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Shen Yu hesitated for a moment before grasping what Shang Junlin meant, and unwilling to appear weak, he retorted, "Your Majesty can certainly give it a try."
"Ah Yu, you promised me, so you can't go back on your word," Shang Junlin chuckled lightly.
"What do I have to regret?" Shen Yu licked his lips. "Your Majesty is unique. It should be an interesting experience."
Shang Junlin nibbled on his earlobe and picked up the painting on the table. "How did Ah Yu come up with painting me like this?"
"Perhaps I've heard too much these days and couldn't help but wonder what Your Majesty, who leads in battle, would be like," Shen Yu replied. He had never seen Shang Junlin in such a light, and people always have a great interest in the unfamiliar.
"If Ah Yu wishes to see, just say it. There are the armors I wore in the palace back then. I'll have Meng Chang find them," Shang Junlin fulfilled his minor wish, amused by Shen Yu's satisfaction.
Upon receiving the order, Meng-gonggong went to the storage to find the armor Shang Junlin had worn in the past, cleaned it, and presented it.
Shang Junlin raised his arm to ask the palace servant to help him put it on, but Shen Yu stopped him.
Looking at the armor gleaming with cold light nearby, Shen Yu said, "I can already imagine how Your Majesty would look in it."
Shang Junlin approached. "Why don't you want to see?"
"I hope I'll never see Your Majesty wearing this armor," Shen Yu's voice lowered gradually.
Under what circumstances would an emperor wear armor?
Only at a critical moment when there are no capable people in the court, would such a possibility arise. Shen Yu hoped Da Huan could remain stable forever and never face such a day.
"Since Ah Yu doesn't want to see, I won't wear it," Shang Junlin waved his hand. "Take it away."
The palace servants retreated with the armor.
Seeing that Shen Yu's mood wasn't high, Shang Junlin intended to bring up something that would make him happy.
"Beimo has been defeated. I've instructed the Prime Minister and the Minister of Revenue, among other high-ranking officials, to discuss compensation matters. Is there anything you would like?" Shang Junlin asked.
"Beimo is willing to compensate? Did they propose it voluntarily?" Shen Yu was surprised. From his perspective, Beimo didn't seem like they would be so generous.
"Of course not. They merely sent a surrender letter. The compensation was demanded by me. They initiated the provocation, so they must pay the price," Shang Junlin explained.
"You're right. If we don't make them feel the pain, they'll dare to provoke us again," Shen Yu fully approved of Shang Junlin's approach.
"Some officials in the court think this approach lacks grace. I believe they've spent too much time buried in books over the years. There's no room for grace when dealing with aggressors who attacked Da Huan," Shang Junlin expressed his dissatisfaction with those conservative old officials.
"Your Majesty need not concern yourself with them. Compensation is necessary. What war doesn't involve sacrifices? Even for those soldiers who sacrificed their lives, they deserve full compensation," Shen Yu argued.
And as for the sacrifices made by the other side, what? Wasn't it their own decision to start the conflict? What does that have to do with them Da Huan?
"In this war, Gu Huai's performance was outstanding. In a little while, he'll be able to return to the capital and report on his achievements," Shang Junlin said as he caressed Shen Yu's long hair.
"Has Your Majesty publicly announced his achievements in the court? Does Physician Gu know what Gu Huai has been doing during this time?" Despite the distance and the presence of Physician Gu between them in this life, Shen Yu couldn't help but inquire about Gu Huai's situation.
"Not yet. There are some issues with his identity. I plan to wait until he returns to discuss it," Shang Junlin replied.
Originally, without this sudden war, Gu Huai would have stayed in Subei for at least three or four more years, providing a buffer and allowing for more significant maneuverability.
In Subei Military Camp.
After the victory in the war, the Sumilitary commanders held a celebratory feast, indulging those deserving of reward with good food and drink.
"What is Junior General Gu doing?" A commander who usually got along well with Gu Huai approached him.
They clinked their wine vessels, and Gu Huai said, "I'm thinking about how to tell my family I want to go back."
"Just tell them straightforwardly. Junior General Gu has made great contributions this time. Even if you don't say anything, the court will remember you," the commander encouraged.
"It's not that. I don't know how to tell my family because I left without their knowledge," Gu Huai took a sip of wine.
"I see. Don't worry. A real man seeks adventures far and wide. Besides, you've made significant achievements now. Your family won't blame you," the commander reassured. He understood that Gu Huai was still young, and initially, many brothers didn't respect his leadership. However, after several victories, everyone recognized his abilities.
You couldn't afford not to acknowledge him. Despite his young age, he had a natural talent for warfare. He could turn the tide in even the most difficult situations. It could be said that as long as he intervened, there was no chance of defeat.
Those who were initially reluctant to follow him in his unit, now all called him "General Gu" with utmost respect.
Gu Huai gazed at the moon in the sky and fell silent. It had been a long time since he parted ways with his brother, and he did so without saying goodbye. He wondered if his brother was angry with him.
"By the way, you're from the capital, right? The medicines from there are really effective. Thanks to the ones brought by Head Physician Wu, many injured soldiers were saved. Our current Emperor is also generous, allocating military funds without hesitation. If it weren't for the timely provision of provisions after the disaster relief, winning this battle would have been much more difficult than it is now."
After winning the battle, there was jubilation throughout Subei, while the atmosphere in Beimo was bleak.
