Bei Gong Minhao took the mirror down and, sure enough, found a slip of paper tucked behind it. He opened it and saw several phrases: "North Sea Dragon Blood, Western Region Datura, Eastern Remnant Leaf Fruit." Bei Gong Minhao's eyes lit up. These were all medicinal herbs Ji Wushang needed. Could it be that Ji Wushang thought he couldn't find these things himself and had asked Bei Gong Jueshi to find them?
No. Beigong Minhao put the note into his pocket and then put the mirror back.
Ji Wushang and Beigong Jueshi weren't very close, so she wouldn't easily ask someone to do it. Moreover, knowing that Yiyun Muchen was seriously ill, she was even less likely to let Beigong Jueshi abandon Yiyun Muchen to find medicine for her.
There is only one guess: someone instructed Bei Gong Jue Shi to find medicinal herbs, and that person is none other than the Western Region King Yi Yun Shang Cheng!
Beigong Minhao immediately walked towards his study. As soon as he closed the door, he saw a pigeon on his desk, which looked like it had been waiting for him for a long time.
Beigong Minhao stepped forward and caught the pigeon, then pulled out the small note from its foot. A few neat characters came into view: "How is the matter progressing?" There was no signature.
Bei Gongminhao knew this must be a message sent to him by Ji Wushang via carrier pigeon. This further confirmed that the person who instructed Bei Gongjueshi to find the medicinal herbs must be Yiyun Shangcheng, and not someone else.
What does he want those medicinal herbs for? Bei Gongminhao sat at his desk.
"Prevent Nan Xuzong's legs from being healed." Bei Gongminhao understood, but if those medicinal herbs fell into the hands of Yiyun Shangcheng, Ji Wushang would definitely ask him for them, and who knows what kind of trouble Yiyun Shangcheng would cause to embarrass Ji Wushang... Bei Gongminhao took out a piece of paper, then wrote only a few words: "Everything as agreed." Then he tied it to the pigeon's leg and released the pigeon.
He immediately led out a lion-like horse from the stable, and Beigong Minhao leaped onto it and rode away.
I must find him before Beigong Jueshi delivers the medicinal herbs to Yiyun Shangcheng!
Ji Wushang threaded a needle and sewed a long robe. Nan Xuzong liked white, so he also chose white fabric this time. It was springtime, and he could wear it as soon as it was finished.
A moment later, Ji Wushang heard a fluttering sound. He turned his head and saw the pigeon landing steadily in front of his desk. Looking around and seeing that no one was paying attention, Ji Wushang put down his needlework, grabbed the pigeon, and pulled out a note that read: Everything is as agreed.
Ji Wushang felt relieved. He knew he could never repay the debt of gratitude he owed him in this lifetime. If he ever needed anything in the future, he would do everything in his power to help!
After releasing the pigeons, Ji Wushang returned to his seat to sew clothes. It was rare to have some free time today, so he could think about how to deal some blows to the people in the manor while sewing Nan Xuzong's robe. This was quite nice.
After a while, Ji Wushang's hands started to ache. She put down her needlework, tidied herself up, and then took Zhu'er outside for a stroll. As the mistress of the household, she needed to attend to the affairs of the manor; she should go and see how Ji Yinxue was doing!
Upon entering Yu Xue Garden, Ji Wushang heard some scolding voices. He frowned slightly. It was the Marquis reprimanding a maid. Ha! This Marquis really takes good care of Ji Yinxue! If he knew that Ji Yinxue had deceived the Marquis's family, he wondered what the Marquis's reaction would be!
Ji Wushang turned his head and said, "Zhu'er, you can just wait outside."
"yes."
Ji Wushang nodded and went inside.
"You servants, why didn't you report such a serious matter sooner! The physician prescribed perfectly good medicine, how could the Second Young Mistress have become like this after taking it! Don't you all want to work for the Marquis's mansion anymore?"
The maids and nannies who were being scolded by the Marquis dared not say anything and just listened to him speak.
Ji Wushang went in. "Father, what happened?"
"Why are you only arriving now?" The Marquis looked at Ji Wushang with considerable dissatisfaction, implying that Ji Wushang did not care about the affairs of the manor.
"Father, I just went to the courtyard to take care of some things and had the accountants tidy up the ledgers. Now all the shops run by our Marquis's mansion are making a lot of money, even more prosperous than before. After finishing up, Wushang went to Aunt Zhao's place. Aunt Zhao is awake now. Father, if you have time, please go and see Aunt Zhao!"
Ji Wushang calmly finished recounting the events, and the Marquis's anger gradually subsided. Especially upon hearing that the shop was even more prosperous than before—that meant a considerable sum of money!
"Yes, I'll go see it when I have time!" said the Marquis.
"What's wrong with your wife? Should we call the family physician to take a look?" Ji Wushang asked with concern as he looked at Ji Yinxue in the inner room.
"The problem lies with the prescription given by the royal physician. I've already dismissed him!" the Marquis said coldly, then narrowed his eyes. "How about it, Wu Shang, didn't you invite that Doctor Cui before? Why don't you have him come to the manor again and take a look at Yin Xue? After all, she's our Marquis's first child, and we can't afford any mistakes!" the Marquis said, frowning as he looked at Ji Wu Shang, with a hint of pleading in his eyes.
However, Ji Wushang knew that he wouldn't actually ask him for a favor; he was just giving him face.
"No problem, I'll send someone to invite him right away. Before I married into the Marquis's family, Doctor Cui often came to the General's Mansion to treat patients. I'm quite friendly with Doctor Cui, and I believe he will definitely cure my sister-in-law's illness and ensure that she gives birth to a healthy, chubby baby."
"Very good!" The Marquis nodded in satisfaction. "You and Xu Cong should work hard! If you have any health problems, tell us early so we can be prepared! You know that the Marquis's mansion has relatively few people, and I'm counting on you two!"
“Yes, Father!” Ji Wushang nodded.
Ji Wushang immediately went out and asked Zhu'er to send someone to invite Doctor Cui to the Marquis's residence.
The Marquis glanced at Ji Yinxue a few times and then walked out. At the door, he saw Ji Wushang instructing the servants to do this and that, and also instructing Zhu'er to invite Doctor Cui. Only then did the Marquis leave satisfied.
Ji Wushang noticed out of the corner of his eye that the Marquis was nowhere to be seen, and waved for Zhu'er to leave.
Upon entering, they saw Youlan and Shuipei serving them. Ji Wushang whispered, "Come out here for a moment."
"Yes." The two maids immediately put down everything they were doing and followed Ji Wushang out.
"I wanted to ask you what exactly happened last night," Ji Wushang asked immediately after entering the main hall.
Youlan and Shuipei exchanged a glance. Thinking that this was the mistress of the Marquis's mansion, they had no reason not to speak. So Youlan told them everything that had happened last night.
Ji Wushang nodded. So that's how it is. Nan Jinxue really is ruthless. This is his true nature! Wasn't this how he treated him in his past life? Gentle and refined in public, but a beast and despised by gods and ghosts in private!
However, they are now a perfect match, more than Ji Yinxue can handle! But he will also give her many, many wonderful things!
Ji Wushang said, "Just do your jobs well in front of your sister-in-law. Try to be patient with everything else. Pregnant women are more sensitive, and their temper needs to be accommodated. Please be more understanding!"
"Yes," Youlan and Shuipei immediately replied. Look how gentle the Crown Princess is! She's nothing like that Ji Yinxue! Alas, they've truly followed the wrong master. In Yuxue Garden, they probably have no chance of advancement!
Ji Wushang noticed the worry in their eyes, and a glint of light flashed in his eyes.
Just then, a maid's voice came from outside, "Second Young Master, you're back."
"Hmm." Nan Jinxue hummed softly. If it weren't for the Marquis insisting that she come to see Ji Yinxue, she would never have thought of coming in again!
Ji Wushang stepped back slightly. Nan Jinxue entered and saw Ji Wushang, and was slightly moved; this woman was getting more and more beautiful every day!
"Sister-in-law," Nan Jinxue said with a smile, her brows relaxing.
"Second brother, then you go and see how your wife is doing. I have some things to do, so I'll head back first!" As the eldest sister-in-law, it's not appropriate for me to stay here.
"Alright." Nan Jinxue didn't try to stop Ji Wushang. This fish needs to be caught slowly, with a long line cast. No rush!
Ji Wushang walked out with light, graceful steps.
Led by Youlan and Shuipei, Nan Jinxue then went inside.
What a coincidence! Ji Yinxue hadn't woken up before, but Nan Jinxue came over and she woke up!
"What are you doing here?" Ji Yinxue looked displeased when she saw Youlan and Shui Pei coming in with Nan Jinxue.
"If Father hadn't told me to come, I wouldn't have bothered!" Nan Jinxue sneered. This woman was just unlikable!
"Second Young Master, please have some tea." Shui Pei stepped forward, brought a cup of tea, and placed it in front of him.
"Who told you to serve him tea!" Ji Yinxue shouted angrily.
Shui Pei was timid to begin with, and upon hearing Ji Yinxue's angry roar, she lost her grip on the teacup and almost fell onto Nan Jinxue. Nan Jinxue reacted quickly and grabbed Shui Pei's small hands.
Immediately, Shui Pei blushed as red as an apple, hurriedly pulled the teacup from Nan Jinxue's hand, put it back on the table, and then quickly stood aside with her head down.
Ji Yinxue witnessed all of this, and her eyes reddened with anger. How could they do such a despicable thing right in front of her! They talked about making her a concubine, but now they were clearly making these two maids of her own side serve as concubines for Nan Jinxue?
What bastards! Those two maids are both despicable! Why did I have to pretend to be pregnant and still not kill Ji Wushang and the others? Now they've given others an opportunity to take advantage of me!
"You shameless woman! How dare you seduce the second young master! Get out, all of you get out of here!" Ji Yinxue roared and flung her sleeves out.
Nan Jinxue's eyes flickered. "You are truly unreasonable!" It was just a teacup, and it happened by accident. Since ancient times, it has been normal for men to have multiple wives and concubines. This woman is simply not worthy of being his wife!
Just as Ji Wushang was about to leave, he heard Ji Yinxue's angry roar, and a smile immediately appeared on his lips.
Ji Yinxue was glaring angrily at Nan Jinxue, who turned and left, saying, "Take good care of yourself! Don't bother me if you're not dead!" Nan Jinxue then walked out immediately.
Ji Yinxue was furious, but she could only watch helplessly as he left.
What should I do? If Nan Jinxue really doesn't love me and marries another woman, he has already married Zhao Yirou as his secondary wife. If he takes more concubines or maids, my status will continue to decline, and many women will compete with me for my position!
No way! If he marries someone, I'll kill them all! Everyone's my enemy now, and I'll never let anyone get away with this!
I need to think of a way! Ji Wushang was able to scheme against me at my wedding with Nan Jinxue, making me kill Ji Meiyuan and Aunt Bai. I can use his own methods against him!
Ji Wushang, you are destined to carry this burden for me!
Ji Yinxue slowly made up her mind!
Ji Wushang went straight back to Moxuan Garden, took out a small box from the wardrobe, and then found several medicine bottles, carefully preparing the medicine. Now it was time to launch an attack and force Ji Yinxue into a corner!
As for that concubine, let's put her aside for now!
Ji Wushang ordered his guards to do this and that...
It was rather muggy in the afternoon; it's a bit hot this spring. After midday, many people in the courtyard prepared for a short rest.
The two head maids, Youlan and Shuipei, remained kneeling in the courtyard of Yuxue Garden amidst Ji Yinxue's incessant nagging and cursing. The sun was making them both feel dizzy. Although the spring sun wasn't very strong, it was still unbearable after a while.
The two women never imagined that they would end up as Ji Yinxue's two head maids, after simply helping with cooking or cleaning in the general's mansion's kitchen. They never expected that they would become her dowry maids, and now they would be kneeling here because of Ji Yinxue.
Youlan glanced at Shuipei, "Shuipei, are you alright?"
"I'm fine." Shui Pei turned to look at You Lan. "It's all my fault. I've dragged you into this."
"It's alright, we're sisters after all," Youlan said. "There's still a little time before we don't have to kneel anymore. Miss is just angry, there's no need to take it to heart."
"Mmm." Shui Pei nodded, but her legs were already aching terribly from kneeling!
Ji Yinxue was sitting inside, slowly drinking her soup. She had been starving all day and had diarrhea all night! The doctor actually said that she would be fine after a few days of rest!
Ji Yinxue ate her soup and snacks with resentment.
Nan Jinxue was handling matters in his study when, after some time, a maid brought in tea from outside, placed the teacup on his desk, and poured him a cup of tea.
Looking at the tea in front of him, Nan Jinxue raised his head and saw a little maid who looked about twelve years old. His mind was reminded of the little hands he had touched in Ji Yinxue's room.
Surprisingly, the two maids who came as part of the dowry were actually quite nice; they had all the right features, and they felt good to the touch! After all, the women who came as part of the dowry were his own women…
Nan Jinxue hadn't been with a woman for several days, and his heart was itching. He looked up and said, "Go, call Youlan and Shuipei, those two maids, and see what they're up to."
"Yes." The maid nodded softly, then quickly left.
"Stop! When you see them, have the two of them serve me. You go and serve that woman, Ji Yinxue! Let Granny Sun in the courtyard serve Ji Yinxue!" Nan Jinxue added.
The young maid nodded timidly, "Yes." She had no choice but to obey Nan Jinxue's words.
Who is that Granny Sun? Ha! One of the most arrogant nannies in the entire mansion. She should know what to do without Nan Jinxue even having to tell her!
Nan Jinxue's desire for the two maids, Youlan and Shuipei, was merely a ploy to clip Ji Yinxue's wings and see how she would dare to yell at him! This woman just needs to be disciplined!
After the maidservant left, she immediately walked in another direction in the courtyard.
The Crown Princess was absolutely right! She didn't even miss a single expression!
Go and get this done quickly, then report back to the Crown Princess!
When the young maid saw Youlan and Shuipei kneeling there, she quickly went forward and asked, "Are you Sister Youlan and Sister Shuipei?"
"Yes." Youlan looked up at the little maid. She hadn't seen this maid before; she must be new! Or maybe she came from another courtyard and was transferred here.
"The second young master said that you should go and serve him. This servant and Granny Sun will serve the second young mistress together," the maid said with a mournful face.
Youlan and Shuipei were surprised, never expecting that Nan Jinxue would ask them to serve him! How would they explain this to Ji Yinxue?