The Sickly Beauty Substitute Called It Quits

by Usui Takumii

not mine, teenfic. Beware Bl. Total :258 cps 43 extras. After cp 81 is from wuxia world.

28. 81 to 90

Shen Yu had only a vague memory of this. At the time, his thinking was rather muddled. Now that he thought about it, it seemed like there really was some sort of slippery feeling.

His thoughts drifted back to the night before.

There was a soft bed beneath his body, and on the other side was a breath that was scorching hot. He was like a fish tossed on the surface of the ocean, rising and falling with the wind and waves.

In the midst of the confusion, a man's deep voice sounded in his ear: "Ah Yu, this emperor has the ointment sent by Imperial Physician Gu. It won't be as sore this time…"

Something that was icy cold but also blazing hot.

The wind and waves grew more and more fierce.

Shang JunLin saw a crimson blush crawling up that porcelain white skin and felt temptation scratching at his heart.

He'd seen Shen Yu when he was serene and self-possessed, and he'd seen him sink into despondency. Both sides of this man made his heart surge with love.

"I'll tell Imperial Physician Gu to send over more ointment," Shang JunLin said quietly in Shen Yu's ear. "Fortunately this emperor kept it close at hand."

"How will it look if Your Majesty asks Imperial Physician Gu to make more of it?" Shen Yu nudged Shang JunLin, not wanting to be so close to him.

"Why? It's his duty to take proper care of Ah Yu's body."

Shen Yu looked at him askance. "Including this?"

Suppressing a smile, Shang JunLin nodded.

Shen Yu: "……"

He was speechless.

"Well, this emperor was just teasing. I'm not so dizzy with lust that I'd give Imperial Physician Gu a direct order." Shang JunLin smiled and pinched Shen Yu's earlobe.

Shen Yu's legs were still sore, and he didn't feel like continuing this topic with the party who was responsible. "Your Majesty, did you decide what official position you'll grant to Young Lady Fang and the others?"

The palace examination results had been announced several days ago, and the other successful candidates had already begun to take up their posts. Jiang HuaiQing and Hè ChengYu would soon be appointed to serve in the Imperial Hanlin Academy. Fang JiaYi, the second highest-ranking scholar, was the only one who hadn't been assigned.

Originally, Shang JunLin intended to send her to Hanlin Academy like all the other top scorers, but the ministers strongly opposed it. Serving in Hanlin Academy was the starting point for people who'd eventually join the cabinet. The ministers thought it sufficient to find some meaningless position for Fang JiaYi. There was no need to put her in Hanlin Academy.

An even greater number of ministers wanted Shang JunLin to withdraw his order to make her an official in the first place. They couldn't accept the idea of serving in court alongside a woman. Not all of them were actual woman-haters, but it was difficult to change their existing prejudice so quickly. Before all this happened, the idea that a woman could be an official was just a fantasy.

As he considered this topic, Shang JunLin rubbed his aching forehead. "They didn't have any problems with the others, and they were even willing to let Hè ChengYu and Jiang HuaiQing receive high-ranking assignments. But with Fang JiaYi they refuse to relent."

Shen Yu: "Where do they want to assign Young Lady Fang? The order has already been announced to the public. It can't be rescinded."

Shang JunLin: "They want this emperor to make her a lady of the second rank or some other title."

Shen Yu: "A title without actual power. That way they avoid attracting negative attention and achieve their goal at the same time. Two birds with one stone, it's a good proposal."

Shang JunLin: "At present, the prime minister is the only member of the cabinet who's agreed to let Fang JiaYi become an official. The other two still won't give in."

Da Huan's three-member cabinet had enormous power, which reached its peak during the reign of the previous emperor. After Shang JunLin ascended the throne, he revoked a lot of its authority, but the cabinet remained a powerful institution.

In addition to the prime minister, the other two members of the cabinet were also from old aristocratic families. If Shang JunLin wanted to take action that might be harmful to their interests, the cabinet ministers were the first obstacle in his way.

Both sides refused to budge, and now things were at a stalemate.

Despite Fang JiaYi's existence as a special case, the triennial Qionglin Banquet was scheduled to take place as usual.

In previous years the banquet was organized by officials from aristocratic families. This year, because of Fang JiaYi, Shang JunLin delegated the matter to the Ministry of Rites.

On the one hand, the Qionglin Banquet was a large feast meant to congratulate the top scorers of the triennial imperial examinations. On the other hand, it was an opportunity for incoming officials to become familiar with the ranks of Da Huan's current ministers ahead of time.

To signal the banquet's importance, a prince of the imperial family usually attended. Shang JunLin didn't have any children, and he'd previously sent all of his brothers and relatives far away, which meant he either had to send a minister to attend on his behalf or go in person.

"The Qionglin Banquet? Is Your Majesty going to attend?" Shen Yu asked.

"This emperor means to go, and Ah Yu will come with me."

Shen Yu knew why Shang JunLin was going personally. Too many strange things had happened during this year's imperial examinations. The emperor's presence at the banquet would not only underscore the importance of the exams, it would also reassure the incoming officials and force the aristocratic families to tone down their bluster.

Shen Yu was a man, which meant that if Shang JunLin wanted to take him along no one would object. Even if they did, Shang JunLin would just ignore it, and doing so would offend Shen Yu, who was deep in the emperor's favor. It would gain nothing and everyone knew it.

After the relevant preparations were completed, the examinees got the news.

"This year His Majesty is going to attend with the noble monarch. I'll finally have the opportunity to see the noble monarch I've heard so much about."

"Aren't you more excited to see His Majesty in person?"

"Do you think it's going to be hard to meet His Majesty after joining the court as an official? What's really rare is being able to see the noble monarch."

"I heard the exam fraud was discovered in time because of the noble monarch. Otherwise we all would have been in trouble."

"His Majesty is willing to take the noble monarch to the Qionglin Banquet? It must be true what they say, His Majesty really values him."

"I thought the harem wasn't allowed to interfere in politics. Even if His Majesty dotes on the noble monarch, he shouldn't bring him to that kind of occasion, right?"

"What's wrong with it? His Majesty took the noble monarch to the palace exam too."

"Speaking of which, I don't think any officials criticized His Majesty for that."

"No, they're all focused on the second place scorer, Young Lady Fang. Nobody cares about anything else."

"It's so strange that His Majesty actually wants to appoint a female official."

"That's not something for people like us to worry about. Let's pay more attention to matters at hand."

"You mean the Qionglin Banquet, right? I wonder if it's really like the poem says. Do you think Young Lady Fang will be there? I wonder what she's like."

"She's a determined, capable woman who isn't afraid of people with power. In my opinion if she joins the court as an official she'll definitely be effective."

The speaker had a good impression of Fang JiaYi. He'd witnessed the farce at Yingxing House involving the King of Yue and thought she did a better job in that situation than most men.

At the Fang residence.

Minister Fang had known his daughter would face enormous resistance if she tried to become an official, but he didn't think it would be so difficult from the very start.

Minister Fang sighed and looked at his daughter, whose eyes were steadfast. "This will all be resolved for good after the banquet."

After the Qionglin Banquet, it would no longer be possible to delay the appointment of new officials. Although it looked like the aristocratic families had successfully overwhelmed Shang JunLin, the fact was that Shang JunLin didn't want to stomp them down with too much force.

"Father, you've already done so much for me. I'll be able to travel this road on my own in the future."

From the first stirrings of the dream inside her, Fang JiaYi knew her path would be uneven, rough, and full of thorns. She'd never dared to tell anyone about it because she knew how unimaginable and shocking it would sound. She thought her dream was doomed to remain a dream for the rest of her life. Instead, against all her expectations, she had the chance to make it a reality.

How strange that the first people to tell her she wasn't out of her mind were the two men who stood at the pinnacle of Da Huan's power structure. From that moment on, she made up her mind to blaze a new path for all women!

The day of the Qionglin Banquet soon arrived.

Shang JunLin changed into a less formal imperial court robe. Shen Yu wanted to experience the atmosphere among the scholars, so he didn't wear the garments that represented his status as noble monarch.

His white, wide-sleeved court gown was covered with a light blue gauze mantle, and his long hair was unbound and fell softly behind his shoulders. His facial features were delicate, his eyes were dark and bottomless, his face wore a polite smile. With a folding fan in his hand, this elegant young man was as smooth and polished as jade.

The Qionglin Banquet took place outside the palace in a special hall. Shen Yu and Shang JunLin got into the carriage and rode slowly out of the palace.

As Shen Yu sat in the carriage he glanced at Shang JunLin. "We should thank Young Lady Fang. Otherwise Your Majesty would have been criticized by the officials for taking me to the palace examination."

"True. With Fang JiaYi to distract them, they've decided to ignore the rest of the palace exam."

These days Shang JunLin was usually in Yuzhang Palace when he approved memorials. Shen Yu occasionally glanced at them and found that most were about Fang JiaYi. Shang JunLin didn't care enough to deal with them, so he had people pick them out and set them aside. By now the pile was so big it would take days to read.

"Your Majesty can assign the less important memorials to your officials to deal with. If Your Majesty is worried about the aristocratic families, you could promote a group of officials from clean backgrounds," Shen Yu suggested.

"The cabinet is supposed to handle such things. In recent years, however, the influence of the aristocratic families has grown. If this emperor lets the cabinet deal with everything, things may not go well. What Ah Yu says is reasonable. After this emperor trains a group of officials who can be used, I won't be as busy as I am now."

When Shang JunLin first ascended the throne, he suffered many losses in secret at the hands of the old families. Later, when their ambition became excessive, he used bloody methods to suppress them, gradually consolidating court power into his own hands.

Jiang HuaiQing continued to live with Hè ChengYu while they waited for their assignments to be announced. Jiang HuaiQing originally planned to rent a house of his own, but Hè ChengYu persuaded him not to.

"Aren't you used to living here, HuaiQing? Or do you think I'm annoying?" As Hè ChengYu said this, his eyes and expression drooped slightly, giving the impression of an abandoned puppy.

Jiang HuaiQing immediately felt guilty. He hurriedly explained, "No, how could I think you're annoying, ChengYu Xiong? I'm just afraid I'm causing you too much trouble…."

"How could HuaiQing cause trouble? You've obviously helped me a lot," Hè ChengYu interrupted. "What's more, you pay for your own food and board. You also help out with things at home from time to time. How could you cause me too much trouble?"

Hè ChengYu looked at Jiang HuaiQing quietly for a moment. "If you already had your own house and wanted to move out, I wouldn't say anything. But right now there isn't even a place you're thinking about moving to. What's more, I'm used to having you around. If you really leave, I'm afraid I won't be able to adjust for a while. When our assignments are announced, HuaiQing, you can consider it again."

Jiang HuaiQing thought about it. He was accustomed to living and eating with Hè ChengYu these days. If he really moved out, the new place might not be as comfortable, and it would certainly take time to adapt.

As Hè ChengYu said, although he lived in his friend's house, it wasn't like he didn't contribute his share.

The two attended the Qionglin Banquet together.

One was the zhuangyuan and the other was the tanhua. The moment they came in they were surrounded.

Some people wanted to talk to Hè ChengYu, while others were looking for Jiang HuaiQing. The two were gradually separated by the crowd.

This was the opportunity Yi JianMing's attendants had been waiting for. They exchanged glances and sent a person to quietly follow.

Shen Yu got out of the carriage, separated from Shang JunLin, and walked into the crowd.

Jiang HuaiQing was talking to the people who kept coming up to him. Suddenly he was tapped on the shoulder. He turned around and met a pair of smiling eyes.

"… Yu Xiong?"

TL Notes:

Two birds with one stone – 一举两得 – one move, two gains / shoot two hawks with one arrow / kill two birds with one stone

criticize (the emperor) – 弹劾 – impeach, accuse – If the emperor or anyone else did something contrary to law, morality, etc., an official might write a memorial to call them out for it. This could involve the Imperial Censorate mentioned in previous chapters

Transliterated names, places, and titles—new in this chapter:

Hanlin Academy – 翰林院 – Imperial Hanlin Academy, from the Tang dynasty through 1911. An institution of elite scholars who performed secretarial and literary tasks for the imperial court (Wikipedia)

lady of the second rank – 县君 – xiànjūn – county monarch / lady of a county – In some dynasties this was the rank given to the shu daughter of a junwang (a prince of non-royal blood) or the shu granddaughter of a qinwang (a prince of royal blood, meaning a son of the emperor, making her the great-granddaughter of an emperor) (from Nyamachi). For di vs shu children see Ch 1

Qionglin Banquet – 琼林宴 – A banquet for new jinshi which took place after the palace examination, originally held in Qionglin Garden. Baidu quotes a famous poem about it (御赐琼林宴恭和诗 by 文天祥) which might be the one mentioned in this chapter

---

Shen Yu nodded his head.

A scholar standing to the side saw Shen Yu. When the man observed how impressive Shen Yu's demeanor was, he felt surprised.

He was one of the better-informed people in this year's examination and recognized most of the other examinees, but he'd never seen this young man in blue. If he had, there was no way he would have forgotten him. "May I ask who this gentleman is?" he asked.

"This is a good friend of mine. Just call him Young Master Yu. I have something to attend to. Please excuse me for a while, sorry."

Seeing that one of Jiang HuaiQing's friends had come looking for him, the crowd of well-wishers couldn't keep him any longer. Jiang HuaiQing agreed to meet them later and excused himself.

He struggled his way out of the crowd and walked over to Shen Yu, glancing cautiously around him.

"Are you looking for something?" Shen Yu pressed the handle of his fan to his chin. "After seeing that it's me, you're not satisfied?"

"How could that be?" Jiang HuaiQing blinked. "It's just that it's rare to see you alone. Did that person not come along?"

So he was looking for Shang JunLin.

"He's here too, of course. How could I come without him? He stepped away. I know you don't feel relaxed in his presence so I asked him to see to his own business for a while," Shen Yu said.

Since Shang JunLin was attending the banquet in person, there were details he needed to confirm. A few ministers also came over to speak to him. In comparison Shen Yu was completely at leisure.

