Chapter 54 (Chapter 54) - Stealing a Time Traveler
The night was dark and gloomy, and the chilly autumn wind shook the tender pomegranate branches outside the window.
The newly planted pomegranate trees trembled with their branches and leaves, standing resolutely in the wind.
At the second quarter of the hour of Yin (3:45 AM), Wei Qin, dressed neatly, lifted the bed curtains, bent down, and said something to the person who had shrunk into the quilt.
When Jiang Yinyue was helped to sit up, still dazed, her black hair was disheveled and her face was filled with struggle.
Having grown accustomed to the freedom of her husband's family, she had almost forgotten the rules of morning greetings.
The only family rule her father required of her was to reflect on her actions in the morning, but ever since she returned from Yangzhou, she had never done so, and her father had not reprimanded her.
Taking the hot towel handed to her by Wei Qin, Jiang Yinyue wiped her face haphazardly, slipped on her embroidered shoes, and went into the bath to wash up. "Your son-in-law is more considerate than I am as your daughter."
Wei Qin glanced at the water clock, walked directly behind her, took out a toothbrush from the bamboo tube, dipped it in salt, and personally cleaned her teeth.
After rinsing her mouth, Jiang Yinyue looked at her clean and neat teeth in the mirror, took out a handkerchief from Wei Qin's sleeve to wipe her mouth, and hurriedly ran behind the screen to change her clothes.
Wei Qin sat on the ebony couch and waited, slowly rubbing his fingertips. He showed no nervousness about reporting for duty for the first time, nor any panic about facing important cabinet ministers.
As the rustling sound reached her ears, a pair of phoenix eyes beneath the black gauze curtain shifted slightly, landing on the nightgown hanging on the edge of the screen.
The light blue ribbon on the moon-white satin dress was still wrapped around his palm last night.
Last night, the autumn wind blew through the branches, and the fallen leaves, red, yellow, orange, and green, painted a picture that was the most vibrant and beautiful amidst the desolation.
The more desolate autumn becomes, the more magnificent the scenery.
A gentle morning breeze ruffled his robes. Jiang Song, who was feeding the birds, snorted as he watched the young couple approaching. "Sleepy even when the sun is high in the sky, a clumsy bird with no ambition."
Jiang Yinyue snorted with her hands in her pockets, then turned her head and snorted with her right hand, still angry, and whispered to Wei Qin about her father's faults.
Wei Qin, who is always protective of his own, did not stand by her side this time, which made the young lady even angrier.
In short, she was like a bridge connecting the father-in-law and son-in-law.
The father looked at his son-in-law with admiration and comfort; he had never looked at her like that before.
"eccentric."
Jiang Song did not hide his favoritism. He smiled and put his arm around his son-in-law's shoulder, inviting him to ride with him to court.
"My son-in-law is used to walking."
The Jiang residence is not far from the palace; walking there and back is no problem.
A gentle smile appeared in Jiang Song's eyes. "On his first day of court, as a father-in-law, I must add to my son-in-law's prestige."
Unable to get a word in edgewise, Jiang Yinyue walked around the two of them.
Very well, nobody cares about her.
Both her father-in-law and son-in-law were a head taller than her, and she looked up at them like a sullen, clumsy bird.
She misses her brother so much; she hopes he won't neglect her.
With his son-in-law by his side, Jiang Song's gaze remained fixed on him, and he affectionately took his son-in-law's arm, and they left the mansion side by side.
"Old swan."
Hearing his daughter address him, Jiang Song, sitting upright in the magnificent carriage, didn't take it seriously, saying, "Little silly bird, take good care of the house."
Inside the swaying carriage, Jiang Song held a bowl of bird's nest and leisurely observed Wei Qin sitting opposite him.
He is an outstanding newcomer, handsome and talented, and I have excellent judgment.
However, Jiang Song raised his eyebrows, his expression slightly scrutinizing. Even the most outstanding newcomers would feel a little awkward upon entering the cabinet, but the young man before him was as composed as ever, as if he had seen many kings and generals and had developed a shrewd and experienced mind.
"Is my son-in-law nervous?"
Wei Qin put down the porcelain spoon he was using to stir the almond porridge. "It's alright."
