Chapter 196: Chapter 193: No One Left to Hear His Heartfelt Voice
The long-standing shadow weighing on her heart grew even heavier at this moment, transforming into an impenetrable black fog that completely enveloped Shang Ruyi. She stood there, speechless, feeling an icy coldness all around her, as if her blood had nearly frozen.
Chu Yang had developed a murderous intent towards Yu Wenye!
This fact, finally spoken by him, was laid bare in front of them.
Yet in truth, she was not entirely unaware; after all, during their meeting in Taiyuan City, Chu Yang had once told her that he intended to turn against Yu Wenye for the sake of a woman. At that time, she could only speculate that it was a matter of romance, but upon learning of his identity, she realized that a man who made his most beloved daughter heartbroken could not naturally be tolerated by the Emperor.
But looking at it now, no matter how significant personal affairs might be, they could not surpass national matters.
Chu Yang’s suspicion towards Duke Sheng had long been brewing—not only towards Duke Sheng but also towards high-ranking ministers in the court who held military power and constantly threatened the Emperor’s authority. Yu Wenquan was merely the most prominent among them.
However, dealing with such a powerful duke, who also commanded significant military force, was indeed not easy.
Striking at his son was much simpler.
Even though all of this was understandable, Shang Ruyi couldn’t comprehend why he would share all of this with her—why he insisted on breaking this thin barrier in front of her.
Feeling cold all over, Shang Ruyi hesitated for a moment and then asked, her teeth chattering slightly, "Your Majesty, why are you telling me this?"
Chu Yang looked at her, and a slight smile seemed to reappear on his face.
He said, "Because I trust you."
Shang Ruyi replied, "But Ru Yi is Yu Wenye’s wife."
Chu Yang replied, "I still trust you."
As he spoke, he approached her once more. However, this time, he no longer carried the overwhelming, suffocating pressure. There was only gentle affection in his smile and gaze. When he stood before her, gazing down at her pale face, there was even a hint of pity in his eyes: "You are different from them."
"..."
Shang Ruyi didn’t even dare to ask—whom did he mean by ’them’?
What was different?
At this moment, she couldn’t help but wonder if Chu Yang knew what she knew. If he knew what she had been plotting all along, could he still say these words?
Whom could he trust then?
As her mind was in turmoil, Chu Yang chuckled softly and said, "What, did my words frighten you?"
This time, he seemed closer than before. Only at this proximity did Shang Ruyi suddenly catch a whiff of the cold fragrance emanating from him—a scent so ethereal in this cozy hall that it felt almost non-existent.
Her thoughts became increasingly nebulous.
She felt she wasn’t afraid of him, yet somehow she was terribly afraid.
As she contemplated how to respond, a gentle, amused voice sounded from behind the large screen: "With the Emperor ’taking’ my esteemed guest here, how could she not be frightened?"
This voice, initially gentle and harmonious, startled both individuals in the otherwise silent palace when it resonated within the tense atmosphere. Shang Ruyi hurriedly turned back, only to see a dignified figure gracefully stepping out from behind the screen. It was none other than Empress Jiang, who had just received her in the Eastern Palace!
Upon seeing her, Shang Ruyi didn’t know whether to feel nervous or relieved, but she promptly knelt to pay respects. "This humble servant greets Your Majesty the Empress!"
Chu Yang furrowed his brow, a trace of displeasure flashing in his eyes.
He said lazily, "Why has the Empress come?"
Jiang Xinyue slowly entered the hall but paused before stepping onto the enormous map carpet, stopping just in front of Shang Ruyi, then bowed to Chu Yang with a smile. "Your Majesty, I summoned Ru Yi to the palace to accompany me. I had just sent someone to escort her out, but somehow they mistakenly brought her to your Warm Dock. Concerned that her presence might disturb Your Majesty, I came to apologize and personally escort her out."
Chu Yang walked over to the enormous bed without revealing his thoughts, waved his sleeve, and sat down. "The Empress is overly cautious."
"..."
"Even if Shang Ruyi ended up at the Warm Dock, it’s no dragon’s lair or tiger’s den. She could simply be sent out of the palace after a brief conversation. Why make the Empress come in person?"
"..."
"Is it really necessary?"
"Please forgive me, Your Majesty. Shang Ruyi is the Young Madam of the Duke Mansion. As I summoned her to the palace, I naturally must ensure she leaves safely. Of course, it is a blessing for her that Your Majesty regards her highly and speaks with her."
"..."
"But if you have finished speaking, please allow her to leave the palace. It’s snowing outside, and further delay might leave her to catch a chill."
Chu Yang no longer looked at them.
After a moment of silence, he waved his hand. "Go ahead."
Empress Jiang immediately curtsied. "Yes."
After speaking, she looked down at Shang Ruyi, who was kneeling at her feet, and said gently, "Ru Yi, come with me."
At that moment, even Shang Ruyi, still kneeling, let out a long breath. It seemed as if the matter discussed by the Emperor and Empress was not about her departure but rather about whom she belonged to. She had no part in the conversation until this moment, and now they were taking her away.
In the eyes of the Heavenly Family, the departure or even life and death of others seemed inconsequential.
Shang Ruyi said, "Yes."
With that, she stood up, bowed to Chu Yang, and followed Empress Jiang out.
Once outside the hall, she saw that at some unknown moment, snow had begun falling, swirling down like a fluttering veil that blurred her vision.
Coming out of the warm palace, a chill clung to her, making her shiver.
"Were you frightened?"
Empress Jiang’s gentle, laughing voice came from beside her again. Shang Ruyi cautiously bowed her head and softly said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Empress Jiang said, "It was my people who were negligent. In the future——"
She seemed to want to say that such a situation would not happen again, but the words hadn’t been spoken. Yet a moment of recognition seemed to cross her mind that she couldn’t ensure anything, so she breathed a light sigh at the vast snowy scene before her and said, "Let’s move on."
With that, she descended the steps.
Shang Ruyi quickly hurried to follow her down.
As she left, Shang Ruyi couldn’t help but glance back.
In that brief moment of departure, it appeared as though all the massive doors surrounding the palace had closed seamlessly, isolating it like someone abruptly sealing themselves away.
No one left to confide in, nor anyone left to hear his innermost thoughts.