Gong Shu saw the person arrive, and then looked down at Nan Xuzong's tense appearance. He felt the same way, but still gently tapped on his wheelchair to signal him not to be anxious.
Nan Xuzong turned his wheelchair around and said, "Greetings, Madam; greetings, Aunt Xie; greetings, young ladies." His manners were impeccable, and the gifts he brought were carried in loads, filling up the entire hall, showing that he had brought a lot of gifts and his sincerity.
The matriarch nodded, "Young Master, there's no need for such formalities."
"Thank you, Madam." Nan Xuzong nodded, then looked at the young ladies, unsure of how to begin.
The matriarch invited the young ladies to sit together, and Aunt Xie also sat down to the side.
They waited and waited for Nan Xuzong to speak, but Nan Xuzong was so nervous that his face turned red and he couldn't utter a single word.
Ji Wushang watched anxiously, his fingers fidgeting. "Speak up, speak up, just say it..." he muttered to himself.
Nan Xuzong raised his head and looked at Ji Wushang. Ji Wushang had her head down and wasn't looking at anyone, but her fingers were moving constantly, which showed how nervous she was.
"The reason I've come to visit you is actually to ask for your hand in marriage!" Nan Xuzong finally mustered up his courage and blurted it all out.
Ji Wushang felt a loud bang in his mind, followed by chaos.
The people around looked at Nan Xuzong and Ji Wushang, trying to figure out what was going on. They couldn't help but speculate whether they had done something secretive.
Knowing their thoughts, Nan Xuzong said, "I have long admired Miss Ji. Yesterday, with my father's consent, I came with gifts to propose marriage. I hope that the old lady can entrust Miss Ji to me, Nan Xuzong. I, Nan Xuzong, will certainly marry Miss Ji as my principal wife, ensuring she has a place in my manor. I, Nan Xuzong, am willing to protect her from the wind and rain and seek happiness for her." Nan Xuzong finally spoke his mind.
Everyone around watched this scene in silence. Even the matriarch was startled. Although she was somewhat prepared that the Prince of the South was seeking Ji Wushang, she was still taken aback by his words.
What's this talk about sheltering from the wind and rain? He's disabled; how could he possibly shelter Wushang from the wind and rain?
He talks about seeking happiness, but can he even achieve his own happiness?
As for the so-called principal wife, does the eldest daughter of General Ji's family become a concubine after marrying someone else?
This surprised the matriarch slightly.
Nan Xuzong looked slightly embarrassed. He wasn't sure if he had said anything wrong, and his mind was a bit confused. He just said it anyway.
Ji Meiyuan then laughed and said, "I didn't expect that Prince Nan was thinking of marrying my eldest sister!"
"Am I to marry a wicked woman like you?" A hint of disdain flashed through Nan Xuzong's mind. In his memory, apart from Ji Wushang and her younger brother Ji Wusi, none of the young ladies and concubines in General Ji's mansion had any good intentions.
"Xu Cong knows he may not be worthy of the young lady, but after much deliberation, he still mustered the courage to give it a try, so that his lifelong admiration will not have been in vain," Nan Xu Cong said earnestly. These words drew a murmur of admiration from those around him.
Ji Wushang watched, his face slightly flushed, not daring to raise his head. Whether he agreed or disagreed was a matter of the Elder's words.
The matriarch looked at Ji Wushang, then at the extremely serious Nan Xuzong, and after what seemed like a long time, said, "Let's wait until her father returns before discussing the eldest daughter's marriage."
Was this a veiled rejection? A flicker of disappointment crossed Nan Xuzong's mind. He looked up at Ji Wushang, who was also staring back at him. "Father, I wonder when he'll be back!"
"Then, may I ask, Madam, when will General Ji be able to return? So that I may once again come to propose marriage." Nan Xuzong's heart was firm. This caused those around him to whisper among themselves. Some said that the young master Nan was too infatuated, while others said that the young master Nan knew he had been rejected but was still unwilling to give up and was being unreasonable.
The matriarch said, "This matter is not very certain. His father has been leading troops abroad for many years, and now he has been ordered by the Emperor to go to the southeast coast to eliminate Japanese pirates. It seems that his return will be late."
