Yin Hui was used to Wei Luo’s temperament. No matter how significant events unfolded outside, he would not disclose them to her.
Perhaps it was due to his reserved nature or his strict adherence to the principle of “no politics in the harem”. Yin Hui speculated that it was likely a combination of both. Regardless, she had married a reserved individual, accepting her fate. After becoming accustomed to it, she saw nothing amiss.
After finishing her hair, Yin Hui noticed Wei Luo leaning against the head of the bed, holding a book. It seemed he intended to read for a while before sleeping. After contemplating for a moment, Yin Hui brought the sewing basket over, sitting cross-legged opposite Wei Luo.
Wei Luo’s gaze shifted, and he saw that she was sewing a child’s clothes. Though the satin material appeared thin, the silver bill was delicate enough to be sewn into it.
“For Xiao Xun?” Wei Luo inquired.
Yin Hui glanced at him, then raised the little gown in her hand to make it clear. “Xiao Xun can’t wear this anymore. Our fourth sister-in-law is due to give birth in the twelfth lunar month. These are for our nephew or niece.”
He attempted to entice her into revealing whether she had sewn a banknote, but the clothes were intended for a new born child, so she certainly wouldn’t conceal a banknote in them.
“It’s getting late; resume sewing tomorrow,” Wei Luo suggested, putting down his book and preparing to sleep.
Yin Hui truly intended to sleep after only two stitches, rendering the sewing basket unnecessary. She put on her slipper again, returned the sewing basket to the table, and blew out the candle on her way back.
Approaching the bed, she let down the curtain, and just as she was about to climb into bed, a pair of strong arms enveloped her.
Since the death of the first Emperor until then, the husband and wife had not been together for more than half a year. When he embraced Yin Hui, her breath became erratic. Realizing Wei Luo was leaning over her, she habitually hooked her hands around his neck. Lifting her face slightly, she closed her eyes, anticipating his kiss.
Wei Luo hesitated, but ultimately, he couldn’t resist his wife’s longing and enthusiasm. He brought her into bed first. In truth, he just wanted to hold her and talk.
Despite the cold and wind outside the window, the bed was filled with warmth. After a while, Wei Luo tossed a rolled-up ball of clothes outside the bed. When he retracted his arms and lay down, Yin Hui snuggled back into his embrace.
No matter how warm the hand stove was, it couldn’t match the warmth of his body. Wei Luo pinched her earlobe, saying, “Have you heard about everything outside?”
Leaning on his arm, she replied, “Yes, the second sister-in-law told me a lot.”
Wei Luo asked, “Are you afraid?”
Remembering the panic in her previous life, Yin Hui nodded while holding him tightly.
Wei Luo began to brush her hair. “During the day, you seemed quite calm.”
Yin Hui sighed softly. “Xiao Heng and Xiao Xun are sensitive, especially Xiao Heng, who is becoming sharper. If I panic, how can he continue studying?”
Wei Luo inquired, “Then why didn’t you ask me?”
Even though he spent most of his time in the front yard for over half a year, he still stayed with her a few days each month.
Yin Hui snorted and said resentfully, “Your words are like gold. If you don’t willingly share your thoughts, I don’t dare to disturb you. Anyway, the second sister-in-law will inform me of what I need to know.”
Wei Luo fell silent.
Even the second brother didn’t know what the second sister-in-law was aware of. However, considering the gravity of the situation, even if Yin Hui were to inquire, he could only offer reassurance and encourage her not to be afraid.
“Before I came back, the second brother invited me for a drink and mentioned that the second sister-in-law had secretly sewn banknotes into her clothes, a trick she learned from you.”
Surprised, Yin Hui stood up and looked at him amusedly. “Did the second sister-in-law really sew them?”
Wei Luo replied, “Could it be that you didn’t sew them?”
Of course, Yin Hui hadn’t sewn any. Firstly, she was confident in the safety of the Yan Palace, and secondly, even if an issue arose, they still had two gold leaves hidden away. Converting them would be too troublesome.
“Of course, I didn’t. The second sister-in-law is overly timid. She turned pale with fear, and I couldn’t comfort her, so I suggested this method. Who knew she would actually do it.”
Wei Luo understood, pulling her back into his arms to prevent her shoulders from catching a chill.
Looking at his chin, Yin Hui thought for a moment and asked, “Should we sew?”
Wei Luo touched her head, saying, “No, it’s not that bad. Whatever happens, I will protect you.”
The narrative mirrored the events of the previous life, albeit without Xiao Xun. Instead, Yin Hui, Xiao Heng, and Wei Luo were present.
“I’ll trust your judgment.” Yin Hui hugged him, relying on his comforting presence.
In such matters, Wei Luo was the guardian deity of their family. With him around, she and the children could lead a decent life, shielded from any potential bullies.
As King Qin and King Dai both fell, the court began to address the matter of King Yan.
At the end of the winter month, Zhang Bing, a servant of the Imperial Court’s transfer and punishment department, and the governor of Beiping Prefecture, moved into Pingcheng. Simultaneously, he dispatched two generals, Xie Gui and Zhang Xi, to take control of the 100,000 forbidden troops in Yandi from Guo Xiao’s command. Additional troops were sent to various locations surrounding Pingcheng, creating a situation akin to catching a turtle in an urn.
In the Yan Palace, King Yan summoned Wei Yang, Wei Luo, and Cui Yu, who had returned to the mansion, to discuss the matter.
While Wei Yang typically exuded gentleness and elegance, upon reading the latest official documents from the court, he displayed a resolute demeanor. “Father, the court has clearly made a plan to attack. If we don’t rebel at this time, how much longer should we wait?”
Hearing his words, King Yan glanced at the other two individuals.
Wei Luo remained silent, a characteristic behavior everyone was accustomed to. Without waiting for his opinion, Cui Yu directly expressed, “When the court dealt with King Qin and King Dai, they first listed the crimes of the two kings and then launched a direct attack. Our prince is innocent. Therefore, the imperial court can only send troops to suppress the situation, keeping a watchful eye on the prince’s forces, and simultaneously monitoring his every move.”
“So should we remain passive? Instead of waiting for our demise, why not seize the opportunity while the three guard posts are still under our control?”
Cui Yu calmly responded, “If you merely wish to seize an opportunity, why did the prince signal General Guo to surrender his military power?”