Young Master Ji was a man of refinement, never one to resort to crude tactics like forcibly seizing a beauty. What he wanted was for hearts to willingly lean toward him, preferably with eyes only for him, offering their devotion wholeheartedly—only then would his curtains fall with delight.
So, the moment he had time, he first arranged seven or eight sets of exquisite garments for Mingyi.
Mingyi stood in the room, staring at these items with wide eyes. "All for me?"
"Try them on and see if they fit."
She let out a delighted cry, fluttering over like a sparrow, and carefully picked up the jade-colored embroidered floral skirt. Her fingers traced the fabric lightly before she turned bright eyes toward him. "I’ve never worn such fine material before."
"Now you can wear it as you please," he replied indifferently.
"You’re so good to me, my lord!" She flew into his arms again, her skirt fluttering as she planted a smacking kiss on his cheek.
And so Ji Bozhai learned that this little thing was greedy—these gifts were only enough to earn her a kiss.
Wrapping an arm around her waist, he led her to the vanity and opened two newly purchased cases.
A golden cicada silk bracelet with double clasps, an eight-treasure pearl hairpin, a three-winged sparrow feather hair ornament… jade, agate, gold, and gems—everything was dazzling.
Mingyi blinked, nestling against him coquettishly. "Are these just for me, my lord, or do the other sisters get them too?"
She bit her lip lightly, three parts coy, five parts pouty, looking utterly adorable.
Ji Bozhai chuckled, stroking her cheek. "Of course they’re just for you. What other sisters could there be?"
Satisfied, she tilted her head with a soft smile and melted into his embrace. "You said it yourself, my lord. Don’t go back on your word."
"Mmm." He lowered his head, brushing his lips lightly against her earlobe.
Mingyi shivered at the ticklish sensation, but since he had given her so much, she couldn’t very well pull away. She let out a soft whimper, her toes curling slightly as a stretch of snow-white neck was exposed.
Without thinking, Ji Bozhai bit down.
His teeth pressed against her delicate skin, fragrant and warm. Unable to resist, he increased the pressure slightly, and then he heard her gasp—a sound that caught in her throat, barely suppressed, like the purr of a kitten.
Amused, he gentled his touch, his thumb stroking the back of her ear.
The woman in his arms gradually relaxed, even daring to flick out the tip of her tongue in their intimacy.
Perfect. Just when she was lost in the moment, he abruptly released her.
Mingyi blinked in momentary confusion before realizing her own impropriety. Burying her face, she clutched at his lapels awkwardly. "The—the spring scenery outside is lovely, my lord. Wouldn’t you like to take a stroll?"
He gazed at her with immense satisfaction before finally answering, "Very well."
The atmosphere was thick with ambiguity and allure, and paired with his striking looks, it was easy to mistake him for a dream lover.
However, Mingyi quickly snapped out of it.
She smiled, slipping out of his embrace, and went to the vanity to pick up an eyebrow pencil, carefully retouching her makeup. Then she changed into a peach-blossom-hued layered skirt with a misty silk shawl, fussing for a full half-hour before finally stepping out the door behind him.
She was a dutiful ornament, never allowing herself to appear the least bit disheveled. Every strand of hair was perfectly in place, her jewelry elaborate but not chaotic, her dress vibrant but not garish. The moment she stepped out, maids and matrons nearby couldn’t help but steal glances.
Mingyi carried herself flawlessly—back straight, head slightly bowed, a half-folded embroidered fan shielding her face as she walked a few respectful steps behind him, neither overstepping nor failing to show her deference. It was a display that pleased him greatly.
Ji Bozhai chuckled softly, then hooked an arm around her waist and pulled her into the crook of his elbow."My lord," she murmured coyly, giving him a light push, "this isn't proper."
As someone's plaything, she ought to follow the rules—walking arm-in-arm was the privilege of proper married couples.
Unexpectedly, he replied, "Between you and me, others' opinions don't matter."
Mingyi scoffed inwardly. How impressive—he knew exactly what sweet words to say. Anyone with less sense might actually mistake their place because of it.
Outwardly, she blushed demurely. "My lord's favor is this humble one's blessing."
The two walked out nestled together, with Ji Bozhai deliberately choosing a half-open beast-drawn carriage and helping her up to sit beside him.
Mingyi understood his intentions. Shyly leaning against him, she lowered her embroidered fan to reveal her lovely face, her eyes not glancing at the streets but gazing adoringly at him.
Thus, along the way, envious sighs and whistles rose intermittently from the roadside.
Ji Bozhai was thoroughly pleased, idly toying with her hand. "Is there anything else you lack? Let's get it all at once."
Mingyi didn't hold back. "This humble one often feels restless when sleeping. A few gold bars under the bed would be most comforting."
Ji Bozhai: ?
Mingyi: smiles
Other girls were too embarrassed to ask for more than jewelry, which they'd later pawn for money. Not Mingyi—she knew how unscrupulous pawnshops were, turning a hundred taels into fifty. Why let outsiders profit from the difference?
After a brief silence, he chuckled. "How severe is this restlessness? Would ten gold bars suffice?"
Mingyi's eyes sparkled. "That would certainly suffice."
"Good." He was generous, taking her straight to the bank.
Mingyi couldn't help marveling. So wealthy! At ten taels per bar, a hundred taels of gold was enough for a lifetime of comfort.
Many officials never amassed so much, yet he, newly risen, already had such wealth—no wonder the girls of Star Yearn City flocked to him.
Clicking her tongue, Mingyi wagged her tail (metaphorically) as they collected the gold bars. Too heavy to carry, he had the entire chest loaded onto the carriage outside.
With a curtsy, Mingyi beamed. "Many thanks, my lord!"
Ji Bozhai looked at her, knowing this price was just right for her.
But still—other girls would submit just at the sight of his face. With her, he seemed more like an afterthought to this chest of gold.
It was hard to feel pleased.
Tsking lightly, he was about to speak when a sudden whistling sound came from behind.
Instinctively sidestepping, he pulled Mingyi aside protectively, then frowned at the newcomer—a man in plain mourning robes, cold-faced, retrieving a wooden hairpin embedded in the wall. "Apologies. My hand slipped."
Mingyi, heart still racing, twitched her lips.
Just how slippery must that hand be to fling wood with lethal force?
She studied the newcomer—a handsome man in his twenties, clad in white mourning attire, his sharp features heavy with hostility.
Ji Bozhai released her and laughed. "Young Master Yan, here to divide the inheritance?"
Yan An's fingers tightened as he slowly slid the hairpin back into his bun, icy eyes locking onto Ji Bozhai. "Thank you for your concern, Lord Ji. My father lived frugally—there's little silver to divide."
So he was here to pick a fight.
Ji Bozhai motioned for Mingyi to step back, only to find her already darting behind a nearby screen, skirts lifted nimbly.
Quite the agile legs.He glanced at her with amusement, then casually poured Yan An a cup of tea. "I've been busy lately and haven't had time to pay respects to your late mother. Since we've met here by chance, why don't I give you the condolence gift now to save another trip."
Yan An stared at him fixedly, her fists clenched so tightly they turned white, each word forced through gritted teeth: "How dare a murderer offer condolence gifts?"
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