Chapter 102 An Old Cow Eating Young Grass
Inside the mansion, lanterns and decorations were everywhere, and servants were busy hanging exquisite glass lanterns and trimming the flowers and trees in the courtyard, creating a festive atmosphere in preparation for the birthday celebration.
This contrasts sharply with the secret letter he possesses, which contains hidden dangers and intrigues.
His third brother was truly... calm and collected in the face of danger.
Shaking his head, Lou Yan walked straight towards the inner courtyard.
Passing through the corridor, we arrived at the main courtyard's flower hall. Before even entering, we saw Lou Jin and Ye Xunyang having breakfast at a table by the window.
Lou Jin, dressed casually, was slowly sipping his porridge, while Ye Xunyang sat beside him, occasionally whispering something to him with a gentle smile in his eyes.
Sunlight streamed through the window and fell on the two of them, creating a scene of such tranquility that it seemed almost unreal.
Lou Yan stepped inside and cleared his throat.
The two looked up at the sound.
Lou Jin was somewhat surprised to see him: "Royal brother? Why did you come so quickly?"
Ye Xunyang also stood up immediately.
Lou Yan placed both letters in front of Lou Jin, his gaze sweeping over the two faces, lingering for a moment on Ye Xunyang's slightly rosy complexion, before looking at Lou Jin.
"What time is it? Is this the first time you've had breakfast? It seems I've arrived at an inopportune time and disturbed His Highness Prince Jin's rest."
Lou Jin was taken aback by his words, touched his nose, smiled helplessly, and reached out to take the letter.
He picked up another secret report brought by Lou Yan, which detailed the coma of the Nanzhao crown prince and the turmoil within the Nanzhao kingdom.
After reading it, Lou Jin's expression became even more solemn, and he casually handed it to Ye Xunyang.
But a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes as he looked up at Lou Yan: "Brother, your sources of information... Your foundation has always been in the Northwest, when did you become so well-informed about the Southwest and Nanzhao?"
Upon hearing this, Lou Yan raised an eyebrow, leisurely sat down beside him, poured himself a cup of tea, and slowly said, "I know you're waiting anxiously for news from the Southwest. I'm just helping you out, so you won't be neglecting your duties all day..."
He paused, his meaningful gaze shifting between Lou Jin and Ye Xunyang, a mocking smile playing on his lips, "...I'm serving someone else."
Upon hearing this, Ye Xunyang's ears instantly flushed slightly, and he awkwardly looked away.
Seeing this, Lou Yan smiled and continued to say to Lou Jin, "However, it seems that Bei Chen's ointment and pills are somewhat effective this time. Xun Yang's complexion looks much better than it did two days ago."
His tone shifted, carrying a hint of elder brother's reproach, "Lou Jin, it's not that I'm criticizing you, but you're almost twenty-nine, while Xunyang is only nineteen, a young man. You, an old ox eating tender grass, should cherish it and be more restrained, understand? Don't really let him suck you dry."
"Royal brother? What exactly are you here for?" Lou Jin interrupted Lou Yan in time, glancing subconsciously at Ye Xunyang, who was looking for a crack in the ground beside him.
Lou Yan, seeing that things were going well, stopped teasing and tapped the table to steer the conversation back to business: "Let's get down to business. Looking at the two letters together, the situation is more serious than we imagined. The matter of the Nanzhao crown prince must be taken seriously."
Lou Jin immediately composed himself and said in a deep voice, "That's right. Shadow Serpent's ambitions are vast. We must intervene in the situation in Nanzhao as soon as possible."
Although Ye Xunyang's cheeks were still burning, he forced himself to calm down and said, "The most urgent task is to find out what kind of poison the Nanzhao crown prince has been poisoned with and whether there is an antidote. If we can wake the crown prince up, the situation in Nanzhao may be largely stabilized."
Lou Yan pondered for a moment: "This matter needs to be handled in two separate ways. First, immediately send more people to assist Ye Xunqin and the others in investigating the Shadow Serpent strongholds in the southwest and cutting off their claws and teeth."
"Secondly, and most importantly, we need to send a capable team into Nanzhao under the guise of providing assistance. The letter also mentioned that the Nanzhao envoy will be arriving in the capital soon, presumably also to seek help on this matter."