The two walked to a place that wasn't as crowded. "I didn't think you and that person would really come here," Jiang HuaiQing said.

"The situation this time is a bit unusual. Young Lady Fang's score shocked them and they're still making a fuss about it." Shen Yu didn't mind giving him some details. "That was why they relented and agreed to give you and He Xiong a higher official rank."

"After all, before all this happened no one thought a woman would rank in the top three." Jiang HuaiQing gave a bashful smile. "To be honest, I was hoping to at least take second place."

Shen Yu laughed. "Before the exam, I actually bet His Majesty that you'd come first, but His Majesty won twice over."

"How could Yu Xiong have such a high opinion of me?" Jiang HuaiQing, who hadn't expected this, felt startled. "After losing to both ChengYu Xiong and Young Lady Fang, I have to accept the results."

Shen Yu was curious what this year's examinees thought of women becoming officials. "What do all of you think about Young Lady Fang?"

"ChengYu Xiong and I have the same opinion. I think Young Lady Fang is a good candidate. A lot of the others were convinced when they read the essay she wrote. They have some misgivings about women as officials, but they don't firmly oppose it."

Jiang HuaiQing sorted out what he'd heard recently and continued, "To be honest, it comes down to the fact they published all the essays. The truth is so obvious they can't deny it. A lot of people, myself included, felt inferior when we read Young Lady Fang's essay."

Fang JiaYi's exam answers were original and insightful. She deeply explored aspects that other candidates hadn't considered. Among a crowd of essays, hers was novel and unique, which really opened people's eyes.

After Jiang HuaiQing read it, he gained new insight and discussed it later with Hè ChengYu. Both of them admired Fang JiaYi, a woman, for writing such an essay.

"When I saw her interact with the King of Yue that time, I knew she had hidden depths." Shen Yu's eyebrows arched in a smile when he thought of how unlucky the King of Yue was that day. "A woman stood up and sought justice for herself and others who were hurt. Even though her opponent was a member of the imperial family she still didn't back down."

"Right, even if you include men, how many people would be as brave as Fang JiaYi?" Jiang HuaiQing had been there also. He admired her, which was the reason he remembered Fang JiaYi when they met again later.

Shen Yu cast an apparently casual glance behind him. "Let's find a place to sit for a while," he suggested.

Jiang HuaiQing had no objection.

The hall where the Qionglin Banquet was held was enormous and richly ornamented, with carved beams and painted rafters. The gardens were beautiful and there were pavilions at regular intervals where people could sit and rest. The two chose a pavilion with no one else present and walked inside.

The two entered the pavilion and sat down, appearing to have no intention of leaving for the time being. Seeing this, the people following them exchanged glances. One quietly left while the other stayed to continue watching.

After listening to the report, the young master frowned. "You're sure you saw him? He's not with that Hè ChengYu?"

Yi JianMing's friends had always considered him their leader. When they saw him toppled by a poor boy from nowhere, they decided to teach him a lesson.

"This servant saw him clearly. The man he's with is shorter than Mr. Hè, and his clothes are a different color. Oh, and he hasn't tied up his hair yet."

"Do you know who he is?"

"No, but I heard Jiang HuaiQing call him 'Yu Xiong'."

"Surname 'Yu'." The young master glanced at the man beside him. "Is there a family named Yu in the capital?"

"Not as far as I know, and no one with that surname passed this year's examination."

"Somebody from nowhere…" the young master held his chin and said. "No one to be afraid of. Let's go and have a look."

"You don't want to ask JianMing Xiong first?" The other man hesitated. "And this is the Qionglin Banquet. If something goes wrong…"

"Don't be so timid. We won't actually do anything to that Jiang person. We just want to make friends with him. How could we do anything at the Qionglin Banquet? We're not that stupid."

Unlike Yi JianMing, these young masters were carefully trained by their families. Their reasons for taking part in the imperial examination were straightforward. They wanted to rank in the top three so they could enter the Hanlin Academy and prepare to join the cabinet in the future.

At first everything went according to plan, but three "surprises" showed up out of nowhere to ruin everything. Why did the Hè family in Jiangnan suddenly decide to enter government service? It was beyond their control. However the other two included a woman and a scholar from a poor family with no background, so they had room to maneuver.

Shen Yu and Jiang HuaiQing chatted for a while. Suddenly they heard the sound of footsteps approaching. When Shen Yu turned his head and saw several young masters dressed in fancy clothes, he could guess what they were up to.

Jiang HuaiQing was a little confused when he saw them. These people had clearly sought them out on purpose. "Yu Xiong, are these your friends?"

"I don't know them, do you?"

"Not I…"

"Meeting someone is fate. Just because we don't know each other yet doesn't mean we won't be acquainted in the future. Isn't that right, Lord Tanhua?"

With these words, the group entered the pavilion.

Shen Yu looked at each of them and found that one was an old acquaintance he'd tangled with several times in his previous life.

Jiang HuaiQing sensed the malice in these young masters and frowned. "Who are you?"

The man who seemed to be their leader found a seat and sat down. "My surname is Zhao. The two people with me are surnamed Dian and Lü. We want to get to know the Lord Tanhua better, that's all."

"But I don't want to know you." Jiang HuaiQing had a bad feeling about these people and wanted to avoid them.

Young Master Zhao wasn't expecting Jiang HuaiQing to speak so directly and felt a little impressed. He thought it would be easy to impose on someone from a humble background. Instead the man slammed the door in his face as soon as he introduced himself.

With a cold expression, Jiang HuaiQing didn't hesitate to chase them away. "If there's nothing else, please leave."

Young Master Zhao lost his temper. "You need to learn what's good for you. We decided to come over and make friends because we look up to you. Otherwise do you think there's any chance that you, an impoverished brat with no background, could gain a foothold in the capital just because you're the tanhua?" he threatened.

One of his companions echoed him, saying, "You're always tagging along with Young Master Hè, but he's just from the Hè family in Jiangnan. If something goes wrong do you think they'll be able to do anything about it? Instead of choosing him you should find some better friends. If you're with us, things will go a lot easier for you in the future."

"That's my business not yours. You don't need to worry about it!" Jiang HuaiQing's voice became colder and colder. "Besides, all of that is up to the court ministers and His Majesty to decide. Or do you think you have more power than His Majesty?"

"We didn't say that." Who would dare to buckle that hat on their head?

"Then what are you saying?" Shen Yu waved his fan. "It sounds like you're trying to say you have a lot of influence?"

Until this point, Young Master Zhao and his friends were focused on Jiang HuaiQing. It was only when Shen Yu spoke up that they gave him some attention.

"Who are you?"

"I'm HuaiQing's good friend. And I can't say I like seeing you push people around with your power. Are all the aristocratic families in the capital this unprincipled?" Shen Yu deliberately pretended to be an outsider. "What an eye-opener."

Because the Zhenbei Marquis was so biased against his di son, Shen Yu rarely attended gatherings in the capital. Not many people knew him. After he entered the imperial harem, there were even fewer chances to meet him. It wasn't surprising that these people didn't recognize Shen Yu.

If everyone knew him, he wouldn't dare to wander around the banquet without a disguise.

Young Master Zhao reminded himself of the reason they came here. He took a deep breath and suppressed his rising anger. "It's just that we admire Mr. Jiang's talent so much. We only want to be friends."

"It doesn't look like you want to make friends with that attitude. It's more like you want revenge." Shen Yu tilted his head, pretending to be confused. "Or is this your unique way of making friends in the capital?"

Young Master Zhao was so angry he could hardly catch his breath. He pointed at Shen Yu and began to stutter, but after a while the only thing he managed to say was, "You…"

Seeing the situation deteriorate, the watcher who hesitated at the beginning secretly called over a servant boy. In a low voice he gave some instructions. The boy quietly withdrew.

Shen Yu saw the servant boy follow the path and disappear, but he pretended not to notice.

The servant boy hurried over to Yi JianMing and told him exactly what happened in the pavilion. Yi JianMing's face changed color multiple times after hearing it. "Those fools," he said, cursing.

They chose to do this at the Qionglin Banquet, the worst imaginable time. Were they deliberately trying to set him up?

But he couldn't just let them continue. He was the one who'd brought them here. If something happened, he would immediately get the blame. He quickly excused himself from the people he was talking to. With an ugly expression on his face, Yi JianMing rushed to the place the boy told him about.

When Yi JianMing arrived, a red-faced Young Master Zhao was angrily confronting someone. Opposite him, Jiang HuaiQing was at ease, like he was enjoying a relaxing stroll.

"Shut your mouth!" Yi JianMing adjusted the expression on his face and walked over to Jiang HuaiQing and Shen Yu. "Sorry, I apologize for their behavior. If they said anything disrespectful I hope the two of you will overlook it."

"Not at all, not at all. We wouldn't dare to be unhappy with your noble friends." Shen Yu opened his fan, concealing half his face. "I really don't want to vanish without a trace, though I don't know how they'd do it."

"How could…" Yi JianMing gave those people a glare. He couldn't imagine why they would have said such a thing! Why were they so stupid? How could they let themselves be provoked and say something like that?!

"Who will vanish without a trace? This emperor had no idea there are people who can make someone disappear under my very nose."

---

A majestic voice came from behind them. Yi JianMing turned his head. The moment he saw that person coming towards them, incredible panic welled up inside.

He couldn't help regretting it. Why did he bring that Zhao person here and go along with it when they suggested dealing with Jiang HuaiQing? He knew that in the capital the aristocratic families held up the sky with one hand, but he forgot that imperial power stood above everything. It wasn't the nobles who decided everyone's fate, it was the true master of Da Huan, Shang JunLin.

Seeing Yi JianMing's face turn ugly, the others began to realize the seriousness of the situation. They tried to remain calm. Then they remembered all the things they shouldn't have said.

Several of them knelt down in panic.

Shang JunLin glanced at the ministers behind him. He walked up to Shen Yu. "This is what you call an outstanding son of the aristocracy, Minister Yi?" he asked in a deep voice.

There was a subtle note of sarcasm in these words.

The face of this official turned red, then white with fright. He quickly knelt down to admit his guilt. "It's because of this minister's lax discipline. Your Majesty, please forgive me!"

Not long before, Minister Yi and several other officials from aristocratic families were discussing with Shang JunLin the scholars who passed this year's exam. Aside from Fang JiaYi, of course, they wanted the best possible placement for the children of aristocratic families. They never imagined that one of these noble sons would stir up trouble before they could reach a decision.

Minister Yi's heart was bleeding. The Yi family had carefully trained Yi JianMing. Not only did he not win first place, he was involved in this kind of incident too. What a waste. His Majesty was already unhappy about the influence of the nobility and consistently supported people from humble backgrounds to counterbalance them. What a fiasco to let His Majesty hear such things in person.

His Majesty heard it with his own ears which meant there was no chance to remedy the situation…. No, actually he didn't hear it. After all, the emperor hadn't heard the young master say it directly. The truth was still open to question.

After making these calculations, Minister Yi looked at the person who spoke just now. In addition to Jiang HuaiQing, there was a person who seemed like a promising young man.

The lower half of the young man's face was hidden by a fan, revealing only his exquisite eyebrows and eyes.

When he sensed someone's gaze, Shen Yu looked over. His eyebrows curved but there wasn't a trace of a smile in his eyes.

For a moment Minister Yi fell into a daze. Then he abruptly realized this young man was none other than Noble Monarch Shen. He must have left the palace with His Majesty.

Why was he here with Jiang HuaiQing? What kind of relationship did they have?

A series of questions ran through Minister Yi's mind, but he didn't dare to assume anything. All of this could be an accident. It might also have been set up in advance.

"They really need some proper discipline. Today at the Qionglin Banquet they dare to quarrel with the tanhua appointed by the imperial court. In the future, when these young masters become officials, they'll have even more power in their hands. Will they do even more things that should not be done?" Shang JunLin's tone was icy.

"This minister is guilty."

"This student is guilty."

"Since you know your guilt, you can't escape punishment. Otherwise won't the victims say that His Majesty is biased towards the nobility? Or question the authority of His Majesty over the aristocratic families?" Shen Yu's hand hidden under his sleeve hooked Shang JunLin's fingers. "Your Majesty, don't you think so?"

"What the noble monarch says is correct. Today this emperor and the noble monarch happened to be present. Otherwise no one would have known the tanhua was bullied. Minister Yi, why don't you tell us—what's the penalty for threatening and insulting Da Huan's officials?"

It looked like His Majesty wasn't going to let this go. Minister Yi and the other kneeling aristocratic officials were in utter despair. There wasn't time to worry about poor scholars or women becoming officials right now. The most important thing was making sure His Majesty didn't seize this chance to cut them down!

It wasn't until now that Young Master Zhao realized how much trouble he'd caused.

The color in his face drained away. His family was dependent on the Yi family. If Yi JianMing was implicated because of him, or if other aristocratic families were dragged into it, the entire Zhao family was finished.

"Your Majesty, everything that happened is my responsibility. Young Master Yi had nothing to do with it. Begging Your Majesty to understand!" As Young Master Zhao took all the blame on himself, he was so agitated that he loudly knocked his forehead on the ground a few times.

"It's only because I admire Young Master Jiang's talent so much. I wanted to get to know him better. When I was rejected, I lost my temper and spoke out of turn. It really has nothing to do with Young Master Yi."

The other young masters responded similarly, blaming themselves for the incident.

While Shang JunLin's gaze swept over those young masters, several aristocratic officials exchanged glances. They sensed some room to maneuver.

"Your Majesty, I hope you will confirm the truth of this matter," one said.

Shen Yu smiled coldly. "Is the minister suggesting that I would slander Young Master Yi? I don't know Young Master Yi at all. I have no grudges or grievances against him. I'm from an aristocratic family myself. Why would I lie about what happened?"

Of course, Shen Yu knew these people would never meekly admit they were at fault. In order to minimize their losses they were bound to line up a few scapegoats to take the blame. That was why, during the argument just now, he deliberately got them to mention Yi JianMing. Otherwise why would he bother talking to these people?

