Chapter 172: Chapter 171 Stop Right There!
Shang Ruyi did not notice the gaze behind her that was almost piercing through her, as she led Eunuch Yu and the others to the side hall for tea, conversing while her mind drifted elsewhere.
What were the two people in the backyard talking about now...
Talking about what? It couldn’t possibly be trivial matters like oil, salt, soy sauce, and vinegar, right?
She felt a bit bored. Why did she care about what others were talking about? After all, she was the one who arranged for them to go to the backyard, and it was also her idea to bring Eunuch Yu and the others to the side hall to avoid disturbing the two people. Wasn’t all of this the price she discussed and agreed upon with Yu Wenye earlier?
Since it was an exchange, a fair trade, there was no need to think too much!
"Young Madam...?"
Suddenly, Eunuch Yu’s voice pulled her out of her reverie, prompting Shang Ruyi to hurriedly lift her head: "Ah? What is it, Eunuch?"
Eunuch Yu sat across from her, looking at her, finally saying, "Young Madam, please accept my condolences."
"...?"
Shang Ruyi was taken aback. She hadn’t shown any expression of sorrow. Why would he suddenly say such a thing to her?
So, she quickly forced a smile and said, "Forgive me, Eunuch, I was a bit distracted just now."
Eunuch Yu chuckled, "Such a young lady like you having to manage and oversee such a large household with so many people, it’s inevitable to be a bit weary. I hope you take good care of your health, Young Madam."
"Thank you for your concern, Eunuch."
"Not at all, not at all."
The two were not well acquainted, so their conversation was filled with formalities. Yet, Shang Ruyi had a vague feeling that this Eunuch Yu was different from other eunuchs she had encountered before. Moreover, from the words he had exchanged with Yu Wenye after delivering the imperial edict, it seemed his attitude towards the Duke Mansion was quite amiable.
Thinking about this, Shang Ruyi cautiously asked, "Eunuch, may I ask why His Majesty decided to confer a title on my husband at this time?"
Eunuch Yu chuckled and replied, "The Second Young Master has made significant contributions in aiding the king, who else would be more deserving of such a title?"
"..."
These words were clearly perfunctory.
Shang Ruyi realized it wasn’t appropriate to probe further, so she smiled and humbly nodded.
Eunuch Yu, however, studied her with his shrewd little eyes for a moment, then said with a smile, "The Duke promotes talent without favoritism, yet the Second Young Master’s martial prowess has always been overlooked. If His Majesty does not confer a title upon him, how could he have the chance to make meritorious contributions?"
"...?"
Shang Ruyi felt a pang in her heart.
The opportunity to make contributions... Was Eunuch Yu merely being polite, or had Chu Yang already made such arrangements?
If such arrangements existed, then the current opportunity must be—
She suddenly felt a chill run down her spine, but maintained a humble appearance, slightly pleased, while sipping tea and eating snacks with Eunuch Yu. Her thoughts, however, drifted far away.
When would these people leave? She was eager to discuss her suspicions with Yu Wenye.
The moment this thought arose, she immediately mocked her own wishful thinking. Not to mention, the comings and goings of Eunuch Yu and his entourage were not for her to decide. As for the Princess in the backyard, Yu Wenye probably hoped she would stay longer by his side. How could he wish her to leave soon?
Speaking of which, the Princess also had it tough, living in the palace yet constantly thinking of someone outside, overcoming numerous obstacles just to see him face to face. Perhaps only such gentle feelings could comfort Yu Wenye in his current grief.
Thinking of this, Shang Ruyi couldn’t help but let out a bitter smile in her heart.
Compared to that, her own pathetic "unrequited affection" was not too tiresome.
But now, the ones truly enduring hardship were—
Shang Ruyi glanced at Eunuch Yu once more and smiled, saying, "Eunuch, I have another matter I would like to ask you about."
Eunuch Yu replied, "Please ask, Young Madam."
