Chapter 46 Lin Shutang of the Ordnance Bureau, I'm at a disadvantage (Part 2)...

Although they have tried many positions over the past five years, it seems they have tried every possible one.

However, this seems to be the first time that Lin Shutang has taken the lead in this matter.

Lin Shutang blushed, and after leaning on his shoulder for a while, her face turned red and hot. She was panting and her waist went limp. In the end, she almost collapsed into Shen Jun's arms, looking completely exhausted.

Shen Yun looked down at her. Her eyelashes were wet and drooping, her breathing was uneven, and she looked satiated, as if she had been thoroughly eaten.

Shen Yun, however, was suffering from the discomfort of being suspended. Seeing that she gave up so easily, Shen Yun gently patted her buttocks, then lifted Lin Shutang up abruptly by holding her waist.

Lin Shutang's sleepiness vanished in an instant, and tears quickly streamed down her face as she twisted her waist to try and escape.

Shen Yun gasped, her temper flaring up. She raised her hand and slapped the round, white palm, her tone a mix of laughter and anger, "Lin Shutang, it's going to break inside."

"You said... I'm done." Lin Shutang endured the feeling, still trying to avoid it. Her words were incoherent, but Shen Yun still understood.

He chuckled. "You're finished, but I haven't even started yet. Didn't I say it only counts if I ejaculate?"

He grabbed her waist and suddenly pulled her down again.

Tears streamed down Lin Shutang's face as she sobbed, but she still kept her word and agreed, "Okay. Then you shouldn't be inside..."

Lin Shutang held onto his shoulder, her breath coming in uneven gasps from the jostling.

"Don't want what?" Shen Yun tilted his head to look at her, asking a question he already knew the answer to.

Lin Shutang buried her face in his neck, her voice incoherent, her face as if dripping blood, "No... don't stay inside."

She ultimately couldn't bring herself to say those words with the same composure as Shen Yun.

"Why not inside?" Shen Yun stared at her, narrowing his eyes.

"I will...get pregnant."

Lin Shutang finished speaking haltingly, and before she could finish, Shen Yun suddenly made a ruthless move. Lin Shutang couldn't help but let out a sound, and Shen Yun's voice, cold and chilling, came from beside her ear, "So you don't want anything to do with me?"

He glanced at her, a half-smile playing on his lips, his voice slow and deliberate, as if giving Lin Shutang time to think before answering.

Lin Shutang felt dizzy, as if all her senses were being amplified, and waves of soreness surged through her like a tide.

Wave after wave crashed against her, leaving her dizzy and disoriented.

She didn't notice Shen Yun's unusual behavior, and therefore didn't have the extra energy to think about the meaning of Shen Yun's words. She just instinctively recalled some of the events of that day.

Her eyes were red, and her weak voice went limp as her body went limp, "I'm in pain, Shenyun."

"I'm in pain, Shen Yun."

"I hate you, Shen Yun."

The soft, aggrieved sobs of the person in front of her now overlapped with the resolute, bloodthirsty voice she had used after giving birth that day. Shen Yun was stunned for a moment, and all the fierceness in her body suddenly dissipated, replaced by waves of throbbing pain in her chest.

He didn't speak again, lowered his eyes to stare at the two people beneath him, slowed his movements, and his breathing gradually became heavy.

It's like you're doing this one thing with exceptional focus.

At the final climax, Shen Yun grabbed her waist and lifted her up, placing his entire weight on her lower abdomen.

A wet, sticky mass, burning hot against her skin, made Lin Shutang stare in astonishment. She took a breath, then slumped into his arms, letting Shen Jun wipe her lower abdomen. In a hoarse voice, she asked, "Can I go out now?"

Shen Yun hummed in agreement, and without stopping, placed her on the clean bedding on the side of the bed.

"Can I go out for more than just one day?" Lin Shutang continued.

Shen Yun paused in her work, tilted her head and chuckled, "You only tell me after you've finished, Lin Shutang, I'm at a bit of a loss."

Lin Shutang buried her face in the soft pillow, her voice becoming muffled, "But I'm very tired too."

"I'm the one doing all the moving. What are you tired of besides making a couple of noises?"

