Chapter 106: 醒來
[Waking up]
Perhaps bolstered by Lady Ji’s backing, the once-low-key illegitimate son began acting more conspicuously. When he encountered Ji Ling, he even initiated conversation, subtly hinting at his recent busyness. Witnessing this, Ji Ling merely smiled faintly before ignoring him. The man, seeing this, showed no anger and politely offered Ji Ling the courtesy to leave first.
His reaction piqued Ji Ling’s interest. Yet, mindful of their current positions, he chose not to dwell on it and turned to leave. Privately, he mused that this stepbrother was indeed a promising talent, though it was a pity his potential had long been overlooked.
“Young Master?” Seeing his master standing there lost in thought, and with tasks still needing their attention, Feng Ling couldn’t help but call out.
Hearing Feng Ling’s voice, Ji Ling turned his head, gave him a faint nod, and calmly said, “Let’s go.”
“Yes.” Feng Ling was always obedient to his master’s commands , hearing that at the moment and promptly responding.
While the entire Ji household bustled about the position, the only one who remained utterly composed was Ji Ling. He even found interest in attending the recent Dragon Boat Festival. Upon hearing this news, the First Lady froze for a moment before repeatedly confirming with her confidante that Ji Ling truly intended to attend the festival and not use it as a pretext for other schemes. Once assured of the truth, the First Lady fell into deep thought, her brow furrowing. She then summoned a servant to fetch someone.
“Go fetch Lady Li,” the matriarch instructed softly, massaging her temples.
“Yes, ma’am.” The maid who received the order moved swiftly. Seeing her madam had no further instructions, she turned and hurried away.
Watching the maid’s retreating figure, Lady Ji murmured softly, “I don’t believe for a moment he’s merely attending some festival. If he claimed to be gathering intelligence, that I might believe.”
While pondering Ji Ling’s true purpose, she simultaneously schemed to accelerate her own plans. Seeing her scheme already more than halfway successful, she couldn’t afford to let these uncertain factors ruin everything at this critical juncture.
Meanwhile, Ji Ling led Tang Xiaobao straight out of the Ji residence, leaving the imperial city behind and arriving at a nearby water town.
Tang Xiaobao, confused by this series of actions, sat in the softly cushioned carriage and looked at Ji Ling across from him, asking directly, “Where are we going?”
Ji Ling looked at Tang Xiaobao, who had followed without question, his eyes softening as he replied with a faint smile, “We’ve come to watch the dragon boat races and pick up a few things.”
“Oh.” Though puzzled by the timing, Tang Xiaobao trusted Ji Ling implicitly and didn’t press further. After all, Ji Ling would handle everything.
The two stayed here for three days in total. They spent two days observing the local customs and the bustling dragon boat races. It wasn’t until the third day, just as they were about to leave, that a merchant who looked utterly destitute came knocking on their door with his belongings.
Not long before, Tang Xiaobao had been discussing with Ji Ling whether they could bring something back. Now, seeing this ragged man before him, Tang Xiaobao felt curious, wondering what Ji Ling meant by letting him in.
Perhaps Tang Xiaobao’s gaze was too direct, for the man turned his head toward the source of the stare. Spotting the adorably handsome young man who was clearly well-cared-for, he instantly felt embarrassed, especially given his own shabby appearance.
Ji Ling sat there, interrupting Tang Xiaobao’s curious gaze. He then looked at the man and spoke directly: “Do you have what I want?”
“Yes.” Hearing Ji Ling’s cool voice, the man recalled his purpose for coming. He then carefully took out a small box he had been guarding closely and opened it. Inside lay a dark, irregularly shaped object that carried a faint herbal scent. “This is an item left by my grandfather. Upon hearing of Young Master Ji’s need for it a few days ago, I’ve been waiting for your arrival.”
Ji Ling nodded, took the object, and handed it to the elderly physician who had entered unnoticed. The old doctor examined it carefully for a moment before nodding affirmatively at Ji Ling, signaling its authenticity.
Only after receiving this confirmation did Ji Ling turn to the man and ask calmly, “What do you want in exchange?”
