After Ji Wushang finished praying, he stood next to Nan Xuzong and said, "Guess what I wished for."
"May we all live long and prosper," he said softly.
Her heart skipped a beat, and she turned around abruptly, exclaiming in surprise, "How did you know?"
"A meeting of minds," Nan Xuzong smiled. "That's probably it!"
"Good!" Ji Wushang felt sweeter than if she had eaten honey upon hearing this. The two stood side by side, watching the lotus lantern drift westward. Nan Xuzong's smile slowly froze; sure enough, the lotus lantern had indeed gone upstream again. He looked at Ji Wushang, who was unaware of this and was therefore overjoyed as she gazed at the lotus lantern. Nan Xuzong suddenly smiled inwardly; nothing else mattered, as long as she was happy.
Nan Xuzong stepped forward and embraced her from behind. "Wu Shang..." This sound was like a thousand-year-old brew of nectar, rich, beautiful, and sweet to the heart.
Ji Wushang turned around, her eyes meeting his. Their gazes met, and he held her close, looking at her. Ji Wushang smiled, tiptoed, and kissed his thin lips.
A hint of desire flickered in his eyes. He gripped her waist tightly with his large hand, lowered his head, and kissed her cherry lips. He was gentle, like water, playing with her.
Ji Wushang slowly reciprocated his advances; she too longed for him, for he was the one she loved, the one she would cherish for life.
Nan Xuzong opened his obsidian-like eyes, which curved slightly. As the wind blew up her clothes from below, Ji Wushang felt a chill and immediately became more alert. She opened her eyes and exclaimed, "Wait... there are so many people!"
Nan Xuzong stopped and held her in his arms, without making any further moves.
Just then, a loud bang was heard in the sky, and the burning fireworks burst in the night sky, suddenly illuminating the entire night sky with their magnificent light.
"How beautiful!" Ji Wushang immediately turned to look at the sky. Nan Xuzong smiled and hugged her. "I guess it's because both princes are getting married today, and it's also the War God Festival, so they set off fireworks!"
"Mmm, so beautiful!" Ji Wushang smiled. He pulled her into his arms from behind, and she nestled into his embrace. The two of them watched the fireworks blooming in the night sky. The fireworks were so dazzling, but they only lasted for a fleeting moment.
Is the happiness and sweetness between him and her just like these fireworks, which, after a moment of brilliance, turn into dust in the air?
Nan Xuzong dared not think further. But he embraced her, his large hands encircling her waist and placing them on her lower abdomen. Ji Wushang felt him and placed her hand in his large hand. He then placed his hand in hers, resting his head on her shoulder, without saying a word.
Ji Wushang looked up as the fireworks slowly burned out, and as the last firework disappeared, a sense of loss crept into his heart. "Cong," he said, "why do fireworks disappear so easily? They are so beautiful and dazzling, yet their life is so short. If only they could last longer."
But there was no answer from Nan Xuzong as expected. Ji Wushang frowned and immediately turned around. What he saw was Nan Xuzong's lips were black, and his face was contorted with pain! Ji Wushang was shocked. "Cong!"
"I'm fine!" Nan Xuzong forced a smile. Damn it, he still fell for his trick! The wine in Yiyun City was fine, but when he used his internal energy to expel the wine, some residual molecules remained in his body, thus forming a Gu poison! Damn it!
Ji Wushang immediately looked around and saw a stone bench. She quickly helped him sit down. "Cong, have you been poisoned? But didn't you say before that you were immune to all poisons?"
"Silly girl, I was just kidding, otherwise how could you feel at ease!" Nan Xuzong tried to smile. "But I just need to take care of myself now, it's nothing serious!" As he spoke, he immediately sat down on the stone bench to meditate and practice his internal energy, and then pressed his acupoints a few times.
Ji Wushang was extremely worried when he saw his face turn dark and gloomy.
"It must be him! You drank his wine! Why did you drink it for me!" Ji Wushang looked at him, then at the surroundings. He needed to hurry and get Gong Shu back to the palace so they could find a decent doctor to examine him!
"I won't let him get away with this!" Ji Wushang gritted his teeth in hatred. He always hurt the people he loved most, always tried to destroy the things he cherished most! He had been so blind to have let him go when he was only six years old! That's why things have turned out like this!