"The cabinet is full of talented people, but also full of wolves and tigers. The Vice Grand Secretary is acting as the Grand Secretary. You can discuss anything with him, but you can't confide in him."
"I will remember this."
During the morning court session, Emperor Shunren listened to the censors' accusations, most of which concerned the misconduct of noble sons. He had little interest in the accusations and absentmindedly glanced at the group of young officials, his gaze fixed on Wei Qin, who was standing at the back.
This young man bears a resemblance to Jiang Song of old: strong, upright, unyielding, and impartial.
He has great potential.
After whispering a few words to the imperial eunuch, who respectfully nodded, the eunuch jogged up to Wei Qin, who was about to leave the hall after the court session, and said, "Grand Secretary Wei, please wait. Please come with me to the Imperial Study."
Wei Qin glanced to the side, his upturned eyes glistening with frost.
Beside the enormous incense burner, filled with the scent of musk, Emperor Shunren listened to the opinions of the Crown Prince, the Second Grand Secretary, and others regarding the selection of the Minister of Revenue. He smiled and looked at Wei Qin, who was standing in the corner, and asked, "What are your thoughts, my dear minister?"
"Your Majesty, I am filled with trepidation."
"Speak freely." Emperor Shunren tapped the imperial desk. "Come to my side."
Under the watchful eyes of several people, Wei Qin steadily walked around the imperial desk and stood to one side of the dragon throne, facing the Crown Prince and the key officials of the Six Ministries of the Cabinet.
"In my humble opinion, the Minister of Rites is well-versed in mathematics and has served as the chief accountant for grain storage and land reclamation taxes during his local service. He is a suitable candidate."
The Minister of Rites stroked his beard in silence.
It was unprecedented for a Minister to concurrently hold two ministries, and the Minister of Rites was more senior and respected than other officials recommended by the other candidates.
Wei Xichen stepped forward, "If the Minister of Rites were to concurrently serve as the Minister of Revenue, it would certainly be a fitting title, but..."
The prince then changed the subject and began to explain his own insights.
His words were clear and unhurried, and the Minister of Rites stroked his beard.
They just want to recommend their trusted confidants from the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, making it sound so noble. Officials in the Court of Imperial Sacrifices follow the Crown Prince's every command; if the position of Minister of Revenue falls into their hands, it will be a huge boost to the Crown Prince's power.
Emperor Shunren smiled and said, "Both the Minister of Rites and the Junior Chamberlain are capable candidates. Let me consider it further. Would it be too much of a burden for the Minister of Rites to manage two ministries?"
The Minister of Rites declared loudly, "This old minister is willing to give his life for the country!"
The Minister of Personnel, who was the head of the Six Ministries, was somewhat surprised. Of the seventeen people recommended, His Majesty singled out the Minister of Rites and the Junior Chamberlain, clearly indicating that he was affirming the proposals of Wei Qin and the Crown Prince. However, everyone present could tell that His Majesty was biased towards Wei Qin's proposal.
The Minister of Personnel looked at the young man beside the dragon throne, whose gaze was intentionally or unintentionally meeting that of the Crown Prince.
There was a subtle sense of confrontation.
After discussing with his maternal grandfather, the Crown Prince, who intended to do everything in his power to ensure that the Junior Chamberlain was promoted to Minister of Revenue, unconsciously tightened the hand he was holding in front of him.
Wei Qin's gaze subtly revealed a calculating nature that he no longer concealed.
To be an enemy of the Crown Prince.
When the two worked together in Yangzhou, he never sensed this ambition in Wei Qin.
Its brilliance is beginning to emerge.
**
As evening fell, the sky was ablaze with colorful clouds. Jiang Yinyue, who had taken an early bath, wrapped herself in a long cloth and walked to the wardrobe. From among the colorful brocade skirts, she pulled out a loose and simple inner garment.
Curious about Wei Qin's private possessions, she mustered up her courage and put on her undergarments to walk in front of the bronze mirror.
Hong Mei's voice came from outside the door, "Miss, would you like me to cut your hair?"
"No need, sister, please guard the door for me. I don't want to be disturbed."
Where is the son-in-law? Can't he pass either? Hongmei looked at the tall and elegant man who had walked up to her in the outer corridor, and her question got stuck in her throat.
Wei Qin walked past her and pushed open the door.
