AUBTN -Chapter 83 Accepting the Mission

Shen Jue slowly extended a long, jade-like hand, palm up, holding it out in front of Lu Yan.

Expressionless, he parted his thin lips and uttered a few words:

“The expenses for your board and lodging during this period, along with any losses, you must cover.”

Lu Yan stared at him in disbelief, as if looking at a madman.

“Shen Jue, you, the mighty Director of the Eastern Depot, actually care about such a small amount of silver?”

“I do not lack money,” Shen Jue said slowly, retracting his hand and clasping it behind his back, exuding an air of self-righteousness.

“But I do not enjoy supporting other people’s wives. What, Commander Lu, are you too stingy even for this small sum? I see—the weight of this girl in your heart is only that much.”

This tactic of provocation was executed to perfection.

Lu Yan couldn’t help but laugh in anger.

“What wife? Don’t talk nonsense!”

Yet, his body betrayed him as he fished out a stack of silver notes from his chest and slammed them heavily into Shen Jue’s hand. “Is this enough?”

Shen Jue took the silver notes and even counted them with mock seriousness, then clicked his tongue in disdain.

“Barely enough for half a month of meals. You know, the chefs in this residence were recruited from the Imperial Kitchen, and all ingredients are the freshest of the day. Daily expenses…”

“Shen Jue!” Lu Yan’s temple vein throbbed.

“Are you done yet?”

“What? No money?” Shen Jue raised an eyebrow.

“If you’re short, you can write an IOU, with interest calculated at nine out of thirteen.”

“You—!”

Watching two men, both wielding immense power, bickering over a few hundred taels of silver like schoolchildren in the garden, it was hard to believe these were the merciless Director of the Eastern Depot and the cold, ruthless Commander of the Jinyiwei.

They were clearly two immature toddlers who hadn’t even been weaned!

Su Hewan and Yu Qing exchanged a glance, each seeing in the other’s eyes a mix of deep helplessness and the urge to laugh but not daring to.

【These two… why are they arguing like elementary school kids?】

【Exactly! Over such a small rent, really?】

【Ah, you don’t understand—this is the legendary love-hate relationship! The CP vibes are perfect!】

【Pfft… so adorable.】

Hearing the almost synchronized inner commentary from the two girls, Shen Jue and Lu Yan, still in their heated quarrel, froze simultaneously.

They turned, in perfect unison, to look at the two culprits a short distance away, covering their mouths to hide their laughter.

A breeze passed through the pavilion, scattering begonia petals in the air.

“All right.”

Shen Jue was the first to tuck away his petty expression, returning to his usual aloof demeanor as Director.

“In that case!” He swept a cold glance over Yu Qing.

“Once you enter this Yu Garden, you must abide by my rules. If you cause any trouble, do not blame me for showing no leniency.”

Yu Qing immediately straightened up and raised her hand in assurance. “Yes! Director, rest assured! I will behave and never cause you trouble!”

Lu Yan rubbed his temple, feeling an even worse headache coming on.

He looked at Yu Qing, a trace of helpless fondness flashing in his eyes, and spoke softly: “Be careful here. Besides Miss Su, trust no one easily. I’ll handle the affairs of the residence as soon as possible, then come to fetch you.”

Yu Qing nodded vigorously, her apricot-shaped eyes full of trust. “You be careful too. And… remember to eat on time.”

Lu Yan felt a warmth in his heart, nodded, and turned to Shen Jue.

“Let’s go. We still need to enter the palace.”

Shen Jue snorted lightly, swept his sleeve, and departed.

Watching the two of them walk away, Su Hewan and Yu Qing finally couldn’t help it—they let out a soft snicker.

“Hey, do you think they’ll start fighting on the way to the palace?” Yu Qing asked with a playful grin, looping her arm through Su Hewan’s.

Su Hewan gazed after the two receding figures, thoughtfully shaking her head.

“Who knows!”

“Come on, I’ll take you to see your mansion!” Su Hewan pulled Yu Qing along.

“And I’ll let you try the Longjing shrimp specially supplied by Yuyuan—its taste is absolutely amazing!”

“Yay! I’m going to eat until that Shen skinflint goes broke!”

Inside the Imperial Study, the young emperor sat on the broad dragon throne.

After hearing the report about Jiang Huai’s death and the clues pointing to the Temple of Heaven ritual, the young ruler fell silent for a long moment, then finally said only one thing:

“My two loyal ministers, the only ones I can trust are you.”

It was obvious someone was orchestrating all of this behind the scenes, so the young emperor naturally entrusted the task of uncovering the mastermind to the two of them!

Of course, they had no reason to refuse.

Their audience with the emperor went surprisingly smoothly, which neither of them had expected—though both felt that something about it was a little off.

As they stepped out of the palace gates,

Shen Jue’s phoenix-like eyes narrowed slightly. He glanced at Lu Yan, who stood upright like a pine tree beside him, and a mocking smirk tugged at his lips.

“Lord Lu, we’ve passed the palace gates, the road ahead is open—let’s part ways here.”

With that, he strode directly toward the Eastern Depot’s extremely luxurious carriage.

Yet barely had he stepped in when the carriage dipped.

Shen Jue turned to see Lu Yan following without hesitation, seating himself across with the weight and presence of a cavalry commander, even casually picking up a teacup from the low table.

The veins at Shen Jue’s temple twitched violently. “Lu Yan, are you out of your mind?”

“On the way,” Lu Yan replied calmly and succinctly.

“On the way?” Shen Jue’s anger turned into incredulous laughter.

“The Northern Garrison is in the north of the city, and my Yuyuan is in the south—how is that on the way? Lord Lu, what kind of ‘way’ are you calling this?”

Lu Yan sipped his tea leisurely, not even raising an eyelid. “I’m going to Yuyuan.”

Shen Jue took a deep breath, forcing down the urge to throw him out of the carriage. “And what exactly are you going to Yuyuan for?”

Lu Yan put down his teacup and declared without hesitation:

“I’m moving in too.”

Shen Jue stared at him for a long moment before forcing out through gritted teeth: “Lu Yan, how did I never realize before that your face, as Commander of the Jinyiweis, is thicker than the corner walls of this imperial city?”

“Flattering,” Lu Yan said indifferently.

“Since I’ve already paid for lodging and meals, I naturally have the right to stay. Isn’t fairness in business what you, Commander Shen, value most?”

“That was for Yu Qing!”

“Did I pay for it or not? Since I did, it’s only reasonable that I move in to keep an eye on her.” Lu Yan’s logic was airtight.

“Besides, Your Majesty just entrusted this case to the two of us—living together makes it easier to investigate.”

Shen Jue was so irritated by this twisted reasoning that he closed his eyes, refusing to look at this troublesome person any longer. “Fine. Do as you please. Just don’t complain if you get poisoned by me in the middle of the night.”

“Commander Shen, bring it on!”

The carriage raced to the gates of Yuyuan.

As soon as they entered the courtyard, a burst of laughter reached them from inside.

In the octagonal pavilion, Su Hewan was peeling a grape and handing it to Yu Qing, both of them laughing so hard they leaned back and forth.

Seeing Shen Jue enter, Su Hewan was about to rise and greet him, but her gaze shifted—and she froze when she saw Lu Yan following behind him like a door god.

“Lu… Lord Lu?” Su Hewan exclaimed in surprise.

Yu Qing nearly choked on her tea, eyes widening. “Lu Yan? What are you doing here?”