"Then, what if..." Nan Xuzong wanted to ask, if General Ji didn't return for two or three years, wouldn't Miss Ji have already come of age and started living her life?
But in the end, he didn't continue.
Ji Wushang looked at him, shook his head slightly, and looked disappointed.
But Nan Xuzong didn't want to give up. What was going on?! To be rejected like this? And with such a vague and unsubstantiated reason?
Nan Xuzong looked at Ji Wushang and said, "This junior will not give up on Miss Ji. Miss Ji has deeply attracted this junior. I beg the old lady to grant my request!"
Those around Ji Wushang looked at him with suspicion. Nan Xuzong's words had been so ambiguous and suggestive! Did this young lady really have an affair with the Prince of Nan? Several servants had gone to the September Pavilion to catch Ji Yinxue and Nan Jinxue in an affair. They heard that Ji Yinxue had accused the young lady of having an affair with the Prince of Nan. Could it be true?
Ji Wushang raised his head and said, "Young Master Nan truly thinks highly of me. However, the marriage still needs my parents' consideration. I have no choice but to listen to Grandmother's words. Father is indeed on the southeast coast; perhaps he will return in a few days." His meaning was that Nan Xuzong shouldn't rush things; perhaps a decision would be made in a few days. Although he was obeying his father and grandmother, he still admired and respected him.
"Thank you for your kind words, Miss." Nan Xuzong cupped his hands to Ji Wushang. Ji Wushang glanced at him twice, then lowered her head and remained silent.
Those around them listened to their conversation and observed their expressions. For a moment, they didn't sense any private matters between them. Each and every one of them was extremely amiable and polite, maintaining the proper distance.
Ji Meiyuan glanced at Ji Wushang, then gave him a slight look of disdain. If she had to marry Nan Xuzong, she'd rather die! What happiness could a man with a disability in both legs offer her? All the power and influence would just belong to someone else! Hmph, so spineless!
Ji Wuxia silently watched them, her mind only focused on marrying Zhou Muxuan, the young master of the Zhou family, and becoming his principal wife to manage the affairs of the entire Zhou household. She refused to believe that someone as talented as Zhou Muxuan wouldn't achieve great things! Hmph! Look at her older sisters—one seems destined to marry a useless man who'll never stand up again, while the other two have married纨绔少爷 (spoiled young masters). Wouldn't she be the only one destined for greatness? She'd just watch and see; she didn't care how they married!
The matriarch said, "Now that we have said this, Your Highness, please return!"
"Thank you, Madam." Nan Xuzong bowed respectfully. "I will visit you again another day."
The matriarch treated him politely, nodding but not saying anything serious.
Ji Wushang watched him leave, a hint of disappointment in her heart.
Gong Shu pushed Nan Xuzong's wheelchair along, while Butler Lin looked at the hall full of gifts and looked at Aunt Xie somewhat at a loss. Aunt Xie then looked at Madam Yuan, who noticed and said, "Young Master Nan, please take the gifts back with you! You can't accept gifts if this matter hasn't been settled, right?" Although her words were questioning, it was clear that she meant it.
If General Ji's mansion had accepted the gift, it would have meant that the marriage was already arranged; their refusal to accept it clearly indicated their stance.
Nan Xuzong paused for a moment, but still turned his head and said, "What the old lady says is true, it was my oversight." After saying that, he waved to the servants to carry the gifts away.
The worry in Ji Wushang's heart—was this a veiled blow to Nan Xuzong? How strong his pride was! Perhaps even as he left the manor, people were already whispering behind his back, saying how presumptuous the Prince of Nan was, actually bringing gifts to General Ji's manor to propose marriage. Unexpectedly, the kind-hearted Madam Yuan didn't want to refuse him outright, so she hinted at rejection. The Prince of Nan even pretended not to hear and said he would come again. He was truly shameless!
Worried, Ji Wushang looked up in the direction he had left. Although Gong Shu was serving him, he seemed so frail and lonely.
When the play was over, the crowd gradually dispersed. Only a few young ladies, Aunt Xie, Madam Yuan, and a few maids remained in the guest hall.
"It seems that eldest sister has fallen for Prince Nan!" Ji Meiyuan said sourly.
