Chapter 135: Not Complete Strangers
Yan Gang was tall and strong, with dark skin and sharp, honest eyes.
Although he was not as particular about etiquette as the powerful and influential people in the capital, his words and actions still carried the air of a local leader.
Ye Qing personally greeted them at the gate of the Marquis of Zhongyuan's residence, and the two equally resolute fathers hit it off immediately.
To show their respect and to celebrate the double happiness of the Ye family, the Ye family specially set up a family banquet to entertain the in-laws who had come from afar, and also invited Lou Jin and Ye Xunyang, who had made great contributions to this matter.
The banquet was held in the flower hall of the Marquis's residence. Although it was not as luxurious as a royal banquet, the dishes were exquisite and the atmosphere was warm and harmonious.
Ye Qing and Yan Gang sat at the head of the table. After a few drinks, they began to talk about the customs and scenery of the border region and the traditions of the southwest. They found themselves getting along very well.
Madam Ye held Anar's hand and lovingly asked her if she was used to life in the capital. She also carefully instructed Ye Xunqin to take good care of his future daughter-in-law.
Ye Xunyang and Lou Jin sat to one side. Looking at the harmonious and joyful scene before him, Ye Xunyang was filled with emotion and happiness.
"Your Highness, look how wonderful it is now."
Lou Jin turned his head to look at him, a gentle smile in his eyes, and said softly, "Yes, the dust has settled, and everyone is happy. This is more reassuring than any calculation or weighing of options."
After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became increasingly lively.
Chief Yan Gang stood up, holding a wine cup, and spoke sincerely to Ye Qing and Lou Jin in heavily accented Mandarin.
"Lord Zhongyuan! Your Highness King Jin! I am a rough man, but I can see that you are genuinely good to Anar. I salute you!" With that, he drank the wine in his cup in one gulp.
This simple yet powerful promise moved everyone present.
Ye Qing and Lou Jin immediately stood up and raised their glasses in return.
Ye Xunqin was even more excited, his face flushed, and he held Anar's hand tightly beside him.
Although Anar lowered her head shyly, she couldn't hide the happy smile on her lips.
Seeing his second brother and the others looking so sweet, Ye Xunyang secretly took Lou Jin's hand under the table and gently scratched his palm with his fingertips, which made Lou Jin turn his head to look at him.
Ye Xunyang winked at him.
Lou Jin grasped his hand tightly in return, their fingers intertwined, everything understood without words.
The family banquet lasted until the moon was high in the sky before it ended.
Ye Xunyang and Lou Jin also bid farewell to their parents.
For the next two weeks, both the Jinwang Mansion and the Ye Mansion were busy preparing for the wedding.
The Marquis of Zhongyuan's mansion also welcomed another joyous occasion: the eldest son, Ye Xunjin, was ordered to return to the capital to prepare for his marriage to Lin Wanru, the daughter of the Vice Minister of War.
On this day, Lou Jin happened to come to the Marquis's residence to discuss some matters with Ye Qing, and encountered Ye Xunjin, who was stretching his muscles in the courtyard.
Although the two were ruler and subject, they also felt closer like family because of Ye Xunyang.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Lou Jin finally couldn't resist his gossip. He dismissed his attendants and sat down with Ye Xunjin at the stone table in the courtyard, where he asked.
"Xunjin, this time the Emperor has bestowed a marriage upon you... There are many noble ladies on the list, some of whom come from prominent families. Why did you choose Miss Lin in particular?"
He paused, then added, "Of course, the Lin family is a family of high moral character, and Miss Lin is also of excellent appearance and character. It's just... a bit unexpected."
Upon hearing this, Ye Xunjin's usually resolute face showed a rare hint of shyness.
He picked up his teacup, his gaze seemingly piercing through the rising steam to reach the distant Northwest.
"Since Your Highness has asked, Xun Jin will speak frankly."
"Wanru and I...we are not strangers."
