Chapter 115 [VIP]
Ji Nanke instructed Granny Wan to pack her things, and naturally shifted her gaze away.
Granny Wan couldn't understand why Madam Ji insisted on going her own way.
She, the dignified Lady of the Duke of Zhenguo, had an affair with the Emperor and even fathered an illegitimate child. How could this be something to be proud of? Once this affair is exposed, her life and fortune will be entirely in the Emperor's hands. Lady Ji is currently completely bewitched by Ji Nanke, as if she's lost her mind; nothing she says will make a difference.
With a heart full of despair, Granny Wan took out the package that had been prepared long ago. Ji Nanke said, "Aunt, the carriage is already waiting at the ceremonial gate. Let me help you out."
Ji Shi was wrapped in a cloak, which covered her face, which was covered with red rashes.
“Aunt, if you take this step, you will become the Emperor’s favorite concubine.”
She helped Ji Shi step out of the threshold.
Granny Wan followed behind them silently, carrying a bundle in her hand.
She glanced back at the inner room; these past few months living here might be the last peace she would ever experience in her life.
Ji Nanke helped Ji Shi walk from the small courtyard all the way to the ceremonial gate.
When getting into the carriage, she deliberately dropped the hood of her cloak, letting everyone around her see the red rash on Ji's face.
It's truly an epidemic. The servants turned pale and retreated hastily.
The carriage left the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion smoothly. Looking at the bustling street outside, Ji Shi felt as if she were in another world.
Ji Nanke gently patted the back of her hand reassuringly: "Let's go to the estate first, I'll take care of the rest."
Lady Ji touched her slightly flushed cheeks.
She gets rashes after eating peaches since she was a child, but it has never been as severe as this time.
Because Ji Nanke said that she had to look more like someone suffering from the plague in order to leave the mansion, she endured the pain of not applying any medicine. Later, the rash became more and more numerous, and applying medicine was no longer very effective.
"Ke'er, will my face never get better?"
Ji was somewhat frightened.
All she still has is Yan Ge'er and this face.
"Don't worry," Ji Nanke replied casually. "I got a recipe for a face mask, and I'll apply it for you when we get to the estate. You still have a slight fever, so take a nap first. It's still an hour or two away from the estate, and I'll wake you up when we get there."
Ji Shi was in poor spirits. She leaned on Granny Wan's shoulder and fell asleep soon after.
When I woke up, I was already in the village.
This is the most inconspicuous little estate under the Zhenguo Duke's mansion. In the past, when she was still the Zhenguo Duke's wife, she would never have given it a second glance. But now, after leaving that small courtyard that had confined her for several months, even this little estate makes her feel that the mountains and rivers are beautiful.
For ten consecutive days, I took medicinal baths, drank herbal decoctions, and applied face masks.
Doctor Fang, who came along, used all his medical skills, and Ji's low-grade fever finally subsided, and her skin stopped itching. However, the red rash all over her body did not disappear at all; instead, it became even redder.
Ji occasionally stroked her forehead with her hand, revealing a patch of pits and dents beneath her fingertips.
She stared at the bronze mirror day after day, and her anxiety grew heavier and heavier.
She could only reassure herself that Ke'er would definitely wait until his face was fully healed before bringing him to her.
"aunt."
Ji Nanke rushed in excitedly, "The Emperor is here!"
Lady Ji was so frightened that she almost dropped the bronze mirror in her hand.
"Ke'er, isn't this too fast? My face..."
She hadn't seen the emperor alone for a long time; the only time she could catch a glimpse of him was at palace banquets from afar.
Are we supposed to make her accompany the driver with that face?
"No, no, let's do it another day."
Ji Nanke grabbed her hand: "It's not easy for the Emperor to come out, and this is a rare opportunity. Aunt, you can't just give it up. You still have the marriage talisman."
Ji Nanke originally wanted to wait until she was fully recovered, but her face showed no signs of improvement whatsoever.
Moreover, Ji Nanke did not have the final say on when the emperor left the palace.
Xie Jing sent Xiao Yunzi to deliver a message, saying that the emperor suddenly had a whim this morning and went to Taiqing Temple incognito, which is why Xie Jing was able to find a way to coax him to come here and sit for a while.
