally, it would be best to do it while everyone is here in the manor… Ji Wushang made up his mind and walked to the window. He looked around for a moment, then closed the window. As for him, he hoped he wouldn't come. If fate allowed, he would definitely visit to express his gratitude another day. If he ever faced hardship in the future, he would help him to the end!
Ji Wushang quickly changed his clothes and tidied himself up. Then he thought of Zhu'er and worried about her. But unexpectedly, at that moment, his door was opened!
Ji Wushang was startled, only to see that the man in black had already walked in! Ji Wushang was speechless. He must have known that he had closed the window and was now using the main door, right?
"Zhu'er has been taken care of and is sleeping soundly in her courtyard," Bei Gongminhao said casually.
Ji Wushang was taken aback. "You know where her courtyard is?"
"Hmm." He replied simply, then sat down to the side. "How could you be so careless? Why didn't you bring anyone with you when you went to that courtyard?" Although he was also very puzzled as to why there was such a general terracotta warrior in that courtyard, it was, after all, a matter of her household, and he shouldn't interfere too much with her identity.
Ji Wushang stood up. "How did you end up there? I went there to save Zhu'er... Would you understand if I told you? It's such a long story."