Chapter 186 Anticipation?
The answer seems obvious.
Before Shang Ruyi could even answer, she heard Yuwen Ye beside her let out a soft hum, as if he already knew her answer and wouldn't be surprised at all.
What she wanted to be was not Yuwen Ye's wife, but the daughter-in-law of the Duke of Sheng.
However, Shang Ruyi did not answer immediately.
After a moment of contemplation, she raised her head and said softly, "Father, I think it's best to stay in Luoyang for now."
Upon hearing this, others might be able to understand, but Yuwen Ye immediately turned to look at her, his face revealing a rare and clear emotion—disbelief. He was clearly completely taken aback by her choice.
Sensing his gaze, Shang Ruyi looked up at him, then immediately lowered her head again.
Yuwen Ye seemed to realize that he had been too emotional at this moment, and quickly looked away. Yuwen Yuan, who was sitting above, took in everything and a smile appeared at the corner of his eye. He said, "Very well, since this is your own decision, then your father will not say anything more. However, to ensure your safety, your father will leave you two hundred men."
Shang Ruyi was taken aback and looked at Yuwen Yuan with some surprise.
He gave himself two hundred men?
Does this mean he's being asked to lead the troops?
Although she always considered herself a descendant of General Shang Ruohong, and often liked to discuss military matters with Yuwen Ye, and even advised the emperor during the crisis in Yanmen County, all of this was just "talking about war." She had never actually led troops. And now, Yuwen Yuan actually gave her two hundred men in one go.
Shang Ruyi was immediately surprised: "Father, what is this—"
Yuwen Yuan said, "Don't overthink it. I just feel uneasy leaving you alone in Luoyang now that I'm gone and Ye'er is going to war again. These days—"
He paused for a moment, as if a thousand words were about to be said, but they were all drowned out by his long sigh.
At this moment, Shang Ruyi seemed to recall the last words Lei Yu said to her when he left.
"In such chaotic times, the few soldiers we have are what we rely on for survival."
Unexpectedly, the moment she finished speaking, her words came true in Yuwen Yuan's hands. This made Shang Ruyi somewhat admire Lei Yu. But upon further reflection, she realized that this was not due to Lei Yu's shrewdness, but rather the way things were in the world. Only those with troops truly held a chance of survival.
She immediately said, "Thank you, Father."
Yuwen Yuan nodded and then said, "Since you're staying in Luoyang as well, I'll leave Cheng'er's affairs to you. As her sister-in-law, please take good care of her."
Shang Ruyi hurriedly said, "Father, what are you saying? We are all family, this is what Ruyi should do."
Thus, this important matter was settled.
They chatted for a few more minutes, and as it grew late, they went back to their rooms. Just like when they came, Yuwen Ye walked in front, while Shang Ruyi followed behind him, her mind heavy with worry. She was reflecting on her choice and felt a little confused. She had made the choice, but was it right or wrong, and what kind of fate would it bring her? Who could know?
She was more afraid of the unknown future than anyone else.
Just as her mind was in a complete mess, they had already walked back to the door. However, Yuwen Ye put his hand on the door but did not push it open immediately. Instead, he stood still at the door. Shang Ruyi was still walking forward in a daze when she bumped into his back.
"Ouch!"
She gasped softly, touched her forehead, and looked up to see Yuwen Ye turning back to look at her.
She was about to apologize instinctively, but when she met Yuwen Ye's gaze, her heart skipped a beat—his gaze was completely different from the cold and harsh look he had given her when he first returned, as if he wanted to devour her.
It seemed to have softened a bit.
What's wrong with him now? It seems like his mood has improved after visiting a housewarming party?
Shang Ruyi asked, "What's wrong?"
Yuwen Ye looked at her for a while but didn't say anything. He pushed open the door and went in. Shang Ruyi was puzzled but could only follow him into the room. Once inside, she found that there was already someone in the room, who was Chang Wan, who had just started serving them that day.
She was making the bed for the two of them, tidying up the pillows and blankets, and then lowering half of the curtain.
Hearing footsteps behind her, she quickly turned around and bowed to them: "Young master, young mistress."
"..."
For some reason, upon seeing her, Yuwen Ye's slightly relieved expression immediately darkened again, and he coldly said, "Get out!"
The almost stern voice startled Chang Wan, causing her face to turn pale and a look of grievance to appear on her beautiful face.
It wasn't until this moment that Shang Ruyi finally came to her senses—Yuwen Ye's previous displeasure seemed to be because of Chang Wan. Could it be that he didn't want her to take Chang Wan into his room?
Upon further reflection, she began to understand.
Perhaps he didn't want Princess Xinyue to know, because that would only cause her more pain and torment, as she was already suffering from the pain of lovers who could not be together.
Thinking about it this way, I understood why he had been looking at me with such a gloomy expression.
