Chapter 131 [VIP]
Granny Wan's shrill cries and mournful sobs echoed across the Meridian Gate Square, moving all who heard them.
"Madam, Madam, she shouldn't have left like this."
She cried uncontrollably, collapsing weakly to the ground.
Oh my god.
Someone let out a low gasp.
In order to win favor, she forced her own aunt to eat peaches even though she knew that her aunt couldn't eat them and would die if she did.
Is this even human?! Even snakes and scorpions are no better.
"To help the Third Prince secure the throne?"
"Ji Nanke... that name sounds familiar. Oh right, I remember now, she's the Third Prince's sweetheart! There were rumors a while ago that she was a woman of destiny, blessed by heaven, and could bring good fortune to the Great Qi Dynasty."
This rumor is something that almost everyone who has come to the capital has heard.
"Is this what a blessed woman is like? Who exactly did she bless?"
"I heard she improved the sugar-making method."
"Sugar? What a joke! Ordinary people can't afford sugar. She's just trying to sweeten her own palate."
"The heir apparent should be chosen from among those who are virtuous, wise, and capable. Even in a merchant family, the choice of head of the household should not be determined by the whispers of a concubine!"
A debate began, with some questioning, some indignant, and some sneering. Wave after wave crashed against the Meridian Gate Square like giant waves.
“Young lady.” Granny Wan straightened up and kowtowed repeatedly, one after another, saying mournfully, “It is Madam who has wronged the Gu family.”
It's all the lady's fault; she was too greedy. If she had been more docile from the beginning, she would still be the highly respected Duchess, with sons and stepdaughters who are not difficult to get along with. She could have lived a very good life.
"If it weren't for Ji Nanke's constant encouragement, things wouldn't have come to this!"
The lady is wrong, very wrong.
However, after the eldest daughter took action to deal with the situation once, the lady was actually afraid and stayed in her small courtyard, never venturing out.
The young woman was never an enemy; she never used any despicable or dirty means.
He never mistreated his wife.
If it weren't for Ji Nanke, the lady would still be alive and well.
From the day Ji Nanke stepped into the small courtyard, the last peaceful days of the lady's life were completely gone.
"Ji Nanke, you're a jinx."
"You only remember grudges and not kindness."
"You're a menace!"
Granny Wan turned her head and hysterically shouted in Ji Nanke's direction, her voice almost tearing apart with hatred: "You've already killed Madam, and you still won't let her go? You're doing this for Madam's sake? Bullshit! You won't be satisfied until you've reduced Madam to ashes!"
"I wish I could strangle you."
More people gathered around, following her gaze to look at Ji Nanke. Their scrutinizing and disdainful looks made her extremely embarrassed. Before, wherever she was, she was the center of attention; everyone except Gu Zhizhuo treated her kindly.
Why did Granny Wan betray her? Why did she say those things to harm her?
Granny Wan breathed a sigh of relief.
She said everything she could say, everything she wanted to say, everything she had kept hidden in her heart for so long.
Ji Nanke wants to be the Third Prince's consort, the Crown Princess, and even the Empress? She shifts all the blame for the dirty deeds onto others, but what about herself? Pure and flawless, like a goddess, revered by all.
Granny Wan insisted on peeling off her skin.
hehe.
Granny Wan smiled sadly. Even if the lady's current situation was entirely her own fault, she was still someone she had raised herself. She had brought her into her arms when she was just a kitten and had been fed milk by her.
Now, she was watching her slowly die.
The lady hasn't looked in a mirror in a long time.
My wife has always loved beauty; how much pain she must be in with so many red rashes.
“Young lady,” Granny Wan said with tears in her eyes and a death wish, “Madam has failed the Duke of Zhenguo’s mansion. Madam has made a mistake. I am willing to be your slave in my next life to atone for your sins.”
After she finished speaking, she took the hairpin off her head and forcefully plunged it into her neck.
"ah!"
"Don't do anything reckless."
A gasp rippled through the crowd, and those who dared not bear the sight of blood immediately raised their sleeves to cover their faces.
Gu Zhizhuo raised his toes and kicked her arm with quick and precise movements. The hairpin flew out of her hand and fell to the ground.
No one can die at the Meridian Gate.
Whether they are scholars or anyone else, once people die and bleed, chaos will truly ensue in the midst of their impassioned outbursts.
Gu Zhizhu stepped on the hairpin, and the jade butterfly on the embroidered shoe seemed ready to take flight.
This is an ordinary plain gold hairpin. Most gold hairpins have rounded tips, especially those used in the palace. However, the tip of this hairpin is exceptionally sharp, which most likely means that she secretly sharpened it herself.
Perhaps Granny Wan had already resolved to die.
Gu Zhizhuo spoke up: "Headmaster Ji."
Chief Ji was somewhat afraid of her, and as soon as she spoke, he quickly replied, "Yes, yes, I'm here."
"She is the wet nurse of the Ji family. If the Ji family has a contract of indenture, they can take her back."
Granny Wan collapsed to the ground, her face ashen and devoid of color, seemingly lifeless, like a walking corpse, only able to gasp for breath. When Gu Zhizhu kicked the hairpin away, the sharp tip grazed her skin, leaving a shallow bloodstain that was seeping out.
