With a forceful gesture, the envoy urged them toward the door, his tone brooking no argument.
Jiang Lin understood the implication. Smiling, he pushed Wei Yunzhao’s wheelchair forward. "Very well, sir. Forgive our delay, we’ll accompany you at once."
"Xun Qi," Jiang Lin called out without turning back, his voice lifted toward the sky, "inform Zhou Chengwang and Du Yuling that His Majesty has summoned us to the palace. We won’t be able to make pastries for them today, tell them to return tomorrow."
The envoy’s face darkened instantly. "Did I not say this was a secret summons? How dare you- Wait, you have guests?"
Clearly, this complication hadn’t been anticipated.
Jiang Lin turned to reassure him, "No need for concern, sir. Zhou Chengwang and Du Yuling are sons of high-ranking court officials, utterly trustworthy and discreet. They won’t breathe a word."
At the deliberate mention of those names, the envoy’s expression soured further. The young masters of the Zhou and Du families are in the Wei mansion?
Noting his distress, Jiang Lin feigned concern. "Sir, you look unwell. Are you ill? We have a physician on hand, shall we have him examine you?"
He moved to summon help, but the envoy icily interrupted, "I’m fine. Hurry to the palace. His Majesty must not be kept waiting."
"Of course," Jiang Lin replied amiably, lifting Wei Yunzhao into the carriage before climbing in himself.
Inside sat another man, who gave them a curt nod before fixing them with an unblinking stare. It was clear that the man sat there to ensure no private conversation took place.
The carriage raced forward, unmistakably eager to deliver them to the palace.
The two exchanged another glance. Today’s audience would not end peacefully. Emperor Changde was undoubtedly preparing a lethal strike.
Jiang Lin reached out to tease Wei Yunzhao, tangling their fingers and even attempting to grope his chest. Wei Yunzhao shot a glance at their watchful escort and chided softly, "Behave. We’re not alone."
Jiang Lin remained unrepentant. "Why worry? We’re properly married, it’s not like we’re sneaking around. Let them watch."
He swung their clasped hands playfully. "Husband, you were so ferocious last night… I want more tonight~"
Wei Yunzhao’s eyes widened in sheer disbelief.
The man assigned to monitor them was equally stunned, clearly unprepared for Jiang Lin’s shamelessness, uttering such words in front of others.
Of course, even without outsiders, the statement was no less brazen.
After the initial shock, Wei Yunzhao frowned slightly, feigning displeasure. "Nonsense. How can you speak so carelessly?"
He hadn’t even had the chance to demonstrate his supposed "ferocity," making Jiang Lin’s claim entirely unfounded.
"Hmph," Jiang Lin pouted, pretending to be wronged. "You’re scolding me."
Wei Yunzhao felt both goosebumps and an inexplicable urge to smother this adorable version of his wife with kisses.
Acting resigned, he yanked Jiang Lin into his lap, murmuring placatingly, "There, there. Your husband was wrong. No more scolding."
Jiang Lin seized the opportunity to negotiate. "Then tonight..."
Wei Yunzhao, fearing another outrageous declaration, hastily agreed. "Yes, yes, whatever you want. Your husband will give you everything."
Jiang Lin nuzzled into his neck, refusing to return to his seat, clinging to Wei Yunzhao like sticky candy.
Their monitor was thoroughly ignored, and thoroughly miserable. Never had he witnessed such a scene: two grown men acting sickeningly sweet, making him wish to gouge out his eyes and deafen himself.
He turned away silently, questioning why he deserved this torment.
Noticing his reaction, Jiang Lin chuckled softly.
Wei Yunzhao tapped his nose in mock reprimand - this is all your fault.
Jiang Lin disagreed. The blame lay with Emperor Changde’s men and their weak constitutions.
He clasped Wei Yunzhao’s hand, cooing, "Husband~" while tracing characters on his palm.
Wei Yunzhao indulged him, patting his back like a child. "Hmm?"
Jiang Lin continued writing, punctuating each stroke with another saccharine call of "Husband."
Their monitor finally cracked, turning his back and covering his ears, survival instincts kicking in.
Jiang Lin smirked victoriously, poking Wei Yunzhao’s palm: What now?
If this were merely about targeting them, their combined skills and Wei Yunzhao’s concealed mobility, made escape (or even regicide) feasible.
But Jiang Lin feared this is just a tactic to lure the tiger away from the mountain. Hence he had given a hint to Xun Qi about Zhou Chengwang and Du Yuling, hoping the involvement of two influential families would give pause.
[调虎离山 (diào hǔ lí shān): lit. Lure the tiger away from the mountain; fig. A diversionary tactic to draw the main force away from its stronghold.
Wei Yunzhao shook his head. He lifted the carriage curtain, repeating a hand signal to the outside.
Jiang Lin didn’t recognize the gesture, but Wei Yunzhao had done this multiple times during the ride.
Leaning close, Wei Yunzhao whispered, "My people are on these streets. They’ll protect the Wei mansion."
Jiang Lin squirmed in his arms, giggling. "So ticklish! Who knew my husband was this naughty, sneaking kisses?"
"If you wanted to kiss me, you could’ve just asked. I’d never refuse."
"Enough," Wei Yunzhao growled, feigning exasperation.
"Hmph," Jiang Lin huffed. "First you sneak kisses, then you silence me? How unreasonable."
Wei Yunzhao exhaled heavily, playing the aggrieved party. "Fine, my fault. I shouldn’t have stolen kisses or scolded you. Forgive me?"
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