Shang Junlin hugged and coaxed him for a while. Seeing that Shen Yu still insisted, he could only wait with him.
Fortunately, it was not long before the time was up. Under Shang Junlin's insistence, Shen Yu told the palace servant where the painting was. The palace servant brought the painting over.
"I'll go get it myself. You lie down."
"No."
Shen Yu sat up with the quilt, wrapped himself in a thick cloak, and got out of bed.
Shang Junlin could not persuade him, so he let him do as he pleased.
Shen Yu went to the outer room. After a while, he came in with the painting. Shang Junlin hurriedly hugged him in his arms: "Are you cold?"
"There's an earth heater in the room. How can I be cold?" Shen Yu woke up a little and handed the painting to Shang Junlin: "I must be the first person to say 'Happy birthday' to Your Majesty."
"Happy birthday, Your Majesty."
Shang Junlin felt that this sentence was the best birthday gift he had ever received.
After giving the gift, Shen Yu felt that he had achieved his goal. Sleepiness continued to surge. He blinked: "I'm going to sleep."
After that, he closed his eyes without waiting for Shang Junlin's response.
He was indeed sleepy. Not long after, his breathing calmed down.
Under the dim candlelight, Shang Junlin looked at the sleeping young man in his arms. His eyes were surging with emotions that no one could see clearly.
Shen Yu slept until dawn. He did not know that because of his sudden action, the man could not sleep for most of the night.
After a good sleep, Shen Yu felt refreshed. He first went to see the flowers he raised. Winter had arrived. Some of the flowers that bloomed in winter had bloomed one after another.
The most amazing thing was the unknown flower sent by Prince An. Since it bloomed, it had not withered.
"Young Master, this flower is really amazing. Will it keep blooming?" Mu Xi was Shen Yu's personal palace maid. She basically followed Shen Yu when he came to see the flowers.
"Perhaps. It's good to keep it blooming. It would be a pity for such a beautiful flower to wither."
As if responding to Shen Yu's words, the flower swayed gently.
"This servant has always felt that this flower is very spiritual. Every time Gongzi comes to see it, it is very 'lively'." Mu Xi looked at the flower curiously. "All things have a spirit. This servant feels that this flower also likes Gongzi very much."
After so many days, Shen Yu was sure that the flowers wouldn't have a bad influence on people. After thinking for a while, he moved the flowers to the greenhouse that he often went to. After moving the flowers over, he saw the flowers more often.
Not only did Mu Xi think so, Shang Junlin and Shen Yu also had the same feeling. According to the palace maids, when Shen Yu did not come, the flowers would not move. But when Shen Yu came, the flowers would shake their branches and leaves from time to time as if they were welcoming him.
Shen Yu felt that it was very interesting. He stretched out his hand and touched the blooming petals. It was cold to the touch and was very different from other flowers.
Shen Yu only touched it for a while before moving his hand away. He watered the other flowers and left with Mu Xi.
"The people in the manor have been trained according to Young Master's request. Now, there are some results. They sent someone to ask if we should continue or send some people out first." On the path, Mu Xi reported to Shen Yu in a low voice about what happened outside the palace.
Before Shen Yu entered the palace, he already had a group of his own people. It was just that he entered the palace in a hurry and didn't have time to settle these people down. It was also unlike his previous life where he could directly train these people and use them.
After settling down in the palace, Shen Yu gave instructions on how to train these people. After a year, he had almost achieved the results he wanted.
"According to the plan, send some people out first, especially to Hanzhou City. I need to know the situation over there." Shen Yu said.
Among the people he trained, there were people who specialized in intelligence. Shen Yu was in the palace, so he didn't know much about the outside world. He needed a pair of eyes to pass on the news from outside the palace.
The development in this life was very different from his previous life. In his previous life, the King of Yue didn't rebel at this time, nor was he forced to do something beyond his ability.
In his previous life, the King of Yue's reputation was extremely good. His rebellion was what the people wanted. But it was different in this life.
Now that the King of Yue's reputation was ruined, he was a traitor in the eyes of others. The hat of rebellion was placed on his head, and it couldn't be removed easily. For the King of Yue, who had always cared about his reputation, this was undoubtedly an uncomfortable matter.
