Nan Xuzong took it and looked at it, while Ji Wushang, seeing his expression, also stepped forward, "What happened?"
"It's a bit troublesome for the second son and wife of the Prince of Zhenbei to go to Wudang Mountain. I'll go out immediately to see what can be done." Nan Xuzong put the letter away. "You stay in the manor and don't go out. Remember what I said."
Ji Wushang's eyes turned slightly cold. "I'll go with you?"
"No, you stay here at the manor. Be good, wait for me to come back. It won't be too late, I'll definitely be back tonight." Nan Xuzong stood up, then hugged her and kissed her. "If you go, I'll have to consider many things. Because you are my only weakness... Wushang, remember that."
Ji Wushang nodded, "I understand." He decided to stay at the manor and not cause him any trouble.
Nan Xuzong released her and immediately left the mansion.
After watching him leave, Ji Wushang immediately took Hongfei and Cuiwu to stroll around some courtyards.
Ningfeng Palace.
Huangfu Ting stood before Empress Yao, who lay on the chaise longue, her eyes gleaming with a flirtatious light. "Not a single thing I've asked you to do has succeeded. Are you trying to drive me to my death?"
"Mother, it's not that I haven't tried hard enough, but Ji Wushang and Nan Xuzong are too cunning! They actually conspired to kill Nan Jinxue and Ji Yinxue, making it impossible for me to move an inch in the Marquis of Jinnan's residence!"
"Aren't there still many people? Even if Nan Jinxue dies, there are still many people in the manor. Can't we just destroy Ji Wushang? I entrusted everything to you, but you didn't do it well. How can I trust you? What will you have to rely on in the future when we fight for the throne?"
"Your Majesty is right!" Huangfu Ting lowered his head. "They'll be sealed off tomorrow, so why don't we go tonight..."
"You don't need to worry about this matter. I've already made up my mind!" Empress Yao said coldly, rising from the chaise longue. "You are my most valued son, so don't disappoint me again!"
"Your subject Ding Dang will do his utmost!"
"Alright, you may leave today. Prepare for the Hundred Flowers Banquet for the selection of concubines. You can choose a principal wife or a concubine. You can marry two concubines at the same time, but only one principal wife. Do you understand?"
"Yes. Your subject will go and see the painting that the painter sent immediately." Her intention was for Huangfu Ting to use this selection of concubines to win over powerful ministers in the court to his side.
Empress Yao nodded, "That's good, you may go now!"
"yes."
Huangfu Ting entered his palace and immediately ordered that portraits of all the women selected for the imperial concubine selection be sent to his study.
Meanwhile, the imperial edict for selecting imperial concubines had already been issued to the residences of every woman participating in the selection.
Huangfu Ting looked through all the portraits, which included Yuan Meian, daughter of a university student; Yao Jinhan, daughter of General Yao; Bai Ruolan, daughter of the Minister of Personnel; Princess Qinlian of the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion; Princess Qinxiang; Princess Qinqing; Bei Jing'er, daughter of the Right Chancellor of the North; Nan Xianxian and Nan Zhaoxue of the Jinnan Marquis's Mansion; and many other young women of marriageable age, mostly between thirteen and sixteen. These were selected by the Ministry of Revenue from among the daughters of officials of the third rank or above, or daughters of hereditary nobles, who were not yet engaged, according to their records.
Huangfu Ting's eyes darkened. It was a pity that woman was married! Otherwise, he could have chosen her! Now, would he have to choose between Yao Jinhan and Yuan Meian? Or perhaps one of the princesses from the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion? Among this group, these women had the most powerful backing, and Yao Jinhan's aunt was his mother. Marrying her as a concubine would be a double blessing. As for the three princesses from the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion, marrying them would likely win over the mansion. However, he had heard that the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion already favored the Third Prince, Huangfu Xuan, so Huangfu Xuan would definitely choose a princess from the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion as his concubine.
Huangfu Ting rolled up the scroll and set it aside. Just then, a eunuch strode in from outside and knelt outside the door. "Your Highness, there is another scroll here, which the painter just finished painting for the selection of concubines."
Huangfu Ting waved his hand, "Put it on the table."
"Yes." The little eunuch quickly stepped forward and placed the scroll on Huangfu Ting's desk. Huangfu Ting was standing by the window at the time, seemingly lost in thought. The little eunuch was unsure whether he should open the scroll to make it easier for Huangfu Ting to see, but in the end, he boldly opened the scroll and then withdrew.
