Chapter 53 Ji Wanyuan, I am your husband.
"What do you think, my wife?" he asked her in return.
"What?" Ji Wanyuan was a little confused for a moment.
What exactly did Wen Qiyan want to say to her?
Her painstakingly gathered thoughts were "forced" by his actions, becoming fragmented and scattered.
Unable to suppress her pursed lips, soft moans and whimpers escaped her lips from time to time.
She sensed that it wasn't just heavy rain outside the window; it also seemed to be thundering.
So much so that the interior was... hot, sticky, and greasy.
"Why do you think I would tell you a secret letter from the imperial court?"
Ji Wanyuan couldn't understand, and she whimpered, "Could you be a little gentler?"
The man asked knowingly, "What's wrong?"
He even bent down to brush the wet hair from her forehead, asking, "Is it heavy?"
"Isn't it heavy?" she asked through gritted teeth.
She couldn't sit still any longer and completely sank into the soft bedding, tears streaming down her face.
It was because of joy, shyness, worry, anxiety, and fear.
She cried silently, because she was being tortured, though "tortured" isn't quite the right word.
Wen Qiyan gradually stopped, not doing anything excessive to her, but simply holding her without leaving.
Ji Wanyuan could sense his presence; it was extremely powerful and possessive.
"Are you crying so hard because of the pain or because of my question?"
Ji Wanyuan gradually came to her senses and wanted him to leave, but she was afraid that once the man left, he would regain his senses. At this moment, his voice was still hoarse.
After calming down, she turned around.
Because of her pregnancy, Ji Wanyuan's movements were very slow. Wen Qiyan carefully supported her waist and helped her turn around so that the two were face to face.
But because of his earlier actions, he was forced to go outside a bit.
After Ji Wanyuan lay down again, she came back in.
She's too delicate; even if you maintain a close relationship, it's still difficult for her to leave or test the waters.
Ji Wanyuan heard it; it was a sticky, gooey sound.
Her mind drifted back to the scene she had just witnessed, and to the words Wen Qiyan had spoken.
She's got him wrapped around her little finger. Is that a double entendre?
Is it just about the scandalous inside story, with no other meaning?
"Does it hurt?" he asked, stroking her swollen lips.
Ji Wanyuan looked at the man's expression and felt the tenderness in his tone.
“Tell me if it hurts,” he added.
He didn't just vent his anger; he actually went along with her and took care of her feelings in bed.
Could it be that Wen Qiyan has developed feelings for her?
Ji Wanyuan thought to herself, otherwise why would he stop at this critical juncture to let her catch her breath?
If you want to get information out of her, you should keep harassing her, making her lose her composure and take advantage of her vulnerability.
She understood this principle, and Wen Qiyan couldn't possibly not understand it.
Her mind was in turmoil, and her body ached and felt tired.
For a moment, the two were silent, only intimately connected.
The rain outside was getting heavier, and Ji Wanyuan's tear-soaked eyelashes were still wet.
Wen Qiyan watched her cry; her face was small, and the tip of her nose was very red.
"Wen Qiyan, stop beating around the bush." She sniffed. "Explain yourself clearly, what exactly happened?"
"What? What happened?" the man asked indifferently, still scrutinizing her face, his fingertips stroking her chin.
His fingertips were slightly cool because he had stopped for a moment.
"Are you telling me all this because you suspect our Ji family? Or are you helping the imperial court to deliberately trick me into revealing information, hoping to use me against my father?"
Using this as an excuse, she deliberately revealed the truth to test him!
How could Wen Qiyan not understand the deeper meaning in her words?
"Is that what you think of me, my wife?"
The man smiled and said, "How could that be?"
"Can't you do it?"
"If you didn't know, why would you...why would you tell me these things during that time?"
"Isn't this a test?" Ji Wanyuan snorted.
When she was angry, she shrank back and forth, which made Wen Qiyan feel uncomfortable, but he couldn't continue.
"My wife has a deep prejudice against me. I want to know why you assume that about me."
"I'm just stating the facts." Ji Wanyuan felt flustered.
Don't try to get information out of me and end up getting tricked yourself.
"Are you really just stating the facts?" the man asked calmly.
Ji Wanyuan, however, had little patience left.
The imperial court actually knew about the mining in Youzhou, and also knew that Father had sent my brother there to try and develop the mines.
Her belly grew bigger and bigger, and the day of the Ji family's downfall in the storybook was drawing near.
Will things change? Ji Wanyuan racked her brains trying to figure it out, but she wasn't smart enough.
"Wen Qiyan, what exactly are you trying to tell me with these words? And what do you want to know from me?"
