USWHC -Chapter 437 My Wife (Part 7)

“Third Prince!” From a distance, Ji Yi saw the Third Prince hurrying toward the back courtyard, and he quickly called out to him.

“Brother Ji, what are you doing here? Quick, the Lady of Ping’an is about to leave!” the Third Prince said anxiously.

Hearing this, Ji Yi immediately became nervous. “What’s going on? Isn’t the banquet supposed to start soon? Why does she want to leave so early?”

“Ah, who knows? I heard some scoundrel got in and scared the Lady of Ping’an, which is why she’s in such a rush!” the Third Prince said angrily. But as he got closer and looked more carefully, he noticed Ji Yi’s face. “Hey, Brother Ji! What happened to your face?”

Ji Yi felt a sharp ache—probably a bruise by now! Still, he forced a look of surprise. “Ah? There was a scoundrel? I thought so! I saw someone acting suspicious just now and tried to stop him to ask, but unexpectedly he came at me with fists and kicks! Ouch, ouch, look at me—I’m a mess, can’t even show my face!”

The Third Prince looked at him seriously for a moment, then said with utmost responsibility, “You really can’t show your face!”

Ji Yi felt that comment hurt more than the bruise on his face. That punch was way too hard! Could it be that Zhu Jie used the same moves on him that she once used on others? He instinctively touched his forehead—thankfully, no skull fracture!

“Never mind, it’s fine, anyway, this isn’t a matchmaking meeting,” the Third Prince sighed. “Come with me. We can’t let her leave before the important matters are discussed.”

Ji Yi almost jumped for joy. That’s what he was thinking! He hadn’t even started the main topic yet! Excited, he followed closely behind the Third Prince, whispering, “Third Prince, maybe later the Third Princess Consort could tell me, so I can meet the Lady of Ping’an alone. How about that?”

“Meet her alone? Why?” the Third Prince asked, puzzled.

Ji Yi chuckled awkwardly. “I thought about it. If Your Highness directly speaks, it might not be entirely appropriate. Better let me gauge the Lady of Ping’an’s reaction first. If she doesn’t agree, at least we’ll have an exit plan, right?”

The Third Prince looked at Ji Yi intently and exclaimed, “You are truly prudent and resourceful!”

Heh heh, more like cunning! Ji Yi chuckled to himself. He should have asked the Third Prince to introduce him earlier! Ouch, his face… if Zhu Jie sees it, she’d be heartbroken! Ji Yi couldn’t help thinking with a mix of self-pity and anticipation.

“Lady of Ping’an, the Third Princess Consort is waiting for you inside!” a maid whispered.

Ji Yi’s heart skipped a beat. Inside the room, not only was the Third Princess Consort waiting, but he had been quietly hidden there earlier, watching.

A young woman lifted the curtain and entered. She kept her head bowed, and with utmost respect, performed a formal bow to the Third Princess Consort. “Sister, I will take my leave first. Please forgive me!”

Hmm? That voice sounded unfamiliar. Ji Yi pouted—was it her way of speaking? He could only see her side profile, still bowing, and couldn’t clearly make out her features.

At that moment, the Third Princess Consort spoke softly, “Sister, to be honest, I didn’t call you here just to meet. In fact, there’s someone who has been longing to see you.”

Then she raised her voice: “Come out!”

Ji Yi’s heart leapt. The corners of his mouth stretched in a wide grin. Wife, I’m coming!

Seeing him step forward, the Third Princess Consort sighed softly. “You two talk first. I will return shortly.”

The Lady of Ping’an asked anxiously, “Sister, where are you going?” But no matter how she called, the Third Princess Consort left without looking back.

The room fell silent. The Lady of Ping’an suddenly felt someone’s gaze behind her—intense and burning, sending chills down her spine.

After an unknown amount of time, a choked voice finally spoke, “Jie’er… I’ve finally found you. Do you know how painfully I’ve missed you?”

The Lady of Ping’an froze, stunned. Who was this? She turned around, bewildered.