The Sickly Beauty Substitute Called It Quits

Chapter 134

On many nights, he used his hand as a ruler, measuring every inch.

"Your Majesty, since you already know, why do you need to measure again?" Shen Yu couldn't hold back his shame and asked.

"Naturally, it's to obtain more accurate measurements. The clothes made for Ah Yu must fit perfectly," Shang Junlin replied, refusing to admit that he was intentionally using this opportunity to get closer to Shen Yu.

It's just to have a more precise understanding of his beloved's measurements, how could it be considered scheming?

"Your Majesty, you've finished measuring. Shouldn't you let go of me now?" Shen Yu raised an eyebrow at him.

Shang Junlin, still holding onto Shen Yu, was unwilling to release him easily. "There's no one else in the room. Why should I let go when I'm holding my esteemed consort?"

Shang Junlin not only didn't let go, but he also sat with Shen Yu on the soft couch.

"We've already arranged a group of people to go to Subei. He Chengyu and Jiang Huaiqing will leave with this group. As for Fang Jiayi, Fang Jun hasn't returned from Subei yet, so I'm not sure if I should let her go."

Until all matters in Subei are settled, Fang Jun has to stay behind. There is much to be reorganized in Subei, and besides Fang Jun, Shang Junlin doesn't trust anyone else to handle it.

"Official Fang will return sooner or later. Your Majesty can ask Miss Fang herself about her intentions. If she wants to go, it would be good for her to gain some experience. The Prime Minister also said that this young lady has a methodical approach to work. Subei is in need of fresh blood after the disaster, and once the difficulties are overcome, there will be much to be done. He Chengyu, Jiang Huaiqing, and Fang Jiayi each have their own strengths. They will definitely be able to contribute more in Subei."

How capable is Jiang Huaiqing? As someone who had worked with him for many years in their previous lives, Shen Yu was well aware. During this time, he also learned about the working styles of the other two through Shang Junlin. He had to admit that sending these three individuals to Subei was the fastest way for them to grow.

"I will have the Prime Minister ask her, and if she is willing, she can go together."

Turning his head, the Prime Minister received a subtle hint from Shang Junlin. He knew that the three of them couldn't always work under his command, but knowing they would eventually leave still made him somewhat reluctant.

After finishing their official duties for the day, he asked the three of them to stay behind.

"What are your thoughts on the matter of Subei?"

This was not the first time the Prime Minister had asked them about Subei. Since they were initially brought to work by his side for the sake of Subei, he would periodically inquire about their opinions on the matter. The three of them expressed their views from different perspectives, but their conclusions were the same. Compared to the beginning, their ideas were more comprehensive, and the Prime Minister was pleased with this.

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"If you were to go to Subei, do you have confidence in achieving what you've just said?"

"What do you mean, sir?"

"The court will send officials to Subei, as you might have heard. This is a great opportunity. Today, I've asked you to stay to hear your thoughts. Are you willing to go to Subei?"

Although it was the first time the Prime Minister had brought up the matter, the three of them were not particularly surprised. During this period, discussions were taking place throughout the court, and as individuals involved, they naturally felt the undercurrents.

"I am willing," Jiang Huaiqing was the first to speak.

Following suit, He Chengyu and Fang Jiayi also expressed their willingness. For them, going to Subei was another shortcut and an unprecedented opportunity.

"Since all of you are willing, then prepare yourselves properly."

The Prime Minister did not ask Fang Jiayi separately. He had already gotten his answer from her eyes. Having interacted with her personally, he had come to realize that women were just as capable as men. Treating Fang Jiayi differently just because she was a woman was inappropriate.

In the realm of officials, everyone should be treated equally, and the outcome would ultimately depend on oneself.

The next day, the Prime Minister handed a report to Shang Junlin. He held high hopes for Jiang Huaiqing and the other two, and most of his words were praises.

After reading it, Shang Junlin handed the report to Shen Yu. "I thought he would complain a bit. It's not easy to cultivate a few capable individuals, and just like that, I end up reassigning all of them elsewhere."

"Isn't Official Fang coming back? Once he enters the cabinet, the Prime Minister won't be as busy as he is now. Xun Chao, what are your plans, Your Majesty?" Shen Yu finished reading the document and set it aside.

"I plan to have him take over Fang Jun's previous position. He definitely can't stay in Subei." Regardless of the circumstances, Xun Chao made significant contributions to the matter of Subei. At the same time, he had also made many enemies among the local forces in Subei. From whichever perspective, Shang Junlin couldn't possibly let Xun Chao remain there.

"Have there been any other news from Subei during this time?"

"Fang Jun has sent quite a bit. Take a look at this letter." Shang Junlin pulled out a letter from the pile he had reviewed and handed it to Shen Yu.

Shen Yu took it and smiled. "Official Fang has started urging already. His Majesty should act swiftly."

This letter was interestingly written. It didn't mention how hard Fang Jun had worked or anything like that. Instead, it subtly expressed his longing for his family and gently hinted that the court should send someone over.

The court had indeed been arguing about this matter for several days, and it was only under Shang Junlin's forceful intervention that the final decision on the candidates was made.

The ministers didn't have many opinions about the addition of Jiang Huaiqing and the other two. They had known early on that Shang Junlin would cultivate the top three of this generation. Even if they opposed it, they would only incur the displeasure of the emperor. So, instead of opposing, they thought it was better to find a way to arrange for more of their own people to go over.