Lin Shutang fell silent for a long while. Shen Yun thought she had fallen asleep, but Lin Shutang spoke again, as if talking in her sleep, "But why did you use this kind of thing to make a deal with me? Didn't you say we were husband and wife? Why do the things you do always make me feel..."

I feel like a prostitute...

Shen Yun waited a long time for Lin Shutang to finish his sentence. He stared blankly at the mess on the bed, his eyes drooping, as if he were rooted to the spot.

It took him a long time before he dared to turn his head to look at her. Half of her face, hidden in the brocade quilt, was flushed and damp, and strands of hair soaked with sweat clung to her cheeks.

Breathing is calm and even.

She really fell asleep.

Shen Yun raised her hand to brush it away, her movements careful and tender. Her Adam's apple bobbed painfully, and her breathing seemed heavy with sorrow. "If I don't force you, you'll never know how to take the initiative to come to me."

Lin Shutang, is it only when I'm useful that you get close to me and give me a kind look?

...

As usual, Shen Yun disappeared early the next morning. Lin Shutang, supporting her aching body, got up and dawdled for a long time before heading towards the wooden house.

Zhao Mingzhu usually comes over in the afternoon. At this time, Lin Shutang either carves some small trinkets or goes to the study next door to pick up some of Shen Yun's military books to read.

It is said that scholars are cunning, but Lin Shutang believes that military generals are also very cunning.

She also needs to study more military strategy and tactics so that she won't always be defeated by Shen Jun.

But remembering what Zhao Mingzhu said yesterday that the fish in the tank in the yard had been looking a bit listless for the past few days, Lin Shutang still wanted to go and see what was going on.

The goldfish were raised by a low-ranking maid in the courtyard, who usually did chores such as watering flowers and sweeping.

Lin Shutang stood with her by the water tank and peered inside.

"Don't worry, Madam, this fish is perfectly fine. I've been controlling the amount to make sure it doesn't overeat and get a stomachache," Qiuhe assured her.

Lin Shutang nodded and instructed Luwu to bring out the newly carved wooden landscape from the cabin.

Seeing that Luwu had walked away, Qiuhe lowered her voice and said, "The young master needs Madam to find a way to leave the manor."

Lin Shutang glanced at her quickly, and her heart skipped a beat.

So this is the person Shen Xiuyan planted in Jingyuan Residence?

After the incident of taking a concubine, Lin Shutang carefully observed everyone in Jingyuan Residence, but none of them paid any attention to Qiuhe.

It was only because Qiuhe had an ordinary appearance, looked honest, and behaved properly.

It's the kind of presence that blends into a crowd and goes completely unnoticed.

Even though Lin Shutang now knows the truth, he still finds it extremely horrifying.

It seems that Qiuhe entered Jingyuan Residence at the end of last year. Could it be that Shen Xiuyan had already extended his reach into Jingyuan Residence while he was at the border?

What is he planning?

"Why should I listen to him?" Lin Shutang's voice was also low as she gently fiddled with the lotus leaves on the water vat. Her expression was unreadable, and to outsiders, it seemed as if the two were having a casual chat.

"Madam surely knows that the eldest son's meaning is the same as that of the Construction Manager."

"Senior brother wants to see me? On which day?" Lin Shutang frowned.

"The Lu family's full moon celebration".

...

"The Lu family?" Shen Yun pondered carefully. "Lu Bingyan?"

“Yes. Lu Bingyan was the chief of the Military Selection Department of the Ministry of War back then, and he was the grain supervisor in the Battle of Black Pine Ridge.” Ji Huaiyi copied down the files he had found in the Ministry of War in recent days and presented them to Shen Yun.

“I had someone repair the tattered pages of the military pay ledger left by my cousin. It showed that half of the military pay applied for by the Ruifeng Army three years ago was deducted, and the remaining funds were all transferred to other military towns on the border. And the person in charge was Lu Bingyan.”

“Lu Bingyan was a member of the Crown Prince’s faction back then, and many of his people were in the Military Equipment Bureau. Could he be the Crown Prince himself…” Ji Huaiyi guessed.

If it were the Crown Prince, then his faction has now been brought to justice, which can be considered revenge for his cousin. It's just a pity that the villain didn't die by his own hand.

Shen Yun stared at the files on the table. "Zi Yang was originally a member of the Crown Prince's faction. Why would the Crown Prince target him?"