She didn't even cover her wound; her eyes were glazed over, and she was determined to die.
Why are you trying to kill yourself?
Gu Zhizhuo looked down at her.
She had no liking for Granny Wan, but she couldn't say she hated her either. After all, how much of her master's control could a servant have?
“There are charitable institutions and girls’ schools in the capital, and Bixia Yuanjun Hall in the suburbs. If you want to atone for your sins, you don’t need to wait for the next life. There are plenty of places for you to atone in this life.”
Whether she listens or not, whether she lives or dies, is up to her.
As long as I don't die at the Meridian Gate, it's fine.
"Director Ji, move the person away, don't block the way here."
"Oh, oh, oh."
Clan Chief Ji readily agreed and told Fan Heng where his house was, offering to lead them there first.
Ji Shi was still wrapped in a thin blanket. As she passed by Ji Nanke, a young eunuch lost his grip, and Ji Shi's arm fell off the blanket, revealing her pale skin and the shocking red rashes on her stiff arm.
"ah!"
Ji Nanke let out a low cry, her face ashen.
She closed her eyes tightly, but the image of Ji's face covered in red rashes seemed etched into her mind, impossible to erase.
"Ke'er, I feel so itchy all over, can I stop eating?"
"After eating peaches yesterday, I developed a high fever again and had some difficulty breathing."
"Is it okay not to take medicine? What should I do if these rashes don't go away?"
Ji Nanke shivered; she could almost feel the cold fingertips brushing against her face.
"Okay, I'll listen to you... Auntie will listen to you."
She wanted to help the Ji family! The Ji family was indecisive and timid; without her help, they would never achieve anything significant.
She didn't want Ji Shi to die.
Ji Nanke looked around anxiously, as countless voices flooded her ears, saying she was ruthless, unscrupulous, and even used her own aunt, acting despicably.
Someone flicked their sleeve and scoffed, "What 'destined woman'? That's just common gossip."
"no……"
She is the chosen one. She is!
She did not lose.
She wouldn't lose. Ji Nanke felt a sharp pain in her chest. She clutched her chest, her beautiful face contorted by the tearing pain, her body arched in agony, and beads of sweat appeared on her forehead.
Gu Zhizhuo was about to leave, but stopped when he saw this and stroked his chin with interest.
Ji Nanke's chest ached more and more, as if something was constantly rising from her throat, causing it to irritate and itch. She couldn't help but cough violently, spitting out a mouthful of blood.
"pain."
Ji Nanke's pupils contracted sharply. She lowered her hands from her lips and stared intently at the crimson stain on her palms. Her bright eyes revealed obvious fear, as if a healthy person were suddenly facing the threat of death.
Why did he vomit blood?
Ji Nanke was so frightened that she trembled all over. In the summer heat, she felt as if she were in the coldest place.
Fear nearly overwhelmed her at that moment. She stumbled backward, then suddenly slipped and fell down the third step, landing hard on her backside right at the feet of a eunuch.
The eunuchs looked at each other, but no one went to help her up.
She is the niece of the Ji family.
Ji Shi almost caused them to be buried alive with her. If we help her and she gets into trouble, they might be buried alive with her too. We can't help her, we really can't help her.
The eunuchs, supporting Ji Shi, quickly followed the Ji clan leader and others, walking away together.
Clan Chief Ji also took Granny Wan away.
A faint taste of blood lingered in Ji Nanke's throat. She noticed Gu Zhizhuo looking at her and quickly hid her blood-stained hands in her sleeves. Her remaining rationality prevented her from showing weakness in front of Gu Zhizhuo.
"Girl, are you alright?"
Some students, unable to bear it, reached out their hands to her.
Ji Nanke ignored him.
"Why are you paying attention to her?" His classmate tugged at him. "Didn't you hear that old woman say she only holds grudges and forgets kindness? Don't blame it on you for pushing her later. Didn't you see even the old men next to her didn't move?"
"Ah. Brother Xue, I understand, I understand."
Gu Zhizhu smiled without saying a word, and gently stroked his sleeve.
Her dress was as bright as fire, and on one corner of the sleeve, there was a small bloodstain, like a red plum blossom, faintly visible.
interesting.
The emperor's imperial aura was at its peak.
Human kings are appointed by Heaven to rule the world.
In his previous life, the emperor was still sitting on the throne in the Golden Palace ten years later.
Her needle prick, though not fatal, caused him to "become seriously ill," effectively weakening his dragon energy and allowing the young master to take his place. After doing something like that, vomiting blood was perfectly normal for her; she'd gotten used to it long ago. In any case, Heaven had never favored her.
But what about Ji Nanke?
Undeniably, Gu Zhizhuo took advantage of Ji Nanke's great luck in this situation.
If Ji's use of "witchcraft" is discovered, Ji Nanke will also be unable to escape punishment. Of course, when Ji used the marriage talisman, she was still a concubine of the Gu family. If the emperor really investigates, it may implicate the Gu family as well.
Heaven would not allow Ji Nanke, this woman destined for greatness, to perish here, and so, Ji died.
