Chapter 26 Aunt Returns to Beijing
The following evening, when Ye Xunyang was massaging Lou Jin, Lou Jin took the initiative to bring up the matter of Shen Yelan.
"Xunyang, I reported yesterday that Shen Yelan is dead. With death comes no debt, so don't worry about this matter anymore."
Ye Xunyang paused, feigning surprise: "He's dead?"
“He committed suicide in despair in prison yesterday, but I didn’t tell you because I saw that you weren’t in good condition the day before.”
"I understand. He went down the wrong path himself, it has nothing to do with anyone else."
Lou Jin saw that Ye Xunyang's condition was normal and didn't seem to be faking it, so he probably really believed the play he had put on and didn't ask any more questions.
The two looked at each other in silence and slept peacefully through the night.
Two more days passed, and Lou Jin was able to walk for half an hour. Although he still needed Ye Xunyang's support or a cane, it was already a significant improvement.
In the afternoon, Ye Xunyang was playing chess with Lou Jin in the study. Lou Jin's chess moves were unpredictable, and Ye Xunyang was completely defeated. He was scratching his head, thinking of a way to cheat and turn the tide.
Wang Quan entered silently, presenting a secret letter with a solemn expression.
"Your Highness, news from the palace," Wang Quan said in a low voice.
Lou Jin paused slightly in his hand holding the chess piece, put it down, and took the secret letter to open it.
Seeing this, Ye Xunyang also stopped laughing and looked at him quietly.
The letter was simple: His Majesty, due to recent health issues and lack of energy, intended to temporarily appoint the Fifth Prince, Lou Yi, to oversee some affairs of the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works, and to assist in managing some state affairs. The decree would be issued soon.
After reading it, Lou Jin lit the letter on the candle flame and watched it turn to ashes. His face was expressionless as he simply said, "I understand."
Ye Xunyang was somewhat puzzled: "The Fifth Prince? The one the Prince mentioned last time... the one who knows how to hide his talents? The Emperor appointed him to assist in government affairs, does this mean he intends to give him an important position?"
"Hmm." Lou Jin picked up his teacup, his eyes deep and thoughtful.
"Father's move is twofold: firstly, he does need manpower to share the burden, and secondly, it is probably a warning against Lou Shang's recent actions, and an intention to support the fifth prince to balance the power."
Ye Xunyang nodded as if he understood, but he didn't care much about these things, as long as they didn't involve Lou Jin and the Ye family.
But Lou Jin's mind was already racing.
When Lou Yi ascended to the throne, the ones who were most restless were not his third brother, but the Imperial Concubine and Lou Shang.
Sure enough, within two days, news spread through the palace that Consort Sun had thrown a huge tantrum at Changchun Palace, smashing many precious objects.
Immediately afterwards, various rumors about the Fifth Prince's birth mother, Consort Xian, coming from a humble background began to quietly spread in the palace.
Lou Jin didn't let anyone interfere; he was happy to reap the benefits of others' disputes.
The next day, Lou Jin was reviewing the estate accounts of the Prince's manor, while Ye Xunyang was nestled on the soft couch next to him, casually flipping through a military book, his toes swinging leisurely.
The voice of the steward, Wang Quan, came from outside the door: "Your Highness, Your Highness, the General's Mansion has sent someone."
Ye Xunyang sat up straight instantly. The one who entered was Uncle Fu, the old steward of the General's Mansion. He first bowed to the two of them.
"Third Young Master, Madam sent this old servant to deliver a message: Your aunt's family has returned to the capital from Jiangnan. The manor is hosting a family banquet today, and Madam requests that you be sure to return so that the family can have a reunion."
"Alright, I understand. You can go back now." Ye Xunyang waved for him to leave and then lay back down on the soft couch.
Lou Jin couldn't help but be curious when he saw Ye Xunyang's unhappy expression.
"It's a joyous occasion that your aunt is returning to Beijing, so why do you look so reluctant?"
Ye Xunyang seemed to have found an outlet for his grievances. He sidled up to Lou Jin's desk, half-lying on the edge of the table, sighing and pouring out his troubles.
"Alas, Your Highness, you don't know, my aunt's sister always wants to spar with me whenever she sees me. I'm a man, I can't bully a woman, so I always hold back."
"I put too much water in the water, and I thought she would get bored and stop playing with me. But she got addicted and came to me every time."
“I tolerated that, but she turned around and told everyone that I was inferior to her. As a result, during the few days she was there, I was constantly told that I was not as good as her, that I couldn’t even beat a woman, and that I was so embarrassed.”
Ye Xunyang spoke with great emotion.
Lou Jin listened, imagining General Ye being bullied by his cousin and not daring to fight back, and a faint smile appeared in his eyes, but he remained expressionless and gestured for him to continue.
"And then there's that cousin of mine, he's so annoying. He always takes a bunch of my treasured things. Let me think..."
"Last year, the most beautiful courtesan at Yihong Pavilion made me a fan pendant; the year before, I finally found a Longquan sword; and the handkerchief I asked the proprietress of Yunjin Workshop to embroider for me—I specifically chose the pattern for her; and..."
He became more and more excited as he spoke, counting on his fingers the things his cousin had taken. He didn't notice that Lou Jin's eyes, which had been slightly smiling, had gradually calmed down and become deep and unfathomable.
In his final words, Ye Xunyang wailed, "Your Highness, why would I want to go back?"
The study fell silent for a moment. Lou Jin slowly leaned back in his chair, his fingertips tapping lightly twice on the smooth rosewood desk.
He raised his eyes, his gaze falling on Ye Xunyang's face. A half-smile curved his lips, and his voice was calm, yet each word carried an indescribable sense of oppression.
"Oh? The most beautiful courtesan of Yihong Pavilion, the proprietress of Yunjinfang, and the confidantes of the princess, she has quite a few."
Ye Xunyang was engrossed in his accusations when he suddenly heard Lou Jin's meaningful tone and shivered.
When I looked up, I met those deep, cold eyes, and my heart skipped a beat.
Oh no! I think I said something I shouldn't have!
"That... well, it's not really anything that's particularly important..."
Ye Xunyang tried to make amends, his voice unconsciously lowering.
Lou Jin didn't reply immediately, but slowly fiddled with the lid of the teacup beside him, making a crisp clinking sound.
After a moment, he raised his eyes, his tone returning to its usual calmness, yet carrying an undeniable air: "Since it's your aunt's family banquet upon returning to the capital, it's only right and proper that you go back. I will accompany you."
"Huh?" Ye Xunyang was stunned. "Your Highness, you're going too?"
"It's no use staying cooped up in the mansion all day. You might as well go out for a walk. Besides, I'd like to see your family."
He deliberately emphasized the word "family" slightly, his gaze seemingly casually sweeping over Ye Xunyang.
When the carriage from the Prince of Jin's mansion arrived at the General's mansion, the entrance was already bustling with activity.
Ye Qing and his wife personally greeted them at the door. They were both surprised and delighted to see Lou Jin come along, and quickly stepped forward to pay their respects.
"Your Highness's presence is an honor to our humble abode!" General Ye's voice was loud and clear, revealing his heartfelt joy.
He could see that Lou Jin looked much better than when he last returned to his parents' home, and he was even more satisfied with this son-in-law.
Madam Ye smiled and took Ye Xunyang's hand, whispering, "Your Highness's presence is truly an honor for you."
Ye Xunyang chuckled, secretly glancing at Lou Jin, feeling a little smug.
The group entered the main hall, where Ye Xunyang's aunt and her family were already waiting.
The aunt was a plump and kind woman. Upon seeing Lou Jin, she quickly led her two children to stand up and bow, their attitude respectful yet somewhat reserved.
"Greetings, Your Highness King Jin, Your Highness Queen Consort."
However, I didn't see my cousin Liu Yunying. When I asked, I learned that Yunying's mother-in-law was sick and she had gone back to her husband's house to take care of her.
Ye Xunyang couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
That cousin, Liu Wenxuan, was a thirteen or fourteen-year-old boy. He was clever-looking, with his eyes darting around.
She was trying her best to look well-behaved, but her eyes were already uncontrollably glancing at the jade pendant hanging from Ye Xunyang's waist.
But there was another cousin, Liu Yunxu, whom Ye Xunyang had never mentioned. She looked to be fifteen years old, and had grown into a graceful and lovely young woman. However, she blushed when she saw Ye Xunyang.
Ye Xunyang also became closer to her, patting her head whenever he saw her.
Lou Jin took all of this in, but his face remained expressionless.
He gently asked everyone to dispense with formalities, his manners were impeccable, and his speech was refined, quickly easing the slightly tense atmosphere.
The banquet began, with toasts exchanged and a harmonious atmosphere prevailing.
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