The Sickly Beauty Substitute Called It Quits-Chapter 187

Shen Yu suddenly sat up from Shang Junlin's embrace, and the intimate atmosphere between them dissipated instantly. He looked at Shang Junlin with a hint of confusion in his eyes.

"Why would there still be people outside?"

Shang Junlin helped Shen Yu steady himself before getting up and adjusting his clothes. "I'll go take a look."

Meng-gonggong was waiting outside. When Shang Junlin stepped out after changing his outer robe, he asked, "What happened?"

"The commander of the imperial guards is waiting outside for Your Majesty," Meng-gonggong replied. He wasn’t clear on the details but knew it must be urgent, so he quickly led the way.

It was still early morning. At this hour, Shen Yu would normally still be asleep. But after Shang Junlin left, he found himself unable to fall back asleep. Instead, he called for Mu Xi to bring breakfast.

Eating alone, Shen Yu ate faster than usual and wasn’t as picky. He casually had a few bites just to fill his stomach.

Outside, the snowfall had stopped. But since Shang Junlin had not yet returned, it was evident that the situation was not a small matter.

"Mu Xi, go ask around and see if anything unusual has been happening in the capital lately."

"Yes, Young Master."

The people Shen Yu had trained on his estate over the past year had now become capable enough to act independently. Finding out information that wasn’t deliberately hidden was easy for them.

With nothing to do while waiting for news, Shen Yu went to his study, took out paper and brush, and began writing down future events based on his past life's memories.

One by one, he listed the incidents on the paper, then rested his fingers against his forehead, trying to identify any connections between these events and what was happening today.

After a while, Shen Yu folded the paper, placed it over a candle flame, and watched as it slowly burned to ashes.

Such things concerning the future—he would never leave behind any evidence.

By the time he stepped out of the study, it was already midday. The sky had cleared, and the sun hung high, bringing a touch of warmth to the cold winter air.

Shen Yu walked into the sunlight and narrowed his eyes slightly.

Thinking carefully, today’s incident was not entirely unexpected. King Yue had been captured, but Shang Junlin had yet to execute him, keeping him imprisoned to lure out the forces behind him. Although many hidden factions had been rooted out, the mastermind remained elusive.

A force of such magnitude must have someone orchestrating it from the shadows. Until that person was identified, there would be no true peace of mind. These unexpected groups appearing near the capital were likely here for King Yue.

When Shang Junlin returned, he confirmed Shen Yu’s suspicions.

"These people move unpredictably, appearing suddenly, but the imperial guards still managed to find some connections between them and the previous groups. Now that King Yue is imprisoned in the Ministry of Justice, their activities seem to be centered around the prison. Their target is most likely him."

Shang Junlin removed his cloak and sat down beside Shen Yu.

"Ah Yu, are you playing chess by yourself?"

In front of Shen Yu was a Go board1, where black and white pieces were locked in a fierce battle. A single misstep could decide the game.

Shen Yu placed a white stone on the board, instantly putting the black pieces at a disadvantage.

He didn’t continue playing with the black pieces. Instead, he stared at the board and asked, "Your Majesty, who do you think will win?"

"Judging by the current situation, the white pieces have a high chance of victory. The black pieces are surrounded with no escape."

"It only looks that way," Shen Yu said calmly. "If I want, the black pieces can still turn the game around. The real determinant of victory isn’t the black or white pieces—but the one playing the game. Don’t you agree?"

"Until the last moment, who can say for sure… who is truly holding the chess piece?"

Outside the capital.

A group of highly trained men in black uniforms hid in the shadows. The commander of the imperial guards led his men into the enemy's hiding place.

Whatever their purpose, since they had been discovered—there was no need to let them leave.

A silent battle erupted in the deserted forest. The thick scent of blood attracted wild beasts from the depths of the woods, but they dared not approach, sensing the overwhelming aura of death.

As night fell, the forest gradually quieted. The commander of the imperial guards used his sword to support himself, wiping the blood from his face with his free hand.

"Check for any survivors. Search the area—don’t let anyone escape."

"Yes, Commander."

After securing the scene, the commander returned to the palace to report.

Unfortunately, all the captured enemies were death soldiers—loyal to the end, willing to die rather than reveal any information.

Since a first wave had infiltrated the capital, there would likely be a second and third. Shang Junlin immediately stationed troops outside the city. If anything seemed suspicious, they were ordered to act without waiting for further instructions.

"All the provinces are under strict watch. Where did these people come from?"

Shen Yu stared at a large map of Da Huan, where several red markings indicated places where rebel forces had appeared.

Gu Huai had been leading troops to eliminate the remaining rebels, successfully destroying multiple factions. The results had been significant.

Standing beside him, Shang Junlin observed the map. While all the other red markings were somewhat connected, the ones near the capital seemed completely isolated—appearing out of nowhere.

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"I don’t know," Shang Junlin admitted. "Apart from the first day, they haven’t been seen again. The Ministry of Justice is under close watch, but no suspicious individuals have been found."

"Your Majesty, withdraw the soldiers outside the capital. As long as they’re there, the mastermind can only watch from the shadows and hesitate to act."

Shang Junlin turned to look at Shen Yu. Their eyes met. Shen Yu blinked.

Shang Junlin withdrew his gaze. "Alright."

The citizens of the capital soon noticed that the patrolling imperial guards had disappeared. Keen observers also noted that the soldiers stationed outside the city were gone.

"What’s going on? There were patrols everywhere before, but now they’ve vanished?"

"Maybe the higher-ups decided it’s safe now?"

"Honestly, when the patrols were here, even pickpockets disappeared. Usually, this time of year, thieves are everywhere, but this year… hardly any."

"Now that you mention it, that’s true."

The court never disclosed everything to the public. The citizens believed the rebellion had been crushed, King Yue’s forces dismantled, and all threats eliminated. They were ready to enjoy a peaceful New Year.

Meanwhile, in Subei.

As the year-end approached, Jiang Huaiqing returned to Subei after handling affairs in Lin Yuan.

Like last year, he planned to spend the New Year with He Chengyu. Many young officials had come to Subei without their families, so they decided to celebrate together.

Far from home, it was better to spend the festival with company than to be alone.

A few days before the New Year, the local government started preparing for the festivities. It was their first New Year in Subei—the first since they had embarked on their journey. No matter what the future held, for now, they were united.

On a seemingly ordinary day, He Chengyu planned to ask Jiang Huaiqing to visit the bustling New Year's market—a local tradition where people bartered for goods.

However, when He Chengyu knocked on Jiang Huaiqing’s door, he sensed something was off.

"Huaiqing, are you feeling unwell? We can go another day if you’d rather rest."

The door opened slightly, and Jiang Huaiqing peered out. "I’m fine… but something has come up. Come in, let’s talk."

He Chengyu studied Jiang Huaiqing carefully. Seeing that he was only a little downcast, he felt slightly relieved.

"What happened?"

"I won’t be able to keep our plans," Jiang Huaiqing said, sitting down. "I have to leave Subei."

Shang Junlin had given him a new mission. A dangerous one.

And for the first time, He Chengyu felt a deep, unexplainable fear.

"You must come back," he said. "I’ll wait for you."