Chapter 1096 Unfinished Business
When the soldier took her away, Shang Ruyi thought she would be taken to the same tent as Lüxiao, but to her surprise, she was given a separate tent. Although the furnishings inside were simple, they were complete with all the necessities for daily life. It was not like what a prisoner should be guarded.
She didn't ask any more questions. Who would want to be mistreated if they could live a good life? So she went in to rest for a while. Soon after, someone came to inform her that the hot water for bathing was ready. She then went in and took a bath. When she came out of the tub after washing herself, she saw a set of clean clothes on a low stool next to her. On top of the neatly folded clothes, there was a pair of earrings.
Just like when we were in Xingluo Granary City.
Shang Ruyi looked down at the earrings that shimmered slightly even in the dim light, and her brows furrowed.
If there were any doubts, confusions, or suspicions before, after experiencing so much, especially love and being loved, she could finally be certain—Xiao Yuansui had feelings for her.
If she were to pinpoint the origin of everything, she guessed it was probably because when they encountered Xiao Yuansui on their way from Taiyuan to Luoyang, she had given him a bag of dry rations and said "please" during their conversation. She still remembered some of the light in Xiao Yuansui's eyes at that time.
Actually, at the time, I was just being polite on instinct. Moreover, as a young lady from a prestigious family, being kind to others was almost an instinct for girls like her, and she would not easily bully or abuse others. But now that I think about it, Xiao Yuansui was like a stray dog wandering the world, and he must have encountered a lot of contempt and betrayal. At that time, he would probably remember those who showed him a little respect.
That's why they've always been so polite to me, and they didn't harm me in the slightest, even when we were in Xingluocang.
Shang Ruyi just didn't quite understand why this person's expression was a pair of earrings.
Although these women's ornaments were worn close to the body, they were far from being intimate enough to express their feelings.
Shang Ruyi couldn't quite understand it, and she didn't really want to think about it. After all, apart from the time they met halfway through their journey and were able to maintain a peaceful relationship, Xiao Yuansui had always been an enemy to her. His feelings for her might be able to save her life in this situation and make her life in the enemy camp less difficult, but ultimately they were a burden. If word got out, they might become a tool for others to slander her.
She had already suffered enough from being framed and targeted by Sun Xianyue.
Thinking of this, Shang Ruyi calmly put the earrings aside, dressed herself, and walked out of the tent. The two soldiers guarding outside glanced at her and immediately said, "Please go and rest, Your Highness. Dinner has been prepared for you."
Shang Ruyi nodded.
She knew, of course, that she was just a prisoner, and no matter how polite Xiao Yuansui was to her, he would never grant her freedom. So she followed the two men, and after taking a few steps, she suddenly remembered something and asked, "By the way, where is Woxue? She is my maid."
"She was imprisoned in a prisoner-of-war camp."
"Does she...do she have anything to eat?"
"Your Highness can rest assured. General Shi personally instructed that someone be sent to her separately to ensure she is well taken care of."
Shang Ruyi breathed a sigh of relief and then asked, "Where is that Green Silk Girl?"
The two soldiers exchanged a glance and pointed to a small tent nearby: "She's over there."
The tent wasn't far from her lodgings. Although Xiao Yuansui wouldn't let her leave, she could come here to check on Lüxiao later. However, she had just finished bathing and felt a bit weak, so she wanted to go back and eat something first. Therefore, she only glanced at the tent before following the two soldiers back to her own tent.
As soon as you walk in, you can smell the aroma of food.
On the low table was a bowl of rice and several small dishes. Although they were not delicacies, they were a rare treat for her, who had been on the march and fighting for days and could only eat dry biscuits with cold water for every meal. So Shang Ruyi immediately sat down and began to eat heartily.
Before she knew it, she had eaten half a bowl of rice and devoured all the side dishes.
After catching her breath, Shang Ruyi blushed a little. If word got out that a princess had such a large appetite, people would laugh at her and think she was too vulgar. But at this point, she had to eat and drink her fill. What if she had a chance to escape but became weak and timid because of hunger? Wouldn't that be cutting off her own path?
So she became self-righteous again and had someone come in to clear away the dishes.
After eating, people inevitably feel sleepy, and Shang Ruyi was no exception. She yawned twice and lay down on the bed to take a nap.
Strangely, despite feeling tired, she couldn't fall asleep as soon as she lay down. Her mind was a jumble of thoughts, and even her heart started pounding. It was as if there was something unfinished waiting for her to do, or as if some hidden unease was reminding her through her heartbeat.
What's wrong……?
Shang Ruyi slowly sat up, reflecting on what had happened that day.
If there's anything to be uneasy about, it's that she's now a prisoner, a pawn in Xiao Yuansui's hands against Hulao Pass and Yuwen Ye. Naturally, she should be uneasy. But she's also at ease. As the Princess Consort of Qin, she has done her best in Huyang Valley and has nothing to be ashamed of. Since she has done what she should do, the rest should be left to Yuwen Ye. She knows that she can rely on him, and can only rely on him.
If you can even understand this, then what is there to be uneasy about?
Just then, a face filled with anticipation, yet gradually swallowed by darkness, flashed through her mind...
Green silk?
Thinking of her, Shang Ruyi's heart skipped a beat, and she felt a jolt.
How is she now?
Did Xiao Yuansui heed his words? Would he show any compassion to this woman who had endured so much hardship but always kept him in her heart?
For some reason, thinking about Xiao Yuansui's calm and somewhat indifferent expression after hearing what she had just said, some answers seemed to be on the verge of being revealed.
Thinking about this, Shang Ruyi couldn't sit still any longer. She got up and walked around the small tent a couple of times, feeling increasingly stifled. So she simply lifted the tent flap and went outside. As soon as she stepped out, the two soldiers guarding her outside immediately asked, "Your Highness, is there something you need?"
Shang Ruyi said, "I... I want to see Miss Lüxiao."
The two soldiers looked troubled.
Shang Ruyi immediately said, "I know you're here to watch me, but I'm not running away—this is your camp, where can I run to? I'm just going to see her. She came with me. It won't be a problem for the two of us women to talk."
"..."
"If you two are worried, you might as well come with me."
"..."
"Thank you both for your help."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com