Chapter 20 - Sixth Prince and Qin Sang

The three brothers of the Ji Family galloped furiously back to the Residence.  Ji Bei who was still feeling very angry cursed and swore all along the way home and upon reaching home, he burst into the Residence and caused a ruckus.

Unexpectedly, Zhennan w.a.n.g, Ji Ting was in Princess Yanyang"s courtyard and when Ji Bei angrily barged through the door, he came face to face with his Father.  The three brothers were shocked and everyone held their breaths.

Ji Ting frowned at his three sons and asked in an unpleasant voice.  "Where did you all go?  Why are you all pus.h.i.+ng and pulling?"

Ji Ting had always put importance on discipline and this time, his three sons had crashed directly into the spearhead.

When Princess Yanyang saw that they were about to be disciplined, she quickly rushed forward, and without giving Ji Bei the opportunity to speak she slapped him.  "It's seldom you can get a day of rest, why don't you stay home obediently and keep me company!  Knowing you are approaching the marriageable age…..one, two, three of you…….you are all so unsteady.  One day without a beating, the roof tiles will be ripped off*!"

(The actual idiom is 'Three days without a beating, the roof tiles will be ripped off' and it means sparing the rod will spoil the child.)

The Princess beat and scolded Ji Bei while he cried out in pain.  Ji Xi and Ji Nan were also not let off and the scene turned chaotic.

Ji Ting did not intend to add frost to snow and maintained a serious expression in silence.

Ji Bei jumped when his Mother pinched him and he screamed at the top of his voice to explain.

"We went to the Guos.h.i.+ Residence to visit Xiaoli!  Father!  Hurry and bring Xiaoli home!  That Lord Guos.h.i.+'s ghostly face really makes one feel angry!   Throughout the day he only shows a cold face.  Our Xiaoli has a lively temperament and if she continues to stay there, she will certainly fall ill!"

It had not been easy for Princess Yanyang to send the girl away and when she heard him, she became furious.  She sternly pulled his big ear and roared at him.  "It was an imperial edict from the Emperor that Lord Guos.h.i.+ takes her as a disciple.  It is not for you, this little rabbit, to pa.s.s any comments!  Do you have thoughts of rebelling?!"

Ji Ting's face sank and Ji Bei was given a lecture.  "Is Lord Guos.h.i.+ someone you can criticize?  This is outrageous!"

Ji Bei shrank his neck and shut his mouth reluctantly.

Although Ji Bei is hot-headed, he would not say anything without facts.  Ji Ting felt worried about his adopted daughter and turned around to question a more reliable person.

"Ji Xi……I want to hear it from you."

Without haste, Ji Xi stepped forward and said in a low voice.  "In reply to Father……although Lord Guos.h.i.+ is…….."  He paused deliberately and gave Ji Bei a helpless look.  "However, Ji Xiaoli is naturally pure and kind.  When we went to see her just now, her restraint had improved a lot as compared to the time when she was at home."

Since a child, Ji Xiaoli had always been a troublemaker, so how much severe suppression had she endured that could result in 'her restraint had improved a lot'?

Ji Ting knotted his eyebrows.

Ji Xi sighed lightly and continued to say.  "Lord Guos.h.i.+ has good teaching skills.  Today, the three of us had witnessed it and our admiration for him is great.  It is just that as Ji Bei had said….. Ji Xiaoli has a lively personality and she had caused a lot of trouble for Lord Guos.h.i.+.  It is heard that a while ago, she randomly moved around and destroyed an ancient green radish vine tree…… a specie that is priceless and rare from the Western Region."

Ji Bei, who did not understand the purpose and meaning of Ji Xi's words, only wanted to protect Xiaoli thus he spoke up for her.  "What is the big deal?  Later, I will compensate him with a basketful!"

Princess Yanyang sneered and said.  "Our Third Young Master can really speak such great words!  The Holy Snow Green Radish Vine from the Western Region which can grow and stay alive for 200 years is a tree that can only be found in the Guos.h.i.+ Residence.  How much ability does our Third Young Master have to find another tree as compensation?"

Ji Bei was shocked.

Ji Xi bowed his head without speaking and Ji Nan had a helpless expression.  Ji Ting thought for a moment then sighed and said.  "If this is the case, it is not appropriate for Xiaoli to remain there.  It's better to bring her home as soon as possible.  It is not right for her to cause so much trouble to Lord Guos.h.i.+."

As soon as his Father said those words, Ji Bei understood and instantly bounced up.  "When can we bring her home?!  I can go now!"

When Princess Yanyang heard, she understood clearly that Ji Xi was retreating in order to advance.  This is the instruction he was waiting for from Ji Ting!  In her heart, she hated her son for being infatuated with that little uncivilized girl.  Her angry eyes were burning furiously but Ji Xi lowered his eyes and refused to look at her.  She was unable to speak openly and neither could she vent her anger.