Nan Xuzong frowned slightly and used his internal energy to suppress the evil energy within his body.
"Wu Shang, take out your silver needles and do as I say." Nan Xuzong looked at Ji Wu Shang with half-closed eyes. Ji Wu Shang immediately stepped forward and said, "Yes!" He immediately took out the silver needles from his pocket.
At Nan Xuzong's command, Ji Wushang, her small hands trembling, inserted silver needles one by one into his various acupoints. Ji Wushang watched with a mixture of heartache and daring not to disobey him. At this moment, his brows were tightly furrowed, and the instant Ji Wushang's silver needles touched his chest, Nan Xuzong suddenly coughed up a mouthful of black blood!
"Cong!" Ji Wushang stepped forward, took out a silk handkerchief, and immediately wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and the cold sweat from his forehead.
Nan Xuzong's complexion gradually returned to normal, but he knew in his heart that he had only managed to suppress the poison in his body with Ji Wushang's help. If he wanted to live, he would still need the antidote from Yiyun City!
Ji Wushang looked at him, tears welling up in her eyes, but he smiled and said, "I told you I'm fine, don't worry so much!"
Ji Wushang stepped forward and said, "Let me remove the silver needles for you. Let's find a place to rest immediately."
"Mmm." Nan Xuzong felt tired too, nodded and closed his eyes.
After treating him, Ji Wushang helped him slowly walk back to where he had been.
The night is so cold that it can chill one's heart to the extreme.
Once inside the room, Ji Wushang helped Nan Xuzong lie down on the bed and checked his pulse. He discovered that he was completely unable to treat him, as his pulse was extremely erratic!
Just as Ji Wushang was anxiously thinking about what to do, Nan Xuzong opened his eyes and looked at the young woman in front of him. "Don't worry, tomorrow will be fine. You should rest too. Come here!" he said, pointing to the seat next to him.
Ji Wushang hesitated, but still said, "Cong, your pulse is very erratic... I'm worried, I'm worried about you..." As he spoke, tears suddenly fell.
Nan Xuzong felt sorry for him. "Don't cry. You won't look good if you cry. I like you when you smile!" He struggled to get up, but Ji Wushang quickly stepped forward to help him up. "I'm not crying, I'm not."
"That's good." He sighed softly. "Listen to me, be good."
"Okay." Ji Wushang helped him lie down again, then covered him with the blanket before crawling in herself to lie beside him. She reached for his large hand and intertwined her fingers with his. She was also terrified of losing him.
Nan Xuzong drifted off to sleep. Ji Wushang checked on him and, seeing that his breathing seemed even, closed his eyes.
As the morning breeze blew in, stirring the gauze curtains, Ji Wushang immediately woke up. "Cong!" she called out her lover's name, but her hand grasped at empty air! In an instant, Ji Wushang panicked!
"Cong!" she called out, immediately getting out of bed and quickly putting on her silk skirt. Just then, she heard soft footsteps outside and a warm voice called out, "Wu Shang, it's good that you're awake. Come and have breakfast."
Ji Wushang looked at the man who brought out a bowl of millet and meat porridge in surprise. At this moment, he was walking briskly and looking refreshed. Where was the scary black-faced look from yesterday?
Nan Xuzong smiled. "What? Are you surprised to see your husband bring you porridge?" He placed the porridge on the table. "I was planning to wake you up after I finished making it. Why didn't you sleep a little longer?"
"You, your body... yesterday?" Ji Wushang pointed at him in surprise, his hands stopping in their tracks.
Nan Xuzong looked at her and smiled. "I said I was fine, and I'm fine. When have I ever lied to you?" He then stepped forward and helped her put on the clothes she hadn't finished wearing.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Ji Wushang threw herself into his arms, "I'm so happy, Cong, I'm so happy! I was so worried about you!"
"Don't worry, I told you so." Nan Xuzong smiled and led her to the table. "Come, let's eat. We'll be heading back to the palace soon."
"Hmm." Ji Wushang recovered his composure, and Nan Xuzong pushed the bowl of porridge in front of him. "Eat!"
"Have you used it?" Ji Wushang picked up the spoon, stirred the porridge, blew on it gently to cool it down, and then put it in his mouth.