She admitted that she was no match for Wen Qiyan and could only be played by him.
Thinking of this, she felt like crying.
Suffocated, burned.
His fingertips were stained with her tears. Seeing that she was crying harder and harder and he couldn't wipe them away, he simply lowered his head and kissed her, and began to eat her.
The man showered her face with kisses, and Ji Wanyuan didn't resist at first, but soon she pushed against his chest, saying angrily, "Don't kiss me!"
"Such a big temper, what did I do to offend you?" Wen Qiyan laughed.
Her tears were bitter, and her cheeks were fragrant, soft, and beautiful.
"You won't tell me the truth, and I can't outsmart you."
No matter how hard I tried to hold it in, at this moment, I couldn't help but blurt out a truthful statement.
"Playing?" the man repeated. "You think I'm playing with you?"
Ji Wanyuan sobbed, "If it's not playing, then what is it? Tell me."
Her spoiled and willful side emerged, and she started acting unreasonably.
“Why don’t you think about how I’m trying to help you?” he said.
"Help?" Ji Wanyuan frowned.
“No matter what I say, my wife never believes me. She always thinks I have ill intentions. What else can I say?” Wen Qiyan sneered.
Ji Wanyuan retorted stubbornly, "When did I say you had ill intentions?"
It seems like I did say that, right?
Even if she said it, she can't admit it!
Unexpectedly, Wen Qiyan didn't argue with her. Instead, he said, "If that's the case, will my wife believe what I say?"
Ji Wanyuan paused for a moment, then said, "...Yes."
Something feels off.
"I told you this to my wife so that you could tell your father-in-law that the court has sent people down to decide whether or not there are any mines in Youzhou. Please consider this carefully."
Wen Qiyan's words made it sound like she was on the side of the Ji family.
Because his words were indeed flawless.
After all… he also said that the court had only received a secret letter and had not yet received any accurate information. In the meantime, the Ji family should indeed prepare countermeasures.
"So, you're really trying to help me?"
Wen Qiyan smiled faintly and actually started to make a move at this moment. Ji Wanyuan was caught off guard and opened her lips, panting slightly.
"..."
"Hmm," he said calmly, "I'll help you."
Then he added, "Since my wife has me cornered like this, where can I possibly escape to? It's best to surrender as soon as possible."
He propped himself up on his palms.
Ji Wanyuan placed herself beneath him and looked into his eyes.
The man's eyes were so deep, so intense.
Ji Wanyuan was unable to concentrate on discerning his expression as she was buffeted by the biting wind.
"Don't talk nonsense, that's so rude!" she said bluntly, feigning annoyance.
"Is this what you call nonsense?" The man moved her chin back, forcing her to look him in the eye.
“Ji Wanyuan, I am your husband, your bedmate, and the son-in-law of the Ji family. My words and actions are not only for the Wen family, but also for the Ji family.”
Consider the Ji family?
Was his consideration good or bad?
At that moment, she was somewhat disoriented, as she was swept up in the chaotic and disorderly wind.
She clutched the blankets and began to sob again, her nose even redder than before.
"Even if you don't believe me, you should look at your belly. You are carrying the flesh and blood of the Wen family, my bloodline. No matter what, I would never harm my own offspring."
If he said he loved her, whether she would take advantage of him was secondary; the biggest problem was that Ji Wanyuan didn't believe him.
He couldn't figure out what the gap between them really was.
What exactly changed her love for him all of a sudden?
This still needs further investigation, but the imperial court should not delay any longer.
If that's the case...
Wen Qiyan's eyes narrowed, and he began to exert some effort.
Ji Wanyuan was unable to maintain her composure and let out a few soft sounds.
She was so tired, listless, even moving a finger was exhausting, and she had almost no energy left.
After that, the two did not test each other again.
Ji Wanyuan really had no interest in anything.
Wen Qiyan could tell that he had tidied up the situation and quickly left just before crossing the threshold.
However, because of her nervousness, he couldn't get away from her and still ended up feeling somewhat embarrassed.
"..."
The man reached out and brushed it away, a result of his unintentional embarrassment.
The next day, Wen Qiyan was not at home. When Ji Wanyuan woke up, she heard Emerald say that Wen Qiyan's sister had returned.
Wen Qingling, her sister-in-law, didn't seem to come back when she got married to Wen Qiyan, because she had married out of the capital. Was she sick or something at the time?
She couldn't remember why.
Wen Qingling's return must be because of Madam Wen's illness.
Unexpectedly, Jade said that Lin Nianxi had also come.
Ji Wanyuan didn't want to get up, but she still had to go and greet them. Just as she set off, she heard Emerald say that it wasn't necessary.