Upon hearing this, Ji Huaiyi also felt that it was somewhat unreasonable. "Perhaps... my cousin knows something he shouldn't know?"

"If that's the case, the Crown Prince could simply eliminate him alone. Why bother expending so much effort to wipe out the entire Sharp Edge Army? Back then, he was locked in a fierce battle with the Second Prince. How could he possibly cut off his own arm at such a critical juncture?"

Shen Yun tapped her fingertips lightly on the pearwood desk. It was too coincidental; all the evidence pointed to the Crown Prince.

He went to the Ordnance Bureau to find the officers who were in charge of supplying weapons to the Ruifeng Army back then. They only said that they had been secretly ordered to transfer fifty carts of vermilion-lacquered arrowheads to the Crown Prince's personal guards. As for whether they were transferred to the border, they did not know.

"So what should we do now? The clues have gone cold again?" Ji Huaiyi agreed, but the fact that they could prepare for the aftermath so meticulously suggested that the person behind it was still in the court.

Very few people know anything about what happened back then, and now it's like finding a needle in a haystack to investigate.

The person behind you will surely create many obstacles.

Ji Huaiyi felt this was no easy task; he had finally found a clue, only to have it cut off halfway. A surge of anger rose within him.

Shen Yun shook his head, his gaze falling again on the half-finished page. He said, "Go to the border."

Upon hearing this, Ji Huaiyi's eyes immediately lit up. Yes, since the remaining military pay of the Ruifeng Army had flowed into various border garrisons, then all we need to do is check the accounts of those garrisons from back then to see if the military pay was indeed used for military affairs.

"I'll send someone there secretly right away." Ji Huaiyi took on the task, but then saw Shen Yun suddenly get up and stride outside. He quickly followed, "Where are you going?"

"Who was the chief clerk in charge of military equipment records at the Ordnance Bureau back then?" Shen Yun asked, tilting his head, his pace still not slow.

"Let me think." Ji Huaiyi's mind immediately started working. When he went to the Ministry of War to look up the files, he seemed to have noticed this person. "The registrar back then was Chen Song, but he passed away last year. I even went to pay my respects."

Therefore, I paid more attention to it at the time.

"The current registrar of the Ordnance Bureau is his grandson, Chen Nian."

Shen Yun mounted his horse. "You take care of the account books. I'm going to the Chen family."

"Hey, hey, hey, what happened? Didn't you say you couldn't get any answers?" Ji Huaiyi shouted at Shen Yun's back. A cloud of dust kicked up choked him, making him stop shouting. He coughed so hard he couldn't straighten up.

The soldiers training on the drill ground all had stern faces, but they still couldn't help but secretly peek around.

The deafening sounds of drills were mixed with a few bursts of laughter.

-

Yingxiao and the others had been keeping watch in the alley outside the Chen residence.

Not only the Chen residence, but all the residences of those who served or are currently employed by the Military Equipment Bureau were guarded by Shen Yun.

Firstly, they wanted to see if anyone was secretly communicating with the person behind the scenes, and secondly, they wanted to prevent a repeat of what happened in Xuzhou last time.

"Your Highness, rest assured, we have people watching over the courtyard, so there will absolutely be no problems."

Shen Yun nodded, "Bring Chen Nian to see me privately."

-

On the day of the Lu family's full moon celebration, all the high-ranking officials and nobles in the capital went to offer their congratulations.

Lin Shutang and Zhao Mingzhu agreed on a time and entered the Lu residence together.

Shen Zhixi could not hide her excitement. Today, she was dressed in a peach-pink dress and had a butterfly hairpin in her hair.

When it walks, its shape is so lifelike, just like a real butterfly, that it's impossible to look away.

When her close friends saw her, they couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.

Shen Zhixi couldn't stop smiling. She glanced at Lin Shutang and, after receiving her nod, immediately went to stroll in the back garden with the other women.

"I think Miss Shen seems a little different than before," Zhao Mingzhu said, watching Shen Zhixi's departing figure. "She's still a young lady after all; she can't hide it at all on her face."

Lin Shutang tilted his head in surprise, not expecting Zhao Mingzhu to see things so clearly.

“I call it an outsider’s perspective,” Zhao Mingzhu said with a smile. “After all, I’ve been through this age myself.”