Jiang HuaiQing had sensed his intentions and cooperated.

"This official doesn't dare."

"I think you're very daring. 'It's not that easy to become an official', 'So what if you're the tanhua? You don't have any backers in the capital. Do you really think you can succeed here?'. Those are all things Yi JianMing said himself. How is it credible for you to say he's ignorant of everything?"

Shen Yu lowered his fan and leaned against Shang JunLin. "Your Majesty, don't let them ruin the Qionglin Banquet for everyone. Send these people elsewhere for now. When the banquet is over you can deal with them as you see fit."

Shang JunLin looked down at the ministers kneeling on the ground. "What do the ministers think?"

"Your officials accept the decree." They'd already said everything they could. What else could they do right now? Fortunately it would be handled after the Qionglin Banquet ended. They had some time to react.

"Very well. Get up."

Guards came in and escorted Yi JianMing and his group away. Shang JunLin took Shen Yu with him. Jiang HuaiQing followed behind.

The remaining officials looked at each other. Instead of immediately following, they huddled together to discuss countermeasures in low voices.

"Do you think what happened today was an accident?"

"That no longer matters. Whether by accident or coincidence, it has already happened, and the noble monarch stumbled into it. After what happened in the past, do you still think the noble monarch's an easy man to deal with?"

"We sent someone into the harem to restrain His Majesty's temper. Instead he's making things worse!"

"Well, let's not talk about that now. We have to decide how to deal with the current situation," Minister Yi interrupted.

"Let's talk to the two ministers in the cabinet and see what can be done."

"I thought that Jiang HuaiQing would be easy to handle. I wasn't expecting him to get with the noble monarch. Tell your people not to move against him unless they're completely sure. Some lessons need only be learned once," Minister Yi instructed.

"Right."

Meanwhile, when Hè ChengYu heard what happened, he apologized to the person he was talking to and hurried over.

"HuaiQing, are you all right?" He pulled Jiang HuaiQing to him and looked at him up and down. Fortunately he seemed to be fine. Hè ChengYu felt relieved.

Jiang HuaiQing let his friend inspect him. Seeing that Hè ChengYu was worried, he comforted him. "Everything's OK. His Majesty and the noble monarch are here. No one will try to do anything to me."

Hè ChengYu felt chagrined. If he was there, those people wouldn't have dared to attack Jiang HuaiQing. "I shouldn't have let you go alone…."

"It's really fine. His Majesty and the noble monarch are both here." Jiang HuaiQing pointed ahead.

Only then did Hè ChengYu release Jiang HuaiQing's arm and salute the two men. "Greetings to Your Majesty and the noble monarch."

"No need to be so polite." Shen Yu took Shang JunLin by the arm and jokingly said, "Usually you two are together all the time. When I saw HuaiQing alone, I wondered why you weren't with him."

"I wasn't paying attention and we were parted by the crowd. Thanking the noble monarch for your assistance with HuaiQing."

"To be honest, we should thank him. If not for what happened today, I don't know how much longer your appointment would be delayed. The noble families will want to protect Yi JianMing and the others, which means they'll have to make some concessions." Shen Yu didn't expect that such a small amount of effort would turn things around so much.

When they reached an intersection in the path, the two groups separated.

After the incident at the banquet, a few things occurred to Jiang HuaiQing. "ChengYu Xiong, when you didn't want me to move out, was it because you were worried the aristocratic families would make trouble for me?"

"That's one of the reasons," Hè ChengYu admitted. "You don't have to think about it too much. What I said before was the truth. The main reason is that I'm used to living with you."

"I'm not thinking about it too much, but…" Jiang HuaiQing sighed. "It's just that I've been imposing on ChengYu Xiong for a while."

"You don't have to feel like you're imposing on me by living in my house. Those people won't move against me because of my family. And after today, they won't dare to do anything rash."

Hè ChengYu suddenly stopped and faced Jiang HuaiQing. In a low voice he added, "I'm the eldest di son of my family. I was taught from an early age I'd be responsible for the family in the future. When I was a child, I had such a heavy workload that my younger brothers and sisters were ordered not to disturb me. Every time I tried to spend time with them the elders immediately called them away. The time I spend with HuaiQing is something I could only wish for in my childhood."

Jiang HuaiQing pictured a young Hè ChengYu, a child who wanted to be close to his younger brothers and sisters but couldn't because of the heavy weight on his shoulders. His heart softened and he took a step forward to embrace Hè ChengYu.

"If ChengYu Xiong doesn't mind, you can consider me your younger brother in the future."

Hè ChengYu stiffened. Slowly he put his hand on Jiang HuaiQing's back. "… OK," he said hoarsely.

The Qionglin Banquet officially began. Shang JunLin led Shen Yu to the main seat, said a few words of encouragement, and opened the banquet.

With Shang JunLin present, both the current and incoming officials were on edge. Shang JunLin knew that everyone felt restrained in his presence. After the necessary etiquette, he led Shen Yu away.

When they departed, the atmosphere gradually warmed up.

There weren't many people outside the banquet hall. Shen Yu held Shang JunLin's hand as they strolled along the path.

"Your Majesty, do you think Hè ChengYu pays too much attention to Jiang HuaiQing?" Shen Yu said in a vague way. "I don't think HuaiQing has noticed at all."

"They can handle their own affairs. Instead of caring about them, Ah Yu should care more about this emperor." The only reason Shang JunLin paid attention to Jiang HuaiQing was because of Shen Yu. He didn't care at all about the feelings between his officials.

"How would Your Majesty like me to care more about you? Should I ask if you feel hot or cold once a day? Wish you good health morning and night?"

"That's not necessary." Shang JunLin stopped suddenly and drew Shen Yu into his arms. "As long as Ah Yu is less distracted by other people."

Shen Yu was caught off guard and fell into the man's arms, smelling the scent of ambergris on his body. His lips curved in a smile. "Then I'll think of Your Majesty once every morning, once again at noon, and once again at night, sound good?"

TL Notes:

a promising young man – 芝兰玉树 – lit. orchids and jade trees (idiom); fig. a child with splendid future prospects; worthy followers

---

Shang JunLin still wasn't satisfied. "Is that all? Ah Yu won't think about this emperor the rest of the time?"

"Then how often should I think about Your Majesty?"

"This emperor thinks about Ah Yu every moment of the day." Shang JunLin gave a strong hint.

"Ah, I see," Shen Yu drawled. "Then, in Your Majesty's opinion, I should think of you all the time as well?"

Shang JunLin nodded haughtily. "Mm."

Shen Yu lifted his head from Shang JunLin's arms. His eyes were smiling. "Your Majesty, do you know what you look like right now?"

Shang JunLin had already achieved his goal and was in a good mood. He placed a hand on Shen Yu's waist and gently rubbed him. "It doesn't matter what this emperor looks like. What matters is that Ah Yu doesn't forget the promise you made to this emperor."

What promise was that? Shen Yu was about to ask when he realized Shang JunLin was referring to what he said a moment ago. Shen Yu buried his face in the man's arms. "I understand. I'll think about Your Majesty even more every day," he said in a muffled voice.

Shang JunLin put his hand on Shen Yu's back and traced down his long hair. A feeling of satisfaction rose in his chest.

They stood in the dim light, far away from the bustle of the world, completely wrapped up in each other. The atmosphere between them was so warm and harmonious that no one could come between them.

They held each other silently. After a while Shang JunLin let go of Shen Yu and the two continued along the path.

"After what happened today, the aristocratic families will probably relax some of their resistance to Fang JiaYi." It was clear that Shang JunLin had the whip hand now. Even if the nobles objected, they couldn't complain as loudly as before.

"This emperor gave them a chance to back down. They can act as they choose." As Shang JunLin spoke of the aristocratic families his voice lacked emotion.

Shen Yu didn't want to spoil Shang JunLin's mood. He lightly changed the subject. "I saw the young lady from the Fang family a little while ago. She was surrounded by a crowd of scholars, perfectly at ease. The other people weren't half as calm as she was."

Fang JiaYi had chosen to wear neutral colors today. She wasn't dressed in the ornate, cumbersome skirt of a lady, nor was her hair arranged with elaborate hairpins. Her identity as a woman was clear, but she perfectly fit in with the atmosphere of the Qionglin Banquet.

"This emperor also noticed that she has a good relationship with the zhuangyuan and the tanhua." When Shang JunLin was sitting high above the banquet, he kept an eye on what the people below him were doing.

Fang JiaYi was more willing to talk to Jiang HuaiQing and Hè ChengYu. The two didn't act differently towards her just because she was a woman. Other people tried to behave naturally, but they always revealed traces of awkwardness in their words and behavior.

The atmosphere of the banquet was lively, and the students clustered together discussing scholarly topics. The more daring ones went up to ministers and asked them questions.

Some of the aristocratic officials felt so uneasy they could hardly sit still. The emperor was free to leave his seat at will, but they couldn't. No matter how anxious they were to smooth things over for Yi JianMing, they had no choice but to sit there and force themselves to smile. They couldn't show the slightest hint that something was wrong.

Minister Yi rapped on the table. "Did you send a message to those two ministers yet?"

"Don't worry, Your Excellency. Someone has already gone."

Fang JiaYi, Hè ChengYu and Jiang HuaiQing were seated next to each other because they had similar scores on the exam. Fang JiaYi, who was closely observing everything, noticed that some of the aristocratic officials had disappeared at some point. In a low voice she asked, "What happened just now? A few of the officials have strange expressions on their faces, and Young Master Yi isn't here either. I remember seeing him when I arrived."

The incident had been suppressed for the time being, which meant Jiang HuaiQing couldn't talk about it openly. "He did something and His Majesty happened to see it," he whispered vaguely.

That sentence was enough of an explanation for Fang JiaYi. The two tacitly agreed to change the subject.

Meanwhile, two cabinet ministers were notified about the incident at the Qionglin Banquet. The two went to the usual place they met to discuss things and sat down together.

The two cabinet ministers happened to belong to the Feng family and the Duan family. Among the noble families of the capital, they were eminent voices.

After taking their seats, the two dismissed their subordinates.

Minister Feng: "What can His Majesty mean by this?"

Minister Duan: "It's obvious that His Majesty is forcing us to concede. Otherwise, according to His Majesty's usual behavior, he would have disposed of that person on the spot. Normally he wouldn't have given us any time to react."

Minister Feng: "That's true, His Majesty hasn't changed at all. He never listens to advice."

Minister Duan: "If he listened, he wouldn't be His Majesty. Don't you remember what happened when he took the throne? The late emperor asked him to allow the King of Yue to remain in the capital for training. Instead His Majesty sent him away at once despite the opposition of his ministers. How many officials did he deal with back then?"

Minister Feng: "The King of Yue is useless too. Otherwise we wouldn't be in such a difficult situation."

Minister Duan: "If you ask me, he's wanted to end the King of Yue's life for a long time. When he imprisoned the King of Yue, he assigned all of the blame for the fraud on the King of Yue and took advantage of the fact that no one could refute him. If the King of Yue wants to turn things around at this juncture, it will be even more difficult."

Minister Feng: "Those people have contacted us. They said they want our help. Should we take action?"

Minister Duan: "There's no rush. When the right time comes, everything will be clear."

Minister Feng: "What about the imperial examination? Do we really have to do what he wants?"

Minister Duan: "What can we do about it now? He's determined to promote poor scholars to oppose us, and now he's even gone to the point of allowing women to become court officials. Sooner or later he's going to self-destruct."

At morning court the next day, there was less opposition than usual during the discussion about women entering the court as officials. Although Fang JiaYi's assignment was still undecided, everything else was basically settled.

The weather grew warmer and warmer, and Shen Yu was able to spend more time outside. Imperial Physician Gu said that he should walk around more when the weather was suitable.

Shang JunLin paid close attention to Shen Yu's health. When he heard Imperial Physician Gu say that more activity would be good for Shen Yu, he took Shen Yu outside for a walk whenever there was time.

Shang JunLin's original plan was to have Shen Yu learn martial arts to keep fit, but Shen Yu flat out refused. This was his new life. He was going to make himself as comfortable as possible.

In the evening, after they ate, Shang JunLin put his work aside and took Shen Yu for a walk in the small garden outside Yuzhang Palace.

"The Feng and Duan families?" Shen Yu paused. He remembered a bit about them. In his previous life, they secretly allied themselves with the King of Yue. They did a great deal for that man before he succeeded in taking the throne.

"The Feng and Duan families have lived in Da Huan since its founding, but they were in their heyday at the end of the previous emperor's reign. At the time, the emperor was under the sway of traitors and sycophants. Power fell out of his grasp, and various families on the sidelines vied for the scraps. Of all of them, the Feng family and Duan family profited the most."

Seeing that Shen Yu was interested in hearing more, Shang JunLin continued, "When this emperor first ascended to the throne, I disposed of quite a few people. The Feng family and the Duan family were in the middle of everything and extremely well informed. This emperor wasn't able to deal with them thoroughly."

At the time, the imperial court was in chaos. The late emperor's weakness led to havoc. Capable ministers were forced to resign or framed for crimes and executed. Most of the people left behind were traitors or collaborators. Shang JunLin's foundation in the court was unstable. He took the throne with military power, and there weren't many civilian officials he could use. After he spilled enough blood to wash the court clean of treacherous ministers, countless positions needed to be filled.

Shang JunLin had no choice but to temporarily make use of officials from the aristocratic families who remained loyal. But this led to endless trouble. The nobles were in ascendance, which would eventually threaten imperial power.

After he took the throne, Shang JunLin attached great importance to the imperial examinations and promoted scholars from humble backgrounds to important positions. This was done to strengthen other factions in the court. Only when the various forces were balanced could long-term stability be maintained.

Based on what Shang JunLin just said, he was ready to severely suppress the aristocratic families and break their arrogance. "Right now the prime minister is the only cabinet member who doesn't belong to one of the aristocratic families. The nobles control the other two positions. Which minister has Your Majesty chosen as a replacement?" Shen Yu asked.