When Wen Qiyan left, he had already visited Madam Wen and told her that she had been caught in the wind and rain yesterday and was feeling unwell, so she couldn't come to serve him today.
Madam Wen said she was fine and told her to take good care of herself and not to go over.
“They even sent some tonics over.” Emerald pointed to the round table in the outer room.
Ji Wanyuan looked over and indeed there were some things piled up, but... why were there so many?
Madam Wen gave her so much?
Before she could even ask, Emerald said that Wen Qingling and Lin Nianxi had sent some over. Since she was resting when they arrived, they didn't want to disturb her. The two left their things and then departed.
"It's fine if you don't have to go."
She was feeling upset at the moment.
She hadn't forgotten what Wen Qiyan had said yesterday.
Now that the court knows, she must send a letter to her father and mother as soon as possible.
But she couldn't go back directly, since she had already said she wasn't feeling well.
After thinking for a moment, Ji Wanyuan asked Emerald to take care of the courtyard and left quietly through the side gate instead of the main gate.
Anyway, Wen Qiyan told her yesterday to tell her father as soon as possible. Even if the news of her secret departure reached Wen's father's ears, she told Wen Qiyan to make excuses for her.
With Prime Minister Ji not at home, Ji Wanyuan was anxious and asked his wife to find someone, saying it was extremely urgent and a matter for the imperial court.
When Madam Ji found out, she didn't say anything, but sent someone to bring Prime Minister Ji back.
But Ji Wanyuan didn't expect that her father would actually come back with Wen Qiyan.
She was momentarily stunned when she saw the man. "?"
I even thought I was seeing things.
But who else could that tall, elegant, and aloof scoundrel with deep eyes be but Wen Qiyan?
After her initial shock, Ji Wanyuan couldn't help but purse her lips.
Not only was Ji Wanyuan surprised, but Madam Ji was also surprised.
Because Wen Qiyan was still an outsider in Madam Ji's eyes, and because the things the Ji family was planning were not honorable, Madam Ji did not ask him directly despite her doubts.
Ji Wanyuan's eyes darted around, and instead of asking Prime Minister Ji, she asked Wen Qiyan, "You...didn't you go to the government office?"
How can I come back with my father?
"You seem quite surprised to see me, my wife?" The man raised an eyebrow, his tone indifferent.
Ji Wanyuan's lips trembled slightly as she glanced at Prime Minister Ji. "No, nothing."
Prime Minister Ji gave her a reassuring look, then sat down and asked her what was wrong.
"I..." Wen Qiyan is here. Should she say it to his face or turn away to say it?
Saying it behind her back would seem like an attempt to cover up the truth, but saying it to her face would seem so strange. But... the information she received came from Wen Qiyan.
He asked her to come to our house to relay the message!
Thinking of this, Ji Wanyuan suddenly came to her senses and put down the teacup in her hand.
"Yes, Wen Qiyan asked me to come back and talk to you, Father."
Prime Minister Ji looked at Wen Qiyan, "What is it?"
Hearing the conversation, Ji Wanyuan felt that something was wrong.
How did the two of them manage to get back together?
Didn't Wen Qiyan tell her father on the way? Was he afraid of being overheard by too many people?
She was getting completely confused.
"It's about matters of the imperial court," Wen Qiyan said, as if to say something unexpected.
Not only did Ji Wanyuan's expression change, but even Madam Ji frowned.
"Oh? Matters of the court?" Prime Minister Ji said, "Since it's official business, let's discuss it in the study."
When they went to the study, Ji Wanyuan instinctively wanted to follow, but Prime Minister Ji told her to stay with Madam Ji.
Looking at Wen Qiyan again, he remained silent.
Therefore, Ji Wanyuan had no choice but to give up.
After the person left, she hurriedly asked Madam Ji why her father had brought Wen Qiyan back with him.
Madam Ji was also completely baffled. "I don't know either."
Just then, Prime Minister Ji's confidant came over and said that Prime Minister Ji had encountered Wen Qiyan on his way back.
Upon learning that Ji Wanyuan had come to the Ji family, he followed her there.
"Didn't Father and Wen Qiyan talk about anything along the way?" She felt something was amiss.
"No."
When Ji Wanyuan asked a few more questions, her confidant also said he didn't know.
She told Madam Ji that she wanted to eavesdrop, and Madam Ji couldn't help but pinch her cheek, pretending to grit her teeth, "Grandma, calm down."
"Your father can handle all these official court matters and messy affairs. Your belly is getting bigger and bigger! You should be careful."
Madam Ji touched her protruding belly.
At this, Ji Wanyuan looked over and exclaimed, "Mother!"
