The Sickly Beauty Substitute Called It Quits-Chapter 188

"Jiang Huaiqing’s departure this time is for the sake of Da Huan. No matter what, I do not wish for him to fall in Beimo. Naturally, I must take precautions. It’s not just the Hidden Dragon Guards—once he arrives in Beimo, the hidden spies stationed there will act under his command when the time is right,” Shang Junlin said as he gently stroked Shen Yu’s cheek.

There was one thing he did not say aloud.

More importantly, he knew how much Shen Yu valued Jiang Huaiqing. As one of Shen Yu’s few friends, Shang Junlin didn’t want anything to happen that would upset him.

Jiang Huaiqing’s journey to Beimo carried undeniable risks—everyone knew it, including Jiang Huaiqing himself. Shang Junlin was not an unfeeling ruler; he had given Jiang Huaiqing the choice. If he was unwilling, he would not have been forced to go.

“In fact, when I sent someone with the secret decree, I asked Jiang Huaiqing if he was willing. If he had refused, I would have chosen someone else.”

“Your Majesty is truly kind,” Shen Yu murmured as he leaned against Shang Junlin’s shoulder. “The other force beside Jiang Huaiqing… those are my people. I’m sure Your Majesty has already figured that out.”

Compared to his past life, Jiang Huaiqing’s career had been much smoother this time around. If he could return safely from Beimo, he would undoubtedly establish a firm foothold in the court in the shortest time possible.

Shen Yu had always harbored some personal sentiments toward Jiang Huaiqing. He did not deny it. A subordinate who had once risked life and limb with him in their past life—no matter that they hadn’t gone through the same experiences this time—he would never let him suffer.

As the New Year approached, the palace was adorned with festive red decorations. With Shen Yu now present, the atmosphere in the palace was livelier than ever.

A grand banquet was held in the imperial palace. Ministers arrived with their families in tow, and to be invited to such a gathering was, in itself, a sign of the emperor’s favor.

By the time Shen Yu and Shang Junlin entered together, most of the officials had already arrived.

The two of them walked straight to the highest seat in the hall. The ministers were long accustomed to the emperor’s partiality toward Shen Yu, so no one dared to voice any objections.

To be honest, Shen Yu found these banquets rather dull. He had no interest in the endless flattery of the officials and instead focused on enjoying the delicacies in front of him.

Learning from past mistakes, this time, there was no alcohol on their table—only a selection of soups and freshly prepared fruit drinks from the imperial kitchen.

Shen Yu picked up a cup and took a sip. The sweet taste blended with the unique fragrance of the fruit, making it exceptionally refreshing. He glanced around, making sure no one was paying attention, then scooped a spoonful and brought it to Shang Junlin’s lips. “Your Majesty, try this.”

Shang Junlin opened his mouth and accepted the offering. “It’s very sweet.”

Their small exchange didn’t escape the eyes of the officials, who had been discreetly observing them from below.

The court ministers rarely got a glimpse of how the emperor and Shen Yu interacted in private, and upon witnessing this moment, they couldn’t help but widen their eyes in astonishment.

Was this truly their cold, ruthless emperor, the one who was decisive and forbidding?

They all knew that Shen Yu was favored, but their understanding had always been vague. Only by seeing it firsthand did they realize that Shang Junlin’s feelings for Shen Yu went beyond mere indulgence.

Imperial favor was easy to obtain and just as easily lost. But that was only true when favor was placed above love. Judging by the scene before them, it was clear—the emperor’s heart was truly moved.

The ministers’ thoughts varied, but Shen Yu didn’t care what they thought. He continued his affectionate interactions with Shang Junlin as he always did.

The way they acted in private was the same as how they acted now.

“The dancers tonight… are they the same as last time?” Shen Yu put down his chopsticks, estimating that the performance was about to begin.

“No,” Shang Junlin pressed his lips together. “They’re different this time.”

Shen Yu leaned in, almost resting against Shang Junlin’s chest, and teased, “Your Majesty, are you still jealous over what happened last time? It’s been so long, and you still haven’t forgotten?”

He was referring to an incident at Shang Junlin’s birthday banquet. Though he had paid a “heavy price” for it afterward, in hindsight, he still found it rather amusing.

Shang Junlin’s hand tightened around Shen Yu’s waist, making his body go soft as he fell into the man’s embrace.

Nestled against him, Shen Yu trembled with laughter. “Don’t tell me… did Your Majesty send them away?”

Wasn’t that a little too cute? Just because he had glanced at them a few times, Shang Junlin had actually switched them out. Shen Yu was beginning to realize that his emperor was extraordinarily jealous. And while it was entertaining to watch, it always came with a cost—one that he had to pay later.

Shang Junlin supported Shen Yu’s shoulders. “I dismissed them from the palace.”

Shen Yu’s laughter intensified, his voice tinged with amusement. “Then if I look at the dancers a little too long tonight, will Your Majesty send them away as well?”

Shang Junlin pursed his lips and remained silent—clearly, the thought had crossed his mind.

“At this rate, if we do this a few more times, we’ll run out of dancers in the palace,” Shen Yu chuckled. “You really don’t have to go this far. I’ll only look at Your Majesty tonight, no one else, alright?”

He propped himself up and withdrew from Shang Junlin’s embrace, his face still carrying the remnants of his smile, his eyes shimmering like the moon.

Shang Junlin cupped his cheek with his free hand. “Ah Yu, you must keep your word.”

Shen Yu kept his promise. No matter how enchanting the performance was, he only propped his chin on his hand and watched Shang Junlin.

Shang Junlin had no interest in the dance. His entire attention was focused on Shen Yu, and knowing his preferences, he continuously picked out dishes he liked and placed them in his bowl.

The fish was deboned, ensuring Shen Yu only had to eat without worry.

The banquet was lavish, and everything sent to Shen Yu was fresh from the kitchen, steaming hot. One fed, one ate, their interaction harmonious.

Of course, Shen Yu wasn’t selfish. Whenever he found something he liked, he would pick up a piece and offer it to Shang Junlin, who accepted everything he gave.

Feeding Shang Junlin was immensely satisfying—he never refused anything. No matter what Shen Yu offered, he would eat it with a calm acceptance.

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The atmosphere between them was seamless, leaving no room for anyone else.

Some of the married officials watching this display felt an inexplicable ache in their teeth. Even at the best of times, they had never been this affectionate with their own wives.

Meanwhile, outside the palace, shadows moved in the dark.

Unbeknownst to those inside, a silent slaughter was unfolding in a secluded alley.

And back within the grand hall, beneath the dazzling lights and elegant music, a dancer suddenly changed her movements—lunging straight toward them.