Chapter 189: Chapter 186: Anticipation?
The answer seemed obvious.
Even before Shang Ruyi opened her mouth to answer, she heard Yu Wenye beside her let out a light hum, as if already knowing her response without any surprises.
Her role was never meant to be that of Yu Wenye’s wife, but rather the daughter-in-law of the Duke Sheng.
However, Shang Ruyi did not answer immediately.
After pondering for a moment, she looked up and softly said, "Father, I think it would be best to stay in Luoyang for the time being."
As soon as she said this, while others might remain calm, Yu Wenye immediately turned his head to look at her, his face rarely showing a clear emotion—unbelievable, clearly not expecting her to make such a choice.
Feeling his gaze, Shang Ruyi glanced at him, then quickly lowered her head.
Yu Wenye seemed to realize that his emotions were too exposed at that moment and quickly averted his gaze, while Yu Wenquan, sitting above, took in everything, the corners of his eyes showing a slight smile, saying, "Well then, since this is your own decision, I won’t say much more. However, for your safety, I will leave—two hundred men with you."
Shang Ruyi was stunned, looking at Yu Wenquan somewhat surprised.
Him, giving her two hundred men?
Was this implying that she should lead troops?
Though she had always prided herself as a descendant of Banner General Shang Ruohong and liked discussing military affairs with Yu Wenye, and had even advised the Emperor during the crisis in Yanmen County, it was all just "talking about war." She had never actually led troops, and now, Yu Wenquan was suddenly giving her two hundred men?
Shang Ruyi was quite astonished, "Father, this is—"
Yu Wenquan said, "Don’t overthink it. I just feel that with me leaving and Ye’er going on an expedition, leaving you alone in Luoyang would be unsettling. In such times—"
He paused here, as if there were a thousand words that were drowned in a long sigh.
At this moment, Shang Ruyi also seemed to recall what Lei Yu said to her before leaving.
"In such chaotic times, a bit of military power is what we rely on to survive."
Unexpectedly, as soon as she said this upon leaving, it was already confirmed by Yu Wenquan, making Shang Ruyi somewhat admire it. But again, she thought it wasn’t Lei Yu being foretelling; rather, it was just the way the world was. Those with military power in their hands truly held a lifeline.
She immediately said, "Thank you, Father."
Yu Wenquan nodded, then said, "Since you are staying in Luoyang, the matter of Cheng’er is entrusted to you. As his sister-in-law, please take care of him."
Shang Ruyi quickly said, "Father, what are you saying? We are family, this is what Ru Yi should do."
Thus, this major issue was settled.
They chatted a bit more casually, and as it got late, they each returned to their rooms. As when they arrived, Yu Wenye still walked in front, with Shang Ruyi following heavily behind him, thinking about her choice just made, feeling somewhat agitated—though she had made the choice, whether it was right or wrong, and what fate it would bring her, who could know?
She feared the unknown future more than anyone else.
Amidst her tangled thoughts, they had already walked back to the room. But Yu Wenye placed his hand on the door and didn’t immediately push it open, instead standing at the door without moving, Shang Ruyi was still muddled and bumped into his back.
"Ouch!"
She exclaimed softly, rubbed her forehead, and looked up to see Yu Wenye looking back at her.
Instinctively, she was about to apologize, but when she met Yu Wenye’s gaze, her heart suddenly stirred—his gaze now was completely different from the cold and hard look that seemed to devour people when they returned earlier.
It seemed softer somehow.
What happened to him? It was like he went to a warm room, and his mood improved?
Shang Ruyi asked, "What’s wrong?"
Yu Wenye looked at her for a while but said nothing, then pushed the door open and went inside. Shang Ruyi, puzzled, could only follow him into the room, only to find there was already a person inside, who was Chang Wan, just starting to serve them.
She was making their bed, arranging the pillows and covers, and lowering half the curtains.
Upon hearing the footsteps behind her, she hurriedly turned around to greet them, "Young Master, Young Madam."
"..."
For some reason, as soon as he saw her, Yu Wenye’s slightly cleared expression fell again, coldly saying, "Get out!"
This almost reprimanding voice startled Chang Wan, whose face immediately turned pale, her refined face showing a look of grievance.
And finally, at this point, Shang Ruyi realized—Yu Wenye’s previous displeasure seemed to be because of Chang Wan, was it possible that he did not want her to take Chang Wan into the room?
Thinking over it, she had some understanding.
Perhaps he didn’t want Princess Xinyue to know, as that would make the Princess, who was already suffering from an unfulfilled love, even more tortured.
Thinking of it this way, she understood why he was so grim towards her earlier.