Huangfu Ting paced back and forth, unsure which woman to choose. As he hesitated, his gaze inadvertently fell upon the portrait on the desk, and his eyes were immediately drawn to it. The woman in the painting was like a fairy descended from a celestial paradise, with flawless skin and a beautiful face. Huangfu Ting immediately picked up the painting and examined it closely. He had thought Ji Wushang was already the most beautiful woman in the Great Xia Zhou Dynasty, but this woman was even more beautiful! Huangfu Ting then looked down, where the lower right corner was labeled: Ma Ruyi, the third daughter of General Ma Rong.
“Ma Ruyi.” Huangfu Ting’s lips curled up slightly.
...
The Marquis of Jinnan's residence.
Ji Wushang recalled his affair with Nan Aoyu. It seemed he hadn't killed him yet, had he? Seeing that no one was around, he turned around and asked. Hongfei told Ji Wushang, "Princess Consort, the master has taken care of everything. The second master has already met with Madam Qi, and the 200,000 taels of gold have been recorded at the Jiuyue Tower."
Ji Wushang nodded. That would be fine; he wouldn't have to worry about it.
Looking back, Ji Wushang saw Zhao Yirou and Aunt Zhao sitting in the pavilion, seemingly discussing something. She pondered for a moment. After tomorrow, she would become the Fourth Imperial Consort, residing in the Fourth Prince's palace with Nan Xuzong. The affairs of the Marquis's residence would be handed over to someone from the household to manage, and currently, the most likely candidates were Aunt Jin or Aunt Leng. Aunt Zhao and Zhao Yirou would undoubtedly join forces to eliminate Aunt Leng and the others before engaging in internal strife.
If I let them have their way, wouldn't that be letting them off easy? And I absolutely cannot get rid of them in a short time... So, I must get Nan Xuzong's help! I really can't bear to let them live happily in this Marquis's mansion! Even if they fight to the death among themselves, I can't swallow my resentment from my past life until I kill them!
Ji Wushang looked at them, his eyes growing cold. He admitted to being belligerent! Before leaving the Marquis's mansion, he would definitely destroy everything here! Apart from Old Madam Yun, he hadn't found a single good person in this mansion! If there was anyone good, it would be Nan Zhaoxue! But even she might not be a second Ji Yinxue!
She married into this family not to protect the Marquis's mansion, but to destroy everything in it!
Zhao Yirou, with her sharp eyes, spotted Ji Wushang standing in the corridor deep in thought, and immediately nudged Aunt Zhao's arm, "Look, Ji Wushang!"
"It's her! What is she thinking?" Aunt Zhao's eyes were filled with hatred. "That damned bitch! Remember what I told you, hurry up! Otherwise, this little hussy will definitely fly to a higher branch! The servant just reported to me that the Prince of Nan is not in the manor. This is the best opportunity!"
“I understand!” Zhao Yirou said. “This time, we will definitely not fail!”
"I'll go and incite Aunt Jin! I don't believe that so many of us can't kill her!" Aunt Zhao looked at the sky, and at that moment, Ji Wushang was already walking towards them.
Ji Wushang smiled radiantly, "It's Aunt Zhao and Sister-in-law Yirou. They seem to be in a very good mood."
"It's alright," Aunt Zhao said. Zhao Yirou immediately bowed and said, "May you have a good day, sister-in-law."
"Sister-in-law Yirou, you're too kind." Ji Wushang smiled and then sat down in front of them. "I wonder what Aunt and Sister-in-law Yirou are talking about."
"It's just a family matter. Oh, where is the young master?" Aunt Zhao asked at this moment.
"The young master has gone out on business." Ji Wushang smiled, "He's definitely planning something, isn't he? No problem, I'll be waiting! This time, I'll send you all to hell!"
Ji Wushang smiled innocently, "Why don't you and your sister-in-law Yirou have some snacks served? Hongfei, go and have someone make some snacks so that you and your sister-in-law Yirou can have a taste."
"Yes." Hongfei immediately turned around and quickly instructed the maidservants to prepare some refreshments and bring them up. Hongfei and Cuiwu, the two maidservants, absolutely could not leave Ji Wushang's side. Otherwise, if Nan Xuzong found out, he'd probably twist their heads off!