However, Shang Ruyi also had her own plans. Changwan was prepared for him by Guan Yunmu, which meant that it was Guan Yunmu's last wish as a mother. If they could not comply, she would be worried and unable to let go. Moreover, Changwan had never been taken as a concubine, but her identity was probably well known to everyone in the household. If she was really neglected, her future situation would only become more difficult.
This time, the fact that the theft of the Yue kiln cup directly came to her is quite telling.
In truth, she was a pitiful person.
So, Shang Ruyi became even more gentle and kind towards Chang Wan, saying softly, "We need to rest now, you can go down first."
Chang Wan bowed, lowered her head, and hurriedly left.
Once the door closed, Shang Ruyi sighed softly, intending to tell him more about her arrangements for Chang Wan. But as soon as she turned around, she saw Yuwen Ye sit down at the table, lifting his robe, and ask, "You, are you really going to stay in Luoyang?"
His words didn't reveal any emotion whatsoever.
Shang Ruyi then walked over and sat down opposite him, saying softly, "Mm."
Yuwen Ye frowned slightly as he looked at her: "I'm going to war and won't be back for a while. Are you sure you'll be alright staying in Luoyang alone?"
Shang Ruyi said, "Isn't there also my third brother?"
Yuwen Ye snorted coldly: "What use is he?"
Shang Ruyi laughed and said, "He's no good, but as his second sister-in-law, I have to keep an eye on him. I know he's not very sensible, and he's been going to school sporadically these days. Someone has to keep an eye on him. If we all leave, he'll be like a wild horse."
"..."
Yuwen Ye didn't speak immediately, but glanced at her.
After a long pause, he said, "You certainly know how to raise children."
Shang Ruyi was taken aback, wondering why these words sounded somewhat...
Just as she was still somewhat stunned, Yuwen Ye looked at her again and said, "So, you stayed because of him?"
"Ah, no—"
Because she hadn't come to her senses, Shang Ruyi blurted out the words subconsciously, then immediately shut her mouth again—although she certainly wouldn't change her course for a younger brother-in-law she had only known for a few months, who was arrogant and spoiled and completely unlovable, it couldn't be said that Yuwen Cheng was completely out of her considerations. After all, he was her younger brother-in-law and a possible future support for the Yuwen family.
But she couldn't say it directly. After hesitating for a moment, she said softly, "It's not entirely for my third brother, but as his sister-in-law, I really can't just ignore him."
Yuwen Ye stared intently at her: "Then, for whom?"
Shang Ruyi pursed her lips.
Actually, it was her uncle and aunt who truly decided that she should stay.
Now that the emperor has pardoned Shen Shiyan and the pardon has been sent to Lingnan, it may not be long before the Shen couple can return to Luoyang. However, it is uncertain whether they will be able to regain their original positions. Moreover, their positions in Luoyang and even in the court will be of great importance.
Shang Ruyi couldn't bear to leave them behind and go to Shanxi alone.
But she couldn't say those words outright.
Seeing that she seemed too shy to speak, Yuwen Ye's eyes flickered for a moment before he suddenly said, "Alright, if you don't want to say it, then don't."
Shang Ruyi looked up at him.
Yuwen Ye turned his head away to avoid her gaze, and he no longer seemed to have the murderous aura he had when he first returned. Shang Ruyi felt even more puzzled and couldn't help but ask, "By the way, I heard from Lei Yu that you were supposed to go to the Ministry of War to muster troops and to the Ministry of Revenue to allocate grain today. Did it go smoothly?"
Although Yuwen Ye turned his head away, he still glanced at her again.
He coughed lightly and said, "It went fairly smoothly."
"That's good."
Shang Ruyi nodded with a sigh of relief, but she was also increasingly puzzled. If everything went smoothly, then why did he look so gloomy when he came back? Who had offended him?
Could it be—
Just as her mind was racing with random thoughts, Yuwen Ye suddenly coughed twice and said, "I'm a little thirsty."
"...?"
Shang Ruyi frowned as she looked at him.
Strange, it calls itself when it's thirsty? Aren't there people serving it?
This person is far too lazy.
But thinking that he would be going to war the day after tomorrow, and that he would probably not be able to enjoy the leisurely life at home where he could be waited on hand and foot, she went to the door to give Tushe'er a few instructions. When she came back and sat down, she noticed that Yuwen Ye's eyes were brighter than before, and the way he looked at her seemed to have a hint of expectation.
look forward to?
As soon as those two words crossed her mind, Shang Ruyi herself found them amusing.
It's just that I'm thirsty and want some tea, why is it that I'm looking forward to it like this?
A moment later, Tusheer pushed open the door and brought in two cups of freshly brewed tea. Because they were freshly brewed, they were steaming hot, and the aroma wafted out through the lids, filling the entire room with the fragrance of tea.
But as soon as the cup was placed in front of Yuwen Ye, his face immediately darkened.
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