Chapter 115 Only One Bed

In an instant, the tense atmosphere inside the post station eased.

Shang Ruyi also felt a tightness in her chest ease, and she breathed a sigh of relief. She then turned to look at Shen Wuzheng and said softly, "So, brother, you're here tonight too—"

"Um,"

Shen Wuzheng nodded and said calmly, "I originally came back to see you, but I received this news on the way, so I turned back."

"..."

“I couldn’t just stand by and watch my parents suffer. If things weren’t right here, I would naturally take them away. But after arriving, I found that their situation was different from what I had imagined, so I didn’t take action. Instead, I came in to discuss the next steps with them.”

"..."

"Given the current situation, I should make other plans."

"oh……"

Shang Ruyi nodded slightly.

Actually, after hearing what the official said, she had changed her mind. She had only come to rescue her uncle and aunt because she was worried about them suffering, but now that the officials were treating them so well, there was no need to take action. Moreover, they said that the people from Lingnan also planned to do the same.

If someone is really looking after him, then Shen Shiyan will be much safer in Lingnan than in the imperial court, despite the harsh environment.

Compared to Shen Wuzheng's composure, I was indeed too reckless. If it weren't for Yuwen Ye's words, I'm afraid I would have already made a terrible mistake.

Huh? Where's Yuwen Ye?

She then came to her senses, and at this moment, Shen Wuzheng frowned slightly and said, "By the way, Ruyi, did you come alone?"

No sooner had he finished speaking than footsteps sounded outside the door.

Everyone hurriedly looked up and saw a tall figure slowly walking into the post station in the deep darkness outside the gate.

It was Yuwen Ye!

He left everyone outside and entered the post station alone, but he could still see figures moving outside the courtyard wall, and the neighing of warhorses carried far on the wind.

Upon seeing him, Shen Wuzheng's gaze slowly hardened.

However, he didn't speak. Instead, Shen Shiyan, who was standing to the side, said, "Young Master Yuwen, what brings you here? Did you come with Ruyi?"

Yuwen Ye walked in step by step. Although his face was expressionless, when he reached Shen Shiyan, he still respectfully raised his hand and bowed, saying, "Uncle Shen, I am late. Please forgive me."

"You're all so foolish!"

Knowing that he had come with Shang Ruyi, Shen Shiyan was so angry that he pounded his chest and stamped his feet: "What if I implicate the Duke again? Wouldn't that be my fault?"

Yuwen Ye said, "Uncle, please don't say that."

Shen Shiyan repeatedly said, "Foolish! Foolish!"

At this moment, Shen Wuzheng walked to his side and calmly said, "Father, what we are doing is the same as you and Lord Pei going together to persuade the Emperor to stop the conquest of Liaodong. It is right to do what you know is impossible, and it is also right to protect yourself and your family. It's just that everyone makes different choices, and there is no right or wrong."

"..."

"Father, please stop blaming others."

His words were calm and measured, leaving no room for reproach, even for elders.

Even more so, the authoritative tone in his words made Shen Shiyan, the father, hesitate for a moment. After looking at his son for a while, he turned to Yu Shi and said, "It's all your fault!"

Yu said, "This is also my fault!"

The couple huddled together and started arguing.

Only then did Shen Wuzheng turn to face Yuwen Ye.

Yuwen Ye also looked at him.

Their eyes met silently, one firm and the other gentle, yet a strange atmosphere seemed to spread through this drab and simple inn.

After a long pause, Shen Wuzheng spoke first: "Young Master Yuwen, you've had a long day."

Yuwen Ye bowed to him and said, "Brother, I am very grateful."

It was unclear whether his address of "elder brother" referred to his age or his brother-in-law, but Shen Wuzheng's brow furrowed slightly. He glanced at Shang Ruyi beside him before saying, "I was unaware of your marriage to Ruyi beforehand."

Yuwen Ye said, "The marriage was arranged by our parents and the matchmaker; all the proper etiquette has been fulfilled."

Shang Ruyi looked at her elder brother, then at her husband, and couldn't help but frown.

Whether it was her imagination or not, both of them were expressionless and spoke in a very calm tone, but every word they uttered was sharp and menacing, giving the impression that swords were flashing before her eyes.

She instinctively said, "Brother—"

Upon hearing her call his name, Shen Wuzheng's gaze softened immediately, and he turned to look at her: "Hmm?"

Although she called out to him, Shang Ruyi didn't know what to say.

While they were hesitating, the Shen couple and several postmasters discussed the matter for a while and then stepped forward and said, "Let's leave it at that for today. It's already late at night, so you can rest here for now. We'll be on our way when it gets light, so you should leave as soon as possible."

As he spoke, Shen Shiyan specifically instructed Yuwen Ye: "Given the current situation of the Duke of Sheng in the court, Young Master Yuwen, you must be even more careful. Once you return to Luoyang, everything will be under his watchful eye. You must not act rashly as you did today."

Yuwen Ye calmly said, "Thank you for your guidance, Uncle Shen."

Shang Ruyi, who was standing to the side, broke out in a cold sweat.

In truth, it was she who was reckless, and it was she who used those exchange conditions to force Yuwen Ye to come with her. But Shen Shiyan was unaware of this and only kept nagging at Yuwen Ye, and luckily he accepted it all.

So the people at the inn immediately arranged rooms upstairs, and everyone went to rest without complaining.

Before going upstairs, Yuwen Ye instructed Mu Xian and the others to keep watch around the post station and report any disturbances immediately.

Shang Ruyi helped the Shen couple upstairs to their room, where they talked for a while before going to the room the postmaster had arranged for them.

Pushing open the door, one sees a tiny room, sparsely furnished, with only a candlestick on a low table in the center and a dilapidated bed against the wall, its red paint peeling off completely, though thankfully the blanket on it looks clean.

Shang Ruyi stood in the center of the room, staring blankly at the space.

So much happened today, and everything caught her off guard.

Just as she was still somewhat bewildered, the half-closed door behind her creaked open, and she hurriedly turned around to see Yuwen Ye walk in.

The moment they met, they both instinctively spoke.

"you--"

"you--"

They started to speak, then stopped again.

Yuwen Ye looked at her: "What do you want to say?"

Shang Ruyi wanted to thank him, but felt it would be too sentimental to say so at this time, so she could only stammer, "Are you... going to rest?"

"..."

Yuwen Ye didn't speak, but just looked at her with a strange expression.

The next moment, Shang Ruyi suddenly understood.

There's only one bed in this room. If she lets him rest, wouldn't that be—

Shang Ruyi's face immediately turned red, and she stammered, "I, I didn't mean that."