"Oh right, isn't it popular among the scholars to criticize the King of Yue? There are also all sorts of stories and nursery rhymes. Get them to think of a way to pass these things to Hanzhou City. It's best if they can reach the ears of the King of Yue." How could the King of Yue not hear such a pleasant voice?
When he returned to the Yuzhang Palace, Shang Junlin still hadn't returned. Thus, Shen Yu went to the small study room.
The small study room was decorated later. Aside from the books that Shang Junlin often used, the rest were all read by Shen Yu. There were stories from outside the palace, unique books from the Imperial Library, and books that Shang Junlin collected from all over the world. There were all sorts of books, and as long as it was something that Shen Yu was interested in, it would appear here.
Shen Yu would also usually paint here. Some time ago, in order to prepare a surprise for Shang Junlin, he even asked Mu Xi to stand guard outside when he was painting. If Shang Junlin came, she would inform him.
"Young Master, are you going to paint?" Seeing Shen Yu walking to the desk, Mu Xi asked.
"No, give me a copy of the register from the manor. Give me the latest one." In a year's time, only those who passed the training could gain Shen Yu's trust.
Mu Xi walked to the shelf and opened a secret compartment, taking out the register.
Seeing him take out a few books, Shen Yu said, "Let me take a look at them."
Mu Xi came over with the register and placed it on the table. Some of these registers were brought in by Shen Yu when he entered the palace, and some were sent in later.
Shen Yu didn't intend to stay in the palace for long. If he didn't have enough power, he wouldn't be able to live the life he wanted after leaving the palace. These people were the backup plan he had prepared for himself. Now that he had dispelled the thought of leaving, it was time to change the arrangements for these people.
Shen Yu was busy in the study room for the entire afternoon. When the sun set, Eunuch Meng came looking for him.
Mu Xi walked over and asked, "Eunuch Meng, is there something important?"
"His Majesty ordered me to pick you up. His Majesty is in a meeting with several ministers and can't leave for the time being." Eunuch Meng explained the purpose of his visit.
Shen Yu put down the brush, rubbed his wrists, and walked out. "His Majesty has plans for today?"
"His Majesty only ordered me to pick you up. He didn't say anything specific."
Shen Yu tidied up and walked out of the palace. He found that the carriage had been prepared outside.
Shen Yu was taken to the imperial study room.
Shang Junlin was still in a meeting. Shen Yu didn't go in to disturb him. Instead, he went to the side chamber.
Shen Yu rarely came here. The decoration of the side chamber was very elegant. There were pastries and tea in the hall, all of which were Shen Yu's favorite.
Eunuch Meng stayed for a while and continued to serve in the imperial study room.
Not long after, the door of the side chamber was pushed open again. Shang Junlin, dressed in court attire, walked in.
Shen Yu greeted him. "His Majesty, what did you bring me here for?"
"I wanted to see you as soon as possible." Shang Junlin put his arm around Shen Yu's waist. "There will be a small banquet in the palace later. Come with me."
"Your Majesty can't wait for such a small banquet?" Shen Yu raised his eyebrows.
"If I didn't see you sleeping soundly, I would have woken you up in the morning. Who didn't sleep last night and insisted on giving me a gift, hm?"
"Your Majesty, don't tell me that you didn't sleep well last night because of my gift."
"What are you thinking about, A Yu?" Shang Junlin flicked his forehead.
Eunuch Meng couldn't help but criticize him: You didn't sleep last night. You were so excited that you went around looking for a place to put the painting that you sent.
"Did Your Majesty see the painting? Do you like it? It's a pity that it's not as useful as last year's. This year … "
Shang Junlin lowered his head and kissed Shen Yu's lips, interrupting him. "A Yu doesn't need to say these things. I've said before that no matter what A Yu sends, I'll still like it. This time, A Yu sent me a painting personally. I'm very happy."
"A Yu's intentions, I feel it."
Shen Yu took the initiative to put his arm around Shang Junlin's neck and kissed him. "This is also Your Majesty's birthday gift."
Shang Junlin used his arm strength and unceremoniously took the initiative.
