The Sickly Beauty Substitute Called It Quits

The woman in pink spoke with so much disgust that many of the people present couldn’t help but laugh.

“When you think about it, it’s true that His Majesty didn’t select a single highborn lady. The King of Yue is really good—he went into battle personally and chose them for himself.”

“The key isn’t that he chose them, but that he hid his identity and deceived innocent women. It’s really shameless.”

Some of them had a good impression of the King of Yue and tried to excuse what he’d done.

“Did that woman speak up deliberately? She must have a grudge against the King of Yue and wants to smear him.”

“The King of Yue is still a prince, no matter what kind of women he likes. It doesn’t make sense for him to conceal his identity and meet the daughters of so many eminent families from the capital, right?”

“You’re missing the point. There are men here too.”

“When you put it that way, the King of Yue really doesn’t compare to His Majesty.”

“That’s only natural. Otherwise, why would he still just be the King of Yue?”

The fact that Shang JunLin only wanted one person, Shen Yu, in his harem had left many courtiers dissatisfied, but it won him a particularly good response from the common people. Their emperor was affectionate and devoted and didn’t hesitate to confront his ministers for the sake of love, which immediately gave everyone a more human impression of him.

In the past, all they heard about the emperor was how cruel he was and how many people he’d killed. It was frightening to listen to, but this was different. After hearing about it, people felt that the emperor had a heart. He fought for his lover like an ordinary man. Like anyone else he had seven emotions and six desires, not just bloodlust.

During all this, Shen QingRan hid in the corner and didn’t dare to show his face. When he learned the true identity of the King of Yue, he was surprised, but only for a moment. He had no choice but to continue to watch the embarrassing situation in front of him.

At the same time, his jealousy of Shen Yu reached a peak. Why had Shen Yu met someone who was devoted solely to him, while the man he met was a master of fish farming?

Oh, nevermind, the King of Yue’s fish pond had overturned, and he only had himself to blame.

Shen QingRan searched his memories, trying to understand how everything had gone so wrong. The King of Yue wouldn’t be so stupid as to ask everyone to meet at the place.

It was a pity that no matter how much he thought about it, he never came up with an answer.

The King of Yue’s face turned red, then white, as he listened to the crowd’s chatter. The most unbearable thing was being compared to Shang JunLin, especially when he himself was the negative example!

His eyes went to each of the people around him, seeing their mouths open and close, speaking the words he least wanted to hear. He wanted these people to shut up, but when he tried to speak it was like he’d lost his voice.

What was he going to say?!

What could he say?!

In the midst of his panic, he suddenly thought of something and stared in the direction of the woman who’d revealed his true identity just now.

She was wearing a long, light blue dress and a matching cinnabar hairpin. Her small face was pale and pitiful.

Wrong!

The fog in his mind dispersed as though with a blade of light. The King of Yue calmed down and observed the woman carefully.

As if frightened by his gaze, she shrank back.

The woman in pink noticed this interaction and moved to block the King of Yue’s line of sight.

The King of Yue was about to get angry, but when he saw the woman in pink’s indignant expression, he held his tongue.

“Your Highness the King of Yue is so powerful. You don’t even care that you’ve been identified, and now you want to threaten our sisters?”

Facing the King of Yue, the woman in pink didn’t back down at all.

“… I don’t.” The King of Yue’s aura was reduced by half. “I’m just confused. I don’t even know that woman. Why is she here?”

Given the situation, not many people believed him.

“Still lying after all this? That’s too much even for a king, isn’t it?”

“She probably recognized him by accident, and now she’s dreaming of flying to a high branch and becoming a phoenix.”

Shen Yu watched this increasingly exciting drama with enormous interest. He discussed it with Shang JunLin in a low voice.

“I wonder if the King of Yue really doesn’t know that woman or if he’s just saying that.”

“Either way, from now on everyone will think she’s one of his beauties.”

Shen Yu was pleased to see the King of Yue so unlucky. “It will be difficult for him to argue his way out of it, won’t it?” 

“It turns out that man really is the King of Yue.” Jiang HuaiQing was almost speechless. “How could a king do something so disgraceful?”

Shen Yu: “A person’s character has nothing to do with his rank.”

Jiang HuaiQing: “That’s true, but even if he’s a king, it doesn’t mean he can just cheat a young lady.”

“More than that, look over there.” Shen Yu unobtrusively pointed to the side. “I think those people have something to do with him as well.”

Jiang HuaiQing looked where Shen Yu was pointing and took a deep breath. “It turns out he didn’t just try to entrap those ministers’ daughters. He also didn’t spare their sons.”

The confrontation between the King of Yue and the woman in pink continued. The King of Yue wanted to go over to the woman who identified him and demand the truth, but the woman in pink was worried he’d attack her and stopped him from getting too close.

When the other onlookers saw what was going on, they hurried to push the two apart, staring at the King of Yue with obvious condemnation.

The King of Yue choked on his own breath. He’d never been in such a wretched situation before.

In the crowd, a clear voice rang out.