She deliberately downplayed her maturity in her words, which made Lin Shutang chuckle. "You talk as if you're already quite old."

"You always make fun of me." Zhao Mingzhu chuckled as well, and the two of them walked arm in arm through the corridor toward the front banquet.

"But let me guess, could it be Lu Zheng, the eldest son of the Lu family?"

Lin Shutang turned his gaze, even more astonished.

"This is not my fault," Zhao Mingzhu quickly said, feigning innocence. "Your fourth sister's eyes were practically glued to that young master Lu just now."

"She's reached marriageable age now. If that young master Lu comes to propose next year, it wouldn't be a bad thing." Lin Shutang has now come to terms with it. Since both parties are in love, why should she be the one to break them up?

Furthermore, Fourth Sister had already promised that she wouldn't do anything extra. That day was the first time, but in the end, it was all within the bounds of propriety.

"Yes." Zhao Mingzhu nodded as well.

As the two were talking, they walked out of the corridor and were led to the front banquet by servants. As soon as they entered, they heard a loud bang, and a group of people hurriedly surrounded them.

Once the crowd dispersed, it was revealed that the person at the very back was Minister Lu.

He had an eye ailment and accidentally bumped into an incense burner. Fortunately, he wasn't seriously injured and was helped up.

Vice Minister Lu apologized to everyone with a smile, and they quickly said it was no big deal.

After all, everyone in the Sheng Dynasty knew that Minister Lu's eye ailment was caused by an injury he sustained at the border against the Western Yue. It was a matter of honor, and no one would think he was causing trouble.

Lin Shutang looked up and saw a thick, long scar near the temple of Minister Lu's left eye. It was said that the scar was shot in by an arrow from the Western Yue people. If it had been an inch off, it would have been fatal.

Now, it's just an eye injury, and I can't see things from time to time, so it's not a big deal.

The banquet officially began, and the eldest and second sons who had been welcoming guests at the gate returned. The hall was filled with clinking glasses and a joyful atmosphere.

Lin Shutang didn't really want to attend the Lu family's full moon celebration; he was just looking for an excuse to leave the mansion. Therefore, he didn't stand out at the banquet.

He just wanted to get by so he could leave the mansion and go to the silk shop.

But unexpectedly, there was always a pair of eyes staring at him.

Lin Shutang looked up and saw Lu Zheng, the eldest son of the Lu family. When he saw her looking over, he didn't flinch and smiled and nodded at Lin Shutang.

Lin Shu-tang nodded but did not respond further.

-

After Shen Yun found Chen Nian that day, Chen Nian went back and carefully examined all the things left by his grandfather, especially the written notes.

Chen Song has always had the habit of keeping records; he writes one copy at the Ordnance Bureau and also keeps a copy at home.

After so many days, Chen Nian finally found a record from back then about transporting vermilion lacquer.

The message was relayed by Yingxiao, and Shenyun hurried from the Imperial Training Ground to the scene.

Halfway there, Yingxi reported that Lin Shutang had gone missing at the Lu residence!

Shen Yun immediately turned his horse around and headed towards the Lu residence.

Yingxiao dismounted and stood directly in front of the horse, saying, "Young Master! The Madam entered the Lu residence openly and legitimately. They dare not refuse to hand her over."

Right now, going to the Chen residence is more important.

Shen Yun looked down at him, holding the reins, the horse's hooves pausing in place. He ordered in a deep voice, "Take the rest of the men to the Chen residence and make sure Chen Nian is safe."

Having said that, he spurred his horse and galloped away.

Shen Yun stopped his horse in front of the Lu residence. Today, red silk was hung high at the entrance of the Lu residence, creating a festive atmosphere.

The banquet had long since ended, and the entrance to the Lu residence was now much quieter, with only two servants guarding the gate.

Lu Zheng seemed to have anticipated Shen Yun's arrival, and waited with his arms crossed, leaning against the pillar in front of the Lu residence.

Hearing the sound of reining in his horse, he straightened up and walked down the steps.

"Your Highness's presence truly honors my humble abode," Lu Zheng greeted him with a smile.