“I admire his courage. Isn’t courage what makes a person?” Ji Wushang said seriously.
Upon hearing this, Ji Meiyuan's face showed a slight displeasure, but she still said defiantly, "As the saying goes, marriage is arranged by parents and matchmakers. We don't even know what Father's intentions are. If Eldest Sister is interested in Prince Nan, why would she say such things to fob us off? There are no outsiders here now, so you can speak freely."
"Oh, I should be the one saying that," Ji Wushang said disdainfully. "Second sister, are you feeling jealous? In the capital, which young master doesn't revere his father's official power? There aren't many people who come to propose marriage, but at least one Prince Nan came. You're envious of me and can't help but say a few sarcastic things. Fine, eldest sister, I won't blame you."
Those around couldn't help but laugh, thinking how ridiculous the second young lady was. Seeing others come to propose marriage, only to find out the suitor wasn't her, she felt embarrassed and started envying the eldest young lady! Even someone with a leg disability dared to come and propose to the eldest young lady, while the second young lady had no one. It must be due to her poor character.
"You, eldest sister, please don't say hurtful things!" Ji Meiyuan said, suppressing her anger.
Ji Wushang smiled and said, "Second sister, are you angry? Don't be angry, eldest sister was just saying it without thinking."
"Alright, alright." The old lady looked at the two of them. "You two are really something. Whenever you meet, you always have to argue. Go down now. You need to be careful in this late autumn and early winter."
“Yes, Grandmother is right,” Ji Wushang nodded.
Ji Meiyuan pouted angrily and replied, "Yes."
Ji Wuxia watched and gave a soft hum.
At this moment, Aunt Xie stepped forward and said, "Madam, would you like to go back to Jingyuan to rest first? I heard that actors have come to the capital. Would you like to invite them to the mansion? Everyone in the mansion likes to watch them. How about inviting them to join in the fun?"
"Alright, let them have some fun and make a fuss." The old lady glanced at them. "In just a few days, on the eighth day of the tenth month, Tian Kui's wedding will take place. You all need to cooperate, otherwise, it won't be good if Tian Kui gets angry."
"Yes." The younger sisters nodded.
The elder lady was satisfied and the meeting was held.
Seeing that things weren't interesting and with Nan Xuzong on his mind, wondering how he would react, Ji Wushang left with Zhu'er. Ji Meiyuan was angry and walked away sullenly, while Ji Wuxia was secretly amused and ignored everyone else.
——
On his way back to the manor, Nan Xuzong saw many people pointing and whispering on the street. Everyone could see him coming in his sedan chair, so he was naturally aware of the gossip.
Gong Shu watched, wanting to rush up and drive everyone away, but every time he thought of making a move, Nan Xuzong would glance at him and his cold gaze would immediately make Gong Shu retreat.
"The world doesn't understand human feelings, and laughs at my foolish dreams and overestimation of my abilities! When the day comes that I soar like a dragon, I will surely terrify the world! My feelings of admiration need no one else's understanding!" Nan Xuzong said softly.
Gong Shu nodded.
Ignoring everyone, Nan Xuzong returned to his residence. Nan Jinxue, who had been waiting outside for news, laughed inwardly as he saw Nan Xuzong return with gifts! "He still dreams of marrying the young lady? What a pipe dream! How could the young lady possibly be interested in such a good-for-nothing! She'd only be interested in me, the most handsome man in the capital!" Nan Jinxue smugly straightened his clothes and then went out.
Bei Gongminhao had just returned from the military camp in the border city. He was anxious and, before even entering the mansion, he was already inquiring about Ji Wushang's whereabouts. Li Dong, the guard who had followed him for many years, stepped forward to report what had happened to Ji Wushang at the Yuanyue Nunnery that day. Fortunately, it was a close call, and Miss Ji had returned to the mansion safely.
Bei Gongminhao nodded, feeling guilty. If he hadn't been summoned to the military camp by the Prince of Zhenbei, he would have risked his life to go to Yuanyue Nunnery! However, when he heard that it was Nan Xuzong who had saved the people from General Ji's mansion, he was suddenly taken aback. "The Prince of Nan actually went up the mountain to save people?"
