The Sickly Beauty Substitute Called It Quits

"So... it's not that they don't exist, but rather that Your Majesty has been hiding them?" Shen Yu opened one of the books, recognizing it as the one he had seen during their first outing outside the palace.

He had thought that these books had been discarded by Shang Junlin or left at their residence outside the palace. He never expected them to be so close to him all this time.

He fell silent for a moment.

"I thought you wouldn't want to see them," Shang Junlin remarked, setting aside the paperwork and picking up one of the books.

"Why would you think that, Your Majesty?" Shen Yu shifted his gaze from the book to Shang Junlin, his eyes reflecting a hint of curiosity.

Instead of answering that question, Shang Junlin said, "If Ah Yu doesn't mind, I won't keep them hidden anymore."

Shen Yu stared at Shang Junlin without blinking, watching a flush of red creep up his neck to his cheeks. Shang Junlin's eyes softened as he smiled and said, "Is it because you're worried I won't be able to accept them? After the last time, I thought you would forbid them from continuing to write."

Shang Junlin averted his gaze slightly under Shen Yu's intense scrutiny. "Why would Ah Yu think that?"

"It's just a gut feeling."

Shen Yu's intuition was correct. Shang Junlin would never allow others to fabricate stories about him and Shen Yu, especially those with explicit and sensual content. After their last encounter, he found the author through the Hidden Dragon Guards and had a "friendly conversation." He didn't revoke the author's right to write but restricted the content instead.

The books released to the public could no longer be as explicit as before, nor could they involve a third party in their stories. As for the original books with explicit descriptions, Shang Junlin bought them back at a high price.

The author, daring as they were, realized they had not angered a noble and continued writing another volume. However, this book was not intended for public distribution. Instead, it was personally delivered to Shang Junlin, who silently accepted it. It was a form of tacit approval. The author continued to write the regular versions alongside the explicit ones, and without exception, Shang Junlin collected all of these books.

Shen Yu continued to peruse the books, finding the content as captivating as before. He couldn't help but feel curious. According to Shang Junlin's character, he shouldn't allow these books to circulate so widely.

Shen Yu didn't know that, in a sense, he was right. Shang Junlin would indeed never permit these works to spread.

"Ah Yu's intuition is off," Shang Junlin calmly refuted. "How could I be so petty?"

Shen Yu glanced at the book, then back at Shang Junlin, choosing not to argue with him over this matter.

With the new books in hand, Shen Yu no longer interrupted Shang Junlin's paperwork. He found himself quite interested in the continuation of the stories in these books. Although they were based on him and Shang Junlin, the plot took a different direction. The author's craftsmanship was impressive, and both protagonists were portrayed vividly.

No wonder these books were so popular.

Shen Yu half leaned on the soft couch, bowing his head slightly. A few strands of hair hung down from his cheek, disappearing into his light-colored clothes. His slender, pale fingers pressed on the pages of a book, more beautiful than any jade that Shang Junlin had ever seen.

Setting aside the documents in his hand, Shang Junlin walked over and held Shen Yu's hand.

Interrupted, Shen Yu raised his head in confusion, "Your Majesty?"

Shang Junlin lifted Shen Yu's chin and leaned down to kiss him, saying, "This situation, this scenery, is just perfect..."

Shen Yu hesitated for a moment but didn't refuse the kiss.

The man's kiss started gently, but as Shen Yu responded, it suddenly became more intense.

Shen Yu let out a muffled groan and his hand, which had been resting against the man's chest, turned into a push.

His other hand remained beneath the man's grasp, and the scorching heat began to spread where their bodies touched.

As the kiss ended, Shang Junlin sat on the soft couch and embraced Shen Yu.

Shen Yu's breath was unsteady as he rested his head on the man's shoulder, breathing lightly.

"Why did His Majesty suddenly kiss me?"

"Didn't Ah Yu say that he wanted to learn from the content in the books?" Shang Junlin picked up the crumpled book that Shen Yu had put aside and placed it in front of him. "Well, we can give it a try..."

Shen Yu glanced at it briefly but quickly averted his gaze. Reading it on his own and being held in someone's arms while reading was completely different in terms of stimulation.

