Chapter 69 His grand undertaking will also be more difficult
Hearing these words, Shang Ruyi breathed a sigh of relief.
In fact, this matter had been a heavy weight on her heart since the day she got married. She had been gambling on whether her decision to back down was the right one. Now, seeing Guan Yunmu's performance, she realized that she had made the right bet.
Aunt Hui, Han Yuhui, was left behind by the late Madam Dong. Why did she remain in the mansion to manage the household even after Madam Dong's death? It wasn't simply because she raised the eldest son and had experience in managing household affairs.
More importantly, the Dong family, like the Duke of Sheng, originated from the Dingchuan military town.
Allowing Han Yuhui to remain in the Yuwen family to manage affairs may seem like a minor position, but in reality, it is a symbol of the alliance between the Yuwen and Dong families.
This sign must not be touched.
This line absolutely must not be broken.
I heard that Yuwen Yuan was almost executed by the emperor. The one who pleaded for his life was Duke Shenwu, Dong Bizheng, who was also the brother of the late Lady Dong. So, it's not that Shang Ruyi can't take over the power of stewardship, but that she can't take it away from the person authorized by the Dong family. Doing so would affect the relationship between the Yuwen family and the Dong family.
Of course, this also had an indirect impact on Guan Yunmu.
As the Duchess of the State, she was unable to manage the household, and the presence of a confidante of a deceased lady constantly loitering around her was clearly very uncomfortable for her.
If she were a shallow person, easily agitated and resentful when treated coldly, then Shang Ruyi's gamble would unintentionally worsen their mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationship—in fact, Guan Yunmu had indeed been very cold to her for the past month or so.
But Shang Ruyi was betting not only on the relationship between the Yuwen and Dong families, but also on the fact that her mother-in-law was not a shallow person.
In hindsight, she made the right bet.
Guan Yunmu was clearly aware of the complex interests involved. She did not only feel indignant for herself, but also considered her husband's situation and the future of the entire Yuwen family.
Just like she just said—no one in this world is immune to grievances.
Meeting Shangguan Yunmu's smiling gaze, Shang Ruyi simply said softly, "Mother is too kind."
Guan Yunmu shook his head and said, "It's not easy for you to think of this. You're right, domestic unrest is a minor matter. Now the Duke is deeply distrusted by His Majesty. If no one in the court supports him, his situation will be even more difficult."
"..."
"His great cause will also be more difficult."
Shang Ruyi looked up at her—Daye?
Whether Guan Yunmu realized she had said too many words or was simply out of breath, she clutched her chest and coughed. Shang Ruyi quickly got up and went to her side, gently rubbing her back to help her catch her breath.
It took Guan Yunmu a while to calm down.
She smiled and waved her hand, gesturing for Shang Ruyi to sit down, and Shang Ruyi sat back down.
He remained seated with a half-hearted air, yet sat upright and solemnly.
Guan Yunmu said, "There's one more thing I want to ask you."
Shang Ruyi said, "Mother, please ask."
"Why didn't you just refuse the housekeeper's offer directly, instead of using injury as an excuse?"
At this point, Guan Yunmu sighed, "That time you got injured, you did it on purpose, didn't you?"
Shang Ruyi nodded and said softly, "If you refuse because you're sick, you'll still have a chance to try again once you recover; but if you refuse outright, it will be harder to get it later."
"..."
"Just because I can't have this power of stewardship now doesn't mean I'll never want it."
"...!"
A look of surprise appeared on Guan Yunmu's face.
"you--"
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