At this time, Ji Bei continued with the conversation again!

Princess Yanyang immediately flew into a rage.  She rushed over to pull her youngest son's ear and dragged him inside while screaming angrily at him.

Ji Nan could no longer control his smile and threw out a sentence 'I am going back to my Mother's place' before he turned and ran off.

Only Ji Xi and his Father, Ji Ting were left in the courtyard.  From the room behind them, Ji Bei's miserable screams and the mother's angry scolding could be heard.

Ji Xi raised his head and said to his Father with a smile.  "Oh yes, today this Son had requested Lord Guos.h.i.+ to do a prediction for Eldest Brother.  He said that Eldest Brother's trip is a 'Glory to the Gate and Blessings to the Brothers'.  Father can rest a.s.sured that Eldest Brother will soon be making a triumphant return!"

The Ji Family's Eldest Son had gone to war in the Western Region and had still yet to return home.  Both Ji Ting and Princess Yanyang were very worried but as soon as Ji Ting heard Lord Guos.h.i.+ made such a good prediction, a smile appeared on his majestic face.

"I hope so!"  While smiling, Ji Ting teased his son.  "I noticed you are looking forward to your Eldest Brother's return with more urgency than I and your Mother."

Ji Xi knew he could not keep his feelings from his Father and smiled to show agreement to his Father's words.

"A few days ago, Mother paid a visit to the Zhang Family and I heard that the Eldest Young Miss of the Zhang Family is a virtuous and gentle lady.  Mother had shown a fondness for her.  When Eldest Brother returns, are we going to get a Sister-in-law?"

"Nothing about this matter is confirmed yet, so don't talk indiscriminately."  Ji Ting had always been stern towards his sons.  After he had spoken, he noticed that Ji Xi had an expression that showed he had been disciplined and felt it was very funny but could not bear to tease him anymore.

When one is young, feelings are so transparent and genuine…….he had also experienced this before.

"Sometimes, your Mother's temper is not good but the few of you are pieces of flesh that dropped from her body.  She won't let you regret for a lifetime."  He comforted his son in a low voice.  "Don't worry."

When his Father had said those words, Ji Xi felt ecstatic.  The corners of his mouth curved into a smile and cupping his hands into a fist, he bowed to his Father. "Thanks to Father!"

When Ji Ting saw his son's display of great calm and the unconcealed happiness on his face, Ji Ting smiled and patted him on the shoulders.  Then he turned around and went in to rescue Ji Bei.

At this time, Ji Xi was unable to show any concern for Ji Bei.  The normally calm and steady man was so happy that he was jumping with joy in the courtyard.

A light breeze blew in the green wooded courtyard and silently caressed the happy face of the young man……..

Many years later, Ji Xi became successful and famous, blessed with a wife and filial children.  He supported a big family, guarded the Great Ye Kingdom and his family, and became a deeply reserved man who did not like to smile……..similar to the likes of his Father.

By that time, he would no longer always think of this moment often.  The memories of his youth together with the memories of the little girl he once cherished was tenderly hidden and buried deep in his heart.  Although the courtyard of Zhennan w.a.n.g Residence remained the same for a hundred years, that time no matter how much he missed it, even though he remained in the courtyard for the entire moonlit night…….he never felt the light breeze that blew on that day again.

That particular day was the happiest in his life.

**8**8**8**8**

While the Ji Family's father and son were chatting in the courtyard, Qin Sang had also returned to the palace.

The path leading to the Qian Mi Hall was long and winding.  Qin Sang walked slowly down the path that was densely populated by light purple Qian Mi holy flowering plants on both sides.  As she pa.s.sed the intersection of the verandah, rustling sounds rose from the flowers and plants at the side.  The corners of Qin Sang's mouth hooked up and she smoothly plucked a leaf in her hand.

Using her internal energy like a knife to cut flowers, there was a sound 'Shua' and the person hiding in the bushes let out a cry 'Aiyo' before he crawled out with the piece of leaf stuck to his forehead.

Qin Sang turned towards the person and bowed slightly while smiling like a blooming flower.  "Wis.h.i.+ng the Sixth Prince well……."

However, Murong Song was obviously not feeling 'well'.  He fiercely peeled off the leaf and rubbed his forehead.  With narrowed eyes, he looked arrogantly and disdainfully at her and asked.  "Qin Sang!  What are you planning to do this time?  What bad things do you want to do?"

Qin Sang's gaze faltered but her voice was soft and charming.  "I wonder what the Sixth Prince is talking about.  When did I ever……do bad things?"

The tone of her voice could make a person explode!

His Highness, the Sixth Prince's face became red and rus.h.i.+ng up to her, he gnashed his teeth and roared with exasperation.  "You ! ! !"

"Sixth Prince, don't be angry……."  Qin Sang interrupted him.  "Anger will hurt your kidneys."

