Chapter 206: Chapter 201: How about it, don’t want to see me?
Shang Ruyi’s mind was once again in turmoil, unsure of how to respond to these words. After pondering for a while, she forced a smile and said, "He is so young, why does he have such thoughts?"
"..."
Speaking of this, Empress Jiang’s expression slightly tensed.
But it was only for a moment before she regained her calm demeanor. Turning her head to look at Shang Ruyi, her gaze seemed scrutinizing yet as gentle as ever, she said, "No matter what, he cares about you more than others. This is something I can see."
"...!"
Shang Ruyi’s heart sank again.
He cares about me?
This was the second time today she had heard such words.
It seemed, in front of outsiders, Yu Wenye indeed performed very well; or rather, he was always so composed and clear-headed.
Shang Ruyi smiled faintly, not continuing the conversation.
Empress Jiang also smiled.
After a while of small talk, Shang Ruyi got up to say goodbye. Just like last time, Empress Jiang sent several little eunuchs to carry the palanquin to escort her out of the palace, accompanied again by the eunuch who had welcomed her into the palace.
On the way, they walked quickly, as if afraid of being stopped by someone.
Especially when passing through Anning Gate, Shang Ruyi even felt the usually stable palanquin slightly jolt, obviously, these people quickened their pace. She subconsciously looked towards the right side of Anning Gate, the road leading to Xuanwu Gate.
But this time, no one stopped them.
The avenue was empty, only the swirling large snowflakes confused her eyes.
Shang Ruyi sighed lightly, unsure if the stirring in her heart at this moment was out of relief or disappointment.
Soon, they left Xuanren Gate, and the carriage that had picked her up earlier was still waiting there. This time she went to the palace alone, without Tushere, and even the carriage was sent by the palace. The eunuch personally helped Shang Ruyi onto the carriage and then bowed, "Young Madam, please take care."
Shang Ruyi said, "Thank you, Eunuch."
"I dare not."
The eunuch stepped back, and the carriage quickly left Xuanren Gate, rushing towards Yuwen Mansion.
Shang Ruyi sat in the carriage, still holding the warm stove in her hands, recalling today’s experience in the palace, which seemed much more peaceful than the last time. Only, Empress Jiang’s attitude made her even more perplexed.
Why did she summon her into the palace again and again and encourage her to get close to her daughter?
Do they really need such closeness?
Her thoughts became increasingly tangled, and gradually the noise from the street outside the carriage caught her attention. Initially, Shang Ruyi didn’t notice, but as they traveled, she suddenly felt that something was amiss.
From Ziwei Palace back to Yuwen Mansion, there shouldn’t have been such a noisy place.
At this moment, the carriage stopped.
Before Shang Ruyi could react, she heard a familiar voice with a smile outside the carriage, "Young Madam, please alight."
This voice—?!
She hurriedly lifted a corner of the curtain to look outside, only to see a somewhat familiar figure standing outside the carriage with a smile. It was the same Eunuch Yu who had brought the decree to the Yuwen Family last time, though dressed in regular clothes, looking like a wealthy steward.
Why is he here?
Upon seeing him, Shang Ruyi’s mind buzzed, but before she could think it through, Eunuch Yu stepped forward with a smile and said, "The young master has been waiting upstairs for quite some time."
"..."
Shang Ruyi looked at him in shock, then looked behind him.
The place where the carriage had stopped was not at the entrance of Yuwen Mansion but in the bustling market center of Eastern Capital City, in front of Tinghe Building.
Moreover, several tall and strong men in regular clothes stood behind Eunuch Yu, obviously imperial guards in disguise—both the eunuch and the imperial guards were here, the people upstairs were already self-evident.
Shang Ruyi was momentarily speechless, "I—"
Eunuch Yu took another step forward, almost reaching the window, and smiled, "Since Young Madam is already here, why not get off the carriage and go upstairs for a cup of warm wine? After all, you are already here."
"..."
Already here.
These four words seemed to have a magical power that nailed Shang Ruyi in place.
Actually, it wasn’t the magic of these four words, but she knew very well that behind these four words followed another sentence—could she still leave?
Today, Empress Jiang probably confirmed that the Emperor was not in the palace and would not appear again, as happened last time when she was "intercepted" halfway. Thus, she summoned her into the palace, but unexpectedly, although safely escorted out of the palace, she was once again "intercepted" halfway outside the palace.
When Chu Yang wanted to do something, indeed, nothing was impossible.
And herself, always a puppet manipulated by this imperial couple, had no other retreat now.
Moreover, she recalled Princess Xinyue’s words, the news from the Military Governor as conveyed by the imperial guards, and immediately made up her mind, sighing deeply, "Yes."
Then, she got out of the carriage.
Probably because of the heavy snowfall, there weren’t many guests at Tinghe Building today, but the first floor was still occupied by several tables. Only these people were not noisy, especially after seeing Eunuch Yu accompanying Shang Ruyi inside, they all lowered their heads to drink and eat, seemingly deliberately avoiding them.
Apparently, even the guests in the building are arranged.
Shang Ruyi only felt surrounded by an inescapable net, almost suffocating her.
She took a calm, deep breath and was led by Eunuch Yu to the second floor.
Here, it was quieter than downstairs.
The usually crowded elegant rooms were now almost empty, except for the largest, near the window, seemingly occupied by someone. The beaded curtain swayed gently, barely revealing a carefree figure.
Eunuch Yu led her to that doorway, bowed, then smiled and withdrew.
Shang Ruyi stood at the door, not entering immediately.
But from behind the curtain, an aura of cold fragrance had already enveloped her as if the person’s presence had long since entrapped her under their control.
After a while, a light laugh sounded—
"What, don’t want to see me?"
"..."
Shang Ruyi’s heart sank slightly. At this moment, even if she really didn’t want to see, she had no choice but to meet.
She gritted her teeth, lifted the curtain, and slowly walked in.
The air inside the elegant room was warm, and upon closer inspection, the corners near the walls were filled with heating stoves, making this place as warm as spring. In the center of the room, a thick carpet covered the floor with only one low table placed on it, bearing a delicate incense burner, two cups, and a pot of wine warmed over a stove.
And, a letter.
Upon seeing that letter with sealing wax evidently broken, shaped unusually, Shang Ruyi’s heart immediately sank.
Then, she slowly lifted her head and looked opposite.
A tall, elegant figure stood by the window, like a jade tree, holding a wine cup between fingertips, seemingly appreciating the view while tasting the wine. Those narrow phoenix eyes reflected amber wine, sparkling and rippling, slowly gazing towards Shang Ruyi.
The corner of his mouth curved with a leisurely smile.
"You have come."