"Fang Jun."

"Both the prime minister and Minister Fang are Your Majesty's people. If they're in the cabinet, it will be much more convenient for Your Majesty to do things."

Shen Yu lowered his eyes and pondered. Given the book he read in his previous life, the help of Shen Yue, and what he learned directly from Shen QingRan, he was certain he could come up with a lot of new things that would benefit Da Huan. But if the aristocratic families interfered, those things would just become tools for the aristocrats to seize more power and profit.

In Shen Yu's previous life, Shen QingRan introduced many inventions, but the aristocratic families hoarded all the benefits. It led to chaos throughout Da Huan. Shen Yu didn't want to expend a lot of effort if it would only benefit the aristocrats.

"This emperor still hasn't announced Ah Yu's proposal to reform trade. The timing isn't right."

"There's no hurry. Not all big changes can happen overnight. What's more, the cement business is just beginning. Things will go smoother after we iron out the problems."

Shang JunLin sighed with emotion. "Ah Yu understands this emperor so well."

"Your Majesty, when will Jiang HuaiQing's appointment be announced?" Shen Yu was eager to find out what path Jiang HuaiQing would walk in this life without the misfortunes that afflicted him in the past.

"It will be soon. If there are no accidents, both of them will enter Hanlin Academy."

Although their official rank wouldn't be very high, the most important thing was the significance of entering Hanlin Academy. It was like having half a foot in the cabinet.

Jiang HuaiQing didn't feel worried about the delay. Although his official appointment hadn't come yet because of the controversy over Fang JiaYi, he was in a good mood every day.

Hè ChengYu sent a letter to his family saying that he'd been appointed zhuangyuan and probably wouldn't be able to return to Jiangnan for a while. Even if he received an assignment in the countryside in the future, he wouldn't be sent to Jiangnan as an official.

After handling some business, Hè ChengYu walked out of the house. "HuaiQing, didn't you say a while ago that you're running low on paper and pens? A new shop just opened. Do you want to take a look?"

Jiang HuaiQing was organizing his and Hè ChengYu's books. It was a sunny spring day, a good time to let them air out in the sun.

When the books were spread out for sunbathing, they occupied almost the entire courtyard. Some of the books had been brought from home while others were purchased after they got to the capital. When Jiang HuaiQing heard his friend's words, he turned back and said, "I'll go."

His pens and paper had already run out. Lately he was using Hè ChengYu's supply. Jiang HuaiQing was embarrassed to keep taking advantage of his friend.

In the sunlight, the tall, jade-like young man dazzled the eyes. Startled, Hè ChengYu shook his head. He pressed his lips together and walked over.

Shen Yu fell into a dream about his previous life. He hadn't dreamed about his past for a long time. Maybe it was because he'd been thinking about it recently that he had such a dream.

In the dream it was raining. He was lying in bed, and the blanket seemed to weigh a thousand catties. It was so heavy that he couldn't breathe.

Tap, tap, tap. The sound of footsteps was getting closer and closer. Shen Yu struggled to open his eyes, and then he saw the King of Yue. The man was dressed in imperial coronation robes. He stood beside the bed, staring down at him with dark eyes.

"Shen Yu, don't you see? No matter how unwilling you are, this emperor took the throne exactly as ordained. This is destiny, and you cannot change it—"

No, no!

Shen Yu struggled to get up but couldn't move at all. He broke out in a cold sweat.

"Ah Yu, wake up…."

A familiar voice came through the heavy curtain of rain. With difficulty Shen Yu opened his eyes and was startled by the face looming over him.

Shang JunLin saw the panic in his eyes and moved back a little. He touched Shen Yu's sweaty forehead. "Why is Ah Yu so afraid of this emperor?"

---

I'm not afraid of Your Majesty. Isn't Your Majesty already clear about that?" Shen Yu asked. As Shang JunLin's hand rubbed his forehead, the trembling from the dream gradually subsided.

He didn't know why he suddenly had the dream or if it was some kind of sign. What he did know was that he would never allow the ending of his previous life to happen again.

He'd changed the ending of that book once, and he could change it a second time!

"This emperor knows Ah Yu isn't afraid. In this world, this emperor fears only one thing, that someday Ah Yu will be afraid of me." Shang JunLin helped Shen Yu sit up. "What kind of nightmare did Ah Yu have? You were so startled when you saw me."

"It truly was a nightmare." In the dream, the King of Yue was dressed in clothes similar to Shang JunLin's. When Shen Yu woke up and saw Shang JunLin wearing the same clothes, for a moment he couldn't tell whether he was awake or still dreaming.

Shen Yu looked towards the window. "Is it raining?"

Clearly it was late afternoon, but the room was gloomy and dark. Outside there was a faint sound of rain. Everything overlapped too closely with the dream, and Shen Yu fell into a daze.

"It began to rain after you fell asleep. This emperor will help you up. Do you want to call for hot water?"

Shen Yu's forehead was dripping with sweat. Shang JunLin touched him and found that his hair was wet too. Shen Yu had always cherished cleanliness, so he undoubtedly felt uncomfortable.

Shen Yu began to notice how overheated and unkempt he felt. He didn't know how much he sweated during the dream, but his inner robe was soaked through and clung to his skin. It felt awful.

"Yes, I'd like to wash." As if exhausted by the struggle in his dream, Shen Yu's arms and legs were weak. When he tried to get up he stumbled a little.

"Meng Chang, prepare hot water."

Shang JunLin gave the order, then picked up the fox fur nearby and wrapped Shen Yu in it. "Be careful you don't catch a chill."

Shen Yu's whole body was wrapped in the fluffy fur with only his face exposed. His white cheeks were tinted a light crimson color. By contrast his lips were so pale they were almost colorless.

Shang JunLin held the man in his arms and grasped his cold fingers. "Shall this emperor send for Imperial Physician Gu to examine you?" he asked uneasily.

Shen Yu nodded almost imperceptibly. Despite napping for more than an hour he felt exhausted. Because of the dream, he was more tired than if he hadn't slept at all.

Shen Yu nestled in Shang JunLin's arms. His eyelids drooped, and from a distance it looked like he was fast asleep.

Meng Gonggong ordered the palace servants to prepare hot water, then knocked softly at the door. "Your Majesty, the hot water is here."

It was the first time he'd requested hot water in the middle of the day. Meng Gonggong didn't know the exact situation in the room and didn't dare to rush inside.

After hardly a moment, he heard Shang JunLin's voice: "Come in."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Meng Gonggong turned to admonish the servants who were carrying the hot water. "After you enter, keep your wits about you and your head down. Don't look at things that shouldn't be seen. If you step over the line in front of His Majesty, don't say I didn't warn you!"

"Yes, sir. Yes, sir," the palace staff answered.

During their service in Yuzhang Palace they experienced several bloody storms. Later they were instructed by Xiao Meng Gonggong. They didn't dare to think any untoward thoughts.

After giving these commands, Meng Gonggong gently pushed the door open. He bowed his head and led the servants inside.

There was a screen in the room which meant the specific situation on the bed couldn't be seen. Meng Gonggong told the servants to set down the bathtub. He was about to excuse himself when Shang JunLin stopped him.

"Meng Chang, go to the imperial hospital and send for Imperial Physician Gu."

Meng Gonggong was taken aback. What, call the doctor? No matter how many questions were running through his mind, he didn't ask anything. "This slave will go at once," he replied.

"Don't keep anyone to wait on us. Send them out."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Meng Gonggong couldn't read much from Shang JunLin's tone. He didn't dare to be careless and immediately did as he was told.

After dismissing the others, he happened to run into Mu Xi who was bringing over medicine.

When she saw that Meng Gonggong was in a hurry, Mu Xi asked, "Meng Gonggong, what happened?"

"Ah, Lady Mu Xi. Are you here to deliver medicine to the noble monarch?" Meng Gonggong stopped, thought about the possible situation in the room, and advised her, "Don't go in yet. Wait for His Majesty to summon you."

Mu Xi suddenly became nervous. "Did something happen?"

"Don't be nervous, girl. His Majesty just ordered some hot water. I'm afraid it's better if you don't intrude at the moment."

"At noon, why…" As Mu Xi suddenly realized something her face began to burn. "This slave understands. Thanking Meng Gonggong for the advice."

""

Meng Gonggong saw that she got the message and hurried away to do what Shang JunLin ordered.

Shang JunLin carried Shen Yu to the side of the bathtub and tested the water with his hand. "The temperature is good. This emperor will lower you in."

Shen Yu, who was snuggled into Shang JunLin's arms, gave a very small nod.

Shang JunLin peeled him out of the fox fur, and then he gently lowered the young man into the water.

Shen Yu reclined against the side of the tub. Soothed by the hot water he began to relax little by little.

There was more blood in his lips, and his skin became pale pink in the steam. Shang JunLin took a handkerchief and carefully wiped Shen Yu down.

His skin was extremely pale, the exact shade of the finest quality translucent jade. It was also extremely tender. Even the slightest touch left a mark.

Shang JunLin had once pressed plum blossoms into that skin. Now the flowers had disappeared, but his fingers could feel the warmth of Shen Yu's skin through the thin veil of the handkerchief.

After recovering a little, Shen Yu folded his arms on the edge of the tub. He rested his cheek against his hand and said, "I'm afraid I'm the only person in the world who can make Your Majesty personally wait on me in the bath."

Shang JunLin felt Shen Yu's forehead with the back of his hand. His temperature was normal. "The water's getting cold. Does Ah Yu want more hot water or do you want to come out?"

After enjoying the steam for a while, Shen Yu felt dizzy again. "I'm done soaking."

Shang JunLin took him out of the tub, dried him, dressed him in a clean inner garment, then wrapped him up in the fox fur again.

Shen Yu stopped Shang JunLin when he tried to put him back in bed. "I don't want to lie in bed anymore. Your Majesty, please help me find an outer robe. I want to go out for a walk."

Shang JunLin paused slightly. "Very well."

After taking a bath and changing into clean clothes, Shen Yu felt much more at ease.

Shang JunLin told the palace servants to remove the hot water. Mu Xi came in with hot medicine, and Shen Yu drank it down.

Shang JunLin fed him a piece of candied fruit.

Shen Yu evaluated himself carefully and didn't detect any signs of illness. "I don't think anything's wrong with me. There's no need to make Imperial Physician Gu take a special trip."

Shang JunLin wasn't as relaxed. "It's better to let Imperial Physician Gu take a look."

"Your Majesty, Imperial Physician Gu has arrived." The voice of Meng Gong sounded outside the room.

Since the man was already here, Shen Yu wouldn't refuse.

On the way over, Imperial Physician Gu heard a vague mention from Meng Gonggong, but when he entered the room and saw Shen Yu, he knew it was something else. After carefully taking Shen Yu's pulse, the physician began to frown.

Shen Yu thought that he simply had a nightmare, nothing more. When he saw Imperial Physician Gu's expression, he realized that wasn't the case.

Shang JunLin's heart sank. "What's wrong with the noble monarch's health?" he asked directly

"There's something wrong with his pulse." Imperial Physician Gu pondered his words for a moment. "Has the noble monarch experienced any physical abnormality lately?"

Shen Yu thought about it carefully and replied, "I just had a nightmare, nothing else."

"The condition of the noble monarch's pulse has changed a little from before. This official will need to consider the details. For the time being, there's no problem. This official will prescribe a medicine to calm the noble monarch's nerves. You need to ensure you rest well. If you continue to be troubled by nightmares, it's not beneficial for your health."

Imperial Physician Gu wrote a prescription and gave it to the palace servants. "This official will need to study the noble monarch's condition more. For the next while, I'll come to check your pulse once a day. I hope this will be convenient for the noble monarch?"

Without waiting for Shen Yu to answer, Shang JunLin said, "We'll do as Imperial Physician Gu says."

Shen Yu wanted to say they didn't need to go through any trouble, but when he saw the worry in Shang JunLin's eyes, he swallowed his words.

Although it was raining outside, Shen Yu still wanted to go for a walk. Shang JunLin strolled beside him through the rain, holding an umbrella in one hand and leading Shen Yu with the other.

A soft breeze was blowing, bringing gentle gusts of coolness with it.

This was the real world, and it lacked the dull sensation of the dream. Even as they walked in the rain there was a different feeling.

The sudden spring rain caught many people off guard.

After all, no one expected a storm given how sunny and clear it was in the morning. Why did it suddenly rain so heavily?

Jiang HuaiQing looked through the window at the ceaseless rain. He pulled Hè ChengYu's sleeve and said, "ChengYu Xiong, our books won't get soaked, will they?"

""

He'd decided to bathe his books in the sun this morning because of the good weather. He never thought it would begin to rain just as they arrived at the newly opened four treasures of the study shop.

When he saw the rain, Jiang HuaiQing immediately wanted to go back.

It was Hè ChengYu who stopped him, saying that the people at home would bring the books inside. Even if they went back immediately, there was nothing they could do. Only when he said this did Jiang HuaiQing change his mind.

"Nothing will happen," Hè ChengYu replied in a good temper despite how many times this question had been asked. "I know they're your precious books. I told the servants to watch over them."

In fact, a servant could have sunned the books from the start, but Jiang HuaiQing insisted on doing it himself. Hè ChengYu couldn't persuade him, so he had to let Jiang HuaiQing do it.

"I'm almost done choosing. What about you, ChengYu Xiong?" He had to admit the shop recommended by Hè ChengYu was really good. The quality of pens, ink, paper, and inkstones was excellent, and the price was reasonable. Jiang HuaiQing bought more than he planned.

"Let's wait for the rain to lighten up before heading back."

Jiang HuaiQing looked at the rain outside and nodded.

The shop had a specially arranged resting place inside. The two sat for a while and left when the rain started to subside.

Since they hadn't brought an umbrella, they borrowed one from the shopkeeper. Fortunately it was big enough to shelter both of them.

Hè ChengYu held the umbrella in one hand and carried his purchases in the other. Seeing that Jiang HuaiQing was some distance away, he said, "HuaiQing, stay closer to me or you'll get wet."