After the morning court session concluded, everything was settled. Jiang Huaiqing and the other two were relatively inexperienced among this group, but no one underestimated them because of it.

Those who held positions in the court had a keen eye for talent. From various indications, it was clear that the emperor intended to promote and utilize these three individuals. Currently, they had no conflicts of interest with other ministers, so it was best to establish good relations with them.

Being a woman, Fang Jiayi faced some inconveniences. However, He Chengyu and Jiang Huaiqing started receiving noticeably more invitations in the following days.

"I've never been to the northern region before. I wonder what Subei will be like," Jiang Huaiqing said. He had only read descriptions of Subei in books and was quite curious about the place they were about to reach.

"It has rained in Subei, and the weather is gradually getting cooler. When we arrive, it shouldn't be much different from the capital city."

"I originally thought that in a few years, I would be separated from Brother Chengyu in our respective positions. I didn't expect His Majesty to send us both to Subei together."

Since they arrived in the capital for the imperial examination, Jiang Huaiqing had been with He Chengyu all this time. If they were suddenly separated, it would definitely be uncomfortable. Now that they could be assigned to the same place, Jiang Huaiqing felt delighted.

"In the days to come, I hope Brother Chengyu will take care of me."

He Chengyu tightened his grip on the wine glass, his expression unchanged. "Even if Huaiqing didn't say it, I would still do it. I also hope that Huaiqing can take care of me."

Jiang Huaiqing smiled and patted his shoulder. "Don't worry, with me here, I won't forget about you."

The officials heading to Subei were not only appointed from the capital but also selected from various localities. There were both noble and common families among them. Just as they were preparing to depart for Subei, an urgent secret letter arrived on the imperial desk.

After reading it, Shang Junlin stood up abruptly. "This is outrageous! Summon the Prime Minister to the palace for discussion!"

The palace attendants knelt down one after another, silent as cicadas.

Shang Junlin was truly furious this time. He forcibly restrained himself from smashing the things on his desk because he remembered that they were specially selected and placed there by Shen Yu.

Since Shen Yu entered the palace, Grand Preceptor Meng had rarely seen the Emperor get so angry. He dared not delay and quickly fetched the plaques to summon the ministers to the palace.

When the ministers hurriedly arrived, they also received the news that Shang Junlin was raging in the study.

"Do you know why His Majesty is angry?" Shen Yu, who was originally tending to the potted flowers, put down his work and asked upon hearing the news.

The news was delivered by Xiao Meng, "It was Grand Preceptor Meng who informed me. His Majesty read an urgent letter from Subei and flew into a rage. He summoned several important ministers to the palace for discussion."

"Subei... if it has made His Majesty so furious, it must not be a trivial matter." Shen Yu whispered. The situation in Subei was almost settled. What could have angered Shang Junlin to this extent?

Shen Yu reviewed the entire situation in Subei in his mind, vaguely finding some key points. However, did the people in Subei really have the audacity to do such things?

When Shang Junlin returned in the evening, his face no longer showed anger, but it was clear that his mood wasn't good.

"Ah Yu, come here and let me hold you."

Shen Yu walked over. "Who has upset Your Majesty this time?"

"It's about Subei. I never expected them to have such audacity. Did they not know the consequences of their actions before they did those things?" Shang Junlin embraced Shen Yu and sat down on the couch.

"Meng Chang, present the letter to your lord."

Grand Preceptor Meng quickly retrieved the letter from the documents and respectfully handed it to Shen Yu.

Shen Yu took the letter, and the more he read, the deeper his frown became. The content written in the letter undoubtedly represented the worst possible outcome.

Knowing that the incident of the stolen supplies was related to the high-ranking officials in Subei, Shen Yu had discussed it with Shang Junlin before. They had wondered where those missing supplies had been hidden by them, and even though those people were imprisoned, they had been actively searching. Unfortunately, they had found nothing.

Now, it seemed that it was no wonder they couldn't find anything. The supplies had long left Subei, and they might not even be in Da Huan anymore.

After the supplies were stolen, before the court could react, they were transported from Subei to the northern borders of Beimo and then taken away by the people of Beimo. In exchange, they provided Official Hou and other officials with a large amount of gold, silver, and jewels.

This matter only came to light when Fang Jun's house was raided, and a secret chamber was discovered.

"These supplies must be retrieved!" Shang Junlin said firmly, expressing his intention.

Shen Yu agreed with this point. It concerned the national prestige of Da Huan and couldn't be resolved hastily. However...

"Is Your Majesty planning to go to war with Beimo?"

"Depending on their attitude, if they willingly return the supplies and severely punish those involved, I can choose not to pursue further action." When it came to war, Shang Junlin feared no one. Everything he possessed now was gained through battles on the battlefield.

"The letter claims that it was just a trade with some low-ranking officials on the border, but I don't believe it. Without orders from higher-ups, the lower-ranked individuals wouldn't have the audacity. It's likely that some people from Beimo were involved in the initial robbery as well," Shen Yu placed the letter on the small table, not fully trusting the secret correspondence between Hou Daren and the people of Beimo.

"I will have Gu Huai investigate. Now that we have a lead, it won't be difficult to uncover the truth," Shang Junlin grasped Shen Yu's wrist. "It seems I have been too lenient."

Shen Yu asked, "Does Minister Feng also know about this, Your Majesty?"

As one of the ministers in the Cabinet, if Minister Feng was also involved, it would complicate matters.