Shang Ruyi cautiously said, "Back in Yanmen County, His Majesty promised me that he would release my uncle back to the Eastern Capital. I wonder if this matter is now—"
"Oh,"
Eunuch Yu nodded and said, "I am aware of this matter. After His Majesty returned to the palace, he immediately issued a decree to Lingnan, pardoning Mr. Shen. The decree should currently be en route, but it won’t be long before it reaches Lingnan, so rest assured, Young Madam."
Shang Ruyi was overjoyed and couldn’t contain her happiness.
"This, this is wonderful."
As she spoke, she repeatedly thanked Eunuch Yu, "Thank you, Eunuch."
Eunuch Yu looked at her with a smile, remarked, "Mr. Shen is truly fortunate to have a devoted young lady like yourself thinking of him."
Filled with joy and gratitude, Shang Ruyi said with emotion, "I was raised by my uncle and aunt since childhood. They are the most important people in the world to me—"
During their conversation, a sound of footsteps echoed from outside the side hall door. Just as Shang Ruyi finished speaking, the footsteps halted right at the entrance.
Turning to look, it was Yu Wenye!
He stood in the small doorway of the side hall, his tall stature immediately blocking the not so bright light from outside, giving a feeling of overcast skies.
In fact, when Shang Ruyi met his eyes, she felt his gaze was full of gloom.
Especially when he looked at her.
She was stunned—what was going on?
Instinctively, she glanced behind him, where the little eunuch-disguised Princess Xinyue also walked in, her eyes slightly red, as if she had just been crying, but now her emotions had settled.
Why had they finished so quickly?
Shang Ruyi fully expected that their reunion in the backyard would take at least a while longer.
But finishing quickly was also good to avoid suspicion, as with so many officials coming to offer condolences at the mansion, if found out, setting aside other matters, it would tarnish the Princess’s reputation, and they would all be in trouble.
Sure enough, Yu Wenye entered with a gloomy face but addressed Eunuch Yu quite politely, saying, "Eunuch, it’s getting late. I’m afraid there are many matters in the palace waiting for you to handle. I won’t keep you any longer."
Eunuch Yu promptly stood up with a smile, "Great General is kind."
After speaking, he went to Princess Xinyue’s side, whispered a few words, and then took his leave.
Shang Ruyi naturally got up to follow them out to see them off. At the doorway, Aunt Hui approached and handed Eunuch Yu a box, saying it contained some pastries for them to eat on the journey. But observing the weight in the little eunuch’s hands, it seemed clear that it contained more than just pastries, while Eunuch Yu, understanding the gesture, accepted it with a beaming smile.
While they exchanged formalities, a clear and soft voice whispered in Shang Ruyi’s ear—
"Thank you."
Shang Ruyi’s heart stirred slightly. Turning her head, she met those slightly red, bright eyes.
It was Princess Xinyue.
Standing nearby, although her plain attire was inconspicuous, upon closer look, her brilliant and charming face made even a fellow woman find her pleasing to the eye, almost unable to look away.
This was their first time directly facing each other.
Though Shang Ruyi’s emotions were complicated, her demeanor towards the Princess was cordial, laced with a touch of reverence, as she softly said, "Your Highness, you’re too kind."
Facing Shang Ruyi’s polite yet distant manner, Chu Ruoyan hesitated for a moment before saying, "I didn’t want him to be too upset, so I came to see him, to comfort him. We did nothing wrong. I hope you don’t..."
The remaining words seemed difficult for this noble princess to articulate.
Shang Ruyi glanced at her, her heart feeling slightly melancholic.
Indeed, only such mutual affection would prompt someone to travel a great distance without regret. Their innocent and candid interaction made her earlier wild thoughts seem utterly disgraceful.
Moreover, she hadn’t expected a princess of such high standing to speak to her so politely and carefully, as if she was afraid of offending her.
Shang Ruyi gave a faint smile, saying, "Your Highness, you over-praise."
At that moment, Eunuch Yu and his entourage finished their pleasantries and departed. Chu Ruoyan cast a lingering glance at Yu Wenye before following them.
Shang Ruyi stood by the door, watching their carriage disappear down the long street.
Only then did she breathe a sigh of relief and turn to walk back inside.
But after just a step, Yu Wenye’s cold voice rang out from behind her, "Stop right there!"