Chapter 201 What, you don't want to see me?
Shang Ruyi's mind was in turmoil again, unsure how to respond. After thinking for a long time, she managed a weak smile and said, "He's so young, why would he have such thoughts?"
"..."
At this, Empress Jiang's expression hardened slightly.
But only for a moment, she regained her composure, turned to look at Shang Ruyi, her gaze seemingly scrutinizing, yet as gentle as ever, and said, "No matter what, he still cares more about you than anyone else. I can see that."
"...!"
Shang Ruyi's heart sank again.
Does he care about me?
This is the second time I've heard this kind of talk today.
It seems that Yuwen Ye has indeed performed very well in front of outsiders, or rather, he has always been so calm and clear-headed.
Shang Ruyi smiled faintly and didn't respond.
Empress Jiang smiled as well.
After chatting for a while, Shang Ruyi got up to take her leave. Just like last time, Empress Jiang sent several eunuchs to carry the eaves to see her off as she left the palace, and the same eunuch who had welcomed her into the palace accompanied her.
They walked very fast along the way, as if afraid of being stopped by someone.
Especially when passing through Anning Gate, Shang Ruyi even felt the eaves, which had been steady, sway slightly. Obviously, everyone had quickened their pace. She also subconsciously looked to the right of Anning Gate, at the avenue leading to Xuanwu Gate.
But this time, no one stopped them.
The road was deserted, with only the swirling snowflakes blurring her vision.
Shang Ruyi sighed softly, unsure whether the tremor in her heart at this moment was one of relief or disappointment.
Soon, they exited Xuanren Gate. The carriage that had picked her up earlier was still parked there. This time, she entered the palace alone, without Tushe'er. Even the carriage was sent by the palace. The eunuch personally helped Shang Ruyi into the carriage and then bowed, saying, "Young Madam, please proceed with caution."
Shang Ruyi said, "Thank you for your hard work, Father-in-law."
"I wouldn't dare."
The eunuch took a step back, and the carriage quickly left Xuanren Gate, speeding towards the Yuwen residence.
Shang Ruyi sat in the carriage, still holding the warm hand warmer in her hands, recalling her experience in the palace today—it seemed much more peaceful than the last time, but Empress Jiang's attitude puzzled her even more.
Why did she repeatedly summon him to the palace, wanting him to be close to her daughter?
Do they really need to be this close?
Her mind was becoming increasingly chaotic, and the sounds of noise gradually came from the street outside the carriage. Shang Ruyi didn't notice at first, but as she walked, she suddenly felt something was wrong.
On the way back to the Yuwen residence from the Ziwei Palace, there shouldn't have been such a noisy place.
Just then, the carriage stopped.
Before Shang Ruyi could make a move, she heard a familiar, smiling voice outside the carriage: "Young Madam, please get out of the carriage."
That sound—?!
She hurriedly lifted a corner of the curtain to look outside, and saw a somewhat familiar figure standing outside the carriage with a smile. It was none other than Eunuch Yu who had come to the Yuwen family last time to deliver the imperial decree for the investiture. However, he was dressed in ordinary clothes and looked like a wealthy steward.
Why is he here?
Upon seeing him, Shang Ruyi's mind went blank for a moment, but before she could think about it, Eunuch Yu stepped forward and said with a smile, "Young Master has been waiting upstairs for a long time."
"..."
Shang Ruyi stared at him in shock, then looked behind him.
The carriage stopped not at the entrance of the Yuwen Mansion, but at the entrance of Tinghe Tower, the busiest neighborhood in the Eastern Capital.
Behind Eunuch Yu were several tall and imposing men in ordinary clothes, clearly Imperial Guards in disguise—with eunuchs and Imperial Guards all here, the identity of the person upstairs was self-evident.
Shang Ruyi was speechless for a moment: "I—"
Eunuch Yu stepped forward, almost touching the window, and said with a smile, "Young Madam, since you've arrived, why don't you get out of the carriage and go upstairs for a warm drink? After all, you're already here."
"..."
Since we're already here...
These four words seemed to possess some kind of magic, pinning Shang Ruyi to this spot.
Actually, it wasn't the magic of those four words, but rather that she knew very well that behind those four words was another question—"Can you still walk?"
Today, Empress Jiang probably summoned her to the palace because she was certain that the emperor was not in the palace and that she would not be "abducted" on the way there as she had last time. However, she did not expect that after sending her out of the palace safely, she would be "abducted" again on the way outside the palace.
Indeed, there is nothing Chu Yang cannot do if he sets his mind to it.
As for himself, he was always just a puppet manipulated by the emperor and empress, and now he had no other way out.
Moreover, she remembered what Princess Crescent Moon had said about the news from the Imperial Guards regarding the commander-in-chief, and immediately made up her mind, letting out a long sigh: "Yes."
Then, they got off the carriage.
Perhaps because of the heavy snowfall, there weren't many guests at Tinghelou today, but there were still quite a few tables occupied on the first floor. However, these people weren't very noisy, especially after seeing Eunuch Yu accompany Shang Ruyi inside. They all lowered their heads to drink and eat, seemingly deliberately avoiding them.
It seems that even the guests in the building have been taken care of.
Shang Ruyi felt as if a net had been cast around her, making it almost impossible for her to breathe.
She took a deep breath to calm herself down and was led upstairs by Eunuch Yu.
It's quieter here than downstairs.
The private rooms, usually packed with distinguished guests, were almost all empty at this time. Only the largest private room by the window seemed to have a person inside, with the beaded curtain swaying and barely revealing a dashing and unrestrained figure.
Eunuch Yu led her all the way to the door, bowed, and then withdrew with a smile.
Shang Ruyi stood at the door, not going in immediately.
But from inside the curtain, a cold, desolate fragrance wafted out, as if that person's aura had already enveloped her under its control.
After a long pause, a soft laugh rang out—
"What, you don't want to see me?"
"..."
Shang Ruyi's heart sank slightly. At this moment, even if she really didn't want to see him, she had no choice but to.
With a determined effort, he reached out and lifted the curtain, slowly walking inside.
The private room was warm and cozy. Upon closer inspection, a corner against the wall was filled with braziers, making the room feel like a warm spring day. In the center of the room, a thick carpet was laid out, on which was placed a low table with an exquisite incense burner, two cups, and a pot of wine warming on a stove.
And, a letter.
Upon seeing the letter, whose sealing wax had clearly been removed but whose format was unusual, Shang Ruyi's heart sank.
Then, she slowly raised her head and looked at the other side.
A tall, elegant figure stood by the window, as graceful as a jade tree, a wine glass twirling between his fingers, seemingly enjoying the scenery while sipping his wine. His slender phoenix eyes, reflecting the amber color of the wine, shimmered and shimmered as he slowly looked at Shang Ruyi.
A relaxed smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
"You've come."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com