Chapter 189 Who should avoid the topic, and who should mind?

From the moment she first met Empress Jiang in Yanmen County, she had been worried about the Empress's attitude towards Yuwen Ye and Princess Xinyue's relationship, and what she would think of her. Judging from her words and attitude at the time, the Empress did not seem to harbor much hostility towards her for ruining her daughter's marriage.

At the same time, she did not seem to object to her daughter continuing her relationship with Yuwen Ye, who was already married.

That's very strange.

Yuwen Ye is already married. Given Chu Ruoyan's status as a princess, not to mention avoiding suspicion, even if the two of them continue their relationship, it will be very awkward, and Chu Ruoyan will be even more awkward.

Even a three-year-old knows that a princess can never become someone's concubine.

Are they trying to harm themselves?

The thought had barely surfaced when Shang Ruyi suppressed it. It wasn't that the thought was superfluous, but rather that the approach was unnecessary. If the Empress were truly willing to eliminate Yuwen Ye's legal wife to pave the way for her daughter's relationship, she could have used such drastic measures six months ago, before their marriage, instead of putting Princess Xinyue in this awkward situation.

Therefore, Shang Ruyi could never understand what she was doing now.

Just as countless thoughts were swirling in Shang Ruyi's mind, Empress Jiang seemed to be reminiscing about something and said softly, "Speaking of which, I should visit the Duchess of the State after her passing, but unfortunately, there are too many things to do in the palace since I returned from the Northern Frontier, and I can't find the time to go."

Shang Ruyi quickly comforted her, "Your Majesty is so kind; my mother-in-law will be grateful."

Empress Jiang smiled and nodded.

Chu Ruoyan, who was standing to the side, blinked her big eyes and said softly, "Mother, you can invite Second Brother and the others to the palace to meet next time."

Upon hearing this, Empress Jiang immediately shook her head, gave her a reproachful look, and said, "Do you think it's still like when he was a child, that you can let him into the palace anytime you want?"

Shang Ruyi was taken aback upon hearing this: "Second—he, he often visited the palace when he was a child?"

Chu Ruoyan immediately chimed in, "Yes, my second brother often came to the palace to play with me when we were little, even in Daxing City. Father Emperor even left someone to take care of him."

As they were talking, Chu Chengfei's laughter could be heard from outside. He was running around, causing several palace maids and eunuchs to chase after him. Everyone was busy and sweating profusely, but he was having a great time.

Looking at this scene, a hint of nostalgia appeared in Empress Jiang's gentle eyes. She smiled and said, "Fengchen was a naughty child when he was young, just like Fei'er. He was always running around in the palace, and even the older eunuchs couldn't keep up with him. It's thanks to him that Ruoyan wasn't so lonely."

Upon hearing this, Shang Ruyi couldn't help but look outside as well.

Was Yuwen Ye, who was cold and indifferent, rarely smiled at her, and who could shoot and wound the Turkic Khan in the midst of a vast army and defeat an army of 100,000, really like this when he was a child?

What kind of experiences turned him into who he is today?

No one told her the answer, only Empress Jiang sighed and said, "But later, as they grew older, they could no longer be like they were when they were young—he hasn't been to the palace for many years."

"..."

Shang Ruyi was momentarily stunned.

That was something she didn't know.

No wonder Yuwen Ye and the princess had such a good relationship; they grew up together as childhood sweethearts. The emperor and empress probably knew his character and conduct well, which is why they arranged their marriage. It's just a pity that she—

Just as she felt a pang of guilt, another thought immediately overwhelmed her.

Why did Empress Jiang say these things to me?

Could it be that she really doesn't mind her daughter continuing her relationship with the already married Yuwen Ye, and expects her to accept all of this?

Shang Ruyi gently shook her head, feeling that she was being a bit petty. But if not, she really couldn't explain what other thoughts the dignified Empress might have had when she said these words to her.

Although her mind was in turmoil, she didn't show it on her face, and simply chatted and laughed with the Empress and the Princess.

Gradually, time passed.

When she looked outside again, it had already darkened. Empress Jiang and Princess Xinyue had chatted with her for so long, but it turned out that they had only talked about trivial matters, and even mentioned how delicious the palace snacks were. It seemed that the Empress had only summoned her to the palace to talk, and there was no other deeper meaning behind it.

So Shang Ruyi stood up and said, "I have troubled Your Highness and the Princess for so long, it is time for Ruyi to go back."

Empress Jiang said, "Come to the palace when you're free and have a chat with me."

"yes."

"Ruoyan, see Lady Yuwen off on my behalf."

Shang Ruyi was about to refuse, but Chu Ruoyan had already gotten up and walked to her side, as if she had something to say to her. After thinking for a moment, she apologized and walked out with Chu Ruoyan.

Just as they reached the outside of the main hall, they heard the princess say softly, "Madam, I have something I would like to ask you to pass on to my second brother."

"..."

Shang Ruyi couldn't help but smile bitterly to herself.

This princess, it's hard to tell whether she's naive or frank, or perhaps she's truly naive to the point of being frank.

She smiled and turned around, saying, "Your Highness, please feel free to ask for anything you need."

Two young palace maids were standing outside the main hall, obviously having just come with the princess. Chu Ruoyan waved her hand, and one of them immediately brought over a small brocade box. Chu Ruoyan handed the box to Shang Ruyi and said softly, "Please pass this on to Madam."

"This is--"

"These are the medicinal prescriptions I've searched for from all over the world."

"prescription?!"

If it were anything else, even a token of love between two people, Shang Ruyi would have calmly accepted it and handed it over without saying a word. But the words "prescription" startled her.

Yuwen Ye actually asked the princess for a prescription. Could it be that he is ill?

Shang Ruyi hurriedly said, "Your Highness, Second—Yuwen, Fengchen, what happened to him?"

Seeing that she was somewhat incoherent, seemingly deliberately avoiding using the same form of address as her, Chu Ruoyan pursed her rosy lips and said softly, "Madam, I know you've always called him Second Brother, you don't have to be so reserved. I... I don't mind..."

"..."

These words startled Shang Ruyi for a moment.

To be honest, she should be the one who minds, but she avoids the topic, while the princess doesn't mind. It's really hard to tell who should be avoiding the topic and who should be minding.

How could it be so chaotic?

Shang Ruyi gave a wry smile and said softly, "Thank you, Your Highness. So, what is this prescription for him? Does my second brother have any ailments? Why don't I know about it?"

Chu Ruoyan waved her hand and said, "Madam, there's no need to worry. It's not a serious illness."

"That is—"

"It's his old problem, leg cramps."