Jiang HuaiQing looked up and saw the umbrella above his head was slanted towards him. Hè ChengYu, who was holding the umbrella, was soaked through on the other shoulder. Jiang HuaiQing quickly ducked closer. "Why didn't you say so sooner, ChengYu Xiong? Look, your shoulder's already wet."

Hè ChengYu chuckled. "It's fine. You didn't get soaked, did you?"

"You're actually laughing? Forget it, I'll lean closer to you. Don't hold the umbrella over my head again."

Hè ChengYu looked at the young man whose body was half-leaning against him. "It's OK," he said quietly.

The sound of their conversation gradually faded in the rain.

After the heavy rain fell, the world looked new and everything seemed to be washed clean. Shen Yu and Shang JunLin strolled through the garden and saw that the rain was diminishing.

Shen Yu's mood gradually began to recover from the nightmare. Thinking of the man who was silently accompanying him, he paused his steps.

Shang JunLin stopped too. "What is it?"

Shen Yu looked up at Shang JunLin. This man had the same facial features as the King of Yue in his dream, and he was also dressed in imperial robes, but the feeling he gave Shen Yu was completely different.

Under the hazy rain and fog, Shang JunLin heard the clear voice of the young man:

"Your Majesty, would you like a kiss?"

---

Shang JunLin's gaze suddenly became aggressive.

Instead of answering, he immediately lowered his head and captured the young man's lips.

The taste was just as sweet as he remembered. The lips were sucked with a slight force, and the man's breathing became heavy. He placed one hand behind Shen Yu's head, giving him no chance to back away.

The kiss was long and intense. Shen Yu, not to be outdone, moved closer to join the dance.

At some point his hands began to tightly grasp the man's clothes. He leaned back slightly, and his face was forced up to accept the man's increasingly fierce attack.

Shen Yu didn't close his eyes. He could see the man's enlarged face and a sliver of the umbrella shade over his head.

The pattern on the umbrella seemed to rotate. Everything before him became hazy and strange, and the force against his lips grew stronger and stronger….

Shen Yu gradually closed his eyes. He wrapped his arms around the man's powerful waist.

Beneath the rain and mist, a blue umbrella concealed a sensuous scene.

Meng Gonggong and Mu Xi fell far behind the pair. They could only see the two standing close together and the umbrella that tightly covered them.

After an unknown amount of time, the kiss ended and Shen Yu was slowly released. The man didn't withdraw. His breath pressed against Shen Yu's lips.

Shen Yu returned to his senses, emerging from the strange and dazzling illusion.

He didn't push Shang JunLin away. The breath of the two people intertwined, and the umbrella divided them from the world outside. At the moment, he couldn't think of anything; he could ignore everything. The whole world consisted of himself and Shang JunLin and nothing else, and he could indulge himself to sink into this small world for a short while.

The man's breath drifted over his face, accompanied by small kisses falling like gentle raindrops, soft and soothing. Shen Yu's heartbeat gradually calmed down.

The rain that continued to fall couldn't extinguish the exchange of affection under the umbrella. In the end, Shang JunLin began to worry that Shen Yu would feel cold and offered to return inside.

Shen Yu felt he'd had enough fresh air and didn't object.

When the rain stopped, the sun appeared high in the sky again. Shen Yu lifted his hand to shade his eyes. "This is unusual weather."

He remembered that before his nap, the sun was shining brightly. After the rain shower, the sun returned again, as if it had also taken a nap in the afternoon.

Shang JunLin accepted the umbrella. He handed it to Meng Gonggong behind him, then reached out to touch Shen Yu's clothes. He felt relieved when he confirmed they were still dry.

"Your Majesty is wet." The water wasn't obvious on the black clothes, but when Shang JunLin stood close by Shen Yu could see that his shoulder was wet. "Your Majesty, please change your clothes first."

Meng Gonggong hurriedly brought in clean clothes. Shang JunLin saw the concern in Shen Yu's eyes and decided not to refuse. He went over to the side to change.

Shang JunLin came out in fresh clothes, took Shen Yu in his arms, and smiled. "Was Ah Yu worried about this emperor just now?"

Shen Yu leaned back, felt the constant wave of heat coming from the man's body, and squinted his eyes. "It wouldn't be good if Your Majesty caught a chill because of me."

After the two chatted for a while. Meng Gonggong came into the room. "Your Majesty, Minister Feng and Minister Duan are requesting an audience," he said in a low voice.

In this contest between imperial power and the aristocratic families, it was time to bring down the curtain.

"Your Majesty can return to work. I'll read by myself for a bit." Shen Yu had recovered his equilibrium. He wasn't a lonely little baby bird who was completely dependent on Shang JunLin.

Seeing that Shen Yu meant this sincerely, Shang JunLin agreed. "This emperor will go for a while. I'll return and accompany you after handling this business."

The sky had completely cleared up, as if the rain just now was no more than a dream. As he thought of the eager and active young man under the rain and mist, Shang JunLin curved his lips in a good mood.

By the time he arrived at the imperial study, Shang JunLin had reverted to his usual foreboding manner. Meng Gonggong witnessed the change take place and told himself the noble monarch was the only person who could soften His Majesty's heart.

Minister Feng and Minister Duan knew that going to Shang JunLin on their own initiative was an indication the aristocratic families were willing to back down. In effect, they had already lost the confrontation.

Shang JunLin sat on his throne and gazed at the two aging cabinet ministers from high above. "You came to see this emperor. Do you have important business?"

The pair knelt down in salute. Only after they got up did they speak. "We came because of the incident at the Qionglin Banquet."

"Then you heard of it too?" Shang JunLin rested his forehead against his hand. "Tell this emperor how you intend to deal with it."

After Yi JianMing and others were brought away from the banquet, they were placed in solitary confinement. No one was allowed to visit them, and Shang JunLin had given no orders on how to deal with them. Their families couldn't sit still, so they had no choice but to ask the two cabinet ministers to intervene.

As Minister Feng and Minister Duan were well aware, the matter could be viewed as either big or small. Everything depended on Shang JunLin's attitude. Since they didn't know what Shang JunLin intended, they weren't sure where to begin.

"Your Majesty, what those young people did really wasn't appropriate. However, we were able to confirm that they didn't actually do anything to anyone. It was just a bit of conflict between the two sides…"

They were extremely fortunate there hadn't been time for anything to happen. No matter what the young people said or what plans they had in mind, since nothing was actually implemented, there was room to turn things around.

Shang JunLin didn't interrupt the two men but let them finish. "Then, according to your argument, this emperor overreacted to a small matter?"

"This official wouldn't dare!"

"This official knows these juniors acted improperly, but they'll all meet in court in the future and will have to resolve this misunderstanding. Your Majesty might give them a chance to clear up this mistake face to face."

"If everyone behaved in this way, how would the imperial court maintain its authority? This emperor believes the two ministers would not wish to see themselves disrespected like this one day, correct?"

The more Shang JunLin refrained from expressing a specific opinion, the more anxious they became. Although they'd suspected this might happen before they came, they continued to struggle.

The conversation went on for two hours. When Minister Feng and Minister Duan left the imperial study, it was already dark.

The two people exchanged glances and saw the bitterness in each other's eyes. After all, Shang JunLin had broken free of control and turned into a ruler they couldn't easily sway.

They didn't return directly to their homes, but went to the place they frequently met. Some things could only be said in private.

"Clearly we underestimated him. We should have known from the beginning that certain people are destined to become uncontrollable." Minister Feng let out a long sigh.

Minister Duan frowned. "But at the time, we had no choice other than him. The King of Yue's foundation was too shallow, and he was never that one's opponent. Not to mention the other princes. The ones who had any ability to compete no longer remain, and the rest were even worse than the King of Yue."

Minister Feng: "What shall we do now?"

Minister Duan: "What else can we do? We've gone over all this before. All we can do is abide by his wishes. Anyway, there's no need to rush. We aren't the only ones who don't want a woman to enter the court. Wait and see. There are so many people in the world, and the number of people in opposition will only increase."

In their opinion, Shen Yu and Shang JunLin hadn't really thought about how shocking it was for Da Huan to have a woman become an official. This was something only a tiny minority of people could accept.

But there were some things that shouldn't be abandoned simply because not many people will accept it. Accomplishing anything from scratch is difficult, and that had always been true without exception. The moment they made the decision they were ready to face all doubts.

After Jiang HuaiQing and Hè ChengYu returned to the house, everything was just as Hè ChengYu said. The servants had acted quickly. None of their precious books were caught in the rain.

After putting the books in order, Jiang HuaiQing took out the rice paper and ink he bought. Thinking of what he overheard in the shop and the encounter before, Jiang HuaiQing picked up his pen.

By the time he realized what he was doing, he'd already written several pages. Jiang HuaiQing stared at the words on the paper and pressed his forehead. Well, since it was already written he might as well send it.

Shen Yu leaned back on the soft couch and a thought occurred to him. He called Mu Xi. "Last time you said that Shen Yue agreed to the plan. What has she been up to recently?"

"Recently she's developed several new things, and they've been highly praised by the dowager concubine. She sent some of them to our palace. Do you want to have a look?"

"Bring them over and I'll see."

Mu Xi gave the orders. After a short wait the palace servants came in with a few things.

Mu Xi picked up a square item in a wooden box and introduced it. "Lady Shen Yue said this item is called perfumed soap. Its purpose is to clean one's hands."

Shen Yu took it from her. It had a light fragrance which was pleasant to smell.

Mu Xi also introduced some other items. They were all convenient things for daily life.

Shen Yu got up from the couch. "Let's go. We'll visit the dowager concubine's palace."

Shang JunLin was busy with his official duties, and Shen Yu had nothing to do in Yuzhang Palace. He might as well wander around.

The palace where the dowager concubine lived was a distance from Yuzhang Palace. While Yuzhang Palace was bustling and prosperous, this palace embodied the phrase "simple elegance" throughout.

When the dowager concubine was informed of his arrival, she came out of the palace with her servants to meet him.

After exchanging greetings, the dowager concubine led them into the main hall.

"I came here on a whim. My apologies for disturbing the dowager concubine." Shen Yu looked at the woman who was wearing simple makeup. She was in her forties with a well-maintained appearance, and there weren't many signs of age on her face. Maybe because of her inner nature, she gave an impression of calm. This soft-looking, non-aggressive woman had survived countless storms in the harem of the previous emperor to live peacefully to this day.

"It's no bother at all. The noble monarch came here because of that child Shen Yue, isn't that right?" The dowager concubine called for Shen Yue.

"I saw the things she sent to Yuzhang Palace. They were very novel, so I decided to come here to have a look." Shen Yu didn't hide his true intentions.

"The noble monarch is talking about the items Shen Yue made, isn't that right? Shen Yue, that girl. Ever since she came to my palace she always likes to come up with new things. It's her good fortune to be so valued by the noble monarch and His Majesty." The dowager concubine's tone revealed her fondness for Shen Yue.

"The dowager concubine needn't worry. Shen Yue is the one who made those things, and she'll be rewarded." Shen Yu had always been clear about rewards and punishments. He wouldn't dream of taking credit for what someone else had made.

Shen Yue gathered up the notes she'd prepared in advance and brought them to Shen Yu. The notes were based on what she knew from her previous life. Because she wasn't sure what would be useful and what wouldn't, she simply wrote everything down and handed it to Shen Yu to decide.

Shen Yu didn't stay for long. After receiving the notes, he said a few words to the dowager concubine and left.

After returning to Yuzhang Palace, Shen Yu looked at what Shen Yue had put together. It wasn't the same as what he remembered from his previous life. Shen Yue wrote about items that were convenient for daily life, particularly things that women might like.

As for how to use those things, that still had to be discussed with Shang JunLin.

Just as he thought of the man, Shang JunLin walked in.

"What is Ah Yu looking at?" Shang JunLin asked as he walked up to Shen Yu.

"Looking at the information from Shen Yue." Shen Yu shifted to make room for Shang JunLin.

Shang JunLin bent over Shen Yu, wrapped him in his arms from behind, and looked at the paper Shen Yu was holding. "Is this why Ah Yu treats Shen Yue differently?"

"Doesn't Your Majesty think these things will be useful?" Shen Yu asked.

Shang JunLin caressed a lock of Shen Yu's hair. "They're quite useful, but how did Ah Yu know Shen Yue would be able to do this?"

---

Your Majesty, let's just consider it one of my little secrets." Shen Yu lifted his head and looked up at Shang JunLin from below. "One… as deep as any other Your Majesty chose not to delve into before."

"Then Ah Yu understands how much you've concealed from this emperor." Shang JunLin closed in on Shen Yu and kissed his forehead. He said dotingly, "Very well, this emperor won't look into it more deeply. I'll wait for the day you're willing to tell this emperor yourself."

Shen Yu was already stamped as his own. He had plenty of time to wait until Shen Yu opened his heart willingly.

Shang JunLin sat down next to Shen Yu and carefully read through the notes. "None of these things are available in Da Huan. Will they be difficult to make?"

"Not really. Shen Yue gave this list to me along with some recipes. It's just that most of them aren't suitable for the imperial court to promote directly." Shen Yu took out another stack of paper, which contained detailed production information provided by Shen Yue.

"Ah Yu can handle it. If you need people or anything else, just tell this emperor. You've given me more than enough already. Take it into your own hands."

Shang JunLin put his arm around Shen Yu's waist and thought of the things Shen Yu developed before. The ones from Shen Yue were more suitable for private individuals.

"That's fine." Shen Yu didn't refuse. "Anyway, everything that's mine is Your Majesty's too."

Shen Yue mostly wrote about items that would be popular with women, such as lip wax, soap, facial tonics…. Shen Yu sorted them into categories and found an item that was a bit more interesting.

Alcohol.

A certain ratio of alcohol could be used as a disinfectant. Shen Yu remembered that the book described how Shen QingRan's world possessed advanced medical arts. Shen QingRan himself had said that many diseases that killed people in this dynasty were easily curable in his time.