Hearing this question, the man grew visibly tense, rubbing his hands together as he tried to steady himself. “I want Young Master Ji to help me reclaim my family’s ancestral shop.”
Ji Ling regarded him. Just as the man thought he might refuse, Ji Ling spoke calmly, “Agreed. I’ll return tomorrow. My men will stay here to help you retrieve the items.”
Hearing this, the man was overjoyed. He looked at Ji Ling excitedly, saying, “Thank you so much Young Master Ji! Thank you, Young Master Ji!”
In stark contrast to the man’s excitement, Ji Ling remained utterly composed. With a dismissive wave, he escorted the man out.
Only after the man departed did Tang Xiaobao curiously pick up the object. After studying it for a long while, he still couldn’t figure out what it was. Turning to Ji Ling, he looked at him questioningly, “Husband, what is this?”
Ji Ling turned to look at him, took the object from his hand, and said indifferently, “This is over a hundred-year-old poria cocos. It’s the medicine needed to save my eldest uncle.”
“Oh.” Tang Xiaobao instantly understood. The most crucial purpose of their journey was to bring this item back. He looked up at Ji Ling, a hint of confusion in his voice, “So, shall we take it back tomorrow?”
Ji Ling looked at Tang Xiaobao, who had been sitting quietly all along. His heart warmed, and the words that came to his lips were filled with tenderness. “If you want to play a little longer, we can stay a bit longer.”
Tang Xiaobao shook his head, still refusing. When they had left, the situation at the Ji residence hadn’t been good. With the two of them gone for several days, who knew what trouble might have arisen? It was best to return early and handle it.
Seeing Tang Xiaobao insist on returning early, Ji Ling didn’t press the matter. Yet he resolved that once everything was settled, he would take him out for proper travels.
Apart from the owner of the poria cocos demanding to meet Ji Ling personally, the terms for the other medicinal ingredients had been negotiated by their subordinates. Thus, the next day, the two returned to the Ji residence with their collected items.
The moment they entered, they sensed something amiss in the atmosphere. After settling into their courtyard, Lühe, who had gone out to gather news, returned. Seeing her masters settled and composed, she relayed the full story: “Young Master Qiu somehow gained the favor of the elders. They’ve already pledged their support to end his trial period early. They say he’ll be formally appointed as the clan chief’s heir in just a few days.”
Compared to Lühe’s anxiety, her two masters appeared remarkably composed. Tang Xiaobao still wore a look of puzzlement, while Ji Ling merely nodded in acknowledgment before the conversation ended without further comment.
Just as Lühe hesitated over whether to remind her master, Ji Ling asked in a calm tone, “Has anyone in the mansion mentioned when the ceremony for Young Master Qiu will be held?”
Hearing Ji Ling’s words, Lühe felt as though she’d found her anchor. Regaining her composure, she quickly replied, “It’s said to be in five days. Preparations have been underway these past few days.”
After speaking, Lü He stood to the side, quietly observing her master, waiting for his command. Yet, after a long while, Ji Ling remained utterly still. Instead, Tang Xiaobao, seated nearby, grew restless. He turned to Ji Ling and asked, “Shouldn’t we do something?”
“What exactly should we do?” Ji Ling turned to Tang Xiaobao. Seeing the confusion in his eyes, he smiled softly. “I never cared about that position to begin with. If Young Master Qiu takes over the Ji family, then we’ll simply return to our own home.”
Tang Xiaobao nodded upon hearing this, asking no further questions.
Ever since learning the news, the other members of the Ji household had been eagerly anticipating Ji Ling’s reaction upon his return. Once again, they were left disappointed. These past days, Ji Ling had behaved like a saint of pure and simple desires. Each day, he either went out to handle his own affairs, paid regular visits to the Old Master, or returned to his courtyard to craft things with husband. He neither sought the First Lady’s intercession nor appealed to the elders for justice. Just as he had always done before, he relinquished the power in hands, leaving everyone momentarily baffled.
Yet unlike Ji Ling’s composure, the First Lady grew increasingly anxious as the appointed day drew near, even visiting the Old Master more frequently. Those who witnessed this couldn’t help but marvel—no wonder the Old Master had entrusted the vast Ji household to the First Lady’s temporary stewardship. Her devotion to him alone surpassed that of any other.
