Huh? The Tyrant Cries After My Inner Thoughts Were Exposed!-Chapter 116: Worried They Might Fall for Each Other Over Time
The nanny was silent for a moment, "Your Majesty, what old matter can make the Empress distressed?"
It can only be the little princess who went missing in those days.
The old Emperor’s lips were tightly pressed, and the anger in his eyes had completely dissipated.
Listening to the nanny’s words, it was obvious that Duke Ping had entered the palace today, met the Empress, and stirred up the Empress’ sadness.
This Xie Yu’an is indeed too idle, and henceforth should not be allowed to enter the palace to distress the Empress.
...
That night, Shen Ruhui stayed over at the Earl Ping Mansion, drinking wine and confiding with Liu Xuan deep into the night.
"I know I have no hope of entering officialdom in this life, yet I am still unwilling. My father had aspirations back then but died frustrated without opportunities. I fear I shall follow in his footsteps."
Shen Ruhui smiled bitterly and drained his cup of wine.
Even with great ambitions, as long as one is a member of the Shen family, they can never set foot in the court.
Liu Xuan was silent for a moment, seeing Shen Ruhui’s painful expression; he felt compassion, "Miss Su is currently serving as an official in the court, though only at the sixth rank, she is much favored by His Majesty. If you follow her, there may be a day when you can fulfill your long-held wish."
He guessed that since Su Juan knew Shen Ruhui’s identity and still kept him by her side, she might have the intention to help him. In fact, with Shen Ruhui assisting Su Juan, she may navigate the treacherous officialdom more smoothly.
She truly has a kind heart, unwilling to see Shen Ruhui’s talents buried.
Yet the situation being what it is, Liu Xuan could not disclose Su Juan’s identity and could only speak thus far. The rest depended on how Shen Ruhui thought.
If he was unwilling to stay with Su Juan, no one could persuade him otherwise.
Seeing Liu Xuan approve of him going to Su Juan’s side, Shen Ruhui said in a soft voice, "Miss Su has saved my life, and this debt must be repaid. I certainly trust your words, Liu Xuan."
"But considering my identity, staying by her side, if someone with ill intent finds out and makes a big issue of it, I fear it would be of no benefit to her and might harm her."
Liu Xuan gave a faint smile, "The current Emperor is not the former Emperor, and Miss Su is not the Right Imperial Censor from the past. The trust His Majesty places in Miss Su far surpasses that of ordinary people. Even if it is known that she kept you by her side, it would not anger her; Brother Shen need not worry." 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞
Currently, the only one who could rebuke the Emperor publicly without consequence is her. With such favor, even if Shen Ruhui were at Su Juan’s side, the Emperor would not trouble her.
Even if, in the future, His Majesty does lay blame, with her status, she would naturally remain unscathed.
Shen Ruhui still had doubts in his heart, feeling Liu Xuan’s words were too absolute. What was special about Su Juan to make the Emperor favor her so?
"Does His Majesty truly favor her so?"
Liu Xuan nodded.
Though Shen Ruhui still harbored doubts, he had made up his mind.
The next day after sobering up, he returned to his original courtyard, wrote diligently, and in just two short days completed the last volume of "The Renowned Two Beauties" and handed it over to others.
He dressed neatly, entirely different from his usual untidy appearance, to the extent that the person couldn’t recognize him, were it not for the manuscript in hand.
Seeing it was the last volume, the person was amazed, "Isn’t this book the best-selling one of the Young Master? Are you really going to sell the last volume?"
It was well known that what Shen Ruhui earned from writing these books over the years was just enough to maintain his daily needs and sometimes wasn’t even enough, forcing him to copy texts for others for extra silver.
Now that he finally had a hit, selling the last volume seemed a pity.
Shen Ruhui nodded.
The person sighed, "Well, at least you’ve gained popularity, writing the next one surely won’t be as invisible as before. Food and clothing should no longer be a problem."
He merely felt sorry for Shen Ruhui, but if the man wanted to sell the last volume, he couldn’t be dissuaded.
Hearing this, Shen Ruhui smiled genuinely, "This is the last volume."
The person was slightly stunned, puzzled: "?"
Shen Ruhui: "I won’t be writing any more books thereafter."
This was the last volume of Young Master Rushi, and there would be no more after.
...
The last volume of Young Master Rushi’s book sold greatly in the capital, and upon learning that he had sealed his pen and would not write anymore, everyone felt heartache.
Even Duke Ping couldn’t sleep well at night, sighing whenever he thought about it, wondering how he could stop writing like this?
Meanwhile, Su Juan moved into Duke Ping Mansion with Shen Ruhui.
Duke Ping had already learned from Marquis Ping that Su Juan had taken Shen Hesheng’s grandson under her wing, and it was heard that this person was quite talented, staying by Su Juan’s side was also a good thing.
Originally, Su Juan had thought about accommodating Shen Ruhui in her courtyard. After all, the courtyard was so big, and there were several rooms.
But Duke Ping strongly objected, "You’re a young lady, how can you live in the same courtyard with a man? If word spreads, your reputation will be ruined."
Su Juan was not concerned, "Lord, you needn’t worry. We aren’t living in the same house, and I don’t hold reputation in such regard."
A soft smile played on her face.
[Moreover, my reputation was already lost when I was in Tianyun Mountain, and with the Peeling Skin Man and everything, I’m just hoping for something else to come up to make people forget that awful nickname.]
Duke Ping did not agree with Su Juan, "No, let Mr. Shen stay elsewhere."
Xie Xun leaned lazily on one side, watching the two argue, while Shen Ruhui stood there, wanting to speak but not finding the opportunity.
Seeing this, Xie Xun slowly opened his mouth, "What’s the big deal? Duke Mansion is so large. Just find a room in another courtyard near Su Juan’s place and let him stay there."
Is there really a need to argue?
Upon hearing this, the three looked at Xie Xun.
Indeed, Duke Mansion is so vast, so many vacant rooms, just tidy one up for Shen Ruhui to stay.
Duke Ping immediately called for someone and solemnly instructed, "Go to the Tinglan Courtyard and tidy up a room for Mr. Shen to stay."
[Isn’t Tinglan Courtyard Xie Xun’s territory?]
Upon hearing this, Xie Xun sat up straight, incredulously looking at his father, "Live in my courtyard!?"
Are you serious? With so many courtyards, so many vacant rooms, can’t he live elsewhere, why in Young Master’s courtyard?
Duke Ping gave Xie Xun a look, "Mr. Shen is a distinguished guest; having him stay in your courtyard, you should take good care of him."
With that, he signaled for the person below to tidy a room for Shen Ruhui to stay.
Even if Xie Xun was unwilling, he couldn’t refuse.
After all, things have been said up to this point, and the old man likely has other plans with this arrangement.
Shen Ruhui immediately thanked him and then followed Su Juan away for a discussion.
After they left, Xie Xun, in a discontented tone, questioned his father, "With so many rooms in the manor, why tidy one in my courtyard?"
If Liu Xuan came looking for him, wouldn’t that mean entering Young Master’s courtyard daily!?
Just thinking about it gave him a headache.
Duke Ping, seeing his son’s clueless behavior, had to explain his intentions, "Although Shen Ruhui has some skills, given his status, staying in the same courtyard with you is also a way to keep an eye on him and Su."
At this moment, Xie Xun finally understood his father’s meaning... He was worried the two might develop feelings over time.
His temples throbbed; aren’t you worried about the two of us developing feelings over time?
