Love at First Sight Chapter 48 Wen Yiru

Overnight, the first snow arrived, collecting through the night and blanketing the land in shimmering white. Upon waking to the dawn of first snow, Wen Yueqing was delighted beyond measure, for the winter landscape brought a sense of serenity and joy.

She led Jinzi outside to play in the snow, and the dog burrowed into the drifts. Its golden fur was dusted with white, a cloud-like mound atop its head resembling fluffy cotton candy—utterly adorable.

Seeing their merriment, Zun You gathered a snowball and tossed it from a distance at Wen Yueqing. With a sharp smack, the snowball landed on her back. She turned to look and spotted Zun You hiding behind a tree. Quickly, she formed her own snowball and hurled it in return, striking him directly in the face.

Snowflakes clung to his cheeks, cool and refreshing. Zun You ran over and sprinkled a handful of snow onto her, both of them laughing heartily as a snowball fight ensued. Jinzi circled around them, barking and leaping with delight.

Tong’er watched from the side, feeling that the scene before her was truly beautiful. Seeing how much fun they were having, she longed to join in as well.

After a while, the two grew tired. Wen Yueqing crouched down and began rolling a snowball. Pushing it forward, she said, “You roll one too—let’s make a snowman.”

Soon she had crafted a snowball half her height. Zun You added the head he had made atop the body. Together, they draped a cloak over the snowman; its round, plump form was quite endearing. Wen Yueqing removed her hairpin and adorned the snowman with it.

“Now, she’s a little beauty,” she said, pleased with her handiwork.

Zun You smiled without speaking, rolling another snowball. Before long, he had made a second snowman and stood it beside the first, embedding his jade pendant in its chest.

“See, now they look like a proper pair together,” he said, arms crossed, nodding in satisfaction. “This one is Yue’er, and this one is me. If only we could be matched like them—don’t you think?”

He looked at Wen Yueqing with a smile.

She pursed her lips. “I don’t want to be like them. Once the sun comes out, they’ll melt away. I plan to live a long life.”

“Then I’ll live a long life with you.”

Zun You had grown accustomed to this routine; every day, he confessed his feelings. Perhaps someday he would succeed. Whether it was to make her smile or keep her company, he cherished these moments together as the greatest happiness.

In the east of the city, at the First Prince’s residence.

Wen Yueqing’s father, Wen Yiru, arrived at the manor gate, carrying gifts.

“What business do you have here?” a guard spotted him and blocked his path.

Wen Yiru quickly took ten taels of silver from his pocket and handed them over with a smile. “Please inform the prince that I am Wen Yiru. I have important matters to discuss and seek an audience.”

The guard sized him up. This old man looked refined, dressed in official attire—clearly someone in government.

“Wait here,” the guard said, weighing the silver in his hand, now much more polite.

“Wen Yiru?” The First Prince, Zun Ren, was practicing calligraphy in his study.

The name sounded familiar, though he couldn’t recall exactly who it was. Since he had no pressing matters, and the man had come in person with urgent business, he thought it best to meet him. Moreover, the guard reported it was a matter of importance.

“Let him in,” Zun Ren set aside his brush and instructed a maid to prepare tea.

Zun Ren had always treated his ministers courteously. His mother, Consort Chang, lacked powerful family backing. Now, as he sought to contend for the position of Crown Prince, his assets were limited—his only advantage was being the eldest son, allowing him to compete with the legitimate heir, Zun Xiu. Any official willing to join his cause was welcome.

Wen Yiru was led into the study by the eunuch Shao Ling. Upon entering, he bowed deeply. “Your servant Wen Yiru greets Your Highness.”

“Please, rise, Elder Wen. No need for such formality,” Zun Ren extended a hand in a gesture of support.

“Forgive my intrusion, but I have a matter of great importance to discuss with Your Highness.” He gazed at Zun Ren with solemnity.

Zun Ren motioned for him to sit. “Shao Ling, see to the seating.”

Wen Yiru thanked him and sat. A young maid soon brought tea.

He hesitated, glancing at the maids and eunuchs in the room.

“Your Highness, this…” he said awkwardly.

Zun Ren understood, waving his hand. “You all may leave.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” everyone bowed and withdrew, leaving only Shao Ling by his side.

Wen Yiru looked at Shao Ling again but said nothing.

“Speak freely, Elder Wen. Shao Ling is my trusted aide,” Zun Ren reassured him.

“Thank you, Your Highness. I formerly served in the Ministry of War as a third-rank Assistant Minister. However, last year, I offended Chancellor An and was falsely accused of corruption, resulting in my demotion to sixth-rank Extern Minister.”

Wen Yiru calmly introduced himself.

Zun Ren suddenly realized, “So you’re Assistant Minister Wen! I knew you looked familiar—just hadn’t seen you in a while, so I forgot.”

“Ah, it’s embarrassing to say—I was simply powerless against Chancellor An.”

He glanced at Zun Ren, hoping to gauge his reaction.

To his surprise, Zun Ren’s expression did not change; he merely nodded lightly.

Seeing no response, Wen Yiru sighed. “Now, I wish to rely on Your Highness. I hope you might grant me an opportunity.”

“Chancellor An is a pillar of our court. True, he may have misunderstood you, but to openly oppose him would be difficult for me.”

Zun Ren took a sip of tea, glancing at Wen Yiru as he drank.

“Your Highness, Chancellor An is indeed influential, but he has gathered many officials under his wing. His faction fully supports the Second Prince, and that is what matters most to you.”

Wen Yiru spoke pointedly, knowing Zun Ren had long considered targeting Chancellor An’s faction.

“So, is it that you have evidence against them?” Zun Ren set down his cup, leaning forward with keen interest.

“Your Highness is indeed wise. Before my demotion, I secretly collected some evidence—concerning Minister of War Lu Weiming and the Second Prince. I suspect they discovered this, which is why they turned the accusations against me.”