Chapter 868 Conditions
Back at Qianqiu Palace, the medicinal soup bestowed by Yuwen Yuan was delivered again.
Shang Ruyi silently finished her soup, then took a nap. When she woke up again, it was almost dusk. She asked Tushe'er to bring her the key and went to the back hall to open one of her boxes.
It was a camphor wood chest that Shen had brought with her when she got married. It was huge and could fit two or three adults in it. When she opened it, she found all the valuables and utensils that Tu She'er was very familiar with, which she had brought from the Shen family. Shang Ruyi ignored these things and picked up one of the three square sandalwood boxes that were about one foot apart in the corner.
Apart from the box itself, the contents inside are not heavy, and it is precisely because they are not heavy that they are the most valuable.
Shang Ruyi took out the key and opened the box, which was crammed full of thick silver notes that bulged out as soon as the lid was opened.
Shang Ruyi counted a few bills, thought for a moment, and then counted a few more.
Tushe'er watched from the side, her eyes reddening. Actually, at the beginning of her marriage, Shang Ruyi had managed her own money, but after the chaos in Luoyang and Shang Ruyi's unexpected abduction by Wo Xue, Tushe'er protected the belongings to Chang'an. When Shang Ruyi returned, after checking everything, she found not a single item missing, so she entrusted her with the keys and valuables. Now, watching the money flow out like water, she clicked her tongue in heartache and muttered, "Your Highness, how can this be..."
Shang Ruyi glanced at her, smiled, and said nothing.
But his expression also became somewhat somber.
Although this girl usually harbors unnecessary hostility towards others because of her excessive protection of her, this time, her displeasure is not unfounded or unreasonable. When a noblewoman like Shang Ruyi gets married, her family usually prepares a generous dowry. This wealth is her support for the rest of her life, and in some cases, it is even more reliable in old age than raising children. In order to show their family's strength and love for their daughter-in-law, or perhaps for the sake of face and dignity, the husband's family will absolutely not touch this money.
This is Shang Ruyi's private property.
So, in the years since she married into the Yuwen family, apart from some money spent on running the school a few days ago, this sum of money has almost increased. After giving birth to Yuanzi, the emperor's rewards came in a continuous stream, but it shouldn't be just the emperor's rewards; as her husband, Yuwen Ye should also give his wife some rewards.
But Yuwen Ye not only didn't give her any money, he's now trying to empty her purse, something only a spineless man from a poor family would do.
No wonder Tushe'er was so upset.
But Shang Ruyi still counted the stack of silver notes and said, "They'll be useful."
Upon hearing these four words, Tu She'er could say no more. Of course, she knew that her young mistress was not a pampered young lady who could be manipulated by others; she had her own calculations and schemes. The reason she was willing to take out her family's wealth was threefold: firstly, she had a deep relationship with Yuwen Ye; secondly, Yuwen Ye's character and abilities were worthy of her trust; and thirdly, this "use" was important, and might even be related to her own life and destiny.
Tusheer could only sigh reluctantly.
Shang Ruyi turned around and glanced at her, then laughed. After a while, she said, "Don't worry, I'm not that stupid."
"..."
"Why would I give away money if there are no conditions at all?"
Upon hearing this, Tushe'er immediately opened her eyes wide and looked at her: "What conditions did the Princess Consort propose?"
Shang Ruyi laughed and said, "You wouldn't understand even if I told you. You'll find out when the time comes. Alright, lock it up quickly so no one can see it."
"yes!"
After the money was given out, Shang Ruyi didn't ask any more questions. Yuwen Ye, on the other hand, became busy. He would often get up early in the morning to leave the palace and return late at night under the moonlight. Sometimes he would even stay overnight in the military camp.
Days passed by one after another.
The weather was getting colder and colder. Although it hadn't started snowing yet, the howling north wind already made people feel the chill of winter. Shang Ruyi waited in the north wind for battle reports from the front, or rather, for news of Shen Wuzheng, but there was still nothing.
In this weather, marching is difficult, and we don't know where they are now.
Have we reached Hulao Pass yet?
They probably haven't started fighting yet, but there are still several passes, large and small, along the way. Have they gone to war?
With these questions swirling in her mind, she didn't realize how quickly time had passed. Before she knew it, it was November. She woke up from a jumble of chaotic dreams and was surprised to find Yuwen Ye still at Qianqiu Palace. Shang Ruyi asked him in surprise, "Why didn't you go to the military camp today?"
Yuwen Ye said, "We were going to go, but Eunuch Yu just came to tell us that Father Emperor has summoned us to have a meal today."
"us?"
"And also, the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess."
Upon hearing the names of these two people, Shang Ruyi immediately became alert. She hurriedly got out of bed, dressed, and had Tu She'er help her with her washing and grooming. Once everything was ready, she came to her senses and exclaimed, "Oh, it's been a month already."
A whole month has passed since the Crown Prince's wedding.
Although it was clear that Yuwen Yuan still had reservations about Yu Mingyue, the Crown Prince's marriage had relieved him of a burden, so he secretly granted the Crown Prince a month's leave, allowing the newlyweds to enjoy a good trip and rest. Shang Ruyi, though she hadn't specifically inquired, knew that His Highness the Crown Prince had been frequently taking his Crown Princess on trips these days, and she'd heard they'd even gone to Mount Hua.
Although the two sides were already at odds, the fact that the couple was happily married had little to do with them. Besides, the fact that the two sides were at peace was already a rare thing.
But Shang Ruyi was still somewhat uneasy.
They were too calm, or rather, the two sides were too at peace.
With one of the two dukes dead and the other injured, Yuwen Qian completely gave up his cultivation and married Yu Mingyue. Shang Ruyi always thought that after the marriage, he would definitely "take action" against Yuwen Ye, even if not openly, but there should be some confrontation in the court.
But apart from getting Shen Wuzheng into the Eastern Expeditionary Force, they made no other moves.
Upon suddenly hearing that Yuwen Yuan wanted them to dine together, and that the Crown Prince and Crown Princess would also be there, Shang Ruyi's unease immediately returned. She asked nervously, "What does Father Emperor want to say?"
Yuwen Ye smiled faintly and said, "There has been no news from the east recently, and there are no major events in the court. Father Emperor should not say anything. He will just have the family sit down for a meal after my brother's wedding."
"oh."
Shang Ruyi nodded, but Yuwen Ye's expression changed, and he continued, "However, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess may not be the same."
Shang Ruyi quickly looked at him.
Yuwen Ye said, "It's been too quiet lately, and I feel like something's not right. If they suggest doing something or going somewhere, just repeat what I say."
Shang Ruyi nodded: "Okay."
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