However, Shang Ruyi also had her plans. Chang Wan was arranged by Guan Yunmu, which means it was the wish of her as a mother. If they didn’t comply, it might leave her unsettled; moreover, though Chang Wan hadn’t been officially taken into the household, her status was likely well-known throughout the entire mansion. If she was truly ignored, her future situation would only be more embarrassing.
This time, with the Yue Kiln Cup theft directly involving her, it was an indication.
Speaking of her, she is also a pitiable person.
Thus, facing Chang Wan, Shang Ruyi showed an increasingly gentle demeanor and softly said, "We need to rest now, you may leave first."
Chang Wan saluted, bowed her head, and quickly exited.
Once the door was closed, Shang Ruyi sighed lightly, planning to discuss her arrangements for Chang Wan further. But just as she turned around, she saw Yu Wenye sit down at the table with a flick of his robe and ask, "Are you really planning to stay in Luoyang?"
His words didn’t reveal any emotions.
Shang Ruyi also walked over and sat opposite him, softly saying, "Mm-hmm."
Yu Wenye frowned slightly, looking at her, "I’m going on a campaign and won’t be back for a short while. Are you really okay staying in Luoyang alone?"
Shang Ruyi said, "Isn’t third brother still here?"
Yu Wenye snorted coldly, "What use is he?"
Shang Ruyi laughed, "He might be of no use, but as his second sister-in-law, I am indeed responsible for overseeing him. I also know that he’s a bit immature. Lately, he’s been attending school sporadically, and someone has to keep an eye on him. If we both leave, he’ll be like a wild horse with no reins."
"..."
Yu Wenye didn’t speak immediately but glanced at her.
After a while, he said, "You certainly know how to handle children."
Shang Ruyi was taken aback, not sure why, but his words sounded as if there was something...
Just as she was a bit lost in her thoughts, Yu Wenye looked at her and said, "So, you’re staying for him?"
"Ah, no—"
Because she hadn’t gathered her thoughts, Shang Ruyi blurted out instinctively, then immediately closed her mouth—surely she wouldn’t change her plans for a little brother-in-law she barely knew for a few months, who was also quite arrogant and unlovable. However, she couldn’t claim that Yu Wencheng didn’t factor into her considerations, as he was indeed her brother-in-law and a potential future pillar for the Yuwen Family.
But it wasn’t appropriate to say this outright. She hesitated for a moment before softly saying, "It’s not entirely for third brother, but I, as a second sister-in-law, indeed can’t turn a blind eye to him."
Yu Wenye looked at her intently, "Then who else are you staying for?"
Shang Ruyi pursed her lips.
In fact, her true reason for staying was her uncle and aunt.
Since the Emperor had already pardoned Shen Shiyan, and the pardon order had been sent to Lingnan, it wouldn’t be long before Mr. and Mrs. Shen returned to Luoyang. However, when they return, whether they can regain their previous positions remains uncertain; moreover, their future positions in Luoyang and even in the court will be crucial.
Shang Ruyi couldn’t be at ease leaving them behind while she went to Shanxi.
But this she couldn’t say aloud.
Seeing her looking as if she was ashamed to speak, Yu Wenye’s eyes flickered for a moment before he said, "Alright, if you don’t want to tell me, then don’t."
Shang Ruyi looked up at him.
Yu Wenye turned his head to avoid her gaze, seemingly no longer carrying the hostility he had when he first returned. Shang Ruyi found it even stranger and couldn’t help but ask, "By the way, I heard from Lei Yu that you were supposed to go to the Ministry of War to muster troops today and then to the Ministry of Revenue to allocate grain. Did everything go smoothly?"
Yu Wenye, though he turned his head, glanced at her.
He coughed lightly and said, "It went, smoothly."
"That’s good."
Shang Ruyi nodded with relief, but in her heart, she became even more perplexed. If everything went smoothly, why did he have such a grim expression when he returned? Who could’ve upset him?
Could it be—
While she was lost in her thoughts, Yu Wenye suddenly coughed twice and then said, "I, am a bit thirsty."
"...?"
Shang Ruyi frowned, looking at him.
Strange, why call on her when he’s thirsty? Wasn’t there someone to serve him?
Wasn’t this just laziness?
But thinking he would go to war the day after tomorrow, and the coming days might not be so leisurely, she walked to the door to instruct Tushere, and upon returning, found that Yu Wenye’s eyes seemed brighter than before, and the way he looked at her seemed somewhat— filled with anticipation.
Anticipation?
The thought of these words made Shang Ruyi laugh to herself.
It was just thirst and wanting tea, what was there to anticipate?
After a while, Tushere came in, bringing two cups of freshly brewed tea. As it was freshly made, steam swirled, and the fragrance wafted through the lid, filling the room with a tea aroma.
But as soon as the cup was placed in front of Yu Wenye, his face darkened immediately.