With the creaking sound of the door opening and closing, Jiang Yinyue, standing in front of the bronze mirror and examining herself, was dumbfounded.
Once they realized what was happening, they scurried around like ants on a hot pan.
Seeing his wife barefoot on the ground, Wei Qin strode forward, wrapped his arms around her waist, lifted her up, and carried her to the nearest ebony tea table.
The loose undergarment she wore was not enough to cover her legs, so Jiang Yinyue crossed her legs behind her back, as if she thought that this "folding" would hide her embarrassment.
"cold."
When she was placed on the table, she hurriedly got up and put her hands on the back of Wei Qin's neck.
Now you're being coquettish. Didn't you feel cold feet when you were running around barefoot in the house?
Winter had not yet arrived, and the underground heating system in the Jiang residence was not yet running. The ground was much colder than the tabletop, and it was permeated with a chill.
Wei Qin bent down and used a brand-new handkerchief from his sleeve to wipe her feet. She then tried to cover up her panic and unease by bringing her knees together and curling her toes back and forth.
The wide hem of her inner garment barely covered her knees and above, revealing straight, even calves that drooped over the edge of the table, gleaming with a delicate sheen.
So delicate it could be broken with a touch.
Wei Qin straightened up and pinched her burning cheeks. "If you don't have any clothes to wear, you can tell me. There's no need to steal my clothes."
A suspicious, faint line appeared on the man's lips, so faint as to be almost imperceptible, yet it caught Jiang Yinyue's eye and carried a hint of mockery.
"She's even become addicted to wearing them."
"Who's addicted?" The young woman, who had no right to argue, was sullen. She shouldn't have let her curiosity get the better of her. "I just want to be like the county princess and dress up as a man."
Mentioning Cui Shihan, Wei Qin pinched her soft, bouncy cheek again, "Learn something good."
Jiang Yinyue, who had managed to regain some ground, coughed and said in a serious tone, "Father has a lot of new clothes that are almost worn out in the closet. I won't wear yours next time."
Wei Qin immediately gave his approval in a serious tone, "This suits you quite well."
The woman, who had cleverly diverted the awkwardness and regained half the confidence, unconsciously wiggled her legs, almost waving her invisible fox tail.
Clever and quick-witted.
Wei Qin's heart softened at the touch. He rubbed Jiang Yinyue's head, ran his fingertips through her satin-like black hair, and carefully examined her...this dress.
As the eye sweeps across, there are towering protrusions, hidden on both sides of the overlapping collars.
Jiang Yinyue, realizing what was happening, crossed her arms and became wary, but Wei Qin slowly removed her arms.
"Can't I watch it?"
What was he saying? Jiang Yinyue's head was buzzing, but when she tried to cover herself again, Wei Qin twisted her hands behind her back, causing her body to arch forward.
With her hands forced behind her back, Jiang Yinyue twisted her shoulders, becoming like a bowstring taut, poised to be released.
Wei Qin glanced down at them and slowly leaned forward.
Jiang Yinyue could even feel Wei Qin's breath through the loose, ill-fitting undergarment.
Wei Qin's high, straight nose swept across the graceful curves, just a copper coin's distance away.
His thin lips landed on the woman's neck as it stretched backward.
The flickering light of the candle fell on the delicate jade neck, casting shadows on the man's profile.
Jiang Yinyue clenched her fingers behind her back to keep from making any soft moans.
"Wei Qin... Wei..."
"I am here."
Wei Qin rubbed his nose against one side of her neck, and used his lips to feel the pulse in her neck, which was pounding faster and faster.
Swift as lightning, with raging waves.
The hand inserted into the woman's hair exerted a little force, forcing her to lean back more, presenting him with an alluring curve.
Fortunately, Jiang Yinyue's waist was flexible enough to withstand such kneading and bending.
Someone's rapid breathing disrupted their heartbeats.
A ring of teeth marks appeared on that jade-white neck.
Jiang Yinyue could no longer withstand such "torture," so she straightened up and pulled out her two wrists that had been pinched red.
"Young master, the master requests your presence."
Hongmei's report interrupted the two people inside the room.
After a moment, Wei Qin grunted "Mmm" at the door.
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Author's Note: 50 small red envelopes [heart eyes]
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