Chapter 95 Is the Emperor really that distrustful of her?
Ji Qingyuan stared at her fiercely and said, "You have the nerve to come to Third Brother's mourning hall to offer incense?! He was killed because of you."
These days, Ji Changyan has gotten into trouble, and his mother, Wu, seems to have gone mad. Even the old lady who loves her the most has fallen ill.
Within a month, the second wife's family had fallen into such a state of decline.
However, the mother and daughter of the eldest son's family continued as before, living a comfortable life. Even at Ji Changyan's funeral, they showed no signs of grief.
Ji Qingyuan said hatefully, "How could the Ji family have such a cold-blooded person as you!"
Ji Qingwu saw the deep resentment in her eyes, frowned, and thought that the dead should be respected, so he did not want to argue with her here.
She slumped her shoulders, intending to let the matter drop.
But Ji Qingyuan suddenly rushed in front of her and grabbed her arm.
He persisted, saying, "You're not answering because you're guilty, are you? What exactly happened that night? Why was Third Brother taken away? You're not leaving until you explain yourself clearly."
She took a knife from somewhere and showed it to Ji Qingwu.
But before Ji Qingyuan could utter any threats, she felt a sharp pain in her wrist as someone slapped her arm, knocking the dagger to the ground.
Ji Qingwu didn't even have time to experience what it felt like to have a knife to his throat.
The scene before him startled Ji Qingwu once again.
The person appeared in an instant and disappeared just as quickly as a black lightning bolt.
She looked at Ji Qingyuan, whose face was contorted in pain, and said, "No matter what happened that night, it is a fact that Ji Changyan murdered the censor. The Emperor did not blame the Ji family for it, and you were not exiled to the north. You can still enjoy a life of luxury. You should be grateful."
Ji Qingwu, who was detached from the whole affair, understood why Emperor Wusu did this. He confined her to her quarters, which seemed like a punishment, but in reality, it was a form of protection for her.
Although she was a victim, being sent to Prince Yong's bed by her elder brother was a victim of public opinion. Even if nothing had happened, her reputation would have been ruined.
After returning home from the palace, Madam Ji did not inquire about what had happened that night, because she understood that the emperor's actions were swift and ruthless, and there might be other reasons behind it.
Now that things have come to this, the more you know, the more trouble you'll get into.
However, the second wife still had Ji Qingyuan, who was simple-minded but bold. She rushed up to Ji Qingwu and interrogated him.
Ji Qingyuan was in so much pain that her face was covered in sweat, and she asked in a hoarse voice, "Who was that person who just came out?"
Ji Qingwu picked up the dagger from the ground and approached the other woman amidst her panicked expression.
She patted Ji Qingyuan's face with the back of the knife.
Her voice was soft and gentle as she asked, "Fourth Sister, do you really want to know what happened that night? And who was that person who appeared just now?"
The blade pressed against her face, bringing a bone-chilling cold. Ji Qingyuan shivered, barely managing to stay upright, her lips trembling.
Ji Qingwu continued, "But if you find out, you won't be able to live. Since you're so eager to know and want to stand up for your third brother, go down and join him."
I'll tell you now.
He spoke, leaning close to her ear.
Ji Qingyuan was a paper tiger, already too scared to speak. She endured the pain in her wrists, covered her ears with both hands, and shook her head violently.
"I...no, I don't want to hear it anymore..."
Ji Qingwu stared at the gleaming knife in his hand.
A helpless smile appeared on her lips. In fact, the dagger was not sharpened at all; it was just a small ornamental knife inlaid with gemstones, which could not even peel an apple.
My fourth older sister always causes trouble in front of her.
It's so bad that it makes you worry-free.
But what about that dark figure that appeared just now? Was it Sanchuan or Sihai? Have they stayed by her side ever since her confinement was lifted? Is Emperor Wusu really that worried about her?
Ji Qingyuan saw Ji Qingwu lower his head and smile, then put the knife back into his hand in a good mood.
Then, he left her a message and departed.
Ji Qingyuan stood there, pondering her fifth sister's words.
"You don't even know if the knife has been sharpened, so how can you see through the good and bad in people's hearts? Forget it, I won't argue with you."
Now, Ji Qingyuan's wrist was in excruciating pain, her face turned a deep purplish-red, and her chest felt like it was about to explode with anger.
But she dared not stop them again.
After the funeral, the Ji family remained quiet for a few days. However, due to the early death of a younger member of the family and the serious crimes committed by the family, the mourning hall was dismantled after a few days of remembrance.
The Ji residence quickly returned to its former state.
*
The Northern Li people value martial prowess.
The equestrian archery ceremony is held once or twice a year, and this year it will be held at the Royal Magnolia Hunting Grounds.
However, the date was set much earlier than in previous years, reportedly because the emperor himself mentioned and finalized it.
The noble ladies from various families, skilled in riding and archery, were eager to show off their skills at the riding and archery ceremony.
When Ji Qingwu went to Anjuyuan in the morning, Qiao Shi specifically mentioned this matter to her. Ji Qingwu was also itching to participate, but she felt that she should keep a low profile and had not yet decided whether to sign up.
When they returned to Wutong Garden, they found an extra set of things on the table.
It is a complete riding outfit with dark red embroidered gold lotus patterns.
The outfit included a top, riding breeches, an outer skirt, a veil, and horse tack—all very elaborate and elegant, unlike anything she had worn before.
Who gave it to him so quietly? Ji Qingwu's eyes flickered, and he already knew the answer in his heart.
Several days passed in the blink of an eye.
At the start of the archery ceremony, Emperor Wusu would usually personally step down and shoot the first arrow with great skill.
Emperor Wusu stood on a high platform directly in front of the target, his silver armor gleaming in the light, making him appear even more dashing and extraordinary.
Ji Qingwu's palms were sweating profusely on the side of the stands. The high platform was dozens of meters away from the target, and from her position, she couldn't even see the bullseye clearly.
To shoot an arrow in front of a huge crowd, and to hit the target without any deviation.
Emperor Wusu bent down and drew his bow, his right arm effortlessly pulling the bowstring taut. With a combined effort of both hands, the arrow shot through the air like a falcon.
Ji Qingwu gripped his sleeve tightly, his eyes following the direction the arrow had been shot.
A magnificent bow and arrow, a flash of white blade, and a clang!
The arrow struck the bullseye with a resounding thud, its white fletching gleaming brightly against the red target circle.
At this moment, not only was the target trembling, but Ji Qingwu also felt as if his heart was trembling along with it.
A deafening roar of cheers erupted, banners fluttered so loudly they blotted out the sun, warhorses neighed, and thousands of men unleashed a hail of arrows.
Ji Qingwu gazed at the tall, imposing figure of the man on the high platform, her eyes rippled with emotion.
The moment that arrow was released, it carried the force of turning the tide.
Judging from the strength and accuracy of that arrow alone, Ji Qingwu thought that among the Northern Army, apart from Wei Ting, no one else could match him.
The scene of Emperor Wusu holding her arm and shooting an arrow in the Jiying Hall is still vivid in her mind.
Thinking back on the force of that arrow, His Majesty the Emperor must have been just teasing her.
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