Shen Yun tossed the riding whip in his hand into the arms of the servant who came to lead the horse, and replied with a smile, "People in the capital say that the two young masters of the Lu family are very close. Now that the second young master has a son, the eldest young master of the Lu family is serving him faithfully. It seems that the rumors are indeed true."

Lu Zheng's expression changed slightly upon hearing these sarcastic words, but he quickly regained his composure. "Your Highness is joking. My second brother will naturally be with his wife and child today, so I, as his elder brother, will be helping him out. In terms of brotherly affection, it is naturally not as good as the friendship between Your Highness and the eldest son."

"If the eldest son had been in Yujing that day, he would surely have been willing to attend the grandson's 100-day celebration as well..."

Seeing that he brought up Shen Xiuyan on his own initiative, and that his words seemed to be indignant on Shen Xiuyan's behalf, Shen Yun glanced at him, and Lu Zheng immediately fell silent. Smart people know when to stop talking.

Fortunately, Shen Yun didn't mind and still smiled, "I'm late, I wonder if the Lu family will still entertain me?"

Lu Zheng couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, and the tingling sensation on his scalp immediately subsided.

“Of course,” he said, stepping aside and gesturing for Shen Yun to enter the mansion.

Inside the Lu residence, most of the guests had already left, and the servants were busy cleaning up the table.

Shen Yun was led into the front hall. Lu Bingyan was sitting at the head of the table. When he saw Shen Yun arrive, he immediately stood up and greeted her.

"Your Highness," Lu Bingyan called out, instructing someone to quickly bring tea.

"Congratulations, Minister Lu." Shen Yun lifted her robe and sat down, smiling as she watched Lu Bingyan sit opposite her.

"I appreciate your kind words, Your Highness." Lu Bingyan straightened his clothes. "At my age, my only wish is to see the children safe and happy. That would be my greatest joy. If they are well, then I am well too."

"Minister Lu has devoted himself to the country, and his two sons are also loyal and devoted. Minister Lu is overthinking it." Shen Yun stared at his movements, her eyes dark and deep, but a smile still played on her lips.

“Parents who love their children plan far ahead for them. Your son has just become a father, and I am sure he will understand this in the future.” Minister Lu took a sip of tea. “I am nearing the end of my life and have held an important position for many years, but I have not made much of a contribution to the court. Now I only hope that my son can cultivate his will and abilities, share the burden of the country, and live up to the expectations of his ancestors.”

"It seems that Minister Lu has quite a bit of experience in the cultivation of offspring." Having said this much, Shen Yun glanced at Lu Zheng standing behind Lu Bingyan and said with a forced smile, "This young master would like to hear the details."

Minister Lu put down his teacup, let out a long sigh, and looked as if he had met a kindred spirit, ready to have a long talk. “Your Highness is too kind. My humble opinion is nothing more than a superficial insight. But since ancient times, merchants have passed down their businesses, and farmers have left behind their fields. I am like the common people, and I also hope that my son can inherit my humble aspirations, continue my old profession, and work diligently every day to serve the country.”

“Minister Lu, you truly have a deep wish for your son to succeed. Your earnestness is truly admirable.” Shen Yun’s voice deepened, and his eyes sharpened.

Lu Bingyan seemed oblivious, assuming he hadn't heard Shen Yun's sarcasm. He gestured for her to drink, reminding her, "Your Highness, please have some tea."

He smiled and nodded, his gaze shifting from Shen Yun's face to the teacup beside him, his tone slowing down as if hinting at something.

"If we don't drink it now, it'll get cold."

Shen Yun gripped the rim of the teacup tightly with her fingertips, her sharp black eyes meeting Lu Bingyan's cloudy yet gleaming gaze, and tilted her head back to gulp it down.

After finishing his tea, he stood up and said, "Now that the banquet is over, I won't bother you any longer. I've come to take my wife home."

Lu Bingyan stared at the teacup that Shen Yun had placed upside down on the coffee table, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. He slowly rose to his feet and turned to instruct the servants beside him, "The young master's wife is drunk and is resting in the back room. Hurry up and take the young master there."

It seemed to be a rebuke to this clueless person.

-----------------------

Author's Note: I've finally managed to write another chapter after a flurry of typing! [cat emoji] (sweating)

Thank you everyone for the free tickets and nutrient solution, and for all the heartwarming comments (so many!) (drooling) [drooling rabbit head]