The Sickly Beauty Substitute Called It Quits-Chapter 186

Here's the long-awaited update!!!!!! Hooray for me!

"Why would Your Majesty say that?" Shen Yu asked in confusion.

Shang Junlin's deep, magnetic voice carried over: "It’s not because of some vague, mystical fate. It’s simply because of you, Ah Yu. With your help, everything I do will be twice as effective with half the effort."

"I'm not as extraordinary as Your Majesty makes me out to be," Shen Yu chuckled.

Shang Junlin straightened his posture and pulled Shen Yu up. "Ah Yu, don't underestimate yourself. Regarding Beimo—who do you think would be the best person to send?"

If they were going to make a move in Beimo, they couldn’t just rely on predictions about how the enemy might act. They needed someone capable—someone who could stir up conflict, guide it, and seize control of the situation.

Shen Yu ran through the list of court officials in his mind. Over the past year, he had gained a deeper understanding of court affairs, frequently assisting Shang Junlin in reviewing memorials and familiarizing himself with the officials.

"I have someone in mind, but it might be a bit of a gamble. Does Your Majesty have a preferred candidate?" Shen Yu sat down in a nearby chair.

"Fang Jun would be a good choice, but his presence in Beimo is already too conspicuous due to the Subei incident. Now that he's joined the cabinet, it wouldn’t be appropriate to send him on such a mission. It would be best to choose someone with a lower profile in court—someone who can blend in more easily," Shang Junlin replied as he took a seat.

Shen Yu nodded. The less well-known the person, the less likely they would attract Beimo’s suspicion.

"What does Your Majesty think of Jiang Huaiqing?"

Shang Junlin considered it. "I just assigned him to take over Linyuan. If he were to enter Beimo now, wouldn't that arouse suspicion?"

"Of course, he wouldn't go as Jiang Huaiqing," Shen Yu said. "Has Your Majesty forgotten how he and He Chengyu once disguised themselves and infiltrated Beimo?"

"You mean to have him assume a new identity?"

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This mission might seem small, but its impact was enormous. If executed well, it could achieve remarkable results in a short time. If it failed, not only would Jiang Huaiqing lose his life, but Da Huan would also suffer the consequences. Choosing the right person was critical.

"Linyuan has already been incorporated into Da Huan’s territory. Your Majesty should appoint officials to take over its management as soon as possible. As for Jiang Huaiqing, if you doubt his capabilities, why not test him first?"

Shen Yu wasn’t recommending Jiang Huaiqing out of personal connections. In his past life, Jiang Huaiqing had worked under him, and he knew his abilities well. Although this Jiang Huaiqing was still somewhat inexperienced compared to his past self, his intelligence and capability were not lacking. Looking across the entire court, there wasn’t a more suitable candidate.

Fang Jun was indeed a good choice, but after Subei, the Beimo people would view him as their greatest enemy. His methods were too conspicuous, and the risk of exposure was too high.

Jiang Huaiqing, on the other hand, was a fresh face in court. He had either been working in the Hanlin Academy or assisting the Prime Minister. During the Subei mission, he had infiltrated Beimo under a disguise, meaning he had never truly operated under his real identity. Even if Beimo investigated, they wouldn’t be able to trace him. As long as he remained cautious, the risk of exposure would be minimal.

After careful consideration, Shang Junlin summoned the Prime Minister and Fang Jun to the imperial study that evening. Since Jiang Huaiqing had worked under the Prime Minister, the latter was familiar with his abilities. After listening to Shang Junlin’s plan, he pondered for a moment before saying,

"This plan is feasible. Jiang Huaiqing is meticulous—he may seem simple, but in reality, he leaves no loose ends. And as the noble consort pointed out, his greatest advantage is that Beimo has no way of recognizing him. This greatly increases his chances of success."

Fang Jun, who had worked alongside both Jiang Huaiqing and He Chengyu, agreed. He believed that given time, these two young men would become Da Huan’s new pillars of strength. While the mission was dangerous, risk often came hand-in-hand with opportunity. This was an excellent chance for Jiang Huaiqing.

