Chapter 107 Anyway, it wasn't him who lost face.
The next day, it was already bright daylight, and the bright sunlight shone through the window lattices, casting dappled shadows on the floor of the main courtyard's sleeping quarters.
Lou Jin and Ye Xunyang slept in each other's arms, the inner veil filled with tranquility and peace, a stark contrast to the rising summer heat outside.
However, this tranquility did not last long.
Faint, suppressed conversations and slightly anxious pacing could be heard from outside the courtyard, indicating that someone had been waiting in the front yard for a long time.
On the bed, Lou Jin frowned, burying his face deeper into Ye Xunyang's neck, his arms tightening: "Noisy..."
Ye Xunyang was awakened by the commotion outside.
He listened intently and nudged Lou Jin: "Your Highness, it sounds like someone is looking for you outside."
Liu An, somewhat apprehensive, whispered outside the door, "Your Highness, His Highness Prince Yan says there is an urgent matter and he needs you to come."
Lou Jin didn't even open his eyes, but instead hugged the person tighter, his voice heavy with sleepiness and dissatisfaction: "Never mind him... even if the sky falls, we'll talk about it after I wake up..."
Ye Xunyang sighed helplessly, knowing that he had stayed up late yesterday and soaked in the hot spring for a long time, so he must be exhausted now.
But Lou Yan sent someone to invite him, so it must be something important that cannot be delayed.
He was about to try to persuade him again when Lou Jin grabbed him, saying, "Go to sleep, or else..."
Ye Xunyang knew what he was going to say, so he quickly closed his eyes, and the two of them fell asleep again.
About the time it takes for an incense stick to burn has passed, and the commotion in the front yard has not only not stopped, but seems to have become even more agitated.
Finally, a steady footstep, tinged with obvious displeasure, approached from afar, crossed the courtyard, and stopped outside the bedroom door.
"Lou Jin!" Lou Yan's voice rang out from outside the door, filled with suppressed anger. "I sent someone to call you, were you fast asleep? What time is it?!"
Inside the bedchamber, Lou Jin finally opened his eyes reluctantly, his eyes still showing signs of weariness.
He slowly sat up, his nightgown collar slightly open, revealing his collarbone and the warm, smooth jade pendant on his chest.
He faced the door and lazily drew out his words.
His words were ambiguous, and the area outside the door fell silent instantly.
Immediately, Lou Yan's voice rang out, almost through gritted teeth: "...You get out here for me!"
Hearing this, Ye Xunyang's cheeks flushed, and he quickly reached out to cover Lou Jin's mouth, whispering, "Don't talk nonsense!"
Lou Jin then kissed his palm.
He chuckled and pulled Ye Xunyang's hand away, raising his voice, "Brother, please wait a moment. You must allow your younger brother to wash and change, right?"
Outside the door, Lou Yan snorted coldly but did not urge him any further, clearly indicating his tacit agreement.
Fearing that Lou Jin might say something shocking again, Ye Xunyang quickly got up, pulled Lou Jin up as well, and pushed him toward the washroom: "Hurry up and wash up, don't keep your brother waiting."
Lou Jin was pushed by him, but he turned around and hugged him, resting his chin on Ye Xunyang's shoulder, refusing to move as if he were being unreasonable: "I don't want to go... I just celebrated my birthday yesterday, and I have to go to work today. My brother is too heartless. Can't you even let me rest for a couple of days?"
His tone carried a clear hint of complaint and coquetry.
Seeing his expression, Ye Xunyang softened her voice and coaxed, "Alright, my husband, it must be about the Nanzhao envoy. I'll go with you, okay?"
He had thought Lou Jin might dawdle a bit longer, but to his surprise, as soon as he finished speaking, Lou Jin immediately straightened up, his eyes lit up, and he answered crisply and decisively.
"Okay! Let's go."
The speed at which the man changed his expression stunned Ye Xunyang for a moment. He then realized that the man's reluctance was probably an act, and his purpose was to get Ye Xunyang to agree to go with him.
Ye Xunyang looked at the slight upturn of his lips after his scheme succeeded and shook his head helplessly.
Really... when did his prince learn to be so cunning?
The two quickly finished washing and grooming.
When Ye Xunyang straightened Lou Jin's collar, his fingers accidentally touched the love charm he wore close to his body. Lou Jin looked down at it, a satisfied smile flashing in his eyes, and gently shook Ye Xunyang's hand.
As they walked out of the palace together, they saw Lou Yan standing in the courtyard with his hands behind his back. His expression remained cold and stern, but when his eyes swept over the two figures walking out side by side, his expression instantly turned helpless.
His gaze swept over Lou Jin's obviously listless face, then looked at Ye Xunyang, whose ears were slightly red, and finally said nothing, only letting out a barely audible sigh.
Whatever, whatever.
Anyway, it's not him who's losing face.
"Have you dawdled enough? Let's go." Lou Yan turned around and walked out first.
Lou Jin and Ye Xunyang exchanged a glance and followed.
When the three arrived at the Prince Yan's residence by carriage, it was nearly noon.
Upon entering the council hall, one would find several officials from the Court of State Ceremonies and the Ministry of War already waiting there, each with a solemn expression and the heavy atmosphere characteristic of official court affairs.
They were slightly surprised to see King Jin and his queen arrive together, as they hadn't heard that the queen was also attending the meeting. Though they had their questions, they dared not voice them and bowed respectfully.
"Greetings, Your Highness Prince Yan, Your Highness Prince Jin, and Your Highness Queen."
Lou Yan nodded expressionlessly and walked straight to the head seat.
Lou Jin remained calm and composed, nodding slightly in return to the officials before pulling Ye Xunyang to sit down in the seat below Lou Jin.
Ye Xunyang felt the probing gazes cast upon him, maintaining a polite smile on his face, but feeling somewhat uneasy inside. He could only gently squeeze Lou Jin's hand, signaling him to restrain himself.
Lou Jin took his fingers in his hand and gently scratched his palm with his fingertips, conveying comfort and affection.
Lou Yan took in the subtle interactions between the two, his lips twitched almost imperceptibly, and decided to ignore it. He cleared his throat and drew everyone's attention back to the main topic.
"Gentlemen, I apologize for keeping you waiting," he said in a deep voice, his gaze sweeping over the officials present. "The Nanzhao delegation has arrived at the post station outside the capital and will soon be entering the capital for an audience. We need to discuss the protocol for their reception, the key points of the talks, and the possibility of sending representatives to Nanzhao later..."
"That Princess Jin is also going to Nanzhao later, so she came to learn about the procedures in advance."
An official praised, "Princess Jin comes from a family with a strong academic tradition, and her brother is stationed in the southwest. Naturally, this will be of great benefit to her in this matter."
Ye Xunyang nodded in acknowledgment, but he was actually a little uncomfortable with the flattery. No wonder his father had said before that he was not suited for officialdom.
"Alright, let's begin."
The meeting then commenced, and the hall quickly filled with serious discussion.
Ye Xunyang sat quietly beside Lou Jin, mostly listening without interrupting.
Lou Jin, though still looking somewhat tired, was as efficient as ever when discussing matters.
However, when no one was paying attention, he leaned back slightly against the back of his chair, his arm gently touching Ye Xunyang's beside him.
Lou Yan occasionally glanced up and saw this scene. The anger that had been building up in his heart from waiting eventually turned into a silent shake of his head.
His third brother is becoming increasingly disreputable.
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