“If that man really is the King of Yue, this matter can’t be settled lightly. The young ladies should think carefully. The King of Yue deliberately concealed his identity and approached you. What were his true intentions?”

Most of the people there weren’t fools. It only took a little thought to realize there was something wrong with the situation.

“Yes, exactly, there has to be a reason.”

The woman in pink frowned. She was perceptive, and it only took a slight nudge to make her see what was at stake.

Not all of these ladies had stunning looks. Apart from family background, what else could make them worthy of the king’s attention? A little thought revealed that it could only be their senior family members at home who were officials.

They looked around at each other and realized that every one of them had a father or brother who was an official at court.

After the woman in pink figured this out, she felt even more incensed. She was usually extremely cautious not to say anything that shouldn’t be disclosed to outsiders. As for whether everyone else took the same care…

She glanced at the other women’s faces and saw that a few of them had slightly changed their expressions. It seemed that during their private time with the King of Yue they might have said some things they shouldn’t.

The woman in pink gazed coldly at the man who’d almost led her into a trap. “Well then, King of Yue, what do you have to say?” 

Jiang HuaiQing looked at the King of Yue, who was unable to turn the situation around because of Shen Yu’s interjection, and he couldn’t help but give him a thumbs up. “Young Master Yu is powerful.”

Shen Yu smiled in response to the compliment. “Too much praise, really.”

“Did Young Master Yu have a conflict with the King of Yue in the past?” Jiang HuaiQing was extremely curious about this. Otherwise, why did the other man keep putting the King of Yue into a more difficult situation again and again?

“Oh? What involvement could a commoner like myself have with the King of Yue?” Shen Yu’s face didn’t alter. “It’s just that I don’t like to see him bullying so many innocent women. I’m sure that HuaiQing would do the same if you had the chance.”

Jiang HuaiQing thought for a moment and nodded. “That’s true. So what if he’s a king? He can’t be greater than His Majesty.”

Feeling the hand that gripped his under his sleeve, Shen Yu hooked the man’s palm. Unsurprisingly, he felt the other man’s body stiffen.

Shen Yu pretended not to notice and stopped moving. “How is this related to His Majesty?”

“Well, His Majesty rules over the four seas and wants for nothing. No matter how much the ministers pressured His Majesty to force him to accept another concubine, His Majesty still said no. He did what he wanted and forced the ministers to hold their noses and accept his decision.”

Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a man in a light gray robe approaching. Jiang HuaiQing waved. “ChengYu Xiong, over here.”

After beckoning, he explained to Shen Yu, “I met ChengYu Xiong on the way to the capital, and we became friends.”

A moment later, the man came over, and Jiang HuaiQing introduced them. “This is Young Master Yu and Young Master Lin. This is ChengYu Xiong. His surname is Hè.”

“Young Master Hè.”

Compared with Jiang HuaiQing, Hè ChengYu’s attitude was a little cold, but among the four of them, Shang JunLin was already extremely icy, so he wasn’t too out of place.

Accustomed to Shang JunLin’s silence, Jiang HuaiQing continued to chat with Shen Yu. Occasionally Hè ChengYu interjected a few words.

Before Hè ChengYu could ask, Jiang HuaiQing explained what just happened. “I never thought I’d see such a thing,” he lamented.

Hè ChengYu looked at the embarrassed man in the crowd. “Is that really the King of Yue?” 

“I’d say eight or nine out of ten, it’s true. Even if he’s not, it’s not very good.”

Shang JunLin protected Shen Yu from the crowd, and Shen Yu was clearly at ease being sheltered. Hè ChengYu quietly observed the two and concluded their identities weren’t simple.

Shen Yu noticed this and didn’t care. He continued whispering to Shang JunLin.

Shen Yu: “How does Ah Lin think this matter will be resolved?”

Shang JunLin: “What would Ah Yu like to see?”

Shen Yu: “I’d like the King of Yue to learn a lesson. But I don’t know the origin of the woman who revealed his identity.”

Shang JunLin: “I’ll tell someone to look into her background and whoever’s behind her. No matter what their purpose is, if it’s related to us, they’ll come out of hiding eventually.”

Shen Yu: “To thank him for causing so much trouble to the King of Yue, if he asks for something, Ah Lin might consider granting it if appropriate.”

Hidden under the sleeves of his robe, two hands clasped each other tightly. Shang JunLin rubbed the back of Shen Yu’s hand and said softly. “Very well.”

Shen Yu gave him a meaningful glance. “The King of Yue must have brought some of his forces with him. He might even try to silence some of these people. We can’t let him go that easily.”

“Don’t worry.” Shang JunLin squeezed Shen Yu’s fingers. “Our people are below.”

The King of Yue finally took action. Seeing that the situation was beyond repair, the King of Yue couldn’t help himself. He called for the attendants who were following him covertly, intending to force his way out.

Now that the King of Yue was surrounded by attendants, he spoke in a stern voice, “Since you know this king’s identity, quickly move aside! This king won’t pursue you for the crime of disrespect!” 

He had to get away first. He could decide what to do later. As for these students… The King of Yue was ruthless to the core. Since they’d seen this scene, he’d make sure they never spoke a word!