The three of them deliberated late into the night before finalizing a preliminary plan. The next morning, the Hidden Dragon Guards set off for Subei with a secret decree.

Shang Junlin kept the operation strictly confidential—every extra person who knew about it increased Jiang Huaiqing’s risk. Aside from the Prime Minister and Fang Jun, no one else in court was aware of the arrangement.

With Jiang Huaiqing heading to Beimo, Linyuan’s management became an open issue. During the next court session, Shang Junlin brought up the matter for discussion.

Linyuan was set to become Da Huan’s dedicated warhorse breeding ground—something Shang Junlin took very seriously. The officials, knowing his concerns, did not take the decision lightly.

Ultimately, they selected a cautious official with expertise in this area, along with two assistants.

Once Linyuan’s affairs were settled, preparations for raising warhorses could begin.

After dealing with these matters, there were less than seven days left until the New Year. Shang Junlin announced a temporary suspension of all non-essential government affairs, giving the overworked officials a much-needed break.

In previous years, Shang Junlin would leave the palace for a few days around this time, as there was no one in the palace he particularly cared about. But after Shen Yu entered the palace, for reasons he couldn’t quite explain, he had chosen to stay and spend the entire New Year with him.

Since that was the case the first year, this year would be no different.

With no need to attend morning court, Shang Junlin moved all his affairs to Yuzhang Palace. If not for Shen Yu's insistence, he would have held court meetings there as well.

Even though morning court was suspended, a country as vast as Da Huan couldn’t be left unattended. Shang Junlin still had to handle critical matters that required his attention.

Spending more time in Yuzhang Palace meant spending more time with Shen Yu. Mornings no longer began with an empty bed.

Sometimes, after a particularly late night, Shang Junlin would hold Shen Yu in his arms until he woke up. Other times, when Shen Yu wouldn’t allow it, Shang Junlin would rise early to practice swordsmanship.

One morning, Shen Yu woke up unexpectedly. The spot beside him was cold.

Sleepiness fading, he propped himself up, his long black hair cascading over his shoulders. His loosely draped robe revealed fair skin marked with faint traces of red—old marks yet to fade, new ones freshly added.

A chill crept in through his collar, and Shen Yu pulled his robe tighter. "Mu Xi."

Mu Xi quickly entered. "Young Master, why are you up so early today?"

"Fetch my clothes. I can't sleep anymore. Where is His Majesty?"

Mu Xi handed him his garments. Shen Yu dressed and asked again.

"His Majesty is practicing swordsmanship in the courtyard. Would you like to see?"

Shen Yu’s interest was piqued.

Since entering the palace, he had never caught Shang Junlin in the middle of his morning training.

Draping a fox fur cloak over his shoulders, Shen Yu stepped outside.

Snow had begun to fall lightly. Mu Xi offered to hold an umbrella for him, but Shen Yu refused, taking it himself as he walked into the courtyard.

In the center of the courtyard, dressed in black training attire, Shang Junlin wielded a long sword. Each movement was swift and sharp, the blade whistling through the air.

Shen Yu stood at a distance, quietly watching.

This was the first time he had seen Shang Junlin like this—his hair tied high, a resolute expression on his face, exuding an aura of unstoppable power.

Against the white expanse of snow, Shang Junlin was the only thing that filled Shen Yu’s gaze.

Just as Shang Junlin finished, he noticed Shen Yu and walked over.

"Ah Yu, why did you come out?" He reached out to adjust Shen Yu’s cloak.

Shen Yu leaned forward slightly, shielding Shang Junlin with the umbrella. "I heard you were practicing and wanted to see."

A warmth settled in Shang Junlin's eyes.

Before he could say more, a sharp knock sounded on the door.

"Your Majesty!" Meng-gonggong’s voice came from outside, anxious. "The Imperial Guards have discovered a large group of suspicious individuals outside the capital. Their motives are unknown—please issue your orders!"