""

"Your Majesty, this is something that might be used by the army." Shen Yu took out the recipe that described alcohol. "If it's possible to prepare the alcohol mentioned here, it could prevent a lot of unnecessary casualties on the battlefield."

Shang JunLin put down the memorial he was looking at and leaned over with interest. "Alcohol? Meaning wine? It turns out that wine has this kind of effect?"

"It's a kind of wine, but it's not the kind we usually drink. The general method of making it is described in here, Your Majesty." He handed the recipe to Shang JunLin.

Shang JunLin read a few lines and frowned slightly. The process was described in detail, but it used words he'd never heard of before.

Such as "distillation", "purification", "dilution"…

"Does Your Majesty want to call Shen Yue here to ask her about it?"

"Doesn't Ah Yu know about this too?"

"Your Majesty really thinks that I'm all-powerful." Shen Yu's eyebrows and eyes curved in a smile. "I don't understand these things either."

Shen Yue thought Shen Yu was a person like her, someone who'd crossed through time, so she wrote down everything from her previous life without concealment. She possessed some of the original owner's memories, which was how she knew how to write Da Huan's characters. Afraid that using modern simplified characters would cause trouble, she decided to write the notes with Da Huan's characters.

The actual content wasn't lengthy, but she fumbled around for quite a few days before finishing. Thanks to the novels she loved in her previous life, she was more or less familiar with some of the necessary skills for transmigrators and remembered some useful things.

Shen Yue was apprehensive after she handed her notes over to Shen Yu. She didn't know whether any of it was relevant. If Shen Yu didn't find a use for her information, what would she do?

Fortunately, she didn't have to wait long before Yuzhang Palace sent someone to summon her.

The junior eunuch who led the way was the same one as before, but his attitude was a lot warmer this time. Shen Yue calmed down a bit.

After the junior eunuch led her into the main hall, he retreated quietly. Shen Yue steadied herself and formally greeted Shen Yu and Shang JunLin.

"No need to be so polite." If Shen Yu cared to, he could give people a warm and welcoming feeling. "Today I asked you here to ask about alcohol."

Shen Yue had anticipated something like this. She heard a lot about the current emperor from the dowager concubine and knew that he rose up from fighting on the battlefield. After considering this, she wrote the information about alcohol.

Making medicinal alcohol was a simple process in modern times, but that was because there were all kinds of precision instruments in that era. None of this existed in Da Huan. If you wanted to make alcohol, you had to make the corresponding equipment first.

"Regarding purification and dilution, do you have any ideas?"

"Actually, it would be possible to use baijiu to get the alcohol we want, but that requires knowing what degree of alcohol is in baijiu. This slave doesn't know how strong the alcohol here is, so I can only choose another method. First we can make pure alcohol, then dilute it with water to a certain proportion."

Once again there were multiple words that weren't used in Da Huan. Shen Yu lowered his eyes. "Can you do it?"

"If I have the corresponding tools I can." Shen Yue was familiar with the process because she'd once been obsessed with novels. She always fantasized about transmigrating someday and ended up learning about things that would be easy to make.

For example, the production of soap, perfume, and so on. Among other things, making perfume required alcohol.

"Describe in detail what you need. This emperor will have someone provide it for you," Shang JunLin said in a deep voice.

Shen Yue rummaged through the original owner's memory and found that Da Huan already had glass, but it wasn't the same as what she needed.

"Replying to Your Majesty, the things this slave needs are made of glass, but it's not the thick colored glass on the market now. It has to be transparent. This slave knows how to make transparent glass and will write it down also."

Shen Yue sorted through the details she remembered. "By the way, regarding the alcohol this slave mentioned, it must be prepared in strict proportion to the formula in order to reduce wound infections."

"This emperor understands."

The palace servants brought paper and pens and led Shen Yue into the side hall.

"It might be better for Your Majesty to set up an independent department to study these novelties. The Ministry of Works can't do everything. If it's handled by an independent group, they can work directly under Your Majesty and avoid interference from any other forces."

In the final analysis, the Ministry of Works was subordinate to Da Huan. There were multiple people inside with multiple opinions. It wasn't convenient to develop certain things under its roof. Shang JunLin thought for a moment and said, "What Ah Yu says makes sense."

Shen Yue went to the side hall and wrote down all the methods she could think of. She even drew simple schematics that showed beakers and distillation flasks made of transparent glass.

After finishing everything, Shen Yue looked over the results of her labor and sighed to herself. She never thought she would actually transmigrate. The things she used to scold herself for because they were so useless had actually come in handy.

When Shen Yue returned with her notes, Shen Yu was there alone.

The young man dressed in blue stood by the window with his back to her. His bearing was exactly the same as Shen Yue once imagined an aristocratic young master from ancient times would have.

Did he really cross over from modern times like herself?

Shen Yue couldn't help but wonder.

When Shen Yu turned around he saw the doubts in Shen Yue's eyes. "Is there anything you'd like to ask me?"

There were palace attendants waiting in the room. Shen Yue was much more cautious than before. She didn't ask him directly about transmigrating but said, "Why did the noble monarch decide to give me this opportunity?"

Shen Yu knew she would be suspicious and had already decided what to say. "I used to be in poor health and rarely went out. My family was strict and I wasn't allowed to do much. If I knew about the things you do, I would have produced them before."

After saying this, Shen Yu gave a light sigh.

Shen Yue thought that she'd touched on a sore point. She bit her lip. "Sorry…."

"There's nothing to apologize for," Shen Yu said. He changed the subject. "Would you like to see the newly-paved concrete road?"

"Can I?" Of course she wanted to see it. Setting aside everything else, the mere idea of leaving the palace was a huge temptation.

Shen Yu saw the hidden expectation in Shen Yue's eyes and smiled slightly. "Of course you can. When I make the arrangements, I'll send someone to call for you at the dowager concubine's."

"Then I'll be able to walk around the rest of the capital?" Shen Yue's mind was filled with the idea of leaving the palace. She'd totally cast aside her doubts about Shen Yu from a moment ago.

Besides, Da Huan had already built a concrete road. She had no reason to doubt anything. Shen Yu willing to help her—wasn't it because of their shared affinity from coming from the same place?

When she thought of this, Shen Yue felt a little ashamed of suspecting him. She secretly decided to make something useful as soon as possible to repay Shen Yu's kindness.

"Yes, you'll be given some free time when it happens. If you're worried because you're not familiar with the capital, I can send Mu Xi to accompany you for a stroll."

"Oh, great!"

Shen Yue was overwhelmed with happiness. When she returned to the dowager concubine's palace, the dowager immediately noticed it.

The imperial concubine called her in. "What are you so happy about?"

"The noble monarch promised to take me out of the palace to see things. I've never had a proper look at the capital." Shen Yue's eyes revealed her yearning. This place was the site of her second life. What was it like?

"Leave the palace, eh." The dowager concubine's eyes softened for a moment. "It's just as well to go out and see things. Fang Rong, give Shen Yue some silver. You may go outside and have fun, but remember not to cause trouble for the noble monarch."

The dowager concubine didn't suspect anything unusual. Many palace maids entered the palace at a young age. They came from all over Da Huan and hadn't seen much of the capital. It was normal for them to yearn to see things outside.

Shen Yue solemnly nodded. "I promise!"

It wasn't difficult to make the items described in Shen Yue's notes. Shen Yu owned multiple shops. After the items were finished, it was easy enough to put them in the shops for sale.

"Your Majesty, were the official positions of Young Lady Fang and the other two decided today?"

The matter had been delayed for more than ten days and today was the deadline. Shang JunLin wanted Fang JiaYi to enter the Hanlin Academy via the usual process, but the aristocratic families consistently fought him. Most of the positions they suggested for her were insignificant. It was obvious they wanted to stuff her somewhere unimportant.

"It's been settled. As in previous years, she will join Jiang HuaiQing and Hè ChengYu in the Hanlin Academy." Shang JunLin put down his pen and rubbed his brow. "As for the Yi family and the others, in light of the fact that the younger generation of their families were ignorant and acted in error, those who made mistakes will be punished."

"What about Yi JianMing?" Shen Yu walked behind Shang JunLin and massaged his temples. He could tell how much effort Shang JunLin had put into arranging this.

"His examination result will be canceled as an example to others." This was the final result after the nobles were forced to concede.

"It appears that Your Majesty has won this time. After such a long struggle, the dust has finally settled. Congratulations to Your Majesty."

Although there would certainly be problems later on, at least the first step was successful. As for what happened with Fang JiaYi's career in the future, that was ultimately up to her.

"How does Ah Yu intend to congratulate this emperor?" Shang JunLin grabbed Shen Yu's hand, pulled him closer, and sat him down on his lap. Close to his ear he whispered intimately, "Speaking of which, you're the one who suggested all this. Ah Yu's wish has been fulfilled. Shouldn't there be a reward?"

baijiu – 白酒 – white alcohol – A clear liquor usually distilled from sorghum or other grains. One of the six major distilled spirits in the world alongside brandy, whisky, vodka, rum, and gin

---

Speechless, Shen Yu could only stare at Shang JunLin. Recently he'd noticed that Shang JunLin liked to ask him for a "reward" whenever he found an opportunity.

No, rather than a reward, it was more accurate to call it a request for intimacy. Shang JunLin didn't ask for anything in particular. It was just a way to get Shen Yu to take the initiative.

Shen Yu released the hand that was on Shang JunLin's forehead and slowly lowered it. "What kind of reward does Your Majesty want?"

"Ah Yu could take the initiative to kiss this emperor," Shang JunLin suggested with a bit of demureness. Of course he wanted more than a kiss, but he also knew if he teased Shen Yu too much he'd get nothing at all.

"Or you can let this emperor kiss you."

"Your Majesty wants to do more than that, right?" Shen Yu glanced at him skeptically, knowing the outcome.

"Naturally, if Ah Yu is willing to do more, this emperor would be more than happy to oblige." The hand on Shen Yu's waist slid lower with a clear suggestion.

Shen Yu pressed the man's hand before it could descend any further. "That's clearly what Your Majesty wants. Why does it sound like it's all for me?"

Shang JunLin pulled back the person who was about to escape from his arms. He rested his head on Shen Yu's shoulder. "Does Ah Yu not want to?" he asked in a low voice. "This emperor thinks of Ah Yu all the time. Does Ah Yu think of me?"

"Your Majesty…" Shen Yu's breath became unsteady. "Let go of me…"

"Ah Yu obviously likes it too…" The rest of his words were lost in a sudden kiss.

The flames of the candles flickered, casting two interwoven shadows on the floor. Every so often, a soft murmur dissipated in the air.

Finally, Shang JunLin was satisfied with his reward, while Shen Yu reclined drowsily on the couch.

It was getting late. For a long time Shen Yu had been taking medicine to help him sleep, and it was past the time he usually went to bed. He was already dozing off.

Shang JunLin didn't disturb him. He called for hot water to help Shen Yu wash, then carried him to bed. He pressed a kiss to the younger man's forehead. "Go to sleep."

Shen Yu grabbed the sleeve of the man who was about to leave. "Your Majesty isn't going to rest?"

"This emperor will return after changing my clothes. You can sleep first," Shang JunLin coaxed in a soft voice.

Shen Yu hazily realized that Shang JunLin was still wearing his court dress and released his hand. Still resisting the lingering sleepiness, he continued to look at Shang JunLin.

Shang JunLin's heart immediately softened. He quickly changed his clothes, pulled back the quilt, and took Shen Yu in his arms. He patted him on the back. "Sleep now, I'm here."

With his eyelids getting heavier and heavier, Shen Yu couldn't resist any longer. He closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep.

Shang JunLin looked at the peaceful sleeping face of the man in his arms, and his eyes darkened.

He recalled what Imperial Physician Gu said to him earlier in the day. Shen Yu's illness appeared to be caused by congenital weakness, but there was a hidden secret underneath it. To put it plainly, Shen Yu's current physical condition had probably been inflicted on him by someone.

The anger in Shang JunLin's chest couldn't stop roiling. Shen Yu's congenital weakness was innate; nothing could change that. But he never thought an intentionally inflicted ailment was beneath it.

His Ah Yu, who endured so much suffering from childhood, had probably been targeted!

Every time this thought crossed his mind, he couldn't hold back the cruel thoughts that surged through him.

As if sensing something amiss, Shen Yu moved uneasily in the man's arms. Shang JunLin restrained his breathing, hugged the person closer, and kissed his forehead soothingly.

Shen Yu nestled into a more comfortable position and became still again.

It was a dreamless night.

When he woke up, it was already light outside, and the familiar scent around him was gone. He thought Shang JunLin must have gone to court. He rubbed his cheek on the pillow and slowly sat up.

Mu Xi, who was keeping watch in the next room, heard the movement and asked from outside, "Young master, are you awake?"

"Mm."

When she heard him reply, Mu Xi came in with fresh clothes and helped Shen Yu dress.

Shen Yu bowed his head and straightened his sleeves. Last night was the deepest he'd slept since he'd dreamed about the King of Yue. When he considered the difference from the previous day, he could only think of one thing that could account for it.

Could doing that really help you sleep?

Shen Yu couldn't help but wonder.

After he finished washing up, Mu Xi told the kitchen staff to serve breakfast. They were all Shen Yu's favorite dishes. Maybe because he was so well-rested, he ate half a bowl more than usual.

After breakfast, Imperial Physician Gu came in to check Shen Yu's pulse. Due to the abnormal state of his pulse last time, Imperial Physician Gu had been visiting almost every day.

"The noble monarch's pulse is back to normal. You're no longer in danger." In accordance with Shang JunLin's order, Imperial Physician Gu didn't say anything about the secret behind Shen Yu's illness.

Shen Yu remembered what he'd noticed earlier and decided to consult a professional. "Imperial Physician Gu, compared with the last few days, I slept extremely well last night. I wanted to ask you if the sleeping medicine is responsible or if there could be some other reason?"

Imperial Physician Gu was certain about the effects of the medicine he'd prescribed. "It's reasonable to expect that the medicine prescribed by this minister will have an effect when it's taken. Did the noble monarch do anything different yesterday?"

