“The eastern household has ghosts, entering at the hour of zi, the western household has ghosts, departing at the hour of mao. At the first watch the candlelight falls, at the second watch buried in earth, at the third watch still wandering in water…”
“The eastern household has ghosts, entering at the hour of zi, the western household has ghosts, departing at the hour of mao. At the first watch the candlelight falls, at the second watch buried in earth, at the third watch still wandering in water…”
That voice sounded as if it came from an abyss deep underground. Despite it being broad daylight, it still made people’s hair stand on end.
Their entire bodies turned cold!
It rang out over and over on the street.
Looking toward the sound, one could see several men wearing demon and monster masks walking while chanting.
Finally they collided with a horse-drawn carriage.
The coachman quickly pulled on the reins.
“Whoa!”
Three masked men stood in front of and behind the carriage, motionless.
Those demon and monster masks were lifelike, painted with red, black, yellow and other pigments, featuring sharp teeth and eyes like bronze gongs, appearing extremely terrifying.
“Move aside,” the coachman said.
The three people still didn’t move.
They stared straight at that carriage.
Shiniang inside the carriage called out, “What’s wrong?”
“Shiniang, three people wearing masks are blocking the front and won’t move aside.”
Just as these words were spoken, the masked men suddenly moved aside and began hopping and chanting again: “The eastern household has ghosts, entering at the hour of zi, the western household has ghosts, departing at the hour of mao. At the first watch the candlelight falls, at the second watch buried in earth, at the third watch still wandering in water…”
As they passed by the carriage, Shiniang happened to lift the curtain to look outside and made eye contact with one of the men wearing a bull-head mask.
This glance truly sent a chill down one’s spine.
Those eyes hidden behind the mask were jet black without a trace of luster.
And the area around the eyes was circled in red, as if undried bloodstains hung there!
Shiniang’s brow furrowed slightly.
Puzzled in her heart!
And this scene happened to be seen by Ji Yunshu sitting in the teahouse nearby.
She wore elegant men’s clothing, her hair bound high with two gray-white ribbons tied, holding a fan in her hand, displaying both leisure and an air of distinction.
“Recently many strange people have appeared in the capital. Those mask-wearers look like they’re from the northern pastoral tribes. They’re naturally skilled at painting masks, especially sinister ghost masks like those demons and monsters—they paint them particularly realistically.”
Shi Ziran sitting across from her nodded, stroking his chin and squinting his eyes, saying, “Indeed, Master Ji’s appreciation differs from ordinary people!”
She smiled!
After the three masked men left, Shiniang in the carriage looked puzzled.
Ji Yunshu watched her, thinking that woman was truly beautiful. Not only beautiful, but beneath that lovely exterior was even a shrewd and capable air. Just looking at all that cargo being pulled behind the carriage, one could tell this person was a strong woman, absolutely not a mere vase.
“Truly beautiful!”
Shi Ziran’s lips curved in a smile as he said, “But in His Highness’s eyes, you are the celestial beauty.”
“You’re just talking nonsense.”
“Speaking the truth! Besides, His Highness thinks so in his heart too!”
Indeed!
She didn’t respond, drank a sip of tea, and suddenly asked, “By the way, where is His Highness?”
“His Highness entered the palace again. The Capital Commerce Guild is such an important matter—His Majesty probably can’t handle it alone.”
She hummed in acknowledgment. “Miss Ji, don’t blame me for being talkative, but originally you and His Highness could have left the capital long ago to roam freely in the world. Yet His Highness just can’t let go. He says he wants to help His Majesty stabilize the foundation before leaving. As a result, helping has turned into half a year. I see His Majesty is doing quite well now. His Highness should let go—if we wait any longer, who knows how much longer it will be.” Ji Yunshu’s expression was calm as she said: “Jingrong isn’t wrong to do this. His Majesty’s identity is somewhat sensitive after all. Having just ascended the throne, it inevitably draws dissatisfaction from court officials and numerous troubles. Jingrong staying by his side also stabilizes the officials’ hearts. Moreover, His Majesty knows nothing about court affairs. Even though there are many worthy ministers at court, they can’t cover everything. To achieve peace in the realm requires a wise ruler. These past six months he’s been assisting His Majesty precisely hoping that one day His Majesty can stand on his own. At that time, he and I can leave the capital with peace of mind.”
Therefore, Shi Ziran said no more.
Ji Yunshu gazed at the prosperous capital streets, a smile overflowing from the corners of her mouth.
She was willing to wait!
As long as Wei Yi could firmly establish his rule over the empire, it didn’t matter how long she waited.
Inside the Imperial Palace.
In the Imperial Garden, although it was the eighth month of summer, the flowers in the Imperial Garden bloomed extremely well.
A child around three years old was laughing and playing inside, occasionally rushing into flower clusters to pick flowers, having a wonderful time.
A young eunuch hurried over. Seeing that child breaking flowers to play with, he slapped his own thigh hard with an “aiya.”
He rushed forward quickly.
Grabbing that little one, he said: “Aiya, my little ancestor, how did you run here! I’ve been searching for you everywhere.”
The child struggled free from him, saying: “I haven’t played enough yet.”
“But you should leave the palace now.”
“I’m not going out. The Emperor brother promised me, allowing me to stay in the palace as long as I want.” His chubby little mouth pouted.
The young eunuch’s head ached, not knowing what to do.
After all, Minister Qi was still waiting.
The child made a face at him and ran away on his little legs.
But he hadn’t run more than a few steps when a pair of large hands intercepted him, scooping him into an embrace.
“Let me go, let me go.”
Kicking his short little legs, struggling hard.
Jingrong wore a “wicked uncle” expression, holding him even tighter, using his hand to lightly pinch the child’s nose, saying: “You little brat, how can you be so naughty? You look just like your father, and have the same temperament too.”
The little one rubbed his nose, saying huffily, “Don’t talk about my father.”
“I just did. What about it?”
“Then I’ll tell my father, and I’ll tell the Emperor brother too, and have him punish you by making you copy books.”
Little thing!
Your father is just a coward who doesn’t even dare touch this prince’s finger.
Hearing this, the young eunuch quickly stepped forward: “Young master, you mustn’t speak carelessly. This person is…”
Before he finished speaking, Jingrong raised his hand to interrupt.
He wasn’t annoyed at all—on the contrary, he found this little thing extremely adorable.
“Who are you? Let me go.”
“I’ll take you to find your father and the Emperor brother. You can have them punish me by copying books, alright?”
“Good!” His voice was tender yet carried a stubborn air.
Jingrong revealed a doting smile, carrying him toward Fuyang Hall.
At this moment outside Fuyang Hall, Minister Qi was wringing his hands and pacing back and forth, anxious beyond measure. That stinking little brat—he’d brought him out of the palace for a trip, and in the blink of an eye he’d disappeared.
When he saw Jingrong carrying his son over, his jaw nearly dropped.
That scene—Jingrong wore a radiant spring smile, as if carrying his own biological son, his mouth seeming to be coated with honey preserves.
Why don’t you go make one with your Master Ji!
He froze for a moment, then quickly went forward.
“Your Highness, this…?”
Before Jingrong could explain, the little one threw himself into his father’s arms and immediately tattled, “Father, he insulted you.”
His little finger pointing at Jingrong. His tattling appearance was extremely adorable.