Chapter Text
Jin Wei
When Xiao Chuhe said he had a proposal, Jin Wei didn’t expect marriage to be what he had in mind. The prince wore a smirk when he said it, however, and Jin Wei knew from all his years of dealing with Jin Yan how to recognize a bluff. “Very well, I accept your proposal.”
The prince choked on his tea. “ What ?”
“Of course, we should obtain the Emperor’s blessing. Will you come with me to Tianqi?”
Composing himself, Xiao Chuhe coolly set down his cup. “Ask him yourself. I don’t need his blessing.”
Jin Wei couldn’t begin to understand the complicated relationship between the Emperor and his sixth son, but the Director’s message had said that Xiao Chuhe was willing to return—just not yet. It could be there was more the Director didn’t know about their conflict, or maybe this was just a trick. ”Do you think I’m going to fall for this?”
A lazy sigh. “Fall for what?”
“You know what.”
He ignored the accusation. “I also need you to make preparations for our wedding. It needs to be the biggest that Tianqi has ever seen. I won’t settle for less.”
“I don’t know anything about planning weddings.”
“You have a year to learn,” the prince said with a shrug.
“Your Highness!” Jin Wei shouted, grabbing his arm before he could leave.
The prince weakly pried his fingers from his sleeve, then gave his hand a gentle kiss. “Save that passion for our wedding night.”
Xiao Se
Xiao Se didn’t say a word to his friends until he was back on the boat, and even then he only offered lies. After all, he could barely believe the truth himself.
His friends didn’t need to know about this, not yet. Not ever, hopefully, since Xiao Se could break off this sham whenever he wanted. In the meantime, an alliance with Eunuch Jin Wei may prove useful…
Jin Xuan
Jin Xuan knew Jin Wei would be returning without the prince well before he stepped into the city. He didn’t know, however, whether Jin Wei would first go to him or His Majesty with his explanation. From what Jin Xuan could tell, authority was authority to Jin Wei—he didn’t tend to differentiate, except when it came to their late shifu, whom he had the highest regard for.
Of course, Jin Xuan wanted to know what happened before anyone else did, but to delay reporting to His Majesty could cause Jin Wei some trouble—if the Emperor’s reaction to the Lanyue Marquis’ choice to visit the State Preceptor first was indicative of anything.
So, naturally, Jin Xuan appeared in Jin Wei’s path by mere chance.
“Director,” Jin Wei greeted stiffly.
“Jin Wei, I didn’t expect you back so soon.” Jin Xuan kept his tone pleasant, but firm. “Do you bring news from Dongji? What happened there?”
His jaw clenched. “I must report to His Majesty.”
Jin Xuan frowned slightly. It wasn’t like Jin Wei to brush him off like this. “Is there a reason you haven’t sent us any information?”
“It is only information if the Emperor decides that it is, so I need to talk to him. In person.”
What was that supposed to mean? “Jin Wei—” Jin Xuan touched his wrist, and was met with the biting chill of the Abyssal Eye. “You dare draw your blade on me?”
“I’m sorry,” he gritted, but made no move to sheathe his sword.
With a sigh, Jin Xuan released him. “You may go to His Majesty. I will hear everything you have to say, however, unless he sends me away.”
“That’s fine.”
Jin Xuan blinked. “It is?”
Jin Wei ignored him, storming off in the direction of the Emperor’s study.
This was becoming more and more strange, but Jin Xuan followed closely before passing him to go ahead. Jin Wei was clearly upset about something, and it wouldn’t do to leave His Majesty unattended at such a time.
“Jin Xuan?” his emperor asked, looking up from his papers.
Jin Xuan took his place at his side. “Eunuch Jin Wei has returned from Dongji,” he reported formally.
“Hm? What did he tell you?”
“He wished to talk with you.”
“Oh?”
Jin Wei finally entered, looking even more gloomy than before. “Your Majesty. Director.”
“Well, are you going to tell us what happened? Why is Chuhe not with you?”
“He sent me to ask you a question.”
“What question?”
Jin Wei cleared his throat. “Do I have your approval to marry him?”
Xiao Ruojin laughed hard, holding Jin Xuan’s arm to steady himself. “Jin Xuan, can you believe this?”
“I’m afraid I can.” It would certainly explain Jin Wei’s unusual behavior. Besides, Jin Wei wasn’t one for jests.
The laughter broke off, and His Majesty leaned forward, studying Jin Wei’s expression. “Are you telling the truth?”
“I am, Your Majesty.”
Any amusement left in his eyes flickered out. “Then start from the beginning.”