Chapter 181 A single word can stir up a storm
These heavy words, like a cold, heavy stone, suddenly pressed down on Shang Ruyi's heart.
She was almost certain that Wang Shaoji was seeking revenge and had deliberately told Yuwen Yuan about what happened in Yanmen City, perhaps even embellishing the story, just to see her, or rather, to see the Duke's mansion make a scene. Yuwen Yuan didn't directly ask about that incident, but instead inquired about Shen Shiyan's pardon. Firstly, he wanted to save face for himself, and secondly, he didn't want the Duke's mansion to actually be embroiled in a scandal.
Or perhaps, he still left some room for maneuver with his daughter-in-law.
At this moment, her answer is of utmost importance; otherwise, if she were to completely disappoint him, her status as the daughter-in-law of the Duke, and even her future path, would collapse overnight.
Thinking of this, Shang Ruyi's breathing became tense. After thinking it over, she finally mustered up the courage to speak.
"I--"
Before she could finish speaking, she heard Yuwen Ye calmly say, "Father, why didn't you ask me about this just now?"
Yuwen Yuan frowned and looked at him: "You?"
Yuwen Ye said, "Speaking of which, it was my fault in this matter. This time, when I accompanied His Majesty on the northern tour, I was careless and parted ways with Ruyi. I will arrive several days later than them. While we were still on the road, Ashina Shali had already besieged Yanmen City for quite some time."
"..."
"Ruyi was injured because she was shot by Ashina Shali's whistling arrow."
"What?"
Yuwen Yuan was shocked: "You only said she was injured before, and I thought she was like others, injured by Turkic soldiers while fleeing. How could she have been injured by Ashina Shali's whistling arrow?!"
As he spoke, he turned to look at Shang Ruyi: "Why didn't you say anything, child?"
His concern was evident in his words.
Shang Ruyi was also somewhat surprised. It turned out that he had never known about this matter. Now it seemed that Yuwen Ye had intentionally left things unsaid, so that Yuwen Yuan would feel more sorry for her now that he knew that he had been shot by the Mingdi.
Then explaining many things becomes much easier.
Shang Ruyi couldn't help but lower her head and steal a glance at Yuwen Ye—he seemed to be helping her.
Yuwen Ye continued, "I didn't tell you before because I was afraid you would worry, but now she's fine. However, Ruyi was seriously injured at the time, and the gates of Yanmen City were about to fall. The soldiers had no fighting spirit, so she boldly advised His Majesty to stop the campaign against Liaodong. This greatly boosted the morale of the army, and we were able to defend Yanmen City. His Majesty was so kind as to personally escort her back to recuperate."
"..."
"Afterwards, I rushed there and defeated Ashina Shali's army, thus lifting the siege of Yanmen. Speaking of which, Wang Shaoji has always resented us because of the fact that our credit was stolen."
As he said these words, Shang Ruyi looked at him and sighed softly in her heart.
This person... is so good with words.
He was usually quiet and aloof, but unexpectedly, he could stir up trouble and even distort the truth with just a few words. Although the matter was the same, he rearranged the order and added or subtracted some words, making the matter seem perfectly reasonable.
This further reveals Wang Shaoji's sinister intentions.
Yuwen Ye continued, "It was because she had rendered meritorious service in protecting the emperor that His Majesty rewarded her and pardoned Uncle Shen."
"..."
"However, if her son had been by her side at that time, she wouldn't have had to take such risks."
There seemed to be some guilt in his words.
Shang Ruyi's heart, which had been tense, softened unconsciously at this moment. She glanced at him subconsciously and saw that Yuwen Ye was also looking at her with a gentle gaze. When they met eyes, both of them trembled at the same time.
Shang Ruyi suddenly felt a numbness in her chest.
Yuwen Ye had already lowered his eyelids slightly.
Seeing this, Shang Ruyi secretly reached out and pinched herself hard—she needed to bring herself back to her senses.
Yuwen Ye has always been like this. He is very clear-headed in front of outsiders about what a husband should be like, but he has never been confused about who is truly important to him.
And I shouldn't let his gentle facade fool me anymore!
Yuwen Yuan looked at his beautiful wife and son, and after a long while, the gloom on his face disappeared, and he revealed a kind smile, saying, "So that's how it is. No wonder Your Majesty—Ruyi, you've been wronged. I couldn't help you with your uncle's matter either."
Shang Ruyi hurriedly said, "Father, how can I accept such words?"
After she finished speaking, she breathed a sigh of relief.
It seems we've passed this hurdle for now.
Then he asked, "Did Father call Ruyi over just for this matter?"
Yuwen Yuan waved his hand, gesturing for her to sit down. Shang Ruyi then sat down next to Yuwen Ye, and heard him say, "I called you here to discuss something with you. There are only two people serving you and Ye'er in your room right now. I heard that the younger one was only recently bought and doesn't know any better. I'm thinking of giving you one more person to use. Would you be willing?"