"I don't know why, but after four months, my belly is getting bigger and bigger."
As autumn approached, her clothes became thicker, but they still couldn't cover her lower abdomen. Even when she wore a cloak, it was still noticeable as she moved around.
She said she didn't like it at all and thought it was ugly.
"How is it ugly?" Madam Ji scolded her for being quirky, then laughed and said, "In a few months, Yuan'er will be a mother too."
"My daughter is worried about things at home."
Prime Minister Ji and his wife had analyzed the pros and cons. Given this, Madam Ji was also very worried. However, since the Emperor could not tolerate the Ji family, there was really nothing she could do but take it one step at a time.
"There's no use worrying about these things. Your father and brother are handling it. Just focus on your pregnancy."
Ji Wanyuan felt a pang of anxiety. "Can it really work?"
"If..." she thought of the Ji family's fate in the storybook.
"Whether it succeeds or not, it's up to us to plan. Let's see. In any case, your parents will protect you." Madam Ji stroked her hair and pulled her into her arms.
Ji Wanyuan called out "Mother," feeling a little like crying.
"..."
Inside the Prime Minister's study, Prime Minister Ji had someone pour Wen Qiyan a cup of tea and then said nothing.
After the tea had cooled down, Prime Minister Ji spoke, saying the same thing as before, "He is quite composed."
"Father-in-law, you are too modest." Wen Qiyan looked over, his eyes calm and serene.
"The information Yuan'er learned in the Wen family's southern study was deliberately leaked by you, wasn't it?"
Wen Qiyan simply smiled faintly and did not reply.
Who are the Wen family father and son? How could their daughter easily slip through their study, a place of great importance? Even if there were no one in sight, there were probably countless guards hidden around.
Last time, Prime Minister Ji had carefully questioned Ji Wanyuan and had a good idea of the situation, but this matter is of great importance and he still needs to test and verify it a bit more.
Later, Wen Qiyan also sent her a message saying that the imperial court had its eye on the Ji family and wanted to make the Ji family behave themselves.
Wen Qiyan was cautious; was it so easy to get information out of someone?
There is only one possibility: Wen Jiazi did it on purpose.
At first, Prime Minister Ji also suspected that Wen Qiyan wanted to use his daughter, but later... Prime Minister Ji no longer thought so, because Ji Wanyuan had found out too much information in a very short time.
Isn't Wen Qiyan worried that the Ji family will become suspicious when he tells her all this?
If it's not about taking advantage of them, then it's about building bridges and laying cables.
"I'd like to know your reasons for doing this?" Prime Minister Ji asked.
Wen Qiyan stared at the half-finished tea, remaining silent for a long time.
Prime Minister Ji was not in a hurry. Looking at his profile, he asked again, "What do you hope to get from me by doing this?"
"Doesn't my father-in-law know?" Wen Qiyan picked up his teacup and swirled it.
"I have never liked beating around the bush when I speak frankly."
“I do want to get…someone from my father-in-law.” Wen Qiyan looked at the floating tea leaves.
"Oh?" Prime Minister Ji narrowed his eyes. "Who?"
"I want Ji Wanyuan."
He put down his teacup, looked directly at Prime Minister Ji, his expression still aloof, but lacking his usual feigned humility.
Prime Minister Ji didn't seem to care about his rudeness. Instead, he raised an eyebrow and asked, "You've fallen in love with my daughter and are smitten with her?"
Wen Qiyan remained silent.
After a long silence, he finally spoke, “Your Majesty has long been aware that the Ji family has been illegally monopolizing the mining industry in Youzhou, but has not yet figured out the exact details.”
Now that they had gotten to the point, Prime Minister Ji did not shy away from the topic.
"His Majesty sent the Wen family to investigate the location of the mining operations in Youzhou. Several months have passed since then, and they still haven't figured it out?"
“The mining site isn’t even located in Youzhou,” Wen Qiyan said.
Upon hearing this, Prime Minister Ji suddenly burst out laughing, "Is this your conjecture or a test?"
“I am certain,” Wen Qiyan said.
The smile on Prime Minister Ji's face gradually disappeared. "Who found out?"
Wen Qiyan gave an irrelevant answer, "The location is not in Youzhou, but the actual location has not yet been found."
"His Majesty has lost patience. This time, he sent people to Youzhou to secretly investigate his brother-in-law. Regardless of whether the mining was found or not, once the court's people return to the capital, someone will surely submit a memorial impeaching the Ji family for seizing mining rights and failing to report it."
Using this as a pretext, they tore apart the Ji family, bringing them under the scrutiny of the Censorate and all officials, thus legitimately monitoring their actions and gradually eroding and disintegrating them.