"Not really. The only thing that wasn't exactly the same might be that I carried on a bit with His Majesty. Does Imperial Physician Gu think there could be any connection?"

As Shen Yu's words fell, Mu Xi blushed. She knew His Majesty sent for hot water last night. Also, when His Majesty left this morning he gave specific orders not to disturb the noble monarch's rest. She'd been in the palace for several months and knew exactly what that meant.

Imperial Physician Gu froze for a moment, then considered what Shen Yu meant by "carried on with His Majesty". After a moment he said, "That could be part of the reason. After one has vented some energy, it becomes easier to fall into a deep sleep."

Shen Yu blinked. "So such a thing is possible." Who would have thought that when Shang JunLin messed around with him last night, it accidentally had such good effects.

Before Imperial Physician Gu left, he adjusted his prescription according to the current state of Shen Yu's pulse.

Shortly after the doctor left Yuzhang Palace, Meng Gonggong, who was waiting for him outside, greeted him. "His Majesty mustn't be kept waiting. Imperial Physician Gu, please come with this slave."

Imperial Physician Gu was used to being summoned by the emperor after he left Yuzhang Palace. He straightened his clothes and followed Meng Gonggong.

Shang JunLin looked up from a pile of memorials awaiting approval and looked at Imperial Physician Gu. "How is the noble monarch's condition?"

"Replying to Your Majesty, the noble monarch is in good health. His pulse has now returned to normal."

Shang JunLin was concerned about the conjecture Imperial Physician Gu had shared previously about Shen Yu's illness. "Did you find the reason for the change in the noble monarch's pulse?"

Imperial Physician Gu: "The change is too subtle. If this minister wasn't so familiar with the noble monarch's pulse, I might not have noticed anything. Over the past few days this minister has seen the noble monarch's pulse return to normal little by little. This minister begs forgiveness for my incompetence. I'm unable to determine the reason for the time being."

Shang JunLin: "Regarding what you said last time, that his illness was not a case of congenital weakness…"

Imperial Physician Gu: "That was just a guess by this minister. If it's indeed not congenital, that might actually be a good thing. There are very few examples where congenital deficiency has been cured. If there's an underlying, hidden reason, and the cause can be identified, this minister would be much more confident about finding a cure for the noble monarch."

Shang JunLin: "Thank you for continuing to investigate, Imperial Physician Gu."

"It's this minister's duty. Your Majesty needn't thank me." Imperial Physician Gu thought of what Shen Yu said just now. He hesitated, then said, "The noble monarch asked this minister about something today, but this minister hasn't reached a conclusion yet. Your Majesty may wish to pay attention." After saying this, he recounted the conversation with Shen Yu in Yuzhang Palace.

Shang JunLin: "This emperor was worried about harming Ah Yu's health and didn't dare to do too much. Is Imperial Physician Gu suggesting it might be helpful?"

Imperial Physician Gu: "The noble monarch has recuperated well. As long as excess is avoided, there's no problem."

Shang JunLin: "The ointment that Imperial Physician Gu sent to Ah Yu last time isn't bad. You should make more of it."

Imperial Physician Gu: "…This minister will obey."

After hearing that Shen Yu was doing so well, Shang JunLin was in a good mood. He bestowed several rewards on Imperial Physician Gu and ordered Meng Gonggong to escort him home.

Imperial Physician Gu returned home to his mansion in a carriage from the palace. Behind it was a series of rewards following in a line. People in the street stopped to watch.

When Gu Huai heard the commotion, he went outside and saw Imperial Physician Gu climbing down from the distinctive palace carriage, followed by several treasure wagons.

"Is that…"

"It's a reward from His Majesty," Imperial Physician Gu said as he got out of the carriage. He turned to Meng Gonggong and said, "Thank you for your trouble."

"Not at all. Imperial Physician Gu fully deserves it."

After the palace servants departed, Gu Huai helped sort through the rewards. "Gege, you're really amazing. You received so many gifts again."

"It's all thanks to the kindness of His Majesty and the noble monarch." Some of the things were awarded by Shang JunLin, while others came from Yuzhang Palace. Since they knew about Imperial Physician Gu's interests, most of the things would be useful to him.

"Is the noble monarch's condition better?"

"It's no longer serious." Imperial Physician Gu ruffled the boy's head. "Don't worry. I'll be fine."

After sorting through everything, Imperial Physician Gu took out the ingredients for making the ointment, intending to make another batch. His Majesty's harem contained only one person, the noble monarch, but that didn't necessarily mean the required amount would be small.

As far as the ointment was concerned, he'd learned the recipe after he first entered the imperial hospital. At the time Gu Huai was seriously ill and needed medicine with a lot of expensive herbs. In order to get the money to heal him, Imperial Physician Gu took on a lot of outside work. The owner of the pharmacy he usually patronized helped him a great deal. When the shop owner heard he was short of money, he told Imperial Physician Gu about the ointment as a quick way to make money.

That turned out to be true, especially ones that had an aphrodisiac effect. They sold extremely well. Later, when he wasn't as short of money, he stopped making it as often. Mainly because he was a little embarrassed and didn't want the child at home to know what he was doing. At the time, the pharmacy owner helped him sell the ointment. He kept his own name out of it as much as possible.

As for the ointment he gave Shen Yu, that was because of Shen Yu's delicate physical condition. Imperial Physician Gu was responsible for Shen Yu's health and intended to do his utmost. His Majesty appeared to have a vigorous appetite, and it wasn't easy for a man's body to receive intercourse. The noble monarch's body wasn't strong. If he was frequently injured because of marital matters, it would inevitably have a big impact on his health.

Today His Majesty brought it up…. Imperial Physician Gu remembered the amount that was delivered to Yuzhang Palace last time. It wasn't that much, but it wasn't a little either. Should he give His Majesty a vague reminder to let the noble monarch get more rest?

Imperial Physician Gu sighed. He was just a doctor who treated patients. Why did he have to worry about the bedroom affairs of His Majesty?

He poured the freshly boiled ointment into a tray to let it cool. Imperial Physician Gu took out some previously prepared flower extract and mixed it in. He was so engrossed in preparing the medicine that he didn't notice Gu Huai enter the room.

Gu Huai was deeply interested in everything related to Imperial Physician Gu. Seeing a neatly arranged row of jars of transparent cream, he picked up one of them and walked up behind Imperial Physician Gu. "Gege, what's this?"

Startled by the sudden words, Imperial Physician Gu lost his grip on the vial he was holding. Thanks to Gu Huai's quick eyes and quicker hands, it didn't fall to the ground.

"When did you come in?" Imperial Physician Gu calmed himself down, then turned around and saw Gu Huai holding the half-finished ointment. The younger man's eyes were full of curiosity.

The doctor's face blushed scarlet.

—

The author has something to say:

Imperial Physician Gu: Please help, what should I do if my child catches me making XXX items at home?

TL Notes:

accidentally had such good effects – 歪打正着 – hit the mark by a fluke; but harvest exactly what one wishes; do sth. unintentionally; score a lucky hit

---

How should he explain to Gu Huai what the ointment was used for?

Doctor Gu blushed and snatched the box from Gu Huai's hand, putting it aside.

Realizing his mistake, Gu Huai lowered his head and apologized, "I'm sorry, brother, I didn't know I couldn't touch that."

Doctor Gu was one who preferred to be won over with kindness rather than sternness. Seeing Gu Huai admitting his fault, he couldn't blame him and couldn't resist patting the boy's head, "It's okay. This medicine is for the noble monarch. Children shouldn't touch things that are meant for adults."

"I'm not a child anymore, brother." Gu Huai sighed inwardly. He was about to turn eighteen soon, yet Doctor Gu still treated him like a child. He enjoyed being spoiled by Doctor Gu, but he didn't want to be seen as a child forever.

He had already grown up, no longer the child who could be easily manipulated. He could also protect his brother from the wind and rain and hold up the sky.

"Okay, I know you've grown up. Now go out and play. I'm almost done here."

Seeing Doctor Gu's firm attitude, Gu Huai didn't want to make him angry and obediently left. However, he was curious about what Doctor Gu was making and why he blushed when he asked.

After leaving the room, Gu Huai summoned a subordinate and described in detail what he saw in the box, asking, "Do you know what this is?"

The subordinate hesitated for a moment and said, "It seems to be something used to lubricate during sexual intercourse for men..."

After speaking, the subordinate quickly added, "Of course, this is just my guess, and it may not necessarily be true."

Gu Huai fell silent, but he couldn't help but associate Doctor Gu's blushing with what his subordinate had said. He couldn't be sure, but it was likely that what he saw was indeed what his subordinate had guessed.

When did his older brother learn how to make this thing? Judging from his brother's proficiency, it's obviously not the first time. Gu Huai carefully recalled their years of interaction, trying to find some clues from his memory.

Doctor Gu still didn't know that his secret was about to be exposed, so he focused on completing the last step and put the ointment in a small jade bottle. Looking at the finished ointment, Doctor Gu breathed a sigh of relief.

This batch should last for some time. Next time, he should find another place to make it. It's too embarrassing to make it at home and be seen by Gu Huai.

The finished ointment was quickly delivered to Shang Junlin's hands. Shang Junlin put it away and placed it in the compartment next to his bed for storing small items.

"What are you doing, Your Majesty?" Shen Yu walked in after watering the flowers and saw Shang Junlin bending over doing something on the bed.

Shang Junlin straightened up and walked towards Shen Yu. "The ointment that Doctor Gu sent last time is almost used up, so he sent some more."

"Did Your Majesty force him to make it?" Shen Yu saw through it at a glance. "Doctor Gu is a good doctor. Why do you always make him do this kind of thing?"

"All of this is for your health," Shang Junlin had his own reasoning. "Doctor Gu is taking care of your body, so naturally, it should include all aspects."

"If Your Majesty didn't force me to do it, we wouldn't need these things," Shen Yu said with annoyance.

Since the last time, Shang Junlin always liked to make him do that thing, although they never actually did it, but it made Shang Junlin satisfied.

The officials of the court could feel that the Emperor had been in a good mood lately.

The officials thought that Shang Junlin was in a good mood because he won them in the matter of appointing women as officials. Although they were unhappy about it, they couldn't show it and were quite upset for a while.

Apart from them, other officials hoped that Shang Junlin's good mood would last for a while.

He Chengyu, Jiang Huaiqing, and Fang Jiayi all entered the Hanlin Academy. Even if others were dissatisfied, the matter had been settled, and it was not appropriate to say anything more.

Fang Jiayi's article spread among students, and except for a small number of people with a strong bias against women, other scholars had no doubts about Fang Jiayi's ranking as second place.

Seeing that there had been no movement outside for a long time, the nobles were furious. They certainly wouldn't let it go and bought off a few scholars to spread the disadvantages of appointing women officials. But other scholars rose up against them, and the matter ended there.

"We have to thank Ah Yu for predicting this in advance, otherwise there would have been trouble." Shang Junlin held the latest confidential letter from the Hidden Dragon Guards and smiled.

"What happened?" Shen Yu prepared tea for the two of them and pushed one of the cups in front of Shang Junlin.

"The noble families really sent people to incite trouble among the scholars, but thanks to our preparations, nothing major happened. Look." Shang Junlin handed the letter to Shen Yu.

Shen Yu read it quickly and said, "They underestimated the power of the commoners and didn't understand what these scholars who had not yet entered officialdom were really concerned about. They had not yet been tainted by fame and profit and had their own aspirations."

In his previous life, Shen Yu had dealt with these people a lot. In the eyes of officials, they might seem very simple and easy to manipulate, but if you thought they were stupid and could be easily controlled, then you were wrong.

"As for the affairs of the court, rumors are always prone to distortion. We need to find a way to let the people in various places know the accurate situation of the court."

With downcast eyes and contemplative thoughts, Shen Yu was pondering how the reputation of the former Emperor had turned out the way it did. On one hand, it was due to intentional efforts by individuals such as the King of Yue. On the other hand, it was because of a huge information gap between the court and the local areas. There was simply no way for news of what the Emperor had actually done to spread to the ears of people in different regions. The information they received was what others wanted them to hear, making it easy for those with malicious intentions to manipulate.

"Is Ah Yu talking about a newspaper?"

"Yes, and more. We need more detailed information, not only for the local areas to know about the court's decisions and measures, but also for the court to know about the various situations in the local areas in reverse." In his previous life, Shen Yu had a nearly ubiquitous intelligence network in Dahuan, but it was different from what he proposed today.

This idea was still inspired by Shen Yue, whom he had unintentionally gained inspiration from the last time. If there could be a mutual exchange of information, reducing the time difference between them, it would be more advantageous for the court to control the local areas.

"What are your thoughts, Ah Yu?" After thinking deeply for a while, Shang Junlin felt that this method was indeed very beneficial.

"Your Majesty can discuss with the ministers. You cannot exploit me for everything." Shen Yu smiled as he looked at Shang Julin with his hands on his chin.

"You... "Shang Junlin was helpless. "Okay, I will first discuss it with the Prime Minister, and when we come up with a result, you can see if there is anything that can be modified."

"The Prime Minister and his colleagues are much better than me." Shen Yu only proposed ideas and did not want to bother with how they were implemented. The court officials were knowledgeable about Dahuan, and with the Emperor watching over them, the final method decided upon would not go wrong.

Shang Junlin saw that he did not want to participate too much and did not force him. He was willing to satisfy whatever kind of life his Ah Yu wanted.

"Your Majesty, many flowers have bloomed in the Imperial Garden. Shall we go admire them?" Shen Yu saw that the Emperor spent most of his days reviewing documents, and with the weather being nice recently, it would soon become hot. He wanted to take advantage of the cooler weather to go out more.

"Doctor Gu also said that you need to move around more." Shang Junlin had no objections and took the things and brought Shen Yu out.

The evening sun shone on them, warm and cozy. Shen Yu squinted his eyes contentedly.