She made a quick decision: "They'll be here in half an hour. Go and change your clothes."
"Granny Wan, go out and see if anyone comes. If so, come and tell us right away. I'll help my aunt with her makeup."
"Go quickly!"
There were very few villagers in this village, and the village head was an honest and simple man.
Zhuangzi was far from the official road, and few outsiders passed by on ordinary days. Therefore, when a luxurious carriage stopped nearby, it immediately attracted the attention of the villagers.
Xie Jing dismounted and helped the emperor down from the carriage.
The emperor, dressed in a royal blue casual robe and holding a folding fan, chuckled, "This estate has a lovely view and is quite peaceful. It's a wonder you found such a nice place to rest. Tell me, is there someone who wants to see me?"
Xie Jing revealed his embarrassment at being exposed: "It's Ke'er."
"I knew it, you," the emperor said with a helpless smile, pressing his folding fan against the emperor's forehead. "A ruler should avoid being too deeply in love."
"Father, Ke'er is different..."
Before the words were even finished, Ji Nanke came out from inside. Ji Nanke wasn't alone; a woman wearing a veiled hat came out with her.
"Huh?"
Xie Jing was slightly surprised.
Ji Nanke told him that she hoped to meet the emperor, who was traveling incognito, alone. He thought she was working hard for their future, so he agreed.
Who is this woman?
The emperor also saw Ji Nanke. He treated his son Xie Jing like an ordinary father and said gently, "Jing'er, I know you are fond of that girl. You are a prince. You cannot lose your senses or reason because of this little love. Do you understand?"
Xie Jing readily agreed.
After giving a few words of reprimand, the emperor changed the subject and said, "The blueprints that Ji girl gave me last time were quite good. I'll have the Ministry of War make them and see how they turn out. If they work well, you can go to the Five Arms Camp and personally form a Divine Arm Battalion. This will be your confidence in the future."
The emperor sighed, “When I first sat on this chair, it was truly difficult. Military power was controlled by the Duke of Zhenguo’s mansion, and civil officials obeyed only the orders of Chief Minister Song. It took me a great deal of effort to stabilize the court. I don’t want you to follow in my footsteps.”
Xie Jing understood that all of this heartfelt concern was for him.
"Father, your son will make you proud."
The Emperor smiled with satisfaction and said, "If Ji girl is truly the lucky star of Daqi, a woman of destiny, it's not too late for you to make her your empress later. Your mother was just a concubine in the Prince's mansion back then, but she is now the Empress of Daqi. There's no need for you to rush things."
As they were talking, Ji Nanke and her companion walked towards them.
Lady Ji wore a veiled hat, with layers of gauze curtains hanging down to conceal her face.
The two bowed to the emperor together. The emperor was in a good mood and did not recognize that the person with Ji Nanke was from the Ji family.
The emperor took the initiative and said, "Take me... take us inside to sit down."
"Please go ahead."
Ji Nanke led the way, with Ji Shi following beside her. She would glance at the emperor from time to time, both hoping that he would recognize her and fearing that he would recognize her, feeling somewhat anxious and uncertain.
Xie Jing wanted to ask Ji Nanke who this person was several times, but never had the chance.
The emperor entered the main house, looked around, and praised, "This estate is quite nice; it's quiet enough, and the lotus flowers are blooming beautifully."
"Please have a seat, Master Xie," Ji Nanke said with a smile. "Not only are the lotus flowers blooming beautifully, but this year's newly scented lotus tea also has a charmingly rustic flavor. Would you like to try some?"
"Alright."
The emperor agreed.
Ji Nanke then pulled Ji Shi downstairs to prepare tea. As soon as they entered the inner room, Ji Nanke reached out and took off Ji Shi's veil.
Lady Ji was startled and tried to snatch the veil.
“Aunt,” Ji Nanke said in a low voice, her tone cold, “I can still marry Xie Jing without you. But what about you? Will you die suddenly, or will you be imprisoned for life? This is your only chance. If you don’t seize it, do you expect him to suddenly decide to leave the palace and bump into you again?”
She handed the brewed tea directly to Ji Shi.
"go."
Ji took a deep breath, picked up the tea, and went out.
She bowed her head and offered the tea to the emperor.
