Chapter 95
"Hey, have you seen the imperial edict? Who would’ve thought General Wei Su didn’t die in battle?"
"Exactly! General Wei was such a good man. He fought for Dayue on the battlefield and guarded the borders for so many years—such great merit. Yet in the end, he met such a fate."
"It’s all because of that foolish emperor. Claiming he feared General Wei would rebel. In my opinion, he’s just incompetent and jealous. Look at the previous emperors of Dayue, none of them schemed to murder their own officials like him."
"I’d say the recent droughts and locust plagues were Heaven’s warning to him. Thankfully, he’s already old. Otherwise, Dayue would’ve surely fallen under his rule."
"While the people suffered disasters, he was busy obsessing over women in the palace, not caring for his subjects at all. And that so-called Fourth Prince incited refugees to kill and burn. Like father, like son, neither is any good."
"Persecuting the loyal and virtuous, cruel and unkind—he doesn’t deserve to be emperor!"
"..."
Emperor Changde’s public repentance edict was posted as an imperial proclamation. Within a day, it spread throughout Shengjing, and the common people were abuzz with discussion. Aside from shock at the true cause of Wei Su’s death, most cursed Emperor Changde as a tyrant.
Due to the buildup of past events, Emperor Changde's reputation among the common people had long since declined. Now, they held no respect for him, many even wished for his death.
Naturally, Emperor Changde hadn’t wanted everyone to know, but since he’d vowed to "publicly proclaim to the world," Jiang Lin and his allies seized the opportunity. Imperial proclamations were posted everywhere, ensuring no one missed them.
Beyond Shengjing, edicts were dispatched to every prefecture, county, and town, all to be displayed publicly. With officials turning a blind eye, the people grew bolder in their criticisms, saying whatever they pleased.
Yue Heng shared a trait with Jiang Lin, both considered themselves filial sons. So, he had people record the public’s remarks and personally recited them, word for word, to Emperor Changde in the palace.
Emperor Changde couldn’t bear the collapse of his carefully crafted image as a wise ruler. Overcome with rage, he spat blood. This time, he was truly ill.
So ill that he couldn’t even attend court.
____
"So, you’re now overseeing state affairs as regent?"
While the public debated Emperor Changde’s edict, the Wei family was joyfully preparing for Jiang Lin and Wei Yunzhao’s wedding.
Yue Heng came to share the good news of Emperor Changde’s illness, calling it an early wedding gift.
Whether the couple wanted this "gift" was another matter. Jiang Lin couldn’t help but worry for Su Qiao. If Yue Heng was this stingy, would he mistreat his future wife?
He decided he must warn Su Qiao.
"Of course. Everyone assumes that once the old man dies, I’ll immediately ascend the throne. Lately, he’s been guarding against me like a hawk, hiding the imperial seal and personal stamps. As if he’d rather die than pass the throne to me."
Jiang Lin interjected, "Isn’t that exactly what you want?"
Yue Heng nodded. "Precisely. This way, the throne will smoothly pass to its rightful heir."
Yue Heng had long claimed to have a successor in mind, but to this day, Jiang Lin and Wei Yunzhao couldn’t guess who it was.
Jiang Lin even wondered if the candidate truly existed.
Yue Heng said no more. He stood up and declared, "The gift has been delivered. I’ll return on your wedding day." With that, he leisurely departed.
Jiang Lin and Wei Yunzhao sat facing each other, staring until their eyes nearly crossed—yet still, they couldn’t deduce Yue Heng’s plan.
Finally, Wei Yunzhao took Jiang Lin’s hand. "Enough. If we can’t figure it out, we’ll know when the time comes."
Just then, Bai Zhi arrived to inform them their wedding robes were ready for fitting.
This wedding wouldn’t be grand—timing and prior public perception made a lavish celebration unfeasible. But all essential rituals and preparations were observed, including new attire.
"Good," Jiang Lin agreed cheerfully, hand in hand with Wei Yunzhao as they headed to try on the robes.
Upon entering, they found four sets of wedding robes neatly arranged. After a brief, awkward pause, both burst into laughter.
Apparently, both had secretly commissioned wedding robes, and both sets arrived simultaneously.
Jiang Lin leaned against Wei Yunzhao’s chest, teasingly stroking his cheek. "I didn’t realize you were so eager, secretly ordering wedding robes ahead of time."
Wei Yunzhao wrapped an arm around his waist, eyeing the two sets he hadn’t ordered. "You’re no less eager, my wife."
Jiang Lin: "So, how did you know my measurements?"
Wei Yunzhao’s grip tightened. "Naturally… from daily touch, memorized by heart."
His gaze then prompted Jiang Lin to explain his own knowledge.
Jiang Lin playfully swatted his chest. "Same here, constant touching engraved it in my mind."
"You little imp," Wei Yunzhao fondly tapped his nose. "Then let’s try them all."
"Let me help you dress," Jiang Lin offered eagerly.
"Help me dress, or… undress me?" Wei Yunzhao whispered the last words against Jiang Lin’s ear, making it burn.
Jiang Lin yanked his belt loose. "Both. Got a problem with that?"
"None at all. But first, my wife, kindly close the door. Unless you wish others to see what belongs solely to you."
Jiang Lin saw no flaw in this logic. Instead of moving, he called, "Close the door!"
A maid outside promptly obeyed. By then, Jiang Lin had already stripped Wei Yunzhao bare above the waist.
His hands traced from neck to abdomen, circling the defined muscles before settling on Wei Yunzhao’s lean waist. Sliding up his spine to his shoulders, Jiang Lin pressed him onto a seat and draped himself over his back.
"Standing’s better than lying down, easier to appreciate all angles."
"If you prefer, we’ll stand in the future. As long as you… can endure it."
Before Jiang Lin could ponder "endurance," Wei Yunzhao abruptly pulled him from behind onto his lap.
"My legs are fully healed now," he reminded. "Capable of many things."
Jiang Lin wriggled, fingertips brushing Wei Yunzhao’s cheek. "I know. That’s why I’m eager to get married, so we can do everything properly."
"Wife, if you keep provoking me, I may lose control. Perhaps we should focus on the robes first."
Jiang Lin grinned. "Fine. Let me help my husband dress."
Sliding off his lap, he pulled Wei Yunzhao upright and reached for his trousers.
Wei Yunzhao’s restraint snapped. Sweeping Jiang Lin into his arms, he carried him to the bed.
"You brought this upon yourself."
Jiang Lin looped his arms around Wei Yunzhao’s neck. "Mhm, but don’t overdo it. Our wedding night’s soon—wouldn’t want you spent by then…"
His words were swallowed by a kiss.
The robe-fitting session lasted from noon till dusk.
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