Murong Song stared blankly.

Doesn't anger hurt the liver?  What has it to do with the kidneys?

So what is it that actually hurts the kidneys?

Suddenly he understood!  Immediately, he flew into a rage and fiercely pointed his finger at her.

"That day I was drugged that's why…….normally I…….it did not hurt my kidneys!  I……you ! !  !"

The Emissary Qian Mi blinked her pair of beautiful eyes and looked innocently at him.  At the same time, she asked.  "Which day is the Sixth Prince referring to?  What drug were you given?  What happened between you and me?"

No matter how naughty and mischievous Murong Song is, he is still an inexperienced young boy.  Facing the beautiful and experienced Emissary Qian Mi, how is he able to voice out?

He was so angry that he pulled out a small axe directly from his waist and made a move to slash her!

Although Qin Sang could not beat Chen Yubai, her skills were more than enough to handle the Sixth Prince.  Lightly with two simple moves, she forced him to retreat to a corner with his axe held against his neck.

Murong Song was not afraid of her and shouted…….   "Slash me!  Slash me!  You can try to slash me ! ! !"

"Sixth Prince must be joking.  Sixth Prince has an honorable status, so how will Qin Sang dare?"

The beautiful Emissary Qian Mi laughed gently as she moved the beautiful sharp little axe upwards and drew on his pretty white face.

"But since you actively plot to scheme against me, I must teach you a lesson so that whenever you see me you will remember and you won't dare to provoke me anymore……..  Should a few characters be engraved on your face?  How about these eight characters ~~ Can't escape the repercussion of your evil deed?"

Murong Song guessed that she would not hack him to death inside the palace but the Qian Mi people are madmen!  So what if it is just engraving a few characters…….she might actually do it!

"……That……that character 'Evil' consists of so many brushstrokes……..in case there is a mistake in the engraving, it will not be easy to correct it!   Let's forget it!"

"Do you think everyone is like you?  You don't take your studies seriously and within half a month, you made five teachers resigned due to anger."  Qin Sang burst into laughter, patted the cold blade of the axe on his face, and said scornfully.  "His Highness, the Sixth Prince is still most adorable when he pretends to be stupid."

As she spoke, she withdrew the axe and Murong Song let out a sigh of relief.

Feeling an extreme loss of face, he still put up a pretense and threatened her.  "You are not allowed to tell anyone about what happened that day!  Otherwise……my Second Brother will stand up for me!"

Qin Sang smiled while she played with the little axe that was luxuriously studded with diamonds.  "I wonder what good methods the Second Prince will use to deal with me?  Is it worth my fear?"

When this is mentioned, Murong Song actually has a trump card.

He smiled triumphantly.  "My Second Brother and Li Weiran are good friends……Qin Sang, you pursued a man so eagerly that the whole martial world knows about this……don't you feel ashamed?"

He displayed a proud smile on his face.

Then suddenly, he heard a sound 'Duo' beside his ear and s.h.i.+fting his eyes sideways, he found the axe was lodged in the wooden pillar less than the size of a fist away from his face.  The residual energy made the handle of the axe tremble continuously by itself.

Murong Song's beautiful face paled with fright and widened his eyes as he looked fearfully at the frosty expression on the face of Emissary Qian Mi.

"Murong Song, it's alright for you to mess with me and I can play along with you.  If you dare to touch the people around me……the things that the Eldest Prince does, I am also able to do.  If you make me agitated, the things I do will be more terrible than his."  Qin Sang smiled faintly and her tone was icy cold.

The Eldest Prince is the Emperor's eldest son, Murong Lei.  His mother is from the Qian Mi Tribe and Murong Song calls him 'The Great Madman' in private.

The entire palace and even the whole world……and even people like Lord Guos.h.i.+ will only dare to frame him, the Sixth Prince.  However, Murong Lei had once really laid hands on him and nearly strangled him to death.

"……"  The Sixth Prince cried in his heart.

He just wanted to threaten this woman so that she will not spread the story about what happened in Zhaoyang Palace that day.  But why is she threatening him instead?

And also he is being threatened until he feels terrified!

He regretted he came alone to look for her today!

Although he lost face, he did not intend to lose his status.  Even though he was being threatened, His Highness, the Sixth Prince did not forget the reason he came to look for her.

"Then…… then you have to promise!  You will not say anything to anyone about that day!  Then I will not give Li Weiran any trouble!"

Qin Sang did not have any more patience to play along with him and her gaze deliberately swept down to his lower body.  The sound of her laughter was particularly disdainful.

"Sixth Highness…….what is there to say?"

She turned around and left with a sneer.

Murong Song froze on the spot as if he was struck by lightning.

It was after a long time before the Sixth Prince reacted and he angrily shouted behind her.

"What do you mean I don't have?!   I have!……..  I obviously have! !