After his words fell, there was an uproar.

“The King of Yue is so domineering and powerful.” Shen Yu clapped his hands and walked out from the crowd. “Shouldn’t Your Highness give these women some justice before you leave?”

“Who are you?” The King of Yue looked at him warily. “Don’t meddle in this king’s business!”

“I’m just a bystander who saw injustice on the road.” Shen Yu smiled lightly. “I hope the King of Yue doesn’t think that just because you’re a king you can oppress everyone. You should know you’re just a king. This is Da Huan, and it’s not Your Highness who’s in charge!”

“Well said!” In the crowd, Jiang HuaiQing responded loudly.

Others joined in also. They were all young people with high aspirations and ideals. Maybe in the future when they became officials their principles would become tarnished, but right now they loathed injustice like an enemy. They genuinely wanted to build a career serving the country and the people. What disgusted them most was seeing the strong oppress the weak with their power.

“That’s right, who do you think you are? You dare to oppress the people at the feet of the Son of Heaven?”

“There are so many of us, do you think we’re afraid? Don’t even think about leaving until you make things clear!”

“And shouldn’t the king have already left the capital? Why are you even here?”

…

The King of Yue’s behavior just now had aroused public anger. Now that his momentum was suppressed, he was inevitably beaten back.

Shen Yu lowered his eyes. Indeed, there would be consequences now.

“You’re…” The King of Yue stared at Shen Yu in disbelief. Then he saw the man behind Shen Yu and froze.

The King of Yue ignored everyone else and stared sharply at Shen Yu and Shang JunLin. Even though they were somewhat disguised, he still recognized them.

—The emperor and the noble monarch!

Why were they here?!!

Shen Yu put his index finger to his lips and gestured for silence.

The King of Yue stared in amazement.

Not long after, the imperial guard in formal uniforms appeared. They took away the King of Yue, who’d completely lost his strength.

Shang JunLin asked the leader of the imperial guard to escort the young ladies home.

Before she left, the woman in pink gave Shen Yu a deep look.

After the incident, in order to compensate Shen Yu and Shang JunLin for being disturbed, the proprietor of Yingxing House specially served them a new table of food. Jiang HuaiQing dragged Hè ChengYu over to enjoy it with them.

Shen Yu was hoping to make friends with Jiang HuaiQing, so he didn’t refuse.

Looking at the table full of dishes, Jiang HuaiQing sighed. “The boss of Yingxing House is so generous.”

“It’s a good chance to get acquainted,” Shen Yu said casually.

“I guess it’s true what they say, the boss of Yingxing House has a lot of connections.” If the proprietor didn’t have an impressive background, he wouldn’t be able to afford the expenses of the spring exam season.

Although they’d just met, Jiang HuaiQing was friendly with Shen Yu and spoke from time to time to maintain a warm atmosphere. Hè ChengYu didn’t say much at first, but after the ice was broken, he began to talk more and more. As for Shang JunLin, he rarely said a word.

“I didn’t even eat all that fish before.” Shen Yu regretted it intensely. That was the fish whose bones were removed by His Majesty himself!

As soon as the words left his mouth, a bowl of fish with all the bones removed was pushed before him.

Shen Yu lifted his eyes and looked at Shang JunLin. He didn’t miss the hint of tenderness in the man’s gaze.

“Ah Lin is very kind.”

After saying so, he nonchalantly dug into the fish.

After that, Jiang HuaiQing saw the man feeding all kinds of things to Shen Yu. In the end, he couldn’t help but ask, “What exactly is the relationship between you two?”

Even if they were blood-related brothers, there weren’t many older brothers who took care of their younger brothers like this, were there?

Shen Yu thought for a while. “Us? Ah, you could call it an arranged marriage.”

TL Notes:

seven emotions and six desires – 七情六欲 – the seven emotional states and six sensory pleasures. Different schools and religions (Buddhism, traditional Chinese medicine, the Book of Rites (礼记), etc.) have slightly different versions

flying to a high branch and becoming a phoenix – 着飞上枝头变凤凰 – Common idiom for a woman who wants to raise her status through marriage / a relationship. The dragon and phoenix are a symbol of blissful relations between husband and wife. Also, the dragon is associated with the emperor and the phoenix with the empress

rules over the four seas – 坐拥四海 – sits on the four seas – the whole country, the whole world

loathed injustice like an enemy – 嫉恶如仇 – hate evil as one does one’s enemy; abhor evils as deadly foes; hate evil as if it were one’s enemy; hate evil as one’s enemy [as poison]; hate evildoers as (if they were personal) enemies; hate injustice like poison

after the ice was broken – 聊开之后 – after talking; after the conversation started

arranged marriage – 包办婚姻 – forced marriage / arranged marriage (without the consent of the individuals)

Transliterated names, places, and titles—new in this chapter:

ChengYu Xiong – 承宇兄 – Elder Brother ChengYu

xiong – 兄 – elder brother, a courteous form of address between men

Young Master Hè – 贺公子 – Hè gōngzǐ – Not the same as the Hé family (何) mentioned in Ch 2 and elsewhere