Lou Jin raised an eyebrow; this was unexpected.
“In the late autumn of the year before last, I was ordered to inspect a border post. On my way back, I encountered a blizzard, got separated from my guards, and my horse broke its leg.”
"I trekked alone through the wind and snow for most of the day, almost exhausted, when I was fortunate enough to encounter a caravan heading to the border town to visit relatives."
Ye Xunjin slowly explained, "That was the convoy of Vice Minister Lin's family. Madam Lin and her daughter were traveling to the border town to visit the eldest son of the Lin family, who was then serving as the border town's military commander."
"At that time, I was dressed in rags, frozen stiff, and looked like a beggar. The caravan guards wanted to drive me away, but... it was Miss Lin who heard the commotion through the carriage curtain and instructed the servants to give me hot soup and dry rations, and also gave me a thick cloak."
He paused, a hint of a smile flashing in his eyes, "She didn't even see what I looked like, because the border is bitterly cold and the soldiers have a hard time."
"Later, I revealed my identity and was brought into the city."
"During her recovery, Miss Lin accompanied her brother to the government office several times, and they met occasionally. Unlike the young ladies in the capital who only knew how to compose poems and enjoy the moon, she had a lot of insight into the lives of people on the border and the suffering of soldiers. She was gentle on the outside but firm on the inside, and she was calm and thoughtful in handling matters."
Ye Xunjin's voice carried an appreciation that he himself was unaware of.
"This trip back to the capital is for two reasons: first, by imperial decree, and second..." He looked at Lou Jin, his gaze honest and resolute.
"I also wanted to personally propose marriage to the Lin family and express my feelings to her. The matter of the roster was just the right opportunity. I chose her not because she is the daughter of the Vice Minister of War, but because she is Lin Wanru."
Lou Jin listened quietly, understanding the situation.
It turned out that this was not a cold political marriage, but a seed that had been planted in the snow and wind of the borderlands. With the help of the emperor's "ulterior motives" list, it was finally able to sprout, blossom and bear fruit.
Perhaps this is fate; after all the twists and turns, it's all ordained by heaven.
"I see." Lou Jin nodded, a genuine smile appearing on his face.
"It seems that fate has brought them together, a match made in heaven. I hereby wish Xunlang and Miss Lin a long and happy marriage."
"Thank you, Your Highness." Ye Xunlang clasped his hands in thanks, and then added, "On the day of Your Highness and Xunyang's wedding, I will certainly prepare a generous gift."
The two looked at each other and smiled.
Lou Jin thought to himself that he would definitely tell Xunyang this story when he got back.
Time flies, and the heat of summer is gradually replaced by the coolness of early autumn.
The entire Prince Jin's mansion, and even the entire capital city, was immersed in a festive and bustling atmosphere.
The Prince's mansion was decorated with lanterns and colorful banners, with red silk hanging high. Servants moved about, all with smiles on their faces.
Ye Xunyang put in his utmost effort this time, personally handling everything to achieve perfection, determined to make up for the grievance he suffered back then.
Lou Jin indulged his enthusiasm, only intervening at crucial points and leaving most matters to him to decide, enjoying watching him command with great enthusiasm and composure.
On September 27, the day before the wedding, two fast horses appeared at the gates of the capital, raising dust.
The people on horseback were covered in dust, but their sharp and aloof expressions were still evident. They were Lou Yan and Yu Beichen, who had traveled day and night from Nanzhao to return!
They rushed as fast as they could and finally arrived in the capital the day before the wedding.
The two first went to the palace to report to the emperor, informing him that the situation in Nanzhao had basically stabilized, Princess Anuo had now successfully ascended the throne, and the alliance with Dasheng was solid.
The emperor was very satisfied with the result and rewarded the two men handsomely.
After leaving the palace, the two did not even return to the Prince Yan's residence, but rode directly to the Prince Jin's residence.
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