The emperor treated him as an ordinary servant, picked up the teacup, and perhaps because of the hot weather, it was not hot tea, but ice cubes and some milk. The tea had a milky aroma, a taste he had never had before.
"good."
The emperor praised her and wanted to give her a reward, but when he looked up, he saw a face covered with red rashes. He was startled and quickly recognized Ji Shi.
"It's you?"
Lady Ji glanced at him cautiously, her eyes filled with tenderness and affection.
The emperor had seen many beauties, and was never short of beauties around him. In the past, Lady Ji had the gentle and affectionate charm of a Jiangnan beauty, which made him want to take a second look. But now, just her face made him feel nauseous.
He was the emperor, and he never needed to hide his likes and dislikes. Ji Shi was pierced by the undisguised disgust in his eyes.
"Jing'er, did you arrange this?" the emperor asked.
Xie Jing wanted to say no, but the emperor didn't want to hear it anymore. He didn't want to completely embarrass his son, so he finished his tea in one gulp and said coldly, "It's getting late, let's go."
Ji Nanke had never personally used the marriage talisman before. Seeing that he was about to leave, she pushed Ji Shi hard from behind in a moment of panic.
Ji stumbled and fell in front of the emperor. She raised her sleeve to cover her face, her lips moved, and she softly called out, "Your Highness."
The emperor stopped in his tracks at the sound of "Your Highness."
Back then, he was still Prince Rong, and she always addressed him as "Your Highness."
After all, she was a woman who was devoted to him. He looked down at Ji Shi, wanting to say a few words of comfort. However, the moment their eyes met, the emperor noticed that the red rash on her face was so bright and beautiful that it was impossible to look away.
"Ke'er," Xie Jing asked Ji Nanke quietly.
He had just recognized the woman covered in red rashes as Lady Ji, the former wife of the Duke of Zhenguo. Why was she here?!
Before he could even speak, something astonishing happened.
His father, surprisingly, said tenderly, "Put your hand down."
Ji Shi lowered the sleeve that was covering her face, revealing her face covered with red rashes.
The emperor's disdain was replaced by love. He sighed deeply, knelt down in front of her, and gently stroked her cheek: "You have suffered all these years."
All her pent-up grievances burst forth at this moment, and Ji threw herself into his arms: "Your Highness."
It's done.
Ji Nanke revealed a smug smile, which made Xie Jing, who was watching her, tremble with fear.
"Go out first."
Ji Nanke didn't care what he thought at the moment, pulled him out, and considerately closed the door.
"What exactly did you do?" Xie Jing could no longer control himself and pointed inside, demanding, "Why is the Ji family here?"
Ji Nanke pulled him a little further away: "Your Highness, my aunt and the Emperor have known each other for a long time. Gu Yan is the Emperor's biological son, and he is your younger brother."
She delivered several blows right from the start.
Xie Jing's head was buzzing, and a surge of anger rushed to his head: "...You tricked me into bringing Father Emperor here, just to help your aunt win favor?"
Her nonchalant attitude left Xie Jing speechless. At that moment, a sudden inspiration struck him, and he blurted out, "If you think I'm incompetent and useless, and can't make you the Empress, then offer up your own aunt to please Father."
You're using me!
Xie Jing screamed hysterically, swaying precariously.
He was devoted to her, but she took advantage of his feelings.
"Yes," Ji Nanke shouted, interrupting him. "You always told me to trust you, to trust you, but what happened in the end? I became a concubine. Was I wrong to seek a way out for myself?"
Ji Nanke's shoulders trembled slightly, her voice high-pitched and filled with endless grievance.
In the past, Xie Jing would have already felt pity and pulled her into his arms, but this time, Xie Jing did not move.
"Your aunt's face is all ruined, and Father Emperor doesn't even want her..."
Xie Jing's voice stopped abruptly. He saw Li Deshun come out with his eunuchs and guards and close the door behind them.
The meaning couldn't be clearer.
Is Father Emperor truly so devoted to Lady Ji that he could even bring himself to kiss her like that? That's impossible. If Father Emperor were truly so deeply in love with Lady Ji, he wouldn't have shown such disgust when he first saw her.
He asked in a trembling voice, "What did you do to my father?"
Ji Nanke felt relieved; the marriage charm had indeed worked.
