USWHC -Chapter 534 Coincidence (Part 4)

“Yes! Now that you mention it, I really do find the top scholar familiar!”

“Exactly! We probably met in a past life too!”

“Top scholar, how could you have only met them?” someone else complained with tearful eyes, as if speaking of a real grievance.

Ji Yi was utterly embarrassed this time. Since when was he so popular? Wasn’t he struggling to even get a wife? How did all these ‘sisters from past lives’ suddenly appear out of nowhere?

He hurriedly stepped backward, waving his hands as he retorted, “No, I definitely haven’t met you, I really haven’t!”

“Then why do you look so familiar to me, top scholar?” the Lady of Ping’an County pressed forward stubbornly. “You must really take a good look at me, Ji top scholar!”

Ji Yi lowered his head, almost scorched by the electric glare coming from her eyes. Seriously? An automatic generator? “Hehe… I’ve looked!” he said awkwardly. “Maybe I just have a common face… we really haven’t met, alright?”

“You haven’t met her, but you must have met me!” Miss Wang said shyly, lowering her head. She looked just like a bashful young girl, making anyone feel that if they dared refuse her, she could cry on the spot.

But in the next moment, she swiftly shoved the Lady of Ping’an County behind her—a move executed with absolute speed.

At the same time, more girls crowded in, all showing eager expressions, laughing and twisting toward Ji Yi, as if they wanted to shout: “Look at me! Look at me!”

Ji Yi found himself completely surrounded, the air suddenly thick and suffocating. He even felt like he couldn’t catch his breath. Women, when enthusiastic, were really terrifying!

Luckily, at that moment, Princess Lanxin shouted loudly, “What are you all doing in my mansion? I thought you came to admire the flowers! Turns out, you came to admire past lives!”

Her voice was stern, tinged with a hint of sourness. The scolding was enough to make everyone fall silent immediately.

Seeing this, Ji Yi quickly bowed to Princess Lanxin. “Princess, the Emperor summoned me. I dare not be late!”

Seeing his embarrassed expression, Princess Lanxin felt a twinge of regret. It was her fault for calling them over and putting him in such an awkward situation. Still, she said, “Then go quickly, don’t keep the Emperor waiting!”

“Thank you for your kindness, Princess!” Ji Yi breathed a sigh of relief, feeling as if he had been granted a pardon. But leaving wasn’t that simple yet.

The group of women pressed forward even more, each one trying to shove something into his hands:
“Top scholar Ji, this is a pouch I embroidered!”
“Top scholar, this is a handkerchief I made!”

“Ji top scholar!” the Lady of Ping’an County shouted, as she had been pushed to the back by the other women. She stomped her feet and yelled, “I’ve prepared a fan tassel for you! Don’t let it slip away!”

She proudly raised a tassel ornament. While it wasn’t anything particularly new, at that moment, everyone’s eyes nearly got blinded by it. Suspended from it was a jade plaque, inlaid with the character “book” using seven-color glass gems.

The piece was not only exquisite but also elegant, perfectly suited to a scholar’s taste—scholars all loved books, after all! Everyone secretly felt jealous at how eye-catching it was.

Seeing everyone fall silent, the Lady of Ping’an County pushed forward once again, stuffing the tassel into Ji Yi’s hands. “Please don’t reject it, top scholar. This is a small token of my heart!”

But just as she tried to hand it to him, Ji Yi had already clasped his hands politely. “I’ve received your heart, young lady, but this item is too valuable. I dare not accept it!”

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Of course, the top scholar wasn’t the type to be blinded by gifts. A gem inlaid with the character for “book”? Might as well just give him a book directly!

Ji Yi tucked the pouches and other items into his sleeves and said politely, “I thank all the young ladies for their kindness. I will take my leave now!” Then he turned and walked out formally.

Everyone watched his graceful figure depart, hearts fluttering again—especially Princess Lanxin. Her excitement was obvious. Among all the flowers, none could distract her; this was the Ji Yi she had chosen!