Chapter 300 Watching the Drama

Chapter 300: Eating Melon (Gossip)

"I heard that Madam Ji was so angry that she fell ill after learning about this, and Third Young Master Ji rushed back from the Imperial Academy as well. The ten thousand taels of silver today were given to us by Third Young Master Ji."

Ji Yuntang raised an eyebrow, curiosity stirring in her heart.

What kind of woman could make Ji Qingfeng insist on marrying her, even willing to go against the entire Marquis Yongning's mansion for her?

Luo Sinian picked up his teacup, took a sip, and a glint of mockery flashed in his eyes.

"This is truly a rare thing!"

"Even someone like him, who didn't care for gossip, was intrigued by this extraordinary woman."

"Seeing that Luo Sinian was also interested, Steward Zhou continued, 'I also heard that this woman is a rare beauty. Not only is she beautiful, but she is also very tall—even a bit taller than Second Young Master Ji when standing together.'"

"That's why the Marquis is so firmly opposed. He believes that since ancient times, men have been taller than women. If a woman is taller than a man, people would laugh at them when they stand together."

"Hearing this, Ji Yuntang seemed to catch something, a flash of insight in her eyes."

"Are you saying that woman is actually a bit taller than Ji Qingfeng?"

"Steward Zhou nodded. 'Yes, the guards all saw it. They all said it was the first time they had seen such a tall girl, and it was quite rare.'"

"Ji Yuntang stroked her chin. As far as she knew, Ji Qingfeng was about 1.82 meters tall."

"A woman taller than Ji Qingfeng would certainly be over 1.82 meters."

"Truth be told, she had indeed met one such person."

"But Ji Yuntang didn't think it could be Blood Flower."

"That person was the sect leader of the Blood Rain Sect, ill-tempered and sharp-tongued. How could she take a liking to a hypocrite like Ji Qingfeng?"

"Luo Sinian ordered, 'Uncle Zhou, send someone to keep an eye on the Marquis Yongning's mansion. Report to this prince immediately if anything happens.'"

"He had a feeling this drama would be juicy, and he was ready to savor every bit of it!"

"Uncle Zhou agreed, but before leaving, he suddenly remembered something and turned back."

"He slapped his forehead and said, 'Your Highness, my memory is failing me again. I've just recalled something else, also about Second Young Master Ji.'"

"Three days ago, the first day our store started selling Xishi Rouge, Second Young Master Ji came to the Peiyue Pavilion in person. He bought a jar of Xishi Rouge and other cosmetics, spending a total of five hundred taels of silver. I received him myself."

"I thought he bought them for Second Miss Ji, since over the years, every new product from Peiyue Pavilion, Second Young Master Ji would buy for Second Miss Ji. If he couldn't come himself, he would send someone to buy it."

"But from what happened today, it seems the rouge Second Young Master Ji bought was not for Second Miss Ji, but for his beloved."

"Ji Yuntang lifted her eyelids, a smile curling at the corner of her lips."

"If Ji Qingqing finds out about this, won't she make a scene?"

"Things seem to be getting more and more interesting."

"Meanwhile, at the Marquis Yongning's mansion, in Ruyi Hall."

"Ji Qingfeng, clad in a white brocade robe, stood upright in the center, his arms in a protective posture, shielding the graceful woman in red behind him. His attitude was resolute and uncompromising."

"Father, Mother, I fell in love with Miss Hua at first sight. From the moment I saw her outside, I have already set my heart on her. I wish to marry her as my wife. I beg you to grant your permission."

"Ji Nanchuan staggered, trembling with rage. He pointed at Ji Qingfeng and started yelling."

"You bastard! You've only known her a few days, and you already set your heart on her? What spell has she cast on you?"

"What is her background? What is yours? She's a street painter, an orphan with no parents. How is she fit to be the wife of the second young master of a marquis's mansion?"

"If you want to marry her, I, the Marquis, will not allow it!"

"Ji Qingfeng, seeing that no matter how much he pleaded, Ji Nanchuan would not relent, his temper flared up too."

"So what if she sells paintings? Does selling paintings make her deserve your contempt?"

"A Hua has no parents. At the age of eight, she was sold to a slave trader by her own uncle for ten taels of silver. After several transfers, she was bought by a young lady from a wealthy family."

"But that young lady treated her badly, beating her daily and not giving her food. She barely managed to escape from there and found refuge in a village. Unexpectedly, a once-in-a-century flood hit, drowning the entire village."

"She endured countless hardships, fleeing with the refugees until she arrived here. She was already pitiful enough as it was. Fortunately, she learned painting in that young lady's home, so she could support herself by selling paintings. She's never stolen or robbed anyone. What gives you the right to despise her?"

"Ji Nanchuan's blood boiled. He never thought that his proud second son would be so clueless."

"To talk back to him over some woman who came out of nowhere?"

"He hadn't even checked her identity and bought her tragic story hook, line, and sinker."

" 'Look down on her?' Ji Nanchuan sneered inwardly. 'If you dare to marry her, the Marquis of Yongning's mansion will become the laughingstock of the entire capital!'"

"With those words, he grabbed three books off the table and hurled them at Ji Qingfeng's face."

"Seeing a book flying towards her, the woman in red quickly dodged and hid behind him."

"All three books smacked into Ji Qingfeng."

"This made Ji Nanchuan even angrier."

"His voice shook as he spoke."

"You... look for yourself! This is the woman you fell in love with at first sight. When danger comes, she doesn't even think to protect you—she makes you take the hit for her."

"A person like this, you still want to marry her?"

"Ji Qingfeng was unperturbed. He looked calmly at the furious Ji Nanchuan."

"It's a man's job to protect his woman."

"Moreover, I don't think those three books you threw will hurt me much."

"Ji Nanchuan nearly blew a gasket. For the first time, he thought Ji Qingfeng had lost his mind!"

"He said coldly, 'What if I'd thrown three knives? Would you still shield her?'"

" 'Yes,' Ji Qingfeng said with a slight nod, gazing lovingly at the woman in red next to him."

"I promised A Hua I'd protect her and never let her get hurt. Not even my own family can bully her."

"The woman in red stole a shy glance at Ji Qingfeng, then lowered her head, staying silent."

"Then Ji Nanchuan remembered the books he'd thrown on the floor."

" 'What about these books?' "

" 'Open them and take a look for yourself. What the hell are these paintings? They're downright obscene and depraved!' "

"Ji Nanchuan still remembered Ji Qingfeng bringing this Miss Hua before him and saying she'd prepared a gift for him."

"Ji Nanchuan had been filled with anticipation, but when he opened those three books from the box, his jaw dropped!"

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