Jiang Lin grumbled at Wei Yunzhao, who countered, “Did you enjoy it, wife?”
Jiang Lin couldn’t deny it and nodded honestly, earning Wei Yunzhao’s bold reply: “Then this husband dares to do it again.”
Jiang Lin refused to back down. “Then let’s continue tonight, kiss all you want.”
Wei Yunzhao suddenly laughed, squeezing Jiang Lin’s palm. “Kissing my wife could never be enough.”
The words nearly made Jiang Lin mentally add: Of course not, I’m very kissable. His smug expression said it all. Wei Yunzhao pulled him into an embrace. “Wife, I adore you.”
Jiang Lin noted that this newly initiated man was especially clingy today - even coquettish, and he loved it, indulging him without restraint.
The carriage soon arrived at Anyang Bofu. Hand in hand, the inseparable couple disembarked and entered the manor. Unlike before, the steward now treated Jiang Lin with utmost respect, fearful of slighting him.
Anyang Bo, informed of their return, rushed out to greet them with equal enthusiasm.
He already knew about the marriage and wanted to ask why Jiang Lin hadn’t told him, but he feared upsetting him. Fortunately, Wei Yunzhao stepped in, explaining and presenting prepared gifts, successfully placating Anyang Bo.
Then, Anyang Bo eagerly shared his good news, he was going to have another son.
The irresponsible Anyang Bo even went so far as to call Qiu Shui, wanting Jiang Lin to meet his unborn brother.
Jiang Lin’s expression was indescribable, suspecting the man had lost his mind from excessive baby-making.
Before Qiu Shui arrived, Jiang Lin asked, “Do you plan to give her a status?”
“Her” referred to Qiu Shui. Anyang Bo, thinking he understood Jiang Lin’s concern, assured him, “Lin’er, don’t worry. I won’t let anyone challenge your position as heir. Though this child is my late-life son, I’ll dote on him, but I know my limits. What isn’t his, he’ll never covet.”
Regardless of the child’s gender, the age gap alone made it no threat. Besides, Jiang Lin didn’t care about the heirship.
Jiang Lin decided to drop it and ask Qiu Shui directly.
Qiu Shui soon arrived, politely greeting them. Anyang Bo lavished praise on her, gazing fondly at her belly - clearly overjoyed about the child.
Qiu Shui, now carrying a motherly aura, indulged him before requesting a private word with Jiang Lin. Anyang Bo, pleased by her coaxing, agreed readily and even dragged Wei Yunzhao out for a game of chess.
Once alone, Qiu Shui knelt before Jiang Lin, who waited silently.
Qiu Shui said, “This humble one begs the heir to watch over my child in the future.”
Jiang Lin motioned for her to rise. “If that’s all, speak standing.”
“Yes.” Qiu Shui stood respectfully. “I know my status is lowly, and having a child is already a blessing. I dare not presume beyond my station. But I’m of humble origins, and the Master Bo is old. I fear no one will properly raise my child, hence my plea.”
“Is that all?” Jiang Lin studied her.
“I also fear this child may not survive,” Qiu Shui admitted warily.
Jiang Lin pressed, “Explain.”
Qiu Shui confessed what she’d overheard: “Some time ago, I heard Madam’s maid say she wasn’t truly mad, she was poisoned into insanity. The poison was given by Second Young Master.”
This aligned with Jiang Lin’s suspicions, he’d long suspected Jiang Zhen.
“But the poison came from the Zhao family, to retaliate for Madam’s schemes against the Wei family. I fear the Zhao family may target my child.”
Jiang Lin knew the Zhao family was petty and ruthless, but this still surprised him.
He asked, “If Zhao Qiuru stops taking the medicine, will she recover?”
Qiu Shui replied, “She seems better off it, but after so long drugged and confined, even if not truly mad, she’s nearly there.”
Fair enough. But Jiang Lin wanted to stir trouble.
Neither the Zhao family nor Zhao Qiuru were good people. He wouldn’t act directly, but he’d give Zhao Qiuru a chance to turn on them - let dogs bite dogs.
[狗咬狗 (gǒu yǎo gǒu): lit. Dogs biting dogs; fig. Iinfighting among villains.
Zhao Qiuru had some wits when not insane.
Jiang Lin said, “As long as you harbor no delusions, I’ll help guide your child. Tomorrow, I’ll send medicine. Find a way to ‘cure’ Zhao Qiuru and tell her what the Zhao family did.”
Qiu Shui understood immediately. She bowed. “The heir need not worry. This humble one will ensure it’s done.”
Jiang Lin left to watch Wei Yunzhao’s chess game with Anyang Bo.
Qiu Shui watched his retreating figure, relieved she’d never overstepped. After all, Jiang Lin was someone who dared to oppose the Emperor.
But with the heir’s promise, her child would have a better future. That was enough.
Returning to the Wei mansion, Jiang Lin and Wei Yunzhao found a disheveled Yue Heng at the gates.
Inviting him in, Jiang Lin asked curiously, “Your Highness, were you chased by dogs too?”
Yue Heng sat, gulped down water, and panted, “Worse than dogs. This prince never knew those wheezing old ministers could run so fast! A trained youth like me was nearly cornered.”
The reason for the chase was obvious.
“The decree was announced?”
Yue Heng brightened. “The crown prince was named today. The old man said he’ll abdicate to Fifth Brother tomorrow before the court. Then, he’ll be the rightful successor.”
Wei Yunzhao poured him more water. “But it’s all Your Highness’s doing.”
Jiang Lin asked, “Your Highness, why the Fifth Prince?”
Yue Heng smirked. “Because when you can’t repay lifesaving and upbringing debts, you can give a throne.”
He then asked, “Aren’t you curious about my history with Fifth Brother?”
Since he was volunteering, Jiang Lin gestured for him to proceed.
Yue Heng began dramatically, “It all started years ago, when this prince was a starving child…”
No comments:
Post a Comment