The reason it happened so quickly was that he had been married to Ji Wanyuan for almost half a year, but he still hadn't received any information from her that she could reveal to the court.
The location of the mine was never found. Ji Lingyue had been gone for a long time, and as the Ji family grew stronger, the emperor tossed and turned at night, unable to sleep soundly.
Prime Minister Ji frowned slightly, but did not continue the discussion. Instead, he asked, "You've been working with the Ji family. How will you explain this to the Wen family?"
"Moreover, now that you've abandoned the Wen family and joined the Ji family for the sake of love, how can I entrust my daughter to you with such a betrayal and disloyalty?"
"When did I ever say I would betray the Wen family?" Wen Qiyan remained calm in the face of Prime Minister Ji's questioning.
"If it's not for the Wen family, then it's about playing both sides and pleasing both sides?"
Wen's father was loyal to the emperor and a first-rate "guardian" of the state; he would never join the Ji family in a rebellion.
The emperor currently values the Wen family and will not take any action against them.
Even if we were to take action, it would have to wait until after the Ji family is eradicated. By then, it would be a long and complicated process, and who can say for sure what will happen in the future?
Wen's father wouldn't gamble on the future; he'd been an opponent for years, and Ji Chengxiang knew him quite well.
"I cannot say more, Father-in-law. Please make the decision yourself."
Wen Qiyan didn't linger. He stood up, bowed, and then left.
Not long after he left, a person emerged from the bookshelf behind him; it was He Xun.
Prime Minister Ji asked him if he had heard everything.
He Xun gave an irrelevant answer, "Young Master Wen has already noticed my presence."
Although Wen Qiyan didn't look this way too often, he subtly glanced back as he stood up.
“Wen Qiyan is no ordinary person. I am not surprised that he discovered you were here.”
"But what's your opinion on this matter?"
"He Xun dared not speak recklessly, for fear of ruining your plans."
Prime Minister Ji raised his hand and said it was alright, let him speak.
"Young Master Wen is difficult to control; he can only be used, not taken under his wing."
Prime Minister Ji smiled. "Is that so?"
"He Xun, did you have ulterior motives when you said that?"
He Xun lowered his eyelids, his eyes flickering slightly, "...No."
"Really not?" Prime Minister Ji continued, "You heard what he said just now. He conspired with the Ji family to get my daughter. And you, do you want my daughter?"
"Everything He Xun possesses is supported by the Ji family. Even though he is fond of the eldest young lady, he dares not speak rashly."
Prime Minister Ji looked at him and said, "So, you also want my daughter?"
He Xun didn't speak again, and Prime Minister Ji looked at him for a long time without saying a word.
"..."
When Wen Qiyan came into the main hall, Ji Wanyuan was drowsy in Madam Ji's arms, still clutching half a piece of pastry in her hand, about to drop it. She was forcing herself to stay awake, probably worried about the matter the two were discussing.
It was Madam Ji who reminded Ji Wanyuan that she noticed Wen Qiyan had come over.
She met his gaze, then tilted her head to look to the side, "Where is my father?"
"My father-in-law has official business to attend to and couldn't come."
Ji Wanyuan, “…”
"The matter that I entrusted to my wife to tell her when she returned to the Ji family yesterday has just been relayed to my father-in-law in the study."
"You told my dad?" She stood up in surprise.
Wen Qiyan didn't respond. Instead, he asked Madam Ji for leave, saying that he had some matters to attend to at home and needed to take Ji Wanyuan back first. He would come to the Ji family again when he had time.
Because she wanted to keep asking Wen Qiyan about things, Ji Wanyuan went along with his words and said she wanted to go back. Madam Ji didn't know what the two were hiding, so she didn't ask any further questions, but just had someone prepare a carriage.
After leaving the Ji family, Ji Wanyuan couldn't help but ask, "What exactly did you tell my father?"
The man gave a half-smile, "To tell you the truth."
"Tell the truth?" Ji Wanyuan asked, puzzled. "Aren't you afraid of leaking court secrets...?"
"Aren't you afraid the imperial court will cause you trouble?"
"Even if I get into trouble, there's nothing I can do. I need my father-in-law's help. I want a priceless treasure from him, and I have to exchange it for this."
"Priceless treasure? In exchange?" Ji Wanyuan asked in confusion, "What did you ask my father for?"
What kind of treasure is it that Wen Qiyan desires so much that he is willing to betray court secrets?
He looked at her fair face and smiled faintly.
"you guess."
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Author's Note: I'm here! 50 RMB red envelopes! Randomly distributed!
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