"Does Ah Yu want to try?" Shang Junlin leaned close to Shen Yu's ear, his tone coaxing. "Ah Yu can stop anytime."

Shen Yu was trapped in the man's embrace, his delicate neck now in the man's hand, and a tremor ran through his body as the man made a move. The familiar sensation aroused a heat within him.

"His Majesty must keep his word."

It turned out that there were times when a man's words should never be trusted. Shen Yu lay on the soft couch, his gaze somewhat dazed in the lingering aftermath.

Shang Junlin seemed like a hungry wolf, refusing to let go after biting into the meat and saying anything to keep Shen Yu close.

"Shall I carry you to wash up?" Shang Junlin stepped forward with satisfaction on his face.

Shen Yu struggled to turn his neck and didn't want to speak.

He was covered in sweat, and his clothes clung to his body, which wasn't a pleasant experience for someone who valued cleanliness.

Shang Junlin lifted him up, saying, "Didn't Ah Yu say he wanted to try? Now you're reluctant? This time, I'll keep my word. You don't have to clean up if you don't want to."

Shang Junlin pretended to carry Shen Yu to the bed.

Shen Yu widened his eyes and angrily bumped into Shang Junlin. "I want to freshen up."

Shang Junlin had a strange persistence in certain matters. Shen Yu resisted a few times, but it only landed him in a more disadvantageous position. Eventually, he couldn't be bothered anymore.

Most of the time, Shen Yu was either in a state of drowsiness or semi-consciousness. It was rare for him to be so awake, like today.

It wasn't until he was placed in the bathtub that Shen Yu finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Under the immersion of hot water, his fatigue was effectively alleviated. Shen Yu slowly exhaled, leaning against the edge of

the tub with his eyes half-closed.

Suddenly, Shen Yu opened his eyes wide. "What is His Majesty doing?"

Shang Junlin gripped Shen Yu's shoulder with one hand, while his other hand dipped into the water. "If you don't clean properly, you might get sick."

Shen Yu's fingers, resting on the edge of the tub, tightened, and the flush on his skin became more pronounced.

This sensation was too strange.

Ripples spread across the water's surface.

After finally finishing the bath, when Shen Yu was carried out, his entire body felt limp. His porcelain-like skin had turned a light pink, whether due to the hot water or some other reason.

After a day of fooling around, naturally, Shang Junlin's official duties were delayed. He didn't want to be too far from Shen Yu, so instead of placing him on the bed, he carried him back to the soft couch.

In no time, the soiled things on the couch were taken away by palace servants and replaced with clean ones. Shen Yu was held in the man's arms, and they continued reading a document together.

During this time, a meal was delivered, consisting of carefully prepared delicacies. After finishing the meal, Shen Yu felt lazy and didn't want to move. Shang Junlin collected the books, which were no longer of interest to Shen Yu for the time being.

As the sky gradually darkened, Shen Yu yawned, and Shang Junlin put down the documents in his hand. "Are you tired?"

"A little."

At night, while some people were entering their dreams, others were beginning a lively affair.

Subei.

He Chengyu and Jiang Huaiqing dressed in luxurious attire and followed the guidance of their attendants into what seemed like an inconspicuous residence.

They had been using new identities to navigate through Subei for several days and finally found an opportunity to establish a relationship with a local merchant.

He Chengyu came from a prestigious family and had always been groomed as the heir. The He family had various business ventures, so as the designated future head of the family, he was familiar with the world of commerce.

Jiang Huaiqing had once asked him if his family was involved in business due to his ease and familiarity with it.

He Chengyu chuckled, "If my family were merchants, I wouldn't be here today."

Jiang Huaiqing realized the truth in his words and quickly apologized.

Now, looking at He Chengyu exuding an aura of a wealthy businessman, Jiang Huaiqing couldn't help but wonder if he truly was a businessman.

A businessman's demeanor was far more refined than that of a top scholar.

Lost in his thoughts, the two of them had already walked through a long corridor and arrived at a grand hall.

Jiang Huaiqing quickly composed himself and discreetly observed his surroundings.

