“I am not your Highness. I have no way of rescuing others from danger if something does happen.”
“Why would you say so?”
“Wei Yi shouldn’t be involved in these muddled matters.”
Her reply was very concise, so Jing Rong no longer had a reason to dig further.
Wei Yi watched the carriage gradually getting further away, disappearing into the distance. He was pouting whilst sitting on the stairs in front of the estate. His feet were continuously drawing circles on the ground.
Lang Po approached him and spoke to him in a soft and fawning tone, “Young Master Wei, how about going with me to eat tanghulu?”
Wei Yi shook his head. “I don’t want. I want to wait here until Shu’er comes back.”
“Isn’t better if we go in?”
“I said no! I’m waiting here.”
‘How headstrong!’
“Young Master Wei…”
Lang Po was interrupted by Wei Yi. He pouted his mouth, then teardrops fell down from his glistening eyes. He raised his head and looked straight at Lang Po as he asked, “Do you think that Shu’er hates me?”
His question came abruptly, catching Lang Po off guard. The corner of his mouth twitched. If someone asked him about anything related to the military, it would not be a problem for him to answer, but to ask him about matters of the heart, he was truly lost. He shrugged and felt helpless. “Young Master Wei, you are making thing difficult for me.”
Wei Yi lowered his head and watched his own cleaned shoes that continued circling the dirt on the ground.
…………….
After entering the Imperial Palace, Jing Rong hastily went to the hall where the negotiations would take place. Before he left, he nagged her over and over again to be careful. She repeatedly nodded at him. The same palace maid who welcomed her last time was there guide her to Zhangzhi hall once more. What caused Ji Yunshu to be surprised was the announcement of her arrival, even a seat was arranged for her in the main room. Some seats were occupied by gorgeously dressed young ladies, and each one of those ladies is considered to be a beauty with their own standard.
Ji Yunshu was puzzled. ‘What kind of drugs did Concubine Xiao take?’
Those women watched as she arrived, looking at the half-mask upon her face that gave her a touch of mystery. All of them showed curiosity towards her and sized her up.
They all wondered if she was beautiful or ugly underneath that mask. What’s more, some of them lowered their heads bashfully. Others would blush at the mere sight of her, while a few would smile at her coquettishly, and the rest were biting their lips, wishing they had the courage to throw themselves in her arms.
Was this the effect of solving the missing girls case? It unexpectedly gave her quite a bit of renown and attracted numerous butterflies. She quickly avoided looking straight at those flirty and charming gazes and walked to the middle of the room. She clasped her hand and courteously saluted. “Greetings Concubine Xiao!”
Concubine Xiao showed an amiable expression full of smiles. Her tone was gentle when she spoke. “Teacher Ji, you don’t need to be so polite. I have set up a small feast for Teacher. I hope you won’t blame me for taking the initiative.”
‘Ah? You’re setting a feast for me? What is this situation?’
“This humble one failed to understand your Ladyship’s meaning.”
“You have solved the missing girls case. The whole capital knows that you are a prodigy, and many of our young ladies admire you. This Palace was thinking that since you will need to marry sooner or later, why not gather the talented ladies from scholarly and reputable families today. I believe that their abilities could be a good match with yours.”
‘What?’ Concubine Xiao was acting as Ji Yunshu’s matchmaker. Ji Yunshu’s palms became laced with sweat. ‘What is that woman wanting to do?’
Ji Yunshu bowed. “Many thanks for her Ladyship’s kind intentions. This humble one is born in a humble home and does not dare to overstep one’s status.”
“Since ancient times, people haven’t feared the bitter cold, they instead only fear the Wisemans heartlessness. Teacher has my utmost admiration. Since you have solved the case, the emperor has highly praised you. In the future, your career will progress by leaps and bounds.”
“Your Ladyship overpraises me. This humble one appreciates your kindness. As for my career, it is too early to say.”
She declined Concubine Xiao’s invitation to her camp again.
The corner of Concubine Xiao dropped a little, yet she still patiently spoke. “Don’t be too anxious to decline this Palace. Take a seat and let’s chat.”
Ji Yunshu had no other alternative. She had entered too deeply into the tiger’s cave and couldn’t easily escape.
She sat down while feeling uncomfortable under the curious and longing gaze affixed to her body. Suddenly, she heard a voice. “Teacher Ji’s appearance is generous and you are also blessed with a clever mind. Your face must be magnificent. Why don’t you take off your mask?”
The women at the feast all nodded in agreement while imagining her looks.
Concubine Xiao inwardly laughed sinisterly. She immediately followed suit. “Since everyone agreed, why don’t you take off your mask?”
It actually turned out to be a banquet of schemes.