Chapter 184: Chapter 181: Stirring Up Turmoil with Just One Word
This heavy sentence was like a cold boulder pressing on Shang Ruyi’s heart.
She was almost certain that Wang Shaoji was waiting to exact revenge, deliberately telling Yu Wenquan about what happened in Yanmen City, perhaps even embellishing the tale, just to watch her— or rather, watch the Duke Mansion’s predicament unfold. Yu Wenquan didn’t directly ask about that event but instead approached the subject from Shen Shiyan’s pardon. On one hand, it was to save face for himself; on the other, he didn’t want the Duke Mansion to be truly embroiled in an embarrassing scandal.
Or perhaps he still left a bit of leeway for his daughter-in-law.
At this moment, her answer was crucial. Otherwise, if she were to disappoint him thoroughly, her status as the Duke’s Daughter-in-law, and even her future, could collapse overnight.
Thinking of this, Shang Ruyi’s breath tightened, contemplating carefully, she finally mustered the courage to speak.
"I—"
Before she could finish, Yu Wenye calmly said: "Father, why didn’t you ask me about this matter just now?"
Yu Wenquan frowned and looked at him: "You?"
Yu Wenye said: "Speaking of it, this matter is also my fault. During the northern inspection with His Majesty, I— carelessly, went on a separate route from Ru Yi, arriving several days later than they did. While we were still on the road, Ashina Shali had been besieging Yanmen City for quite some time."
"..."
"Ru Yi was injured by Ashina Shali’s arrow."
"What?"
Yu Wenquan was shocked: "You all said she was injured, I thought she was injured by the Turkic soldiers during the escape like others, how come she’s been hit by Ashina Shali’s arrow?!"
As he spoke, he turned to look at Shang Ruyi: "Why didn’t you say anything, child?"
The concern in his words was evident.
Shang Ruyi was also somewhat astonished, it seemed he really didn’t know about this matter. Now it appeared that Yu Wenye deliberately spoke only part of the truth, and now that Yu Wenquan knew she was hit by an arrow, naturally he would cherish her more.
Many things were easier to explain.
Shang Ruyi couldn’t help lowering her head, stealing a glance at Yu Wenye— he seemed to be helping her.
Yu Wenye continued: "Previously, it wasn’t spoken to avoid worrying you. Now there’s no big harm anymore. It’s just, Ru Yi was severely injured then, yet the gates of Yanmen City were about to break, and the soldiers lacked fighting spirit. She boldly advised His Majesty to stop the campaign against Liaodong, thus boosting the military’s morale and defending Yanmen City. His Majesty rewarded her and—even personally escorted her back for recuperation."
"..."
"Afterward, I rushed over and repelled Ashina Shali’s army, lifting the siege of Yanmen. Speaking of which, Wang Shaoji has always resented us for taking the credit."
When he said these words, Shang Ruyi was watching him and sighing lightly in her heart.
This person... is very articulate.
Although he usually doesn’t speak much and appears cold, once he opens his mouth, he can stir up trouble, even turning black into white. Despite the events being as they are, he had simply reordered and adjusted the narrative, making it sound entirely plausible.
This also made Wang Shaoji’s intentions seem more insidious.
Yu Wenye continued: "Because she had merits in protecting His Majesty, His Majesty rewarded her and pardoned Uncle Shen."
"..."
"It’s just, had I been able to stay by her side, she wouldn’t have had to take risks."
There seemed to be some guilt in his words.
Shang Ruyi’s heart was originally tense, but now it unexpectedly softened. Instinctively, she glanced at him, only to see Yu Wenye looking at her too, his gaze surprisingly gentle. As their gazes met, both of them trembled slightly.
Suddenly, Shang Ruyi felt a twinge in her heart.
Yet Yu Wenye had already lowered his eyelids gently.
Seeing the situation, Shang Ruyi secretly pinched herself hard— she had to stay awake.
Yu Wenye had always been like this, clearly aware of how to present himself as the proper husband in front of others, but he never confuses who is genuinely important to him.
And she, she should not be confused by his gentle facade!
Yu Wenquan gazed at this couple for a long while, the shadow on his face suddenly cleared, revealing a kindly smile, saying: "So that’s how it is, no wonder Ru Yi, you were wronged. Your uncle’s matter, I couldn’t help you with that."
Shang Ruyi hurriedly said: "Father’s words, Ru Yi cannot bear."
After saying this, she also breathed a sigh of relief.
It seems this hurdle was temporarily passed.
Then she said: "Father called Ru Yi here for this matter?"
Yu Wenquan waved his hand, signaling her to sit down. Shang Ruyi sat beside Yu Wenye and then heard him say: "Father called you here to discuss, right now in your and Ye’er’s room, there are only two people serving. I heard that the younger one was bought not long ago and doesn’t really understand things. Father thought, to give you another person to use, would you be willing?"