"I've used it." Nan Xuzong smiled as he watched her every move, memorizing it bit by bit. He wanted to remember everything about her so that in the next life, he could find her again and be with her!
Ji Wushang ate slowly, but when she looked down, she kept seeing Nan Xuzong's gaze. Her brows furrowed slightly. "You must not have used it before, otherwise, why are you always staring at me?"
"Because I love watching you." Nan Xuzong smiled. "You're beautiful. I want to watch you eat like this for the rest of my life, and the next, and the life after that. Everything you have is mine!"
"I thought you were hungry, watching to see if I'd finished eating, hehe!" Ji Wushang chuckled, scooped up a small spoonful and placed it on his lips, "Open your mouth, eat."
“I’ve already used it.” His thin lips moved slightly.
"Did I tell you to eat?" She'd become willful and somewhat unruly around him. But Nan Xuzong loved it that way; he loved spoiling her, spoiling her unruly behavior!
He smiled and obediently opened his mouth to eat the porridge. "Is this okay? Keep eating, or you'll be hungry when you get back." Nan Xuzong affectionately pulled her into his arms.
Ji Wushang nodded before continuing to eat.
When they returned to the palace, it was already about 10 noon.
The two alighted from the carriage and headed straight for the inner courtyard of the palace. Nan Xuzong instructed Ji Wushang to return to Rongguang Hall, while he himself went to the Imperial Study to meet with Emperor Zhou. He explained that upon his return, he must explain to Emperor Zhou the circumstances of his sudden mission to the Western Regions and make the matter seem perfect.
Ji Wushang returned to his Rongguang Palace, and before he could even rest, he heard Hongfei and Cuiwu report that Huangfu Xuan had arrived with Ma Ruyi.
He was immediately taken to the outer hall, where Ji Wushang changed his clothes, put on a phoenix hairpin, and went out.
Huangfu Xuan was already sitting with Ma Ruyi, waiting in the outer hall. Ji Wushang greeted them with a smile, "Third Imperial Brother, Third Imperial Consort! Wushang greets you." He immediately bowed.
Huangfu Xuan and Ma Ruyi immediately stood up. Huangfu Xuan said, "Fourth sister-in-law, there's no need for such formality. We heard that our fourth brother and sister-in-law have returned to the palace, so we came to visit!"
"Thank you for your concern, Third Brother. I am deeply grateful!" Ji Wushang spoke the truth. If it weren't for his help, he and Nan Xuzong would not have ended up like this. "Cong, he went to the Imperial Study to meet Father."
“Okay, sure.” Huangfu Xuan nodded. “Then we’ll talk business when he gets back.” Huangfu Xuan said, looking at Ji Wushang and then at Ma Ruyi beside him.
Ma Ruyi smiled and said, "Fourth sister-in-law is very beautiful. She and Fourth Prince are a perfect match, and deeply in love."
"Thank you for your praise, Third Princess. You and Third Prince are a match made in heaven, and we are truly envious." Ji Wushang smiled. "Yesterday was your wedding day. I am so sorry that Fourth Prince was unable to go with me to offer his blessings. I have prepared some gifts to congratulate you on your marriage."
As he spoke, Ji Wushang waved his hand, and Hongfei and Cuiwu immediately came out from inside, each carrying a brocade box.
"Please accept this." Ji Wushang said, looking at the two of them with a smile.
Huangfu Xuan glanced at Ma Ruyi and said, "Thank you, Fourth Sister-in-law."
Ma Ruyi smiled and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Fourth Prince and Fourth Princess."
The three exchanged a few polite words, which were mostly irrelevant. Ji Wushang then instructed someone to bring out some pastries.
After about three cups of tea's time, Ji Wushang heard familiar footsteps outside and immediately stood up. Nan Xuzong walked in from outside, a bright smile on his face, "I heard that the Third Prince and the Third Princess have come to our Rongguang Palace!"
"Fourth Imperial Brother." Huangfu Xuan stood up and looked him up and down. "Alright, excellent!"
Nan Xuzong smiled and said, "Thank you for your care and help over the past few days, Third Brother!"
"It's my duty, no need for thanks!" Huangfu Xuan's eyes flickered, and he looked at Ma Ruyi. Ma Ruyi immediately smiled at Nan Xuzong, "Greetings, Fourth Prince!"