"Besides trying to contact the Crown Prince to find out what poison he has been poisoned with and to find a way to cure it, we also need to find out about Shadow Serpent's network of influence in Nanzhao. If necessary, we can cooperate with the forces within Nanzhao."
"Regarding the choice of personnel," Lou Yan looked at Lou Jin, "your identity is special, and it would be too risky for you to go in person, but if you don't go, your influence might not be enough. This matter still needs to be considered."
Lou Jin shook his head, his gaze resolute: "I must go. Only as a prince can I engage in equal dialogue with the Nanzhao royal family when necessary, and gain the trust of those forces that are still observing. There are risks, but it's worth the gamble. As for safety, I will act cautiously, conceal my whereabouts, and not reveal my identity unless absolutely necessary."
He paused, then looked at Ye Xunyang: "Xunyang is going with me. His second brother is investigating in the southwest, and he is skilled enough to protect himself and assist others."
Ye Xunyang immediately replied, "It is my duty."
Lou Yan, seeing that the two had made up their minds, knew that further persuasion was useless, so he said, "Alright! Since you have decided, I will ensure the safety of the rear while I am in the capital."
"Bring all your guards with you. I'll keep an eye on the palace for you. If you need more, I can lend you a few guards and guides. Just ask for any medicine or supplies you need, and Beichen will do his best to prepare them."
After taking a sip of tea, Lou Yan added, "Five days from now, when the envoy arrives in the capital, I will contact the ministers in advance and recommend you to go to the capital in court."
The plan was roughly finalized, and the tense atmosphere eased slightly.
Lou Jin suddenly leaned back lazily in his chair, the old grudges about being teased earlier immediately resurfacing in his mind.
A mocking smile curved his lips as he glanced at Lou Yan and slowly began to speak.
"Your Majesty, now that we've finished discussing the important matters, I have a question I'm unsure whether I should ask."
Lou Yan raised an eyebrow, sensing that this kid was up to no good: "Speak."
Lou Jin's smile deepened, carrying an undisguised vengeful tone: "Brother, you're already over thirty, a few years older than me. I wonder if you can still be of any use to Mr. Yu?"
"Oh, by the way, why didn't Mr. Yu come with you today? Could it be that..." he drawled, his eyes mischievous, "...disliked your performance and specially went to get you some tonic herbs to enhance your virility? Would you like me to give you a few more jars of fine wine? I saw you enjoyed it quite a bit the other day~"
Lou Yan's face instantly darkened, his fingers tightened around the teacup, and his knuckles turned slightly white.
He glared at Lou Jin, his eyes seeming to want to pin him to the wall.
"Lou... Jin!" Lou Yan practically spat out the two words through gritted teeth, "Are you asking for a beating?"
Lou Jin didn't care at all, and spread his hands with a smile: "Brother, don't be angry. I'm just concerned about your lifelong happiness. After all, you're getting old and should take care of yourself. Mr. Yu's medical skills are superb, and he will surely be able to treat you properly."
Lou Yan snorted coldly, too lazy to argue with his younger brother who was acting innocent after getting the benefit. He suddenly stood up: "Looks like you have a lot of free time! There are many complicated matters in the southwest. The list of manpower and supplies needed must be prepared and sent to my residence before sunset today! If it is late and causes problems, you will be held responsible!"
After saying that, without waiting for Lou Jin's response, he turned and left, but his back view looked like he was angry and embarrassed.
Watching his elder brother's retreating figure, which was practically a hasty escape, Lou Jin was in a great mood, and the heaviness of the serious discussion they had just had was greatly reduced.
Ye Xunyang then raised his head and glared at Lou Jin reproachfully: "Why did you have to deliberately anger His Highness?"
Lou Jin reached out and pulled him close, chuckling softly, "Who told him to tease us first? I'm avenging you."
Ye Xunyang felt helpless, yet a warmth stirred within him by the unique way the brothers interacted. However, the thought of the upcoming trip to the southwest quickly replaced that initial ease with worry.
"Alright, let's get down to business." Lou Jin's smile faded, and he said seriously, "We should hurry up and prepare. This trip to Nanzhao is fraught with danger, and we cannot afford to fail."
"But! Let's celebrate my birthday first."
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