Shang Ruyi’s eyes lit up upon hearing this.
She could almost guess who Yu Wenquan wanted to give her.
In fact, even if Yu Wenquan hadn’t mentioned it, she would have found time to ask her father-in-law herself. After Guan Yunmu’s death, although there weren’t many people around her, dealing with them was still a problem. Some young maids and servants could be sent to various places in the garden or given some money to leave, but arranging some people wasn’t that simple.
So she smiled and said: "Everything will follow Father’s arrangements."
Yu Wenquan waved his hand: "I can’t arrange everything; the person is for you to choose."
"Choose?"
Shang Ruyi was taken aback immediately.
Yu Wenye, who had been sitting silently by the side, also slightly frowned, "Father is talking about—"
Yu Wenquan said, "One is Jinyun, who serves your mother, and the other is that girl Chang Wan, who also served your mother."
"..."
"Both of them have been in the manor for quite some time, and we know them well. One is mature and stable, the other is young and clever, both are useful people, it depends on which one you choose."
At this point, Shang Ruyi suddenly stopped speaking.
In fact, if Yu Wenquan had arranged this matter himself, it would be fine, or even if he discussed it with Yu Wenye, it could be settled. Why did he have to call her over to choose?
And at this time, some words Tushere had unintentionally said before started echoing in her ears—
"That one called Chang Wan, always proud, I heard she even studied for a few years, and the lady doesn’t really make her do rough work..."
She suddenly understood something.
Seeing Yu Wenye beside her slightly frown, as if he was about to speak, she quickly spoke first, "Father, if it’s possible, Ruyi would like Chang Wan to stay."
"..."
"..."
The entire study fell silent for a moment.
Shang Ruyi immediately sensed a burning gaze fixating on her, and at this moment she couldn’t say much more, she only softly said, "Regarding the incident with the Yue Kiln Cup, Chang Wan was a bit wronged, it was Ruyi who didn’t consider her fully, letting her stay would be a kind of compensation."
Yu Wenquan gazed at her for a while, then kindly said, "You indeed have a benevolent heart."
"..."
"Well then, that girl—it just happens, let her be in your quarters."
Hearing these words, Shang Ruyi felt more assured, understanding more that her choice was not wrong, but she continued, "Ruyi has another matter, and would like to ask Father for guidance."
Yu Wenquan said, "What is it? Speak."
Shang Ruyi said, "Aunt Yun—Ruyi was thinking, could she manage the tea room?"
"The tea room?"
"Yes, two people were dealt with earlier, and the tea room is short-staffed, especially missing a steward, things have been rather chaotic these past days. Aunt Yun is an elder in the manor and familiar with these rules, it would be more convenient than transferring someone new."
Yu Wenquan looked at her for a while then said, "You’ve thought this through."
"..."
"Alright, letting her manage the tea room is fine too, to avoid frequent encounters and disturbances."
Upon hearing this, Shang Ruyi felt moved.
She wondered whether it was her own illusion, but Yu Wenquan’s words, though simple, seemed to contain deeper meaning, yet his expression was indifferent, as if he didn’t care at all, making her a bit puzzled.
But she understood that her father-in-law, despite his military accomplishments, was not an ordinary warrior.
So, she softly smiled and said, "Thank you, Father."
After saying this, the matter seemed to be settled. Just then, Yu Wenye’s cold voice suddenly sounded beside her, "Father, if there’s nothing else, we will take our leave now."
Shang Ruyi glanced back at him.
She wondered if it was because the sky had darkened and the study’s candlelight was not bright enough, his face seemed somewhat sullen.
Yu Wenquan looked at him, his expression also darkening, impatiently waving his hand, "You can leave, the matter I just mentioned, think it through yourself, there’s less than three days left."
Yu Wenye didn’t respond, he just stood up and bowed to his father, then turned to leave.
Shang Ruyi hurriedly followed him in saluting, just about to leave, but then heard Yu Wenquan call out to her from behind, "By the way, Ruyi, there’s one more thing."
Shang Ruyi stopped her steps, "Father, what is it?"
Yu Wenye, who was walking ahead, also stopped at the doorway.
Yu Wenquan asked, "This time when you went to Yanmen County, did you meet with the Empress?"
"...?"
Shang Ruyi was taken aback.
And as she was taken aback, she seemed to feel the person’s breath beside her deepen.
Not knowing why Yu Wenquan suddenly asked about this, she hurriedly replied, "Yes, this time Ruyi got injured, the Empress personally came to visit, showed much concern and care."
"...Oh."
Yu Wenquan nodded, looked at her thoughtfully, then said, "Today after court, the eunuch beside the Empress conveyed a message, saying the Empress found you congenial and is concerned about your health. She wishes that when you have free time, you would enter the palace to chat with her."
"Ah? The Empress wants me to enter the palace?"
"Are you willing?"