She softened her voice and coaxed, "If my aunt can enter the palace, it will be a good thing for you. The Empress has angered the Emperor several times recently. If the Emperor no longer has feelings for the Empress, your greatest advantage will disappear. It would be a good thing for you if someone could speak well of you in front of the Emperor."
Xie Jing patted his forehead and said in a hoarse voice, "If anyone finds out about your aunt and father's affair, she will surely die."
He recalled Gu Zhizhuo's words and murmured to himself, "Is there really no one around you who will have a good ending?"
"Don't listen to her nonsense!" Ji Nanke gasped for breath, glaring angrily at Xie Jing.
Xie Jing smiled weakly: "Then let me see if she'll have a good ending."
Xie Jing left, and this time he didn't look back.
Ji Nanke: "..."
She bit her lower lip tightly and didn't chase after her.
Xie Jing is easy to coax; let him calm down first.
She's a woman blessed with good fortune! She's always been lucky, and this time will surely be no exception.
As the sun set, from dusk until nightfall, the emperor did not emerge from his chambers. A crescent moon rose on the horizon, and the starlight shone brightly in the cloudless night sky.
At the top of Taiqing Temple, Gu Zhizhuo sat on the ground, gazing up at the sky.
"Zhuo'er, can you see the Imperial Star now?"
"There."
Gu Zhizhuo raised his finger and pointed to the sky.
"Two imperial stars, one bright and one dim."
Master said that the dark one represents the young master.
These past few days, Wuweizi has been teaching her astrology and calendar, so she simply decided to stay at Taiqing Temple.
Wuweizi stroked his long beard, his face showing admiration. This little disciple was extremely quick to understand; he grasped things immediately and never needed to be told a second time. He was born to cultivate the Dao.
He pointed to one of the dimmer imperial stars and said, "When I first discovered it, its starlight was weaker than a firefly and would almost go out at any moment. But now, it is almost as bright as the other one."
"Master."
Qingping sat there dejectedly, and upon hearing this, said, "So, it turns out I made a mistake in choosing the right person?"
Soon after Qingping arrived in the capital, he noticed Xie Jing's strong auspicious dragon luck and immediately determined that this was his true destiny. But these past few days, following his master and junior sister to observe the celestial phenomena and listen to their conversations, the more he listened, the more he felt he might have made the wrong choice.
Sigh. Qingping entered the mortal world hoping to use his merit in supporting the emperor to one day become the imperial advisor. Now it seems all that was for naught.
Wuweizi said calmly, "The will of Heaven is not yet determined, it's hard to say."
Qingping leaned closer, staring intently at him, and said with a lewd grin, "So, who do you choose?"
"Give your disciple some pointers, please." He mimicked his junior sister, drawing out the last syllable in a coquettish tone, "Master~"
Gu Zhizhuo shuddered and moved to the side.
Wuweizi silently turned around and looked at his disciple.
With his sunken cheeks, narrow eyes, two long, upturned mustaches, messy clothes, and that deliberately high-pitched voice, Wuweizi swung his whisk and smacked him on the head.
"I told you not to speak properly!"
"Ouch, ouch!" Qingping clutched her head. "Stop hitting me! Stop hitting me!"
He crawled on his hands and feet behind Gu Zhizhuo, pleading, "Junior sister, junior sister, I'll give you all the new amulets I drew, please save me."
"Master, look!"
Gu Zhizhuo spoke up at the appropriate time, and Wuweizi, who was chasing Qingping, put down his whisk upon hearing this.
He looked up at the night sky, following Gu Zhizhuo's gaze.
The previously dim imperial star suddenly shone brightly, and at the same time, the surrounding "Three Enclosures" also underwent an extremely subtle change.
"The earth shook."
As soon as Wuweizi finished speaking, the ground suddenly shook, and the surrounding trees swayed and rustled.
"It's Qingzhou."
Gu Zhizhu clenched his fist, his fingertips pinching a fallen leaf: "Qingzhou has experienced an earthquake." It happened three days earlier than in his previous life.
The epicenter was far away in Qingzhou, and it only had a minor impact on the capital.
However, the entire Qingzhou was devastated by landslides and river collapses.
The court officials rushed to the palace in a panic to request an audience, but the emperor was not there.
Even in the days that followed, the emperor did not appear in public.
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