The Imperial Garden was full of various flowers blooming, decorating a sea of green with colorful flowers competing with each other, making it a beautiful sight to behold.

The fragrant scent of flowers was carried by the breeze, and Shen Yu held onto Shang Junlin's sleeve, "Your Majesty, how many types of flowers are here?"

"Most of the flowers that can survive in the capital city are here. Take a look and see if there are any you like. I will have Meng Chang transplant them for you another day," Shang Junlin was not interested in flowers and plants. The management of flowers and plants in the palace was usually entrusted to the palace servants.

Shen Yu walked around and occasionally stopped when he saw something he liked. The more he was exposed to the fragrant smell of flowers, the more butterflies came around.

"Do you know that you can't pick the flowers here? You've already picked a basketful. Who told you to come here?" A commotion came from ahead, and Shang Junlin frowned. Meng Gonggong quickly walked over, "Let me see what happened."

Soon, Meng Gonggong came back, "It was Miss Shen Yue who came to pick flowers. She was scolded by the passing chief maid."

Shen Yu paused his steps, "Shen Yue? How did she come to the Imperial Garden?"

He walked in the direction where the voice seemed to be coming from as he spoke.

"What's going on?"

The man's stern voice rang out, and all the palace women knelt down in unison. A slightly older palace woman bowed and said, "In response to Your Majesty, this palace maid may not have known the rules here and picked some flowers. I have already reprimanded her."

She didn't know that Shen Yue knew them and was afraid that she would lose her life over a small matter, so she subconsciously defended herself.

Shen Yue looked surprised and glanced at the palace maid who had just scolded her, then quickly lowered her head and admitted her guilt.

"You all can leave. You stay." Shen Yu pointed at Shen Yue.

Before the palace maid left, she glanced at Shen Yue and wanted to say something, but was pulled away by Meng Gonggong.

"Get up. Why did you pick these flowers?" Shen Yue asked.

'I wanted to make fresh flower cakes for the Empress Dowager. I found the best place where the flowers were in full bloom and didn't notice that the flowers here couldn't be picked. I plead guilty,' Shen Yue replied.

"You're a first-time offender, so forget it," Shen Yu looked at the basket of flowers beside him and was curious. 'You can make pies out of flowers?"

"Not just flowers, but also pies made from fresh flowers. If Your Majesty is interested, when I make them, I'll send some to Yuzhang Palace," Shen Yue lowered her head. In fact, she was still in the experimental stage and wasn't sure if they would taste good.

On a whim, while strolling through the Imperial Garden, Shen Yu stumbled upon a new dessert and felt a surge of happiness.

After finishing the stroll, he returned to the Yuzhang Palace where the kitchen had already prepared a meal.

Shang Junlin had once said that if anyone could make the emperor happy with their cooking, they would be heavily rewarded. Because of this, the kitchen staff tried different ways every day to make delicious food.

Recently, Shen Yu had a good appetite and ate more than he did when he first arrived at the palace. The losses from his previous illness were slowly being filled, and he had even gained some weight.

Shang Junlin held his hand, feeling just right.

Shang Junlin was satisfied with Shen Yu's progress. After his last illness, Shen Yu's appetite decreased, and he became thinner and thinner. Shang Junlin felt helpless and could only order the kitchen to make more delicious food and find ways to get Shen Yu to eat more.

The imperial physician did not recommend that he consume too many supplements, such as bird's nest, as his body could not handle too much tonics for an extended period. Therefore, they had to gradually nourish his body.

Shen Yu did not like to eat these tonics anyway, so Shang Junlin fed him once every ten days or so.

"Now that I can eat more, will I become fat if I continue like this?" At night, Shen Yu lay in Shang Junlin's arms and remembered his recent increase in appetite, frowning.

"Where did you become fat, Ah Yu?" Shang Junlin grabbed Shen Yu's wrist and pinched it. "You still don't have much meat on your body."

Shen Yu looked at his wrist, which was a strong contrast to Shang Junlin's. The latter was strong and powerful, while Shen Yu's was fair and thin, with little meat.

He turned around and adopted a posture facing the man, lying in his arms. His movements rubbed against the man's waistcoat and revealed half of his chest.

Shang Junlin's body was covered with a very symmetrical layer of muscle, which was just right and not exaggerated. You couldn't see it when he was wearing clothes, but when he wasn't, you could see the smooth muscle lines.

Shen Yu didn't have much muscle in his body because of his physical condition. His flesh was soft and delicate in both of his lives. He was envious of Shang Junlin's muscular physique, but he didn't know that Shang Junlin loved every part of him.

Shen Yu poked at the muscles on Shang Junlin's body and said, "The Emperor is still the best."

"If Ah Yu likes, you can look and touch as you please," Shang Junlin let go of Shen Yu's hand and pressed it to his chest. He then wrapped his other hand around Shen Yu's waist and said with deep meaning, "I love every inch of your body, Ah Yu."

---

The atmosphere between the two became ambiguous.

Shen Yu looked down at the man lying beneath him, and a hint of inexplicable emotion flashed in his eyes. With his hand resting on the man's chest, he could feel the strong and steady heartbeat, which made him curl his fingers slightly.

"Do you want to touch it, Ah Yu?" whispered Shang Junlin, as he took Shen Yu's hand and slowly explored under his clothes.

Shen Yu pursed his lips and his fingers curled slightly. As they moved further down, he couldn't help but glare at Shang Junlin and accuse him, "Your Majesty promised not to do anything today."

Shang Junlin had no intention of doing anything, but with the beautiful man in his arms, it was hard to resist the temptation. Seeing Shen Yu's accusing gaze, he had to reluctantly give up.

"Okay, I won't bother you today. Rest if you're tired," he said.

Shen Yu looked at him suspiciously, his eyes clearly asking, "Why are you being so easy to deal with today?"

Shang Junlin covered Shen Yu's eyes and said, "Don't look at me like that. I'm afraid I won't be able to resist."

When a man is in the mood and has his lover in his arms, it's hard to control himself.

Since Shang Junlin didn't have any intentions, Shen Yu relaxed and leaned against the man, closing his eyes. He was indeed tired.

"If Your Majesty likes, you can also touch me." Shen Yu murmured softly before falling asleep.

As soon as he finished speaking, Shen Yu felt a tightening around his waist. The man leaned in close to his ear and whispered in a low voice, "Is Ah Yu deliberately trying to keep Us1 awake?"

Shen Yu rubbed against the man's chest but didn't say anything.

Shang Junlin waited for a while, only to hear the young man's calm breathing. He looked at the canopy above and sighed bitterly.

Whether it was intentional or not, he couldn't do anything to Shen Yu.

Shen Yu slept soundly and woke up the next day, realizing that he was tightly held in someone's arms. He could smell the familiar scent on the man's body, he moved slightly.

"Ah Yu, are you awake?"

The man's deep voice came from above, and Shen Yu let out a soft "um" in response.

Still feeling groggy from just waking up, Shen Yu was slow to react to anything, not even noticing when the man's hand slipped into his clothes.

"I wanted to stay with Ah Yu today."

Shen Yu sat up and looked outside. It was dark and gloomy, and there was no sunlight, making the whole bedroom dim.

"Is it raining outside?"

"It was raining a moment ago, but it has stopped now," Shang Junlin held Shen Yu back in his arms, and wrapped him in a blanket, "It's chilly today, so don't catch a cold."

Shang Junlin had actually gone to court that day but ended up hurriedly returning to Yu Zhang Palace after seeing the bad weather, worried about leaving Shen Yu alone there. He still had lingering fears about the last time Shen Yu had a nightmare and thought that if he were there with him, it would be better if he had another nightmare.

After fully waking up, Shen Yu got up from bed.

Shang Junlin stayed in Yu Zhang Palace all day and even refused to see any officials who came to meet him. Shen Yu gave the prescription given to him by Shen Yue to the people below, and not long after, they made the finished product, which was reported to Mu Xi.

"So fast?" Shen Yu was surprised.

"I was also surprised," said Muxi, handing a small box to Shen Yu, "they even sent some finished products."

The things in the box were smaller than what Shen Yue made, but they were made in various shapes and looked more exquisite and pleasing to the eye. They were the kind of things that ladies would like.

"Something like this," Shen Yu picked up one, "how many can be made in a day?"

"An experienced person can make around twenty or thirty."

Shen Yu played with the small wooden box in his hand. There were enough people in the village for the time being, so he could try selling them in the shop first.

"You can let them make a batch first, not too many, and put them for sale in the shop in the north of the city. Only sell a certain amount each day, first come first served. As for the rest, let me think about it."

"Alright."

The goods made in the village were sent to Shen Yu first. He picked out what he could use and gave the rest to the palace maids in Yuzhang Palace and sent some to the Imperial Concubine's Palace.

"Have you been to the jewelry shop in the north of the city? They have recently released some new products that not only look beautiful but also work well."

"Are you talking about the various shaped soaps? I asked my older brother to buy me a piece, and it's really good for cleaning hands. After washing, it smells good."

"And their new lip rouge, look, I used it today, isn't it better looking than before?"

"Wow, it really is. The color suits you well."

"I also think so. They have many colors of lip rouge, and I have decided to buy from them in the future."

Considering some issues, Shen Yu temporarily only allowed the store to sell lip rouge and soap to the public, as these two items were relatively easy to make.

"Master," Mu Xi walked in with the account book, "many customers want to buy more, and the shopkeeper sent a letter to ask if we should increase the daily sales."

"You can ask if they can handle the increased production, and if they can, we can increase the sales accordingly."

Shen Yu opened the account book and looked at it. To be honest, the result of his work was far beyond his expectation. In just a few days, the profit of soap and lip balm was much higher than all the other products combined. This shop had always been in a downturn, but with the two new products, soap and lip balm, it suddenly became the most popular jewelry store for women.

"The price is good and it sells well. I didn't expect that," Shen Yu exclaimed.

Considering the uniqueness of the products and the fact that they were not easy to make, Shen Yu had set a relatively high price for them. Originally, the limited quantity was set for one day to avoid overstocking, but unexpectedly, the opposite happened.

"Besides the young ladies outside, there are also many people in the palace looking for servants to buy some. Don't underestimate the purchasing power of women, sir," Mu Xi said with a smile.

"I was thinking too much. Let them take care of these things," Shen Yu had someone specifically in charge of managing the shop, so he didn't need to worry about these things.

Before early summer arrived, the Ministry of Works had developed more uses for cement and put them into practice one by one. Shen Yu knew that to truly use this material on a large scale, it would take some time. With so many people in the Ministry of Works monitoring the situation, he and Shang Junlin only needed to wait for the final result.

"Your Majesty, the weather is getting hotter," even Shen Yu, who was sensitive to the cold, had changed into a thin shirt.

"When the weather gets really hot, I'll take you to the summer palace for a while," Shang Junlin said, brushing aside the hair on Shen Yu's face.

Dahuan had distinct four seasons. Winter was cold, and summer was particularly hot. During the hottest period each year, the emperor would take his concubines and ministers to the summer palace to escape the heat.

After Shang Junlin ascended to the throne, he spent a long time on the battlefield. When he returned to the capital, he was not very interested in going to the summer palace, so he had never been there until now.

After receiving Shang Junlin's order, both sides started preparing early. The emperor going to the summer palace was not a small project and required a lot of preparation in advance.

After some investigation, Eldest Brother He finally learned about his younger brother's situation.

The moment he received the news, he was so angry that he trembled. If it weren't for the servant who stopped him, he would have gone straight to his father and asked for an explanation.

He had always thought that his brother was in some place that they didn't know about, but he never thought that it would be a dungeon.

A dungeon without seeing daylight.

Ha, how ridiculous. Obviously, his father knew the result a long time ago, why didn't he tell them? Was he planning to rescue his brother from the beginning?

"Young master, calm down. It's only a guess, it doesn't mean that the young master is really there. You can't act recklessly. If something happens to you, who else will care about the young master?"

Master He barely regained his composure. "You're right. Keep investigating. If my younger brother is really there and my father is really not planning to do anything, don't blame me for rescuing him myself!"

He didn't want to be bothered with the so-called big picture. The people giving orders hadn't even shown their faces, and he didn't know why his father was so obedient to them.

"The information has already been leaked," Shang Junlin turned around. "It looks like the He family is also planning to take action. The only question is, what will happen when they find out that their son has caused such a huge mess?"

The He family had been lying low for such a long time. Since they weren't willing to take the initiative, Shang Junlin didn't mind adding fuel to the fire.

"What about the King of Yue? Aren't those people planning to do anything about his life or death?"

The King of Yue was almost certainly behind the scenes in the election fraud case, but those people hadn't made any moves yet. This didn't make sense.

"It doesn't matter. If they don't show up, the King of Yue will stay in the dungeon. If we're anxious, they'll only be more anxious."

They knew that it was a trap ahead, but what choice did they have besides jumping into it?

No, to be precise, they had no other choice but to jump.

Without making them wait any longer, Master He gave them a surprise.

"So, you're saying that Master He took the secret order that he negotiated with the other side and went to the dungeon with the people arranged by them for Master He's father?" Shen Yu raised his eyebrows in surprise.

"Yes, that's correct."

"How did he command those people? Has the He family been waiting for these people all along without taking action in the capital?"

"Probably, otherwise with the people that the He family brought, they wouldn't be able to stir up any waves." It wasn't that Shang Junlin underestimated them, but the people brought by the He family were mostly servants and guards, and they didn't bring many people to avoid drawing attention.

"The He family and the forces behind them probably never expected that all their plans would be ruined by the He eldest son's desire to save his younger brother."

Shang Junlin smiled but didn't speak. The He eldest son would never know that the information he thought he had painstakingly obtained was actually intentionally leaked to him.

"But I also didn't expect that he could bring all those people back unscathed."

As they spoke, the leader of the imperial guards came to report: "Your Majesty, all the people have been captured."

Shang Junlin took Shen Yu's hand and asked, "Ah Yu, do you want to come with me to take a look?"

Shen Yu shook the hand that was held, "Your Majesty seems to have not given me a choice."

---