Chapter 91 - 90: The Eldest Miss Who Married as a Substitute 6

Chapter 91: Chapter 90: The Eldest Miss Who Married as a Substitute 6

When Mr. Ji saw Ji Xiaosong ask to speak privately with the Crown Prince, he grew worried, fearing she might be reckless and misspeak.

He immediately decided to follow them.

At that moment, the Crown Prince’s attendant was pushing his wheelchair. Ji Xiaosong strode forward and gently blocked the attendant’s path with her hand, signaling for him to step aside before she took over pushing the chair herself.

Her movements were gentle yet firm, and the handles of the wheelchair settled securely in her grasp.

"Father, the Crown Prince and I need to talk alone. You don’t need to follow us."

Mr. Ji glanced at the Crown Prince, saw him nod, and then withdrew.

The Ji Mansion was vast, a sprawling complex with a main hall, two side halls, and four courtyards.

Ji Xiaosong pushed the Crown Prince through a connecting hall and along a covered veranda.

"Miss Ji, you asked to speak with me alone. What did you wish to discuss?"

The Crown Prince asked unhurriedly, as if nothing concerned him.

"The Ji family wants to switch the bride. Your Highness must have guessed as much, or you wouldn’t have come in person today."

Ji Xiaosong had no desire to play coy games.

Having spent the last decade scheming, she knew perfectly well that those in power viewed their subordinates’ struggles as mere entertainment.

Discussing mutual interests directly was the quickest way to get things done.

"Yes, I knew from the first day you entered the Ji Mansion. So, do you want to marry me?"

The Crown Prince gazed at Ji Xiaosong, his expression completely serious.

Ji Xiaosong met the Crown Prince’s gaze, a slight smile playing on her lips.

"Of course I’m willing."

The Crown Prince raised an eyebrow slightly, seemingly surprised by her straightforward answer.

He had done his homework. While he didn’t know much about Ji Xiaosong’s past, he knew that after her arrival at the Ji Mansion, her maid had proven to be an unmatched fighter, defeating all comers.

If she were truly unwilling, she couldn’t have been coerced so easily.

"Have you thought this through? I’ve been struck by a rare poison and left crippled. The Imperial Physician has predicted I won’t live for more than three years. If you marry me, you are signing up to be a widow."

"I don’t mind."

Ji Xiaosong continued, "To be honest, even if I weren’t willing, the Ji family would find a way to get rid of me. Overt Combat Power is ultimately no match for underhanded schemes. Rather than suffer that kind of fate, I’d rather marry Your Highness. At least then I’ll have status and standing."

The Crown Prince’s expression darkened. "You see things with surprising clarity. But a marriage without genuine affection is unlikely to be a happy one."

Ji Xiaosong shook her head gently, her tone firm. "Your Highness, since I have agreed, I will serve you with all my heart. As for whether my feelings are genuine, only time will tell."

With that, Ji Xiaosong took a Seal from her personal sachet and handed it to the Crown Prince.

"Your Highness, this is a show of my good faith. With this Seal, you can withdraw grain from any Baoxue Grass Bank in the kingdom."

The Crown Prince’s face was a mask of shock. He stared in disbelief at the Seal in Ji Xiaosong’s hand.

After all, the Baoxue Grass Bank was one of the largest financial institutions in the kingdom. The ability to withdraw grain from all of its branches represented an immense fortune and incredible power!

His gaze darted between the Seal and Ji Xiaosong’s face, his voice trembling slightly with astonishment. "You... How did you come to possess something so valuable?"

Ji Xiaosong smiled faintly, her expression serene. "Your Highness, this is the result of many years of planning on my part. I offer it to you now, hoping only to lend you some assistance."

The Crown Prince clutched the Seal, his expression complex. He now had a newfound appreciation for Ji Xiaosong’s strategic prowess and her decisiveness.

"I’s just a cripple with only a few years to live. Giving this to me won’t be of much use."

"How could that be? Your Highness has always cared deeply for the people and has aided countless refugees over the years. In giving you the Baoxue Grass Bank’s grain Seal, I too hope to serve the kingdom. With this Seal in your hands, I’m certain many of the poor will be able to survive the coming winter."

’Ji Xiaosong truly didn’t care about these things. After all, the grain came from her personal pocket dimension, and her supply was endless.’

’In the past, I was powerless. Aiding refugees on a large scale would have only brought me trouble. It’s better to entrust these resources to the Crown Prince.’

’I know what kind of person he is. I’ve interacted with him a few times before while in disguise, and he truly has the people’s best interests at heart.’

’The Baoxue Grass Bank holds more than just money and grain, but most of its assets are related to public welfare.’

’Ji Xiaosong had it all figured out. The grain would go to the Crown Prince. The rest, she would later give to the son she was tasked with raising for her mission.’

Ji Xiaosong’s words struck a chord deep within the Crown Prince. For the sake of the people, if for no other reason, he had to accept this Seal.

"I can’t believe the Ji family could be so blind. I’ll accept this Seal. The situation at the border is dire. Our soldiers are fighting to the death, and the common folk are suffering terribly. These supplies will be a godsend for them. On their behalf, I thank you. Even when I’m gone, I will make sure you are taken care of, ensuring you a peaceful and worry-free life."

Upon hearing his words, Ji Xiaosong straightened her robes, walked before the Crown Prince, and slowly sank into a graceful, standard court curtsy.

She inclined her head, her jet-black hair cascading down like a waterfall, and said softly, "Very well. In that case, I thank Your Highness."

"We will soon be husband and wife. You needn’t call me ’Your Highness’ anymore."

"Then what should I call you?"

"Call me Qingyun. After we’re married, you’ll call me husband."

Ji Xiaosong’s cheeks flushed red. She shyly lifted her gaze, her limpid eyes, like autumn pools, looking toward Chu Qingyun, filled with a maiden’s bashfulness and anticipation.

Chu Qingyun gazed at her, his expression instantly softening. Her reflection was captured in the depths of his eyes.

The corners of his lips curved into a fond smile.

"Alright, Qingyun."

"The eighth of next month is an auspicious day. Shall we set our wedding for then?"

"Mm." A blush bloomed on Ji Xiaosong’s cheeks.

Seeing her so bashful, Chu Qingyun’s smile deepened. He reached out, gently tilting her chin up to meet his gaze, and said softly, "Then it’s settled. On the eighth of next month, I will welcome you as my bride in the grandest fashion."

While Ji Xiaosong and Chu Qingyun were lost in their tender moment, Ji Yan was hiding not far away behind a decorative rockery. She stared fixedly at the scene, her eyes red with jealousy.

Her hands were clenched so tightly that her nails dug into her palms, though she didn’t seem to feel it.

Watching Ji Xiaosong and Chu Qingyun’s intimacy, the flames of jealousy raged within her heart.

’Why? Why was the Crown Prince so intimate with Ji Xiaosong after just one meeting?’

’I’ve admired the Crown Prince for years. If it weren’t for his accident, I was prepared to spend my life with him in perfect harmony.’

’How could a country bumpkin like Ji Xiaosong possibly be worthy of a man as exceptional as the Crown Prince?’

’He’s a once-in-a-generation talent! Ji Xiaosong just got lucky. How could she dare dream of spending her life with the Crown Prince?’

The more Ji Yan thought about it, the angrier she became, the jealousy in her heart growing like rampant weeds.

Chun Cui, waiting nearby, said languidly, "My lady, why trouble yourself over her? She may have won this prize, but she’ll need to be alive to enjoy it."