From the outside, the residence appeared unremarkable, but once inside, they discovered a hidden paradise with artificial mountains, flowing waters, and intricately designed corridors.

"Gu-Xiong<sup data-mfn="1">Brother Gu, you've finally arrived. Please come in," someone greeted them.

They were using aliases, with He Chengyu pretending to be an elder brother and holding all the authority in the conversation. Jiang Huaiqing was playing the role of a younger brother who accompanied his elder brother to gain experience.

Entering the main hall, the sound of silk and bamboo instruments and the aroma of wine filled the air.

The place was brightly lit, resembling a realm of earthly bliss.

Dancers clad in thin garments gracefully danced to the melody of the music, the bells adorning their bodies jingling with each step.

He Chengyu led Jiang Huaiqing toward the people they had befriended during this period. "Gu-Xiong is a bit late, so let me apologize with a drink."

After saying that, he boldly picked up a full cup of wine nearby and drank it all in one go.

Seeing his bold attitude, the person laughed heartily and patted He Chengyu on the shoulder. "Do you know what I value the most about you? It's this spirit of yours. This is primarily a pleasure-focused gathering, so there's no such thing as being late or on time. Come, let me introduce you to my close friends. If you plan to do business in Subei in the future, you'll need to rely on them."

He Chengyu showed an excited expression. "Thank you, Boss Sun!"

Boss Sun led He Chengyu to meet the group of people, and He Chengyu memorized their appearances and basic information, engaging them in conversation with a few words that made them lower their guard.

Jiang Huaiqing pretended to be someone inexperienced and looked around curiously. Since He Chengyu had business matters to discuss, he was left to entertain himself.

The banquet lasted until midnight. When it was over, Boss Sun approached two beautiful dancers and adopted a knowing expression. "When you're away from home, it's always good to have a couple of trusted companions. If Gu-Xiong doesn't mind, you can take these two back with you."

After squinting his eyes and observing the two for a while, Boss Sun lowered his voice, "These two are twin sisters, and the experience they provide is quite extraordinary. They will serve you well, Gu-Xiong."

He Chengyu didn't refuse and took the two women with him.

Back at their residence, Jiang Huaiqing was about to say something when he saw He Chengyu rub his forehead and sway his body. Without thinking, Jiang Huaiqing supported him. "What's wrong?"

"I might have had a bit too much to drink. Can you help me to my room and let me lie down for a while?" He Chengyu replied.

Jiang Huaiqing looked at He Chengyu, whose consciousness seemed somewhat clouded, and hesitantly glanced at the two women. "What should we do with these two?"

"Let them stay in the southern room for the night. I have a terrible headache. We can discuss the rest tomorrow," He Chengyu instructed.

After hurriedly handing the two women over to a servant, Jiang Huaiqing helped He Chengyu to his room.

"Should I bring a bowl of hangover soup?" Jiang Huaiqing asked, preparing to leave.

He Chengyu grabbed his wrist. "No need."

There was no trace of drunkenness in He Chengyu's voice.

Jiang Huaiqing turned around and saw He Chengyu smiling at him.

"I actually thought you were drunk," Jiang Huaiqing sighed in relief and took a seat on a nearby chair.

"Why would I pretend to be sober in front of those two dancers?" Jiang Huaiqing asked curiously.

"They were sent to keep an eye on us?" Jiang Huaiqing pondered.

"We've only just infiltrated this circle, so it's normal for them to send someone to observe us. I'm not sure if those two are trustworthy yet, so it's better to be cautious," He Chengyu explained.

"That makes sense, but if we keep them around without them doing anything, won't people become suspicious? Do we have to pretend to be drunk every day?" Jiang Huaiqing furrowed his brows.

After mentioning the term "serve," the purpose of those two women was self-evident.

"No need," He Chengyu chuckled. "It's just that for the foreseeable future, I'll need Huaiqing to put on a little act for me."

"What kind of act?" Jiang Huaiqing asked curiously.

"Just occasionally get angry with me, especially when those two are present," He Chengyu replied with a smile.

"That's it? Don't we need to do anything else?" Jiang Huaiqing had many questions in his mind.

"No need. Everything else should remain as it was before," He Chengyu assured him.