"Right, find a skilled engraver to make a token for me. You can decide on the pattern and text."
Li Xinyue paused in her steps, then suddenly turned around and instructed Hongxiu.
Hongxiu had no idea what kind of token the princess wanted and where it would be used.
Li Xinyue explained, "The Wei Clan will surely compromise sooner or later. I need to prepare a token. It will make the process of incorporating them seem more legitimate."
Actually, it wasn't really necessary. It was just to make it look more solemn when she presented it to Chu Junyi.
Otherwise, if she just told him that she had incorporated some help for him, it would sound like empty talk and lack a sense of ceremony.
Of course, it could be made useful later, but that was for another time.
For now, she just hoped that Chu Junyi would wake up. Otherwise, all her efforts would be in vain.
Thinking of the unconscious Chu Junyi, Li Xinyue felt so dejected that she gritted her teeth. If only she could share his pain.
...
After Li Xinyue left, the Wei Clan was in an uproar.
The question of whether they should submit to Princess Yuanyang became a topic that the whole family discussed all night.
Those in favor thought that Princess Yuanyang was, after all, the most beloved princess of the current emperor, and she had a son - in - law with a great mission.
This son - in - law represented the commoners, who were likely to become a new force in the court in the future. If the Wei Clan wanted to prosper, why not help them before they firmly established themselves?
Those against it thought that Princess Yuanyang didn't seem like a good person. She might not be able to offer them wealth and honor in the future. Moreover, once they agreed to her, they would have to deal with both Princess Yuanyang and the Wei Clan in the capital, which was like playing with fire.
Those in favor scolded those against it, saying that now the Third and Fifth Masters were in the princess's hands. Did they have the right to object? Unless they wanted to kill the Third and Fifth Masters!
Those against it said that the princess also had a son - in - law, who was seriously injured. If they could kidnap the son - in - law, then it wasn't certain who would be at whose mercy.
Those in favor refuted them, saying that since the son - in - law and the Third and Fifth Masters were in the same inn, if they could kidnap the son - in - law, they could also rescue the Third and Fifth Masters. There was no need to be threatened by Princess Yuanyang.
Those against it said, "Then let's do it!"
Those in favor: "Let's do it!"
The clan leader: "We've already tried once and suffered losses. That's why the Third and Fifth Masters are now in the princess's hands! You all have such short memories!"
Those in favor and those against it: "Then invite the top experts in the Jianghu!"
The clan leader: "Where's the money? Inviting experts costs money! If everyone chips in, this method might work."
Those in favor and those against it: ...
So, after an hour - long heated debate, the Wei Clan successfully convinced themselves.
The clan leader immediately sent someone to deliver a message to Princess Yuanyang at night.
"Princess, the Wei Clan has sent a message. They're willing to pledge their loyalty to you and the son - in - law."
"Got it." Li Xinyue replied, turning her head towards the door. A faint smile curled up on her lips. This was an expected answer, nothing to be surprised about.
Now she was just waiting to see if Chu Junyi could survive the night. Otherwise, all her efforts would be meaningless.
"Hongxiu!"
Outside the house, Hongxiu, who had already reached the stairs, heard the call and came back. Looking at the closed door, she lowered her head and waited for orders.
Li Xinyue said, "Send a message to the Wei Family. I want to know all the evidence of the illegal dealings between the Wei Clan in the capital and the Eldest Princess recently.
I also want evidence, both human and material, of all the things Prince An has done over the years."
"Yes!"
"Also, starting from today, you must send me evidence of the secret collusion between the Wei Clan and the Eldest Princess or Prince Nanxun every seven days."
"The Third and Fifth Masters will stay with me for the time being. I'll let them go back after I see all the evidence I've mentioned."
"As for..."
As for the matter of amending the verdict, maybe it was just a decision made by the Wei Clan on their own to please the Eldest Princess. If it was the Eldest Princess's order, she would surely know where they were now.
So, it was a decision made by the Wei Clan on their own, which meant they would find a way to deal with it. She didn't need to worry about it.
"That's all. Just pass on these orders first."
"Yes!" Hongxiu immediately sent someone to convey Li Xinyue's words.
Li Xinyue turned around, picked up the handkerchief beside the bathtub, and continued to wipe the fine sweat off Chu Junyi's face.
Suddenly, their eyes met. She was shocked!
Before she could even come to terms with the fact that he had woken up, her hand holding the handkerchief was grabbed by a big hand. She staggered forward and was pressed against the bathtub.
Chu Junyi sat up, leaning against the bathtub, and closed his eyes as he kissed the one he had been longing for.
He was like a fish on the verge of dying of thirst. Once he touched that moistness, he kept sucking and savoring.
His bare arms, covered with tiny droplets of water, reached out of the bathtub and wrapped around her back, gently comforting her.
Li Xinyue's heart skipped a beat. She felt a bit dizzy, unable to distinguish between reality and fantasy.
The bitter taste of the medicine on his tongue entered her mouth. It was so bitter that she wanted to retract her tongue, but he held it tightly, as if he wanted to swallow it.
"Chu Junyi?" She said with red eyes, looking at his affectionate face that was so close.
He kissed seriously, without the slightest carelessness.
It took a long time for him to finally let go. Looking into her eyes, he gently wiped away her tears with his fingertips. "Yue'er, I made you worry."
Li Xinyue shook her head excitedly. "It's good that you're awake. It's good that you're awake."
Chu Junyi let out a soft laugh. Happiness and joy filled his heart. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly. He only gave her a moment to catch her breath, then pinched her chin and kissed her again. This time, the kiss was more passionate and intense, like two flames burning in their bodies.
Li Xinyue's eyelashes trembled slightly. The scenes of her kissing him back on the couch and stealing a kiss from him beside the bathtub flashed through her mind. The impulse and desire deep in her heart surged up again. She slowly wrapped her arms around his neck, shy but bold as she pursued him, their lips and tongues intertwined.
At this moment, it seemed as if the world was spinning and the stars were dim.
I don't know how long it took. It was so long that they were both out of breath before they finally let go of each other.
Only then did Li Xinyue realize what she had done, and it was even when Chu Junyi was awake. She felt like fainting now.
"Um, I, I..." Did I suddenly get possessed? Do you believe it?
Chu Junyi held onto the edge of the bathtub with both hands, looking at her performance indulgently while trying not to laugh.
Li Xinyue looked around in a panic.
Suddenly, Hongxiu's voice came from outside.
Li Xinyue felt that her voice had never sounded so pleasant and sweet as it did at this moment.
She let out a sigh of relief, pretended to be calm, and turned around to open the door. "What is it?"
Chu Junyi's eyes followed her fleeing back. He lowered his head and covered his mouth to laugh.
"Your Highness, the token you asked me to make is ready. Do you like this pattern?"
"Yeah. It's okay. Go and inform Doctor Le that he's awake."
After Li Xinyue took the token, she also took the clothes hanging on the screen and gave them to him to put on. Then, thinking of the help from the Wei Clan, she showed the token to Chu Junyi proudly.