Long Yang turned his eyes toward him. Despite the coolness of his gaze, there was an authoritativeness in it, which startled Yuan Zheng. He did not expect an envoy to possess such a mysterious and intimidating aura.
Suppressing his shock, he smiled warmly. “Please don’t misunderstand, Minister Lin. I don’t mean any harm; I just wish to know your status in Great Shang. I hope you can forgive my rudeness.”
Indifferently, Long Yang shifted his gaze back to Lu Liangwei and watched her eat.
Noticing her special fondness for the lotus leaf steamed duck, he put two more pieces in her bowl.
Lu Liangwei beamed at him and used her chopsticks to serve him a piece as well. “You should eat some too.”
Their casual display of affection made Yuan Zheng feel like a third wheel, and he cleared his throat, ready to break the awkwardness, when Long Yang suddenly said nonchalantly, “Actually, I’m also curious to know if you have the late Yan Emperor’s will.”
Yuan Zheng was staggered by his words, and it took him a while to regain his composure. “I’m not sure what you mean.”
“Let’s just be honest with each other, shall we? I already know that you have the late Yan Emperor’s will. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have spoken to you.” Long Yang stated his purpose frankly.
Yuan Zheng fell silent, and at the same time, a probing edge entered his eyes.
Two days ago, when Minister Lin had revealed to him that he knew where the late Crown Prince’s son was, he had already started to grow wary.
However, he had been unsure of his purpose, so he set up this banquet to sound him out.
Now, it seemed that the man was interested in the will he had in his possession.
Yuan Zheng had always thought of himself as shrewd after having been in the court for decades, but this man in front of him was a complete mystery to him; he could not identify his motive at all.
“What exactly do you mean?” After a while, the smile faded from Prime Minister Yuan’s face, and he asked solemnly.
“According to the news I received, you’ve been looking for the late Crown Prince’s son for many years.” Long Yang’s reply drained the color from Yuan Zheng’s face.
“You…”
A small smile appeared on Long Yang’s lips. “No need to be alarmed, Prime Minister. I won’t reveal this to anyone.”
Prime Minister Yuan let out a sudden laugh, but there was no amusement in his eyes. “Are you threatening me?”
“Not at all.” Long Yang was unfazed. “But I’d like to know why you’re looking for the late Crown Prince’s son.”
At this moment, Prime Minister Yuan had calmed down, and he performed a salute facing the palace’s direction. “I’m doing this out of loyalty to the Emperor. I wish to soothe his worries by ensuring that there aren’t any remaining allies of the late Crown Prince.”
Long Yang merely gave him a wordless glance. Seeing that Lu Liangwei had finished her meal, he said, “I didn’t know you were so loyal, Prime Minister Yuan. I guess I’ve misjudged you. Thank you for the meal today.”
He took out his handkerchief and wiped Lu Liangwei’s mouth before helping her up. “Farewell, then!”
Yuan Zheng stared after them in stupefaction as they left the room. He did not expect them to walk out without even sparing him any chance of negotiation.
Recalling what Long Yang had said before he left, Yuan Zheng smiled to himself ruefully.
To think that he was, at this age, still being led around by the nose by a young man!
However, what did Minister Lin mean?
There was clearly sarcasm in his words before he left. Could Minister Lin have found out about his secret deeds?
His heart pounded in alarm at the thought.
After leaving Gentle Breeze Court, Long Yang and Lu Liangwei returned to the coaching inn.
Now that Lu Liangwei’s hunger had been appeased, drowsiness started to overtake her, and she let out a yawn.
Long Yang chuckled. “If you’re tired, go take a nap.”
“You want to nap together?” Lu Liangwei gazed at him sleepily.
Long Yang caressed her cheek, cocking an eyebrow in amusement when he saw her tearing up from the sleepiness. “Are you sure you want me to join you?”