"The Third Princess Consort is so dignified and virtuous! Third Brother, you are blessed!" Nan Xuzong smiled, walked to Ji Wushang's side, and took her hand. "Since we are all family now, there is no need to be so polite!" As he spoke, he casually placed his large hand on Ji Wushang's waist and pulled her to sit down together. "Please sit down, Third Brother and Third Princess Consort."
Everything was done in one go. A chill ran through Huangfu Xuan's heart. Nan Xuzong was still so presumptuous. Shouldn't he tone down their affection for each other? But Huangfu Xuan's face was warm as he pulled Ma Ruyi to sit down with him.
"What did the Fourth Prince say to Father in the Imperial Study?" Huangfu Xuan asked.
"The King of the Western Regions has agreed to jointly develop the gold mines on the border," Nan Xuzong said. "My father's intention is to maintain good production and avoid war if possible."
"What do you think?" Huangfu Xuan thought for a moment, "With the border tense and war imminent, what's the point of talking about border production? It's a joke!"
Nan Xuzong narrowed his eyes. What he said was true, but there must be a reason behind it.
Ji Wushang and Ma Ruyi watched them talk, unable to join in, so they thought it best to go for a walk with her. Ji Wushang then turned to Nan Xuzong, who, sensing her movement, immediately met her gaze. "By the way, I spoke with Father, and as you wish, we will return to the Jinan Prince's residence tomorrow for ten to fifteen days, as you please."
Huangfu Xuan was shocked. Didn't they want to stay in the palace? Moreover, Nan Xuzong actually asked, and the Emperor just agreed... How could he agree to such an unreasonable request as returning to the Jinan Prince's Mansion? Was this spoiling them, or making amends to Nan Xuzong?
Ji Wushang was taken aback for a moment, then immediately reacted, "Okay! Cong, thank you!" His eyes were full of love. "If the Third Princess Consort doesn't mind, I'd like to go for a walk with her while you and the Third Prince chat." Ji Wushang looked at Ma Ruyi, who smiled and nodded, her gaze falling into Huangfu Xuan's eyes.
"Okay." Nan Xuzong nodded, his eyes also turning to Huangfu Xuan, who said, "Be careful on your way."
After Ji Wushang curtsied, he walked out with Ma Ruyi.
As Huangfu Xuan watched them leave, he said, "Aren't you afraid that Empress Yao will turn her anger towards them?"
"They'll handle it. You're worried about the Third Princess Consort, aren't you?" Nan Xuzong's eyes turned slightly cold.
"Yes." Huangfu Xuan did not hide his truth. "But it would be good for Fourth Sister-in-law to take Ruyi to see the struggles in the harem, so that she won't be unable to handle things alone in the future!"
"Your Third Imperial Consort is probably even more formidable than Wu Shang!" Nan Xuzong sneered. "Let's get back to our business. I'm taking Wu Shang back to the Jin Nan Prince's Mansion later!"
"Alright." A hint of coldness flashed in Huangfu Xuan's eyes, but Nan Xuzong saw it without showing the slightest reaction.
Ji Wushang and Ma Ruyi came out together. Ji Wushang turned to look at Ma Ruyi and said, "Third Imperial Concubine, why don't we take a walk by the lotus pond? The lotus flowers are in full bloom in summer."
“As you said, let’s go take a look.” Ma Ruyi smiled and looked at her. “You and the Fourth Prince are a match made in heaven. He dotes on you so much.”
“My third brother also likes you very much, Third Princess Consort.” Ji Wushang walked alongside her. “My third brother is devoted to the world, and Third Princess Consort needs to be understanding.”
“The world? Yes, he loves his world to the extreme, so to me, I am nothing more than a tool.” Ma Ruyi said sadly, “Marrying me will only win over General Ma’s mansion and bring the power of the capital to his side.”
"Third Princess Consort, you flatter me. He still cares about you. Even if you weren't General Ma's daughter, he would still take General Ma's mansion into his possession." Ji Wushang said as he and she entered a viewing pavilion together. From this high vantage point, one could see in all directions, and unless one came close, they would never hear their conversation.
Ma Ruyi smiled and said, "You seem to know him quite well."