When they initiated the war, the people in Beimo never imagined they would suffer such a devastating loss.
"Weren't we told that the Subei military funds were insufficient? Is this what you meant by not being able to sustain for more than a few days?" The Emperor of Beimo was filled with anger at being played around by the Subei military these past few days.
"Well... the news from Subei did indicate that the military funds of Subei were used to aid the people. At that time, our people hadn't been discovered yet. It was impossible to send back false information," one minister stammered.
"How do you explain the current situation then?" The Emperor pressed further, but the ministers could only mumble in response.
"Forget it, we lost, and we surrendered. Anything else is futile," the Emperor of Beimo seemed to have resigned himself to the situation, letting out a deep sigh.
They couldn't win the fight, so what else could they do but accept it?
"Your Majesty, there's a rumor I've heard. It's said that one of Da Huan's princes has rebelled with his troops. Perhaps we could collaborate with him..." a minister cautiously suggested.
The Emperor of Beimo eyes gleamed with interest. "Is that so? Please elaborate."
The minister spoke with lowered eyelids, concealing his calculations. "I also stumbled upon this information accidentally. In fact, the late Emperor of Da Huan favored not the current Emperor sitting on the throne, but another prince, who is leading his troops to reclaim the position that rightfully belongs to him, His Royal Highness, King Yue..."
Under the cloak of night, numerous conspiracies were being concocted by those with ulterior motives.
After finishing their evening meal, Shen Yu and Shang Junlin took a stroll in the corridor.
Shen Yu spoke first, "Even though we emerged victorious this time, Your Majesty should remain vigilant regarding Beimo's activities, particularly since the matter concerning King Yue remains unresolved."
"Do you suspect that King Yue might collude with Beimo?" inquired Shang Junlin.
Shen Yu replied, "Do you recall the individuals who manipulated Feng Pingqi from behind the scenes? They were also in contact with the disposed Subei officials. While we've yet to find concrete evidence linking them to collusion with Beimo, we cannot dismiss the possibility."
"This defeat will undoubtedly deepen Beimo's animosity towards Da Huan, especially given the significant losses we inflicted upon them. If both parties find a means to communicate, collusion becomes a distinct possibility," analyzed Shang Junlin.
To forestall such a development, Shang Junlin issued directives to officials across various regions, especially those bordering Beimo like Subei, urging them to promptly report any unusual activities.
The court's directives swiftly reached Subei.
He Chengyu and Jiang Huaiqing now possessed the capability to lead independently. Following Fang Jun's departure, they quickly matured, firmly grasping control of Subei and swiftly bringing it into line.
Rather than assuming managerial responsibilities, Fang Jiayi favored engagement with Beimo. Owing to her previous accomplishments, the court awarded her a more fitting position.
Yao Ji opted not to leave but instead became a minor clerk under Fang Jiayi's direction, adopting the name Jiang Yao.
With Fang Jiayi's remarkable performance, the people of Subei welcomed the emergence of a second woman involved in governmental affairs.
Upon receiving the court's decree, senior officials in Subei convened to deliberate on subsequent actions.
"The court insists that Beimo's surrender alone is insufficient; they must compensate for the losses incurred by Da Huan this time," summarized one official.
"I feared the court might simply accept the surrender without further repercussions. The document sent by Beimo only bore the title of surrender, devoid of any acknowledgment of wrongdoing," added another official.
"They likely assumed that Da Huan wouldn't hold them accountable. I can already envision their expressions upon receiving this document in Beimo," speculated yet another.
"It appears we'll once again need to rely on Miss Fang to intervene," remarked another official.
Today, every official in Subei understood that once Fang Jiayi took action, Beimo would have no choice but to capitulate without resistance.
As the weather grew colder, Shang Junlin's birthday drew near.
Last year, Shen Yu presented him with a manual, a gesture of goodwill. Now, their relationship had evolved, warranting a gift different from before.
Given the unique circumstances, Shang Junlin opted not to host an elaborate birthday banquet this year.
On the day of his birthday, Shang Junlin remained occupied with state affairs.
Shen Yu had prepared his birthday gift in advance: a painting.
In contrast to the previous piece, which depicted a battlefield in somber hues, this painting featured vibrant warm colors, capturing the lively essence of spring with birdsong and blooming flora.
Anticipating the opportunity to present the painting, Shen Yu found it difficult to rest that night.
Sensing his companion's restlessness once more, Shang Junlin tenderly held him close. "If sleep eludes you, perhaps we can find another activity to enjoy together."
Although fatigued, Shen Yu nudged Shang Junlin with half-open eyes. "What time is it?"
"We're nearing midnight. Come, let's rest. Whatever matters you have can wait until tomorrow," Shang Junlin suggested, soothingly patting Shen Yu's back.
"No, I need to make a quick trip downstairs," Shen Yu insisted, struggling to keep his eyes open.
Shang Junlin tightened his embrace. "Whatever it is, the palace attendants can manage. It's chilly outside at this hour."
"It's a gift for Your Majesty. Would you like me to bring it?" Shen Yu inquired.
It took Shang Junlin a moment to realize. "Is Ah Yu sacrificing his sleep just to deliver a birthday present?"
Perceiving a hint of disappointment in Shen Yu's tone, Shang Junlin quickly reassured him, "How could I not appreciate it? Whatever Ah Yu presents, I will cherish."
Author's note:
Congratulations to His Majesty on receiving the affectionate Shen Yu!
