Chapter 2039 Imperial Uncle, the World is Now in My Hands (28)

This idea is almost absurd.

Because they all served in the same court, Cao Zhen had hardly ever seen Shen Linyuan show interest in any other man over such a long period of time, but...

I've never seen him like women.

What can we do?

Unable to make up his mind, Cao Zhen had no choice but to visit the Duke of Anguo under the cover of night.

It's better to believe something is true than to believe it isn't.

If Shen Linyuan really manages to get involved with the emperor, then all their efforts over the years will have been in vain!

Wouldn't the entire Great Xia Dynasty have to take his surname, Chen?

Cao Zhen stayed at the Duke of Anguo's residence for nearly two hours, discussing with him the matter of Shen Linyuan's control of military power at the morning court session, hoping to provoke Si Jin and make him feel threatened.

However, upon arriving at the imperial court, they discovered that the emperor was not sitting on the dragon throne.

A zhang (approximately 3.3 meters) behind the dragon throne was a plain black brocade screen.

The emperor would lie on his side behind the screen, his sleeves wide, making him difficult to see clearly. It was the chief eunuch who would call him after the court session began.

"His Majesty fell ill last night and now has a sore throat, making it difficult for him to even get out of bed. It is already quite difficult for him to attend court while ill. Please, gentlemen, keep this brief."

Your Majesty... is ill?

The court officials were surprised, exchanged glances, and then lowered their heads in shame.

Even when he was ill, he insisted on attending court. In this day and age, it is rare to see an emperor who is so diligent in governing and loves his people.

So they kept submitting memorials, avoiding speaking as much as possible. Even when there was an urgent matter, they would only discuss it and place the memorials on the table.

The solemn court was quiet, and no one knew that behind the screen, under Si Jin's bed curtains, there was someone else hiding.

The sleepless boy was forced to come behind the screen, watching the court officials outside with trepidation.

Her eyes were wet with tears, and the only thing she could recall was what Shen Linyuan had said before going to court: "Your Majesty, do you still remember how you treated me three years ago, behind the screen in Wenyuan Pavilion?"

"Do you like attending court like this?"

I love it! Si Jin loves it!

The bold and arrogant possession, the sins hidden beneath endless purges, are themselves very alluring.

However, as much as he liked him, Shen Linyuan dared to tease him like that, so he had to pay the price!

"Hmm..."

Perhaps it was because he hadn't slept for a day and a night, and without divine power, he was truly exhausted.

Caught off guard, Si Jin actually made a faint sound from her throat.

The volume wasn't loud, but it made the already quiet court even more so, so that you could hear a pin drop. The ministers held their breath, not daring to utter a single word, their eyes instantly fixed on the screen.

Si Jin also woke up quickly and was about to say something to make amends when a large hand covered with calluses came around from behind his shoulder and covered his mouth tightly.

As his chest drew near, the taboo of immorality and deceiving the emperor almost reached its peak.

However, to avoid angering His Majesty again, Shen Linyuan still crossed Si Jin's bottom line, knowing when to stop, and gently held her in his arms, stroking her back to comfort her silently.

Unexpectedly, the next moment, Si Jin bit her fingertip hard.

The canines were sharp, and blood was drawn in no time. Shen Linyuan frowned and was forced to withdraw his hand.

The smile in the corner of his eyes unconsciously became indulgent: From the past to now, Jinjin really hasn't changed at all, and she's become even more difficult to mess with.

Si Jin, having "gained his freedom," swallowed the blood and laughed maniacally, though his voice was still hoarse.

"It's nothing, being sick is just too uncomfortable. I'm very happy to see that all of you ministers are so considerate of me."

It turns out that what he was just now was a muffled groan from being sick.

The ministers quickly dispelled their doubts and all bowed in submission.

Amidst the chants of "Long live the Emperor," only the Duke of Anguo noticed something amiss—he had just had a palace maid administer medicine to Si Jin yesterday, and today he was already ill. What kind of illness could it be, that it could develop so in such an improper and rapid manner?

"Your Majesty," after bowing and rising, the Duke of Anguo said, "I have important matters to report to you in person."