"Yes, Your Highness." Guard Li Dong was a little hesitant to leave because there were still some things he couldn't hide, and if Bei Gong Minhao knew, he would definitely go crazy!
"Why would he go?" Bei Gongminhao murmured, puzzled, but then he remembered something. "He... he actually likes Miss Ji too!" As he spoke, he grabbed Li Dong's collar. "Tell me, isn't that right!"
"Your Highness, please calm down, I didn't know anything!" Li Dong was terrified. Bei Gongminhao was quite frightening at this moment, and he was very agitated.
"I'm going to talk to him." Bei Gongminhao turned around and walked towards the direction of the Marquis of Jinnan's residence. Li Dong was released by him and immediately took a few deep breaths before following him. "Young Master, he, he..." Before he could finish speaking, he heard three or five people gathered together talking about something, as well as people from teahouses and taverns, who were all talking in twos and threes. Some were laughing loudly, while others were whispering.
Beigong Minhao felt something was off; this was different from usual. What rumors were circulating in the capital?
"Hmm!" Bei Gongminhao gave Li Dong a wink, and the two of them immediately sat down at the tavern. When the waiter asked for something, Li Dong had already given him some money. "Just bring me whatever you want."
"Hey!" The waiter immediately took the silver and walked away with a grin.
Beigong Minhao narrowed his eyes and listened intently to what was going on.
"I heard that this very morning, the Prince of Nan actually brought lavish gifts to General Ji's residence to propose marriage!"
"Really? That Prince Nan, who has a leg ailment?"
"Who else could it be but him! You're saying he didn't ask for a maid, but instead asked for Miss Ji's help!"
"They really have guts! They dare to covet Miss Ji?"
"Really! I didn't expect that, you know what? Just now, hey! Prince Nan had his gifts carried back, haha!"
"That's rejection!"
"Exactly! Think about it, how could General Ji's mansion possibly marry their eldest daughter to a man with a leg ailment who is disliked? Let me tell you, maybe that Prince Nan is even impotent!"
"Hahaha! That's wishful thinking!"
"And another thing, that Prince Nan was rejected, yet he still said he would come to visit again! Tsk tsk, some people just have thick skin!"
"They're dreaming of eating Miss Ji's swan meat!"
"Well said! Haha!"
...
He kept uttering vulgar and offensive words, but Bei Gongminhao was completely stunned. This guy actually prepared lavish gifts and went to propose marriage? Others might not know Nan Xuzong, but he knew what kind of person he was! A great man who knew how to endure, a ruthless master, highly skilled in both martial arts and medicine! His only weakness was his legs and the psychological trauma they caused! He never expected that Nan Xuzong would actually muster the courage to propose marriage! He beat him to it!
Beigong Minhao immediately stood up and strode out.
Li Dong immediately caught up, "Young Master, where are you going?"
"I'll go to the Marquis's residence to have a word with him." Bei Gongminhao was also a little confused. He had just heard that Nan Xuzong had been rejected, but why did he feel that the rejection wasn't so simple? He knew very well that if Nan Xuzong wanted to do something, he would never stop!
“Young Master, what can you do if you go to the Marquis’s residence now? The Prince is about to return to his residence. You might as well go back and talk to him. Otherwise, if he doesn’t see you when he gets back, he’ll definitely start complaining! Now, we don’t know where the Second Prince has gone, and we haven’t received any news about the Western Region Princess. If she does come and tries to make you the Western Region Princess’s husband, then we won’t be able to talk to her about it. Young Master, you need to make a move first!” Li Dong analyzed seriously.
Bei Gongminhao listened, thought for a moment, and then headed towards his Zhenbei Prince's Mansion. Damn it, he had to seize the opportunity! Even if his father disagreed, he wouldn't care; he would go to propose marriage immediately! Regardless of his current circumstances, he could at least gain an advantage over the matriarch!
Brother, how could you steal the woman I, Beigong Minhao, love? We used to play chess together and talk about the world! We were practically brothers. I never expected this, never expected this! Sigh!
Bei Gongminhao was filled with mixed emotions as he returned home with a sigh.
Upon entering the mansion, Bei Gongminhao asked a maid and learned that the Prince of Zhenbei was in his study. He immediately headed for the study.