Chapter 59: Chapter Fifty-Nine Who Wouldn’t Like Someone Strong and Obedient…

Chapter 59: Who Wouldn't Adore a Lover So Skilled and Utterly Devoted?

The discussion about taking a secondary consort did not continue. Given the current circumstances, regardless of the underlying reasons, Wei San had no choice but to marry.

"Wei San, come rest with me for a while."

Having been awake all night and through the morning, Wei Zheng was utterly exhausted. Wei San agreed without a second thought.

Wei Zheng held him close, resting his head against the crown of Wei San's head. The intense body heat of the adult men transferred through two thin layers of fabric. His hands naturally encircled Wei San's waist.

He let out a puzzled "Hiss," pinching the soft flesh at Wei San's waist. "Why do I feel like you've gained quite a bit of weight? Your waist is all soft now."

Wei Zheng knew intimately how firm and toned Wei San's waist used to be. Since his own health had declined, they had rarely been intimate, and with nearly a month apart, the difference was unmistakable. Wei Zheng couldn't possibly fail to notice.

Wei San froze, suddenly realizing what he had forgotten.

He forced himself to remain calm and replied nonchalantly, "I've been neglecting my training for the past six months, so I have indeed put on some weight. If it displeases you, my lord, this subordinate will resume proper training tomorrow."

Rarely resorting to cunning, he adopted a cautious and submissive demeanor, as if afraid Wei Zheng would disapprove, his tone tinged with appeasement.

Wei Zheng indeed frowned, though not in reproach but rather realizing his words might have hurt Wei San's pride.

He softened his voice to comfort him, "There's no need to train. No matter how you change, I will never dislike you. Focus on recovering and regaining your health first."

His mind was fixed on Wei San's illness, but Wei San, along with Ruan Xingji, stubbornly refused to disclose what exactly was wrong.

Wei Zheng had his reservations about this but had promised to respect Wei San's choices and would not go back on his word.

Having barely managed to cover it up, Wei San breathed a sigh of relief.

"Master, you should rest now."

To prevent Wei Zheng from pressing further, he turned and wrapped his arms around Wei Zheng, nestling obediently in his embrace as he always did.

Having abstained for nearly two months, Wei Zheng was easily stirred by such provocation. He thought that as long as he restrained himself and didn't go all the way, it should be fine.

He lifted Wei San's chin, desire gradually clouding his eyes.

"Before resting, I'd rather have Sui Yun keep me company for a while."

Wei Zheng's voice was slightly hoarse, strained with suppression. Both being men, they knew what this implied. Wei San hesitated but ultimately yielded to his instinct to obey, slowly closing his eyes.

Wei Zheng smiled in satisfaction; he loved nothing more than Wei San's compliance. No matter how unreasonable his demands, Wei San would agree unconditionally.

Except, of course, when it came to his illness.

The thought frustrated Wei Zheng, grating on his nerves. Unable to simply let it go, his kisses turned fierce, almost as if he wanted to devour Wei San whole.

"Mmm... ah..."

After the kiss, his lips deliberately bitten until they bled, Wei San's eyes welled with tears, the faint taste of blood lingering in his mouth.

"I'll indulge you this time, but it won't happen again," Wei Zheng said, his thumb pressing against the bleeding wound, feeling as though he had regained some ground.

Wei San lowered his eyelids slightly. He understood Wei Zheng's meaning but had to play dumb.

Just then, a rhythmic knocking came from outside. Steward Li Dan called out, "Young Master Sui Yun, officials from the Ministry of Rites are here to take your measurements for the wedding attire."

Knowing Wei Zheng wasn't actually poisoned, he made his announcement and fell silent, assuming those inside had heard.

Wei Zheng, who had just been about to get closer to Wei San: "......"

His prize slipping away so suddenly, Wei Zheng frowned in displeasure. Though reluctant to let him go, he knew the wedding was in just over ten days and the attire couldn't be delayed. However unwilling, he had to release him.

He helped Wei San off the couch, personally straightening his outer robe and fastening his belt. Wei San felt overwhelmed by the favor but didn't dare disrupt his master's rare urge to serve.

Once everything was tidy, Wei Zheng stepped back, admiring the pretty little beauty before him, quite satisfied with his handiwork.

Li Dan knocked gently again outside, urging them. Wei San tentatively asked, "Master, shall I go?"

Wei Zheng waved his hand, suppressing the urge to pull him back. "Go quickly. I'll wait for you to return."

"Alright."

Wei San agreed and, under Wei Zheng's reluctant gaze, opened the door and left. Li Dan bowed respectfully and escorted him away.

Disturbed by the interruption, Wei Zheng was no longer sleepy. After a moment's thought, he had the hidden assassin summon Ruan Xingji and Zhong Tong, then instructed the assassins to keep a close watch around the palace to prevent any intrusions.

Before the two arrived, Shadow Guard Commander Duan Lin entered. Wei Zheng got straight to the point: "Duan Lin, where are the Crown Prince of Huainan and Wang Xi's hundred thousand troops now?"

Duan Lin retrieved a secret missive from his sleeve and presented it with both hands.

"The Crown Prince of Huainan secretly entered the capital this morning and is currently at the Prince of Qi's residence."

The fifth prince had been enfeoffed earlier, but due to his unhealed leg injury, the old emperor granted him a residence outside the palace. After accepting the decree, he moved into the Prince of Qi's residence.

Since they were conspiring to usurp the throne, the Crown Prince of Huainan couldn't enter the capital openly and had to disguise himself before hiding at the Prince of Qi's place.

"As for Wang Xi and the hundred thousand troops, their progress is much slower, but they are currently less than eight hundred li from the capital. They should reach Sui Prefecture, adjacent to Yu City, in three days."

"Fifth brother is too impatient," Wei Zheng remarked, closing the missive and shaking his head with a derisive laugh.

He asked Duan Lin, "Don't you think their advance has been too smooth?"

Duan Lin paused, then upon reflection, also sensed something amiss.

A hundred thousand troops marching day and night from the border to sneak into the capital—even if they took deserted routes—couldn't possibly avoid leaking any news.

How could the movements of such a large force be so well concealed?

Wei Zheng took a sip of tea and said leisurely, "Guess whether the old emperor and the crown prince have noticed anything."

Understanding the implication, Duan Lin immediately cupped his hands and said, "I will send someone to investigate the palace's activities."

Wei Zheng gave a noncommittal hum. As Duan Lin prepared to leave, he called him back.

"Also, instruct Wei Yi to pay a visit to the Grand Tutor."

"He knows what to do without me spelling it out, right?"

He issued the command with a gentle smile, but his eyes were piercingly cold.

If fifth brother was the mantis stalking the cicada, then he, the oriole, was ready to close the net.

Shortly after Duan Lin left, Ruan Xingji and Zhong Tong entered.

Ruan Xingji, straightforward by nature and never one for beating around the bush, got right to the point upon entering.

"Your Highness, when do you plan to 'wake up'? I need to prepare to make it convincing."

Wei Zheng said with calm composure, "No rush, let's wait a couple more days."

It was clear from Wei Zheng's expression that he hadn’t summoned them for the antidote. Ruan Xingji and Zhong Tong exchanged glances and asked in unison, "Then what did you call us for, Your Highness?"

Wei Zheng narrowed his eyes slightly, a calculating glint flashing in their depths.

He said, "It’s really not a big deal. I just need you to say a few words in front of His Majesty."

Ruan Xingji and Zhong Tong grew curious. "Please go on, Your Highness."

The three of them huddled together, whispering in low voices.

Wei San was brought to Chengyun Hall. Although this was only the appointment as Secondary Consort Yun for the Virtuous Prince, the Minister of Rites paid extra attention since the Emperor himself was overseeing the marriage. He came in person for this.

"Minister Yan, sorry to have kept you waiting."

Wei San’s first act upon seeing him was to apologize. The Minister of Rites dared not let him bow, especially since the other was seated in a wheelchair due to his leg injury.

As Wei San made to bow, the Minister quickly stepped forward and steadied him by the arms. "Secondary Consort Yun, there’s no need for such courtesy. It is I who have intruded upon you."

After steadying Wei San, the Minister immediately withdrew his hands. Though both were men, the one before him was soon to be the Virtuous Prince’s Secondary Consort Yun. It was necessary to maintain propriety to avoid gossip. Given how much the Virtuous Prince valued Secondary Consort Yun, any rumors could spell serious trouble for him.

With trepidation, he put some distance between himself and Wei San and broached the main subject.

"You must already know the purpose of my visit. I wonder if Secondary Consort Yun has a moment now to let the seamstresses take your measurements?"

Wei San replied, "I do."

Pleased, the Minister of Rites promptly instructed the seamstresses behind him to take Wei San to an anteroom for measuring.

Wei San was measured from head to toe with a measuring tape. After taking his measurements, the seamstresses brought out various fabric patterns for him to choose from. By the time all this was done, nearly an hour had passed.

After seeing off the Minister and the seamstresses, Wei San hurried back to the main hall.

He had kept in mind Wei Zheng’s words about waiting for his return and couldn’t help but walk faster. By the time he stepped into the bedchamber, the hair at his temples was damp with sweat.

"What’s the rush? Is a ghost chasing you or something?"

The moment Wei San entered, Wei Zheng, who had been waiting, pulled him into an embrace. Seeing him drenched in sweat and breathing heavily, he began to chide him with displeasure.

Though his words were sharp, his actions were exceedingly gentle.

He took a silk handkerchief and carefully wiped the sweat from Wei San’s forehead.

Wei San closed his eyes contentedly and explained softly, "You said you would wait for this subordinate to return. I was afraid of making you wait too long, so I hurried."

Wei Zheng paused, surprised that this was the reason.

His little assassin always took his every word to heart, no matter the situation. No wonder he had willingly fallen so deeply.

After all, who wouldn't love a gentle, beautiful, highly skilled lover who was utterly devoted to them?

Wei Zheng felt that taking away the passion-poisoned Wei San had been the best decision he had ever made in his life.