As the ruler of a country, Shang Junlin's birthday was not only his birthday. Usually, the palace would hold a banquet at this time. The size of the banquet was determined by the situation of the year. If not for the fact that Shen Yu was the only one in Shang Junlin's harem, there would also be a palace banquet attended by the harem members.
State banquets were usually hosted by the Ministry of Rites. Because of the special situation this year, Shang Junlin didn't intend to hold a grand banquet. However, since the Northern Jiangsu Army had won the battle, they couldn't not show it at all. In the end, the Ministry of Rites decided to hold a smaller banquet.
At the same time, it was also a celebration banquet.
There wasn't much time left before the banquet began. Shen Yu and Shang Junlin stayed in the side hall for a while and then moved to the main hall where the banquet was held.
When they arrived, the ministers were already seated. Shang Junlin held Shen Yu's hand and walked to the high seats. This time, no one dared to stand out and say anything.
The events of last year's banquet were still vivid in their minds. The officials who offended the Emperor had not been reinstated. The ministers hadn't had enough of their positions yet.
Shen Yu sat next to Shang Junlin and could see the expressions of the ministers below.
The process of the banquet was simplified a lot. First, Shang Junlin's blessings were presented, followed by the gifts prepared by the ministers. When this was almost over, Shang Junlin raised his head and signaled.
Eunuch Meng came over with the imperial edict.
Next, it was time to reward the Northern Jiangsu Army. Although they weren't present, the rewards would reach the Northern Jiangsu Army at the fastest speed and be delivered to everyone who deserved it.
After Eunuch Meng finished reading the imperial edict, the ministers noticed a very strange name.
— Gu Huai.
Before today, no one had heard of this name. However, in this war with the Northern Desert, the owner of this name had performed so well that His Majesty had made an exception and given him a higher official position. This made them very concerned.
Just who on earth was this Gu Huai?
Seeing the surprised expressions on the ministers' faces, Shen Yu lowered his voice and asked, "Your Majesty didn't mention Gu Huai to them before?"
"He didn't mention the specific name. There are some problems with Gu Huai's identity. If we let them know in advance, there may be unnecessary incidents." Shang Junlin picked up a piece of meat with his chopsticks and put it in Shen Yu's bowl.
"Your Majesty should know his true identity now, right?" Shen Yu picked up the meat and put it in his mouth.
Since Shang Junlin intended to cultivate Gu Huai, at least on the premise that there were no problems with him in all aspects. No matter how he looked at it, Shang Junlin didn't seem like someone who would cultivate an enemy's character.
"If I didn't know, how could I rest assured and let him go to the Northern Jiangsu Army?" Shang Junlin stroked Shen Yu's hair. "I'll tell you in detail when we go back."
Shen Yu nodded.
Since it was a banquet, there was naturally no lack of singing and dancing. After the formal process was over, it was time to enjoy.
The sound of stringed and woodwind instruments rang out. The dancers nimbly danced. Their light muslin fell, revealing their graceful figures and moving movements.
Perhaps it was because they didn't have many opportunities to perform, but as soon as they appeared, the dancers did their best to show their most beautiful side.
Shen Yu looked at them a few more times. Shang Junlin, who was dissatisfied, pinched his chin and turned him over. "A Yu, why are you looking so seriously?"
"Their dancing skills are so good, but they don't have many opportunities to perform. What a pity." Shen Yu sighed.
"A Yu, if you like, I'll let them dance for A Yu every day." Shang Junlin's fingers stroked the soft skin of Shen Yu's chin.
It was obviously a gentle tone, but for some reason, Eunuch Meng, who was standing behind the two, heard a sense of coldness.
"Your Majesty is obviously unhappy. Why do you have to say it out loud and make yourself angry?" Shen Yu mercilessly exposed the man's insincerity.
"Why would I be unhappy? A Yu, tell me about it. "
The man's face was reflected in Shen Yu's eyes. He smiled and said in a teasing tone, "Because Your Majesty is jealous."
"I am indeed jealous." Shang Junlin narrowed his eyes. "You made me jealous on my birthday. A Yu will have to make it up to me tonight."
Looking at the man's dark eyes, Shen Yu couldn't smile anymore.
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
