Chapter 1187 - 865: Devotion
"Oh."
Shang Ruyi raised her eyebrows slightly upon hearing this.
Given Lu Xiao’s personality, since she followed Shen Wuzheng back and lived alone deep within the Shen Mansion, she wouldn’t easily go out. Even if she did go out, it’s unlikely it would be to see someone off, considering she didn’t know many people in Chang An. The only one was Shen Wuzheng, and their relationship wasn’t that deep. There was only one possibility for her to go out that day to watch the army leave the city.
She knew that this military campaign was to attack Luoyang, and she might encounter someone.
Thinking of this, Shang Ruyi turned back to glance at Yu Wenye. Yu then asked, "Does the Princess wish to see her? I can immediately have someone call her out."
Shang Ruyi nodded, "Sure."
Yu immediately instructed the maid to go over, and shortly after, a graceful figure slowly entered the hall.
Though it had been several months since they last met, it was clear that her charm remained the same. Yet, Shang Ruyi was taken aback when she saw Lu Xiao because from the first meeting with this alluring beauty, who could captivate not only men but nearly women as well, her makeup had always been exquisite, and her attire extremely splendid. Her entire demeanor seemed to deliberately conform, as if ready at any moment to be loved and cherished.
This seemed to be a fate she could neither bear nor resist, one she had long grown accustomed to.
But this time as she approached, despite her graceful figure and movements as delicate as a swaying willow, she only wore a very plain, almost somber blue robe. Her face was devoid of makeup, not even a trace of powder. It was only then that Shang Ruyi noticed her sparse eyebrows, which on usual days were meticulously drawn to bring out that lively spirit. Now, though her unadorned appearance did not mar her beauty, it revealed a peculiar air of serenity.
Shang Ruyi thought to herself: So, she can be like this too.
As she approached, Yu immediately held Yuanyuan and moved to the side, turning her body slightly away. Meanwhile, Shang Ruyi watched Lu Xiao approach with a smile and offered her a salute: "Greetings to Prince Qin and Princess Qin."
Yu Wenye merely nodded without saying a word.
Shang Ruyi smiled warmly and asked, "Miss Lu Xiao, how have you been lately?"
"Good."
"Are you accustomed to living in the Shen Mansion?"
"Whether accustomed or not, as long as there’s tea and food every day, it’s fine."
Yu sat nearby, fully absorbed in playing with Little Yuanzi, never lifting her head since Lu Xiao entered, clearly reluctant to engage with her. However, Little Yuanzi, wrapped in his swaddling cloth, was quite restless, seemingly excited by the unfamiliar voices and let out a couple of cries.
Lu Xiao slightly raised her sparse eyebrows and turned to glance, exclaiming in surprise, "This is—"
Shang Ruyi was somewhat surprised. The news of her giving birth had spread throughout Chang An, yet Lu Xiao seemed unaware. It seemed even if Shen Wuzheng occasionally chatted with her, he hadn’t said much, only ensuring she wasn’t lonely for too long.
She then smiled and said, "This is my son."
"He’s... the Young Master."
"Yes."
A trace of what seemed like delight, or perhaps wistfulness, appeared on Lu Xiao’s face. She instinctively took a step towards Yu, but seeing Yu’s wary expression, she immediately stopped with a self-deprecating smile and said to Shang Ruyi, "Congratulations, Princess."
Shang Ruyi smiled, "There’s nothing much to congratulate; he’s quite a handful."
This remark was naturally just a polite phrase, for everyone knew well that the Imperial Grandson that His Majesty the Emperor of the Dasheng Dynasty awaited was of immense import. Yet, the more precious he was, the more Shang Ruyi felt the need to speak of him lightly, as if giving him a humble name would ensure his wellbeing.
Yet a hint of solitude surfaced on Lu Xiao’s face as she quietly said, "Not everyone has the fortune to be thus bothered."
Shang Ruyi paused, considering Lu Xiao’s past, and chose not to reply.
Lu Xