Chapter 107 – Black-Bellied Regent VS Loyal Shadow Guard (11)
Clearly, one is the master and the other is the shadow guard. Even if he truly has feelings for Mu Jin, marrying the daughter of the Anping Marquisate is not a big deal.
From both a social status and family expansion perspective, it’s perfectly acceptable. Moreover, based on their past interactions, perhaps the other party wouldn’t even mind him marrying someone else.
But Wen Renhong just didn’t want to do it.
Wen Renhong had never thought about his marriage before. Continuing his family line wasn’t important to him. But now, even though the emperor wanted him to marry someone casually, he wasn’t willing to. And, even if he were to marry…
At the thought of marriage, Mu Jin’s cute face flashed through Wen Renhong’s mind once again.
Though that person always seemed indifferent, with an expressionless face, they also had a warm body temperature, a sweet taste. Their mind was filled with the image of someone’s large cat-like pupils. Wen Renhong lowered his eyelids to conceal the obscurity in his eyes.
In the court, the emperor was still waiting for his response, not having time to think much about the reasons. He could only attribute it to his dislike of feeling controlled by others’ fate.
After waiting for a while, Wen Renhong still didn’t speak. Frowning, the emperor said to him, “Prince Zhong, you haven’t explained why you refuse this marriage proposed by Us. The daughter of the Anping Marquisate is outstanding in appearance and intellect, knowledgeable and reasonable. She is highly regarded in the whole capital. What makes you think she’s not suitable for you?”
Hearing the emperor’s words, Wen Renhong shook his head quickly and smiled, saying, “It’s not like that. It’s just that this official already has someone in his heart. I’ve already vowed to marry no one but him, and there will only be him as my husband in the future. So, I dare not delay the Anping Marquisate’s daughter.”
Speaking of a husband naturally made everyone think of a wife. No one would think that the one Wen Renhong liked would actually be a man.
Hearing his response, Wen Renda’s eyes flashed, saying to him, “I wonder who’s this boy from, that even our usually flirtatious Fifth Brother has become so infatuated. It must be a noble son. Why not tell Us? We could help you.”
“Please forgive this official for keeping it secret,” Wen Renhong said with a happy smile in front of all the civil and military officials, looking affectionately at the man as if he really liked him.
Wen Renda didn’t quite believe Wen Renhong’s explanation. After all, he had always had people monitoring Wen Renhong’s movements. Although the spies hadn’t brought back any useful information, they had never heard of any beloved person appearing by his side. So he concluded that this was just Wen Renhong’s excuse.
Originally, arranging the marriage was just a test, but now it seemed that the other party didn’t intend to accept his arrangement.
Thinking of this, Wen Renhong covered the haze in his eyes and suddenly burst out laughing. Pretending to be concerned, he said to Wen Renhong, “In that case, We won’t worry about it anymore. But, Fifth Brother, don’t hide it. You have to let Us meet him.”
Wen Renda managed to get through it with a few more laughs, but Wen Renhong could tell that despite the emperor’s outward generosity, the atmosphere in the court became unusually tense after this incident.
After leaving the court, Wen Renhong got into the carriage to leave. The guards naturally couldn’t conceal their figures on the hall, so they had to hide outside the palace. But strong as Mu Jin was, he could catch up as soon as they left the court.
However, even though he had just left the court, through 003, he already knew what had happened. He didn’t expect that Wen Renda would even consider marrying his man, which was really audacious.
At that time, Mu Jin couldn’t help but feel angry. He had the urge to rush in and take the other’s life regardless of the consequences.
Thankfully, 003 repeatedly advised against it in his mind, saying that Wen Renda was deeply poisoned and wouldn’t live much longer anyway. He mustn’t act rashly. Mu Jin managed to hold back.
Fortunately, Wen Renhong soon rejected it. But, only him? Would there only be him as his husband in the future?
Thinking of the words his lover said in the court, Mu Jin couldn’t help but blush. He had the urge to rush up and give his man a passionate kiss. He felt ecstatic thinking that if his man really wanted him after returning home, he would agree, agree, or agree.
After leaving the main hall, Wen Renhong could already feel someone following behind him. His martial arts skills were higher than Mu Jin’s, so naturally, he couldn’t hide from his ears. But seeing a large group of courtiers around him, he remained calm, feeling a little more settled in his heart.