Upon hearing this, Shang Ruyi's eyes lit up.
She could almost guess who Yuwen Yuan was going to give it to.
In fact, even if Yuwen Yuan hadn't asked, she would have had to find a time to ask her father-in-law about it. After Guan Yunmu's death, although she didn't have many people around her, how to deal with them was still a problem. Some maids and servants could either be sent to various places in the garden or be sent away with some money, but some people were not so easy to deal with.
So she smiled and said, "I'll do whatever Father decides."
Yuwen Yuan waved his hand: "I can't arrange everything. You should choose the people yourself."
"select?"
Shang Ruyi was stunned for a moment.
Yuwen Ye, who had been sitting silently to the side, frowned slightly: "Father is right—"
Yuwen Yuan said, "One is Jin Yun, who served your mother, and the other is Chang Wan, who also served your mother."
"..."
"They've both been in the household for quite some time now, and we know them well. One is mature and steady, the other is young and clever; both are useful people. It's just a matter of which one you choose."
Suddenly, Shang Ruyi fell silent.
Actually, Yuwen Yuan could have arranged this himself, or he could have arranged it between himself and Yuwen Ye. Why did he have to call me over to select people?
At that moment, some words that Tushe'er had unintentionally said earlier began to echo in her ears—
"That Changwan has always been arrogant and haughty. I heard she even had a few years of schooling, and the madam doesn't let her do much manual labor..."
She suddenly realized something.
Seeing that Yuwen Ye beside her was frowning slightly, as if he was about to speak, she hurriedly spoke first: "Father, if possible, Ruyi would like Changwan to stay."
"..."
"..."
The entire study fell silent for a moment.
Shang Ruyi immediately felt a burning gaze fixed on her. At this moment, she didn't have time to say anything more, and only said softly, "Changwan suffered some grievances about the Yue kiln cup. It was Ruyi who didn't take care of her. Letting her stay is a kind of compensation."
Yuwen Yuan looked at her for a moment with a flicker in his eyes, and said gently, "You are indeed kind-hearted."
"..."
"Alright, that girl—it's perfect, let's put her in your room."
Upon hearing this, Shang Ruyi felt even more confident and understood that her choice was correct. However, she continued, "Ruyi has one more thing she would like to ask Father for his instructions."
Yuwen Yuan said, "What is it? Tell me."
Shang Ruyi said, "Aunt Yun—Ruyi was thinking, could we let her take charge of the tea room?"
"waiter?"
"Yes, we dealt with two people for what happened before, and the tea room is short-staffed, especially since we're missing a manager. It seems to be in a bit of a mess these past two days. Aunt Yun is an old hand in the household and is familiar with these rules, so it's much cheaper than bringing in someone else."
Yuwen Yuan looked at her for a while and said, "You've thought of everything."
"..."
"That's fine, it's good to let her go to the tea room, so that she won't have to walk around in front and bump into things."
Upon hearing this, Shang Ruyi's heart stirred.
Whether it was her imagination or not, Yuwen Yuan's words, though simple, seemed to contain something deeper. Yet, his expression was indifferent, as if he didn't care at all, which momentarily stunned her.
But she knew in her heart that although her father-in-law had made outstanding military achievements, he was by no means an ordinary soldier.
So he chuckled softly, "Thank you, Father."
After she finished speaking, the matter was considered settled. At this moment, Yuwen Ye's cold voice suddenly rang out beside her: "Father, if there is nothing else, we will take our leave."
Shang Ruyi turned around and glanced at him.
Perhaps because it was getting dark and the candlelight in the study wasn't bright enough, his expression seemed a bit somber.
Yuwen Yuan looked at him, his face darkening. He waved his hand impatiently, "You may leave. Think carefully about what I just told you. There are less than three days left."
Yuwen Ye did not respond to these words. He simply stood up, bowed to his father, and then turned to leave.
Shang Ruyi hurriedly followed him in bowing. Just as she was about to leave, she heard Yuwen Yuan call out to her from behind: "By the way, Ruyi, there is one more thing."
Shang Ruyi stopped in her tracks: "Father, what is it?"
Yuwen Ye, who was walking ahead, also stopped at the door.
Yuwen Yuan then asked, "Did you meet with the Empress during your trip to Yanmen County?"
"...?"
Shang Ruyi was taken aback.
In that moment of surprise, she seemed to feel the person next to her breathe more heavily.
I don't know why Yuwen Yuan would suddenly ask this, but I still hurriedly replied, "Yes, this time Ruyi was injured, and Her Majesty the Empress came to visit me personally and took great care of me."
"……oh."
Yuwen Yuan nodded, looking at her thoughtfully, and then said, "When the court session ended today, the eunuch from the Empress's side came to deliver a message, saying that the Empress takes a liking to you and is concerned about your illness, and that you are free to come to the palace to talk to her."
"Huh? Her Majesty wants me to enter the palace?"
Are you willing?
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