After Lady Ji's death, her obsession remained on the marriage charm, refusing to dissipate, leading to the current situation—
The emperor's reign is coming to an end.
Normally, Heaven would not have been willing to punish her.
Perhaps because of these doubts, this time even Heaven did not favor Ji Nanke.
It was a pleasant surprise.
ha.
Now, wouldn't they be considered equally matched?
That's so interesting.
The jade lion snorted and nudged her with its head, urging her on.
The crowd made the pampered horse a little unhappy. It paced impatiently in place, its tail swishing back and forth.
"Okay, okay. Let's go, let's go."
Gu Zhizhuo casually stroked the horse's head.
The sun was almost completely setting, leaving only a faint orange-red halo on the horizon. A wisp of dark cloud drifted over, accompanied by muffled thunder.
Someone said, "Is it going to rain?"
"Quickly, put away the brush and ink."
Gu Zhizhuo also looked up at the sky, thinking: Who will be struck this time?
Rumble.
The rumbling thunder lasted for a while, but no lightning struck. Soon the dark clouds dispersed, and the booming sound was drowned out by the clatter of hooves and wheels. The crowd in the Meridian Gate Square instinctively looked in the direction of the sound and saw that the palace gates had been opened wide at some point, and a troop of guards had emerged in formation.
"They're not here to drive us away, are they?"
"Just kidding, we are upholding justice and fairness, and speaking out for the people."
The students stopped putting away their writing brushes and ink, and all sat upright, their backs ramrod straight. Studying is for "establishing a moral compass for the world and a purpose for the people"—how could they bow down to power?!
Justice will prevail, and they will never yield.
Huh?
The guards neither drew their swords nor drove them away.
Following the guards came a row of carts, and behind the carts were eunuchs carrying wooden buckets and food boxes.
An official from the Ministry of Rites stepped forward and said gently, "Prince Chen has decreed that the summer heat is unbearable, and that the craftsmen should build a canopy for everyone at the Meridian Gate."
"We have herbal tea and meals here."
What's the meaning?
The students looked at each other; many had already collapsed from heatstroke after sitting under the scorching sun for the past few days.
Fortunately, a royal physician was nearby, preventing any harm from happening. They heard that the physician had been specially dispatched by Prince Chen.
The Ministry of Rites official seemed oblivious to their confusion and continued, "The earthquake in Qingzhou has reportedly affected at least several hundred thousand people, impacting four provinces. How to provide disaster relief, rescue the people, and restore their livelihoods is the most urgent task for the court. You are all welcome to gather here and offer your suggestions to the court."
"King Chen said, 'A scholar should take the world as his responsibility.' His tone became more rousing, and every word resonated with people. 'You have all studied diligently for decades. Now, for the sake of the people of Qingzhou, it is time for you to display your talents.'"
"Are you all willing to dedicate yourselves wholeheartedly to the cause of establishing a great empire?"
"There is no need to wait until you ascend to the highest halls of power; now is your chance."
"..."
With just a few words, he stirred up everyone's emotions.
As the saying goes, "goods are sold to the emperor's family." Ultimately, studying is for the purpose of an official career. Now, there is such an opportunity to send their articles directly to Prince Chen and let him see them. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The familiar classmates looked at each other with firm eyes and burning hearts, eager to pick up their pens and write down their thoughts.
The craftsmen from the Ministry of Works unloaded the bamboo from the carts and began to build the canopy.
The students temporarily sought refuge in the shade, drinking herbal tea and discussing matters in Qingzhou. Xie Yingchen specially selected several memorials from Qingzhou for them to read, and the discussion was lively and intense.
As Gu Zhizhuo walked out of the Meridian Gate, he could still faintly hear them arguing behind him about the best way to distribute the grain.
Gu Zhizhu stroked the horse's back. She originally wanted to go back to the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, but then she thought that her cousin Danling should be at the Wang family's house, so she decided to go and pick her up first.
Lady Ji is dead, and the emperor is ill; there's probably no one who would let her go to pray for blessings.
But right now, no one has the time to bother with her. Otherwise, they could go to the hot spring resort together for a few days.
As he was pondering this, Gu Zhizhuo suddenly felt as if he had a thorn in his side.
Gu Zhizhuo turned his head to look and saw a middle-aged Taoist priest in a yellow robe standing on the city tower of the Meridian Gate.
The Taoist priest had been standing there for who knows how long, but even with Gu Zhizhuo's keen perception, he was completely unaware.
She didn't recognize the Taoist priest; she had never seen him in either her past or present life. But a voice inside her was screaming, and a name was about to slip out: "Changfeng!?"
Changfeng wasn't familiar with the capital, and when he heard her call out his name, his gaze paused.
"You recognize me?"
Changfeng stood on the wall, observing her with great interest.
If it is said that the person with great fortune is surrounded by white light.
So, this girl is crimson, a red deeper than blood, resembling a blood mist.
This is the deathly aura that comes from defying the will of Heaven and attempting to change one's fate with one's own flesh and blood.
Disliked and rejected by the Heavenly Way...
No! What has she done at such a young age?
Could it be that he even survived heavenly lightning?
A note from the author:
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