After getting into the carriage, Wen Renhong asked the driver to turn into a deserted alley, then pulled back the curtain and said, “Xiao Jin, come out.”
The moment he spoke, Mu Jin, dressed in black, appeared and stood in front of Wen Renhong’s carriage window, respectfully asking, “Master, what are your orders?”
“Nothing, get in,” Wen Renhong replied, and Mu Jin obediently entered the carriage. The two sat facing each other, with Mu Jin keeping his head down, quietly playing his role without uttering a word.
Wen Renhong didn’t speak, but his mind was racing. His impulsive response in the court earlier made him realize that this shadow guard before him might mean more to him than he had imagined.
Previously, Wen Renhong thought that having Mu Jin by his side simply made him feel at ease and comfortable, which was why he enjoyed his company.
But now, he had to admit that his feelings for Mu Jin were deeper than he had anticipated. He was even willing to risk defying the emperor at an inappropriate moment for him.
Thinking about this, Wen Renhong’s gaze towards Mu Jin grew complicated. However, he didn’t see it as a bad thing; after all, being with someone who would never betray him was the safest choice.
Still, Wen Renhong knew that Wen Renda would not let this go easily. He would certainly find other ways to control him, perhaps even seeking to take his life, given how bold Wen Renhong had been in the court.
Wen Renhong was aware of Wen Renda’s health, which meant he had to quickly establish his authority in the court. The regency of Chiyue might not necessarily be granted to a prince; it could be entrusted to a minister.
Therefore, what Wen Renhong was doing was preparing for a future regency, ensuring that when the emperor’s time was up, he would be recognized as the only suitable candidate by both the court and the public.
The distance from the palace gates to the prince’s residence wasn’t short, and the carriage ride, though not fast, was slightly bumpy.
This was the first time Wen Renhong had shared a carriage with Mu Jin. Normally, when he went to court, Mu Jin would follow discreetly. Yet after what happened in the court today, he suddenly felt the need to see Mu Jin.
As his gaze lingered on Mu Jin’s face, he could only see those large cat-like eyes. He pressed his lips together, feeling a bit hesitant, but still said to Mu Jin, “Take off your face covering.”
Mu Jin obeyed, revealing his entire face. His delicate nose and crimson lips lent him an air of undeniable charm.
When Wen Renhong saw his shadow guard’s eyes fixed solely on him, reflecting nothing but his own image, he felt his heart soften. He unexpectedly pulled Mu Jin towards him and kissed him deeply on his soft lips.
The touch of those lips was gentle, and the scent of the person in his arms was clean and pleasant. Wen Renhong felt his heart race and found it hard to let go.
It was a long time before he finally lifted his head. He saw Mu Jin’s lips swollen from the intense kiss, and his gaze darkened. Yet when he noticed Mu Jin’s indifferent expression, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment.
Pressing his thumb against Mu Jin’s lips, he gently asked, “Xiao Jin, do you know what happened in the court today?”
Seeing Mu Jin shake his head in confusion, Wen Renhong continued, “Today, the emperor suddenly announced that he was going to grant me a marriage with the legitimate daughter of the Anping Marquisate to be my princess.”
As he spoke, Wen Renhong kept a close eye on Mu Jin’s face, hoping to see a reaction. But when Mu Jin showed no visible change in expression, Wen Renhong sighed.
His lips tightened into a straight line. He wasn’t sure what he was hoping for, but the outcome left him somewhat disheartened.
Seeing the questioning look in Mu Jin’s eyes, seemingly waiting for him to continue, he explained, “I told the emperor that I couldn’t marry the daughter of the Anping Marquisate because I already had someone I loved. Xiao Jin, do you know who my beloved is?”
When the other person continued to shake his head, looking completely dazed, Wen Renhong grew frustrated and said, “What if I told you it was you?”
To his surprise, Mu Jin nodded and replied, “Understood. I will play the role of your beloved without letting anyone notice anything amiss.”
Wen Renhong felt like spitting blood at Mu Jin’s nonchalant response, his mouth twitching with frustration. He glared at Mu Jin and asked, “Is that what you think?”
Mu Jin looked at Wen Renhong with a puzzled expression and asked, “Did I get it wrong?”
Seeing the innocence in Mu Jin’s eyes, Wen Renhong could only sigh. He bit Mu Jin’s lips lightly in a punishing manner, his expression turning cold as he snorted, “Fine, you’re really smart.”