Entering the room, the matriarch found the patriarch still lying there, appearing remarkably still. She sat by his bedside as she always had and spoke quietly: “Master, in just a few days, the new head of the Ji family will be confirmed. Only this time, the chosen one is not Ji Ling, but Ji Qiu.”
After speaking, as if remembering something, she added, “Perhaps you don’t know who Ji Qiu is, Master. He is a good child, though far less fortunate than Ji Ling. His mother was merely a concubine. But surely you wouldn’t mind such things, Master? After all, as long as he can lead the Ji family onto the path of prosperity, you would be pleased, wouldn’t you?”
The rambling words of Lady Ji went unnoticed as Master Ji’s hand stirred slightly beneath the quilt. After speaking, Lady Ji rose and prepared to leave. As she departed, she glanced at the sleeping Master Ji and said, “Master, you needn’t trouble yourself with the Ji family anymore.”
After Lady Ji departed, the old master’s eyelids fluttered.
Until Ji Qiu was formally confirmed as the next family head, the much-anticipated incident of Ji Ling causing a scene never materialized. Even after many people hinted at him repeatedly for a long time, they failed to achieve the outcome they desired. Eventually, some grew so restless they stirred trouble themselves, only to be quashed by Lady Ji and the elders. Witnessing this, the crowd finally realized: the decisive figure in selecting the next head of the Ji family was Lady Ji. Many who hadn’t clung to her coattails in time now regretted it bitterly, their guts churning with remorse.
On the day of the heir’s confirmation, all significant figures from both the main and branch lineages of the Ji clan gathered in the ancestral hall—the place reserved for the family’s most important affairs.
As the ceremony began, the most venerable elder stood at the front, surveying the assembled crowd. In his raspy voice, he declared: “Today marks the momentous occasion when our Ji clan establishes its next clan leader. We now invite the chosen one of our Ji family to step forward.”
Ji Qiu fought desperately to suppress the tremors throughout his body as he walked step by step to the foot of the elevated platform. He approached the Grand Elder, his face filled with excitement as he gazed upon the wrinkled visage. Soon, he would be the one wielding power over the Ji clan.
Many in the Ji clan had never imagined Ji Qiu’s election. Seeing him stand there now, resentment flared in many hearts. Yet, constrained by the formidable support of Lady Ji, the matriarch, none dared voice their discontent aloud.
The Ji family has never recognized a son of a concubine as its head. However, the late patriarch left behind a decree: the position of clan leader must be held by a capable individual to ensure the Ji family’s prosperity. Therefore, we have selected the most capable among this generation to assume this role. In response to requests from all quarters, Ji Qiu has been chosen as the next leader of our Ji family.
“The Grand Elder delivered the succession blessing haltingly, speaking slowly under the gaze of the assembly. He then produced the clan leader’s insignia, preparing to place it into Ji Qiu’s hands.”
Ji Qiu’s eyes fixed intently on the object the Grand Elder extended. Just as he was about to take it, a hoarse yet crystal-clear voice cut through the air: “I object.”
Hearing that familiar voice, everyone was utterly astonished and turned toward the source of the sound. There stood the Elder, who should have still been in a deep coma, supported by a maid. His face remained deathly pale, yet his eyes shone with an unusual brilliance.
In that instant, everyone was stunned by this transformation, staring straight at Elder Ji, unable to comprehend how a man who should have been on the brink of death could now stand there fully upright. Looking at him now, the astonishment in their eyes was impossible to contain. Some were so shocked they could not speak. “Elder Ji, you…”
The Grand Elder did not glance at the astonished crowd. Instead, he fixed his gaze intently on the Grand Elder conducting the succession ceremony above. His voice was weak and strained as he spoke, “I disagree. I never wrote such a thing, and naturally, I do not recognize anyone chosen in this manner.” Though this single sentence took a long time to utter, every person below heard it clearly.
For a moment, the expressions of the crowd were utterly transformed. Among them, only Ji Qiu and Lady Ji wore particularly grim faces.
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