"Thank you for your trouble." Ji Wushang smiled, told Zhu'er to wait there, and then followed him inside.
Upon entering, they saw Doctor Cui carefully examining the freshly picked medicinal herbs. Hearing footsteps, they immediately looked up and saw the shopkeeper leading Ji Wushang. Their faces lit up with joy, "Wushang, little girl!"
"Master!" Ji Wushang rushed forward. The shopkeeper, seeing this, wisely withdrew.
"Oh!" Doctor Cui looked at Ji Wushang closely for a few moments and said, "You've become even more beautiful!"
"Still Master's good disciple! That hasn't changed at all," Ji Wushang said with a smile.
"Well, nothing major happened to you while I was away, right?"
"It never happened."
"Hmm?" Doctor Cui leaned closer and examined Ji Wushang's face more closely. He said, "Come, let me take your pulse. You don't look well."
"Yes." Ji Wushang stretched out his arm.
After a long pause, a hint of worry appeared in Doctor Cui's eyes as he asked, "Have you taken any medicine?"
"Yes... I don't know what kind of medicine it is." Ji Wushang couldn't say what Yiyun Shangcheng had given her, so she had no choice but to tell him. Then she took out the remaining medicine from her bosom, poured one out and showed it to Doctor Cui. "I've studied it, it's not poison."
"I'm still not sure if this is poison or not; we need to analyze it carefully." Doctor Cui put the pill away in his pocket and then said, "Have you experienced dizziness or a sharp, stabbing pain in your chest?"
"Once upon a time."
"This... I'm afraid things are not good... If I'm not mistaken, what's inside you is the Heart-Eating Gu."
Ji Wushang's expression changed drastically. "How is this possible!" Could it be that the medicine in Yiyun Upper City contains the Heart-Eating Gu?
“But it doesn’t seem quite true… because the Heart-Eating Gu should cause you pain once a day, but you say you only felt pain once… Have you taken any life-saving medicine?” Doctor Cui frowned.
"To save my life? That means..." "The Crown Prince of Beigong gave me a heart-protecting pill last night. I don't know what happened, but he suddenly appeared at Moxuan Garden..." Ji Wushang still told him what happened last night. There was no one here, and Doctor Cui was an elder he could trust.
"Hmm, the Heart-Protecting Pill, a good thing! But how did he get it?" Doctor Cui checked Ji Wushang's pulse again. "Since the Heart-Protecting Pill is in your body, it will naturally protect your heart meridian, so you don't need to worry about your life. It seems that it was really the benefits of this Heart-Protecting Pill that slowly dissolved the Heart-Eating Gu. Your breathing is still a bit unstable, probably due to your emotions. And your body is cold, which needs to be adjusted slowly. As for the Western Region King's medicine, you can't take it anymore! To avoid causing any trouble! Your Heart-Eating Gu was probably created by him!"
Ji Wushang's anger was barely concealed. This person actually wanted to turn him into a spirit? To live and die? Or did he want him to suffer the excruciating pain of the Heart-Eating Gu?
I, Ji Wushang, will never consider you a friend again! All is vanished!
However, there is one thing that remains unclear.
"Why would the Crown Prince give me a heart-protecting pill?"
"This..." Doctor Cui pondered, "The Heart-Protecting Pill is only available to the royal family. There are only two in the world. One is in the hands of the current emperor, and the other is in the hands of this prince. It's unbelievable that you've taken it."
"I don't know," Ji Wushang said. "Since it's such a valuable thing, why would he give it to me? Does he know I'm suffering from the Heart-Eating Gu?"
Doctor Cui shook his head. "I don't know. However, the Prince of Zhenbei's mansion is a non-royal family, so His Majesty probably wouldn't bestow such a valuable gift... This matter probably needs further investigation. You can ask him." Doctor Cui looked at Ji Wushang. "Also, be careful in everything."
"yes."
When Ji Wushang came out of Panyaoju, it was already afternoon.
To ensure everything went smoothly, Ji Wushang quickly returned to the Marquis's residence. The residence was filled with joy, and servants were bustling about preparing for tomorrow's banquet. Although the matter was somewhat urgent, under Ji Wushang's orders, the people in the residence worked in an orderly manner.
As Nan Jinxue passed through the courtyard, seeing what looked like a wedding celebration, she wondered what was going on and thought about calling a servant to ask. But then she saw Ji Wushang looking around ahead, so she quickly went up to him and said, "Sister-in-law."
"Second brother," Ji Wushang greeted him from a distance.
Nan Jinxue looked Ji Wushang up and down several times before calming down and asking, "Sister-in-law, why is the courtyard decorated with festive colors inside and out? What is the occasion?"
"Tomorrow is Cong's birthday banquet." Ji Wushang's lips twitched, but he didn't elaborate further.
"Big brother's birthday banquet? I've never heard of that. Tomorrow is his birthday?" Nan Jinxue narrowed her fox-like eyes.
Ji Wushang said coldly, "If you don't pay attention, you naturally won't remember!"
Nan Jinxue felt a surge of anger, but she suppressed it. "Did you tell your aunt?"
"My father, the Marquis, has already said that he will be in charge of this courtyard. I'm just making some arrangements. Since my father has agreed, I won't bother you any longer, so as not to worry you!"
Upon hearing this, Nan Jinxue was speechless. "Alright, then I'll be going now. Sister-in-law, take your time with the preparations! However, whether my brother can come back tomorrow is a question! He often goes out, and when he goes out, it's for ten days or half a month at a time. He says he'll be back in three days, but he usually doesn't return until ten days later!"
Ji Wushang was taken aback, but quickly regained his composure. "Second brother, you don't need to worry about this! Cong always keeps his word!"
"We'll see!" Nan Jinxue said, then immediately left. Why did she know his birthday?! No one in the Marquis's mansion cared what Nan Xuzong's birthday was! Moreover, the Marquis's mansion had never held a birthday banquet like this before! Why was she going to such lengths for him this time? Let's see what tricks she'll pull! Nan Xuzong never returns to the mansion on time; he'll probably only become a laughingstock later!
When the concubines and young ladies in the mansion heard that a birthday banquet was to be held for Nan Xuzong, some were disdainful, some watched with curiosity, and some were indifferent. However, none of them tried to stop it. After all, the Marquis had given his approval, and they could not say anything more.
Ji Wushang felt a surge of excitement.
Night fell, the large red lanterns were lit, and everything was ready, awaiting tomorrow. Ji Wushang lay in bed, quietly thinking about tomorrow, thinking about his return.
Although it was a bit rushed, I hope it can be done successfully!
Nan Xuzong, along with Beigong Jueshi and three others, headed towards the imperial city.
When Yiyun Shangcheng received the invitation, his eyes blazed with fury. He gripped the invitation tightly, his hand tightening as if he wanted to crush it, but then he suddenly released it.
A smirk played on his lips. "I, the King, will not let you have your way!"
The night wind grew even colder.
The next morning was a bit chilly. Ji Wushang got up early, quickly ate his meal, and ordered Zhu'er to personally check on the preparations while also instructing Xian'er to check on the program and so on.
Ji Wushang then inspected the various courtyards of the Marquis's residence to see if there were any shortcomings.
Just then, Xian'er rushed over, "Miss, something terrible has happened!"
Ji Wushang was startled, stepped forward, and walked to the side to talk.
"What's wrong?" Ji Wushang asked, looking at him.
"Those people who rehearsed last night are all like they've been drugged; they're all dazed and can't perform at all!" Xian'er was so anxious that she was sweating profusely.
Ji Wushang was taken aback, but quickly asked, "Do you know who did it?"
"I don't know. The young ladies and concubines in the manor have been keeping a close watch, and they haven't seen anyone suspicious!"
If this wasn't done by someone from the household, then who was? Could it be him? Ji Wushang narrowed his eyes. Fortunately, even if he sabotaged things like this, he absolutely couldn't stop him! He had already made preparations for this, and he would definitely disappoint him greatly!
“Don’t be afraid, Xian’er…” Ji Wushang whispered several words in her ear, and Xian’er nodded vigorously, her eyes lighting up instantly.
Ji Wushang only breathed a sigh of relief after watching Xian'er go down to make the purchases.
He hurriedly returned to Moxuan Garden, and sure enough, the portrait of Nan Xuzong that he had drawn was nowhere to be found. Ji Wushang smiled, a hint of sarcasm showing at the corner of his mouth.
He should know very well that he can create a painting at any time! Doing this will only make him hate and despise him even more!
Ji Wushang snorted coldly, ordered someone to clean the courtyard before going out.
After checking everything and finding no errors, Ji Wushang went to the front yard to greet the guests.
Gradually, more and more guests arrived. Ji Wushang arranged for the male guests to be in the front yard, while the female guests were in the back yard.
Everyone congratulated Ji Wushang, and Ji Wushang responded with a smile.
The Marquis, naturally delighted, went to the front yard to chat with the older generation of nobles.
At that moment, Beigong Minhao entered with gifts.
"The Crown Prince has arrived!" the servant shouted.
Ji Wushang stepped forward with a smile, "Thank you for coming, Your Highness!"
"The efficiency of the Princess Consort of the South has truly surprised Minhao. I never expected that the Princess Consort of the South could organize such a luxurious and grand birthday banquet in such a short time. If the Prince of the South were to return and find out, he would be overjoyed!" Although Beigong Minhao said this, he felt a pang of jealousy in his heart.
Ji Wushang smiled, "Thank you for your praise, Your Highness. However, the banquet was organized in a bit of a rush. Please forgive any shortcomings!"
"Princess Consort Nan is too modest!" Bei Gongminhao lowered his eyes. "But, will Xu Cong be able to arrive in time?"
"It's definitely possible!" Ji Wushang said seriously. Bei Gongminhao's eyes didn't show the disdain of Nan Jinxue, but rather a hint of worry. Therefore, Ji Wushang didn't say anything too serious.
"I hope so." Bei Gongminhao nodded. He did it to save Jue Shi and the princess. He originally wanted to go, but Bei Gongminhao stopped him. It was Bei Gongminhao who was being a bit irresponsible as the older brother!
Ji Wushang nodded slightly. "Please, Your Highness, move to the front courtyard." He then gestured for him to proceed.
Beigong Minhao went in.
We can ask him about the heart-protecting pills later; it won't make a difference if we wait a little longer.
Gradually, more and more people arrived.
When Ji Wushang returned to the backyard, many noble ladies and young women were already sitting there. When they saw Ji Wushang arrive, they started talking even more.
"I heard that the Prince of Nan was away and had no idea about this birthday banquet! Isn't the Princess Consort of Nan being too clever for her own good! To hold such a banquet! And she invited so many people!"
"I don't know, but I'm afraid Prince Nan won't be able to return in time!"
"What's wrong?"
"I don't know, but the Prince of Nan is always away for more than ten days at a time!"
"Wouldn't that mean the Princess Consort of Nan is the only one putting on a one-woman show?"
"That must be it!"
"This, sigh..."
...
Ji Wushang smiled. He could sense his presence nearby... His intuition was right; he would definitely rush back!
In the front yard, several young noblemen were also pondering all of this. Nan Jinxue was surrounded by them, chatting away.
"Why haven't we held a birthday banquet for the young master for so many years? Why are we suddenly doing it now?" a young master asked in a low voice.
Nan Jinxue poured himself a glass of wine and drank it. "Who knew! My sister-in-law made this decision suddenly, we were all caught off guard!" He was depressed, so he naturally drank another glass.
"I think that's how it will be! Has your older brother come back?"
“No,” Nan Jinxue replied coldly.
"Tsk tsk, what a pity that Princess Consort Nan invited so many people!"
"Hehe..." Nan Jinxue sneered.
Huangfu Ting and Huangfu Yu stepped into the Marquis's residence, both with smiles on their lips. Huangfu Yu's smile was playful, while Huangfu Ting's was that of a spoiled brat.
Ji Wushang stepped forward and said with a smile, "Thank you for your presence, Second Prince and Sixth Prince! Please come in and have a seat."
Huangfu Ting glanced at Ji Wushang, noticing that she was wearing a pink silk robe, her hair styled in a drooping bun, adorned with a phoenix hairpin, her bright, clear eyes full of life, and her fair skin making her even more beautiful.
"I have prepared a small gift; please have it accepted by the Princess Consort of Nan!" Huangfu Ting's thin lips moved slightly.
Ji Wushang smiled brightly, "Thank you for your kindness, Second Prince. Someone, please invite the Second Prince and the Sixth Prince to take their seats!"
"Princess Consort of the Southern Prince, you are becoming more and more beautiful!" Huangfu Yu never held back his words, so he praised Ji Wushang in front of everyone.