Aunt Zhao smiled and said, "Yi Rou and I were just having a chat. We weren't thinking about finding something to eat. We're almost done. Yi Rou, don't you have something to do? Go ahead and do it!"
“Yes, look at my personality, I’m just forgetful.” Zhao Yirou said apologetically as she stood up, then smiled at Ji Wushang, “Sister-in-law, I’ll go down first, there are still some things to take care of in the yard.”
"Alright." Ji Wushang turned his head slightly to look outside, where his maid was bringing over some snacks. "Why don't you have some snacks before you go?" Ji Wushang invited.
Zhao Yirou, in her self-righteousness, took advantage of the moment to wink at Aunt Zhao, and the two exchanged knowing glances.
Ji Wushang turned to look at Zhao Yirou, who immediately said, "No need, please enjoy your meal." With that, she withdrew.
Aunt Zhao looked at Ji Wushang and smiled.
"Is your face much better now, Auntie?" Ji Wushang asked, picking up a pastry with his chopsticks. "Auntie, try these pastries."
"It's still the same face, nothing to worry about!" Aunt Zhao said coldly. "I'm not hungry, you eat by yourself!"
Ji Wushang smiled, said nothing, and took a bite of the pastry. "It's really good."
"The wind is getting stronger, and I'm tired. I'll go back first. The Princess Consort can take her time with her food!" said Aunt Zhao.
Ji Wushang nodded, "Then I'll leave without seeing you off." Ji Wushang then began to eat by himself.
Aunt Zhao stood up and walked out of the pavilion.
Ji Wushang sat on the stone bench with her back to Aunt Zhao, eating snacks, but in her heart she was counting, one, two, three... counting her steps... eight, nine, down.
"Ah!" Ji Wushang had barely finished uttering that word when he heard Aunt Zhao's pitiful scream, "Are you all blind? Hurry up and help me up!"
"Yes, yes!" Several maids around her immediately helped Aunt Zhao up.
Ji Wushang, however, had already left the pavilion and headed in another direction. "I told you to stay and have some snacks, but you wouldn't eat them! Fine! You'll have to eat dirt!"
When Aunt Zhao turned around, Ji Wushang was no longer visible in the pavilion.
Complaining, Aunt Zhao scrambled to her feet, and a maid immediately began gently brushing the dirt off her. Aunt Zhao spat out a mouthful of dirt and sand, "Ptooey, ptooey, ptooey!" Damn it, how could she have suddenly fallen! She had been so careful! Ji Wushang hadn't plotted against her! Damn it, what the hell!
"You all better watch yourselves! I'm so angry, how could this happen!" Aunt Zhao cursed as she vented her anger, then walked back to her Zhuangshu Garden, still grumbling.
Ji Wushang also felt tired, so he walked into the Moxuan Garden. At this moment, he saw some people hiding in the corridor as if they were plotting something. Ji Wushang immediately hid, and his two maids, Hongfei and Cuiwu, also hid and watched.
"Hongfei, go and see what's going on!" Ji Wushang whispered the order.
Hongfei immediately nodded and quickly stepped forward to investigate the situation, while Cuiwu stepped forward and stood behind Ji Wushang, looking around and protecting him.
Ji Wushang cautiously approached and saw two people. Judging from their attire, they were servants from the courtyard. Ji Wushang narrowed his eyes. It seemed he hadn't cleaned himself enough! Were these people still planning to do something outrageous to him?
Ji Wushang stepped back, concealing himself.
After a while, the two looked around and, seeing that no one was there, immediately slipped away.
Ji Wushang emerged from the darkness after a long while, and Hong Fei stepped forward at this time. Just as she was about to speak, Ji Wushang said, "Let's talk about it when we get back to Moxuan Garden."
"Yes." Hongfei nodded and stood behind Ji Wushang. But what Ji Wushang saw was someone not far away. Nan Xianxian was playing with Nan Zhaoxue and Nan Zaiqing in a pavilion in the distance, learning to recite poetry and paint. All three of them seemed to be having a good time, as if they were talking about something.
Just as Ji Wushang was about to go, the steward Cai Gui called out to her from a distance, "Princess Consort, I have something to tell you."
Ji Wushang thought for a moment, then waited for Cai Gui. Cai Gui came forward, catching his breath, and quickly bowed respectfully, saying, "Princess Consort, I don't know why, but the shops run by the Marquis's mansion have been losing money recently. I don't know what's going on."
"Which shops are they? How could they be losing money?" Ji Wushang glanced at the three young ladies in the distance and walked towards the accounting office. "Go to the accounting office, and then tell me in detail."
"Yes." Cai Gui immediately followed behind Ji Wushang.
Meanwhile, Nan Xianxian, watching the figure walk by in the distance, said to Nan Zhaoxue and Nan Zaiqing, "Look at her, she really thinks she's a phoenix! So arrogant!"
Nan Zhaoxue smiled but didn't speak. In these struggles, there are two ways to preserve one's life: one, fight, but you must win; two, hide yourself, become someone who poses no threat and can be ignored. Undoubtedly, Nan Zhaoxue did this very well.
Nan Zaiqing looked in the direction Ji Wushang had gone and said, "Alright, take a look, how's the scar on my face going?" As she spoke, she moved closer to let the two of them see her face.
Nan Xianxian stepped forward to look at it, a cold smile on her lips, but she said, "Good sister, it looks like you're almost healed. You can't tell unless you look closely. It will definitely disappear completely in the future. Then, when you come of age, I'll ask Father to find you a good family."
"Really?" Nan Zaiqing looked at her, then at Nan Zhaoxue, as if afraid that Nan Xianxian had just deceived her. "Fourth sister, please take a look for me."
"Third sister is right, you're almost fully recovered. Just be careful, don't worry, everything's fine." Nan Zhaoxue glanced at her and smiled.
Nan Zaiqing was overjoyed. Once her face recovered, she was sure she could find a good husband!
Nan Xianxian looked at the gleam in her eyes and sneered inwardly, "Want a nice face? I'll make sure you don't get your way!"
Ji Wushang entered the accounting office, and Cai Gui immediately brought out all the recently recorded account books and placed them in front of him. Ji Wushang sat down at the table and began to examine them carefully. Sure enough, the Marquis's residence had suffered significant losses in the past month or two. Many shops were operating at a loss. Some records even stated that the Marquis's shops were selling counterfeit or inferior goods, leading to numerous complaints from customers, and many long-time customers were demanding to terminate their contracts.
Ji Wushang frowned deeply. Was this all Nan Aoyu's doing? Now that he's dead, unable to suppress the matter, he's left this mess for her to clean up? Or was it someone's doing it on purpose? To embarrass her in front of the Marquis of Jinnan, and then to take away her position as the mistress of the house?
Ji Wushang flipped through a few pages; they were all records like this. Of the eighty-eight shops in the entire imperial city, fifty-six had problems, all with similar issues. Ji Wushang closed the ledger. "This matter must be dealt with quickly. Cai Gui, you immediately go and investigate how these shops are operating. Furthermore, this afternoon you must invite all the shopkeepers here; I want to question them one by one!"
"Yes." Cai Gui immediately went to do it. He knew that he had been recommended to Ji Wushang by Tie Feng, and that Ji Wushang had only gotten the position of steward through Tie Feng's recommendation. If he couldn't handle this matter well, the Marquis would probably fire him, and Ji Wushang would also be implicated. He was grateful and determined to make sure this matter was resolved cleanly!
Ji Wushang watched Cai Gui leave, walked to the side, thought for a moment, picked up a pen and wrote a letter, then handed it to Hongfei, "Hongfei, you must deliver this letter to my mother in the General's Mansion and ask her to do something."
"Yes." Hongfei gestured to Cuiwu, who nodded. "This servant will definitely protect the Crown Princess well!"
Ji Wushang nodded.
I wonder how the General's Mansion is doing now? Madam Qin must be in complete control of the entire General's Mansion by herself, as Ji Dingbei has already led his soldiers to the frontier.
Inside the general's mansion.
Looking at the woman on the verge of death before her, Madam Qin, whose body was covered in blisters and whose stench could be smelled from afar, said, "Bury her! The master is leading troops on the frontier and it is not appropriate to hold a funeral, so let the people of Nanyuan be buried with him."
"Yes." The maid and the nanny immediately went to do so.
Aunt Nangong felt someone carrying her and immediately struggled, trying to speak, but it felt as if something was blocking her throat, and she couldn't utter a word! She had finally woken up, but unexpectedly, she couldn't see Ji Yinxue! Then she heard the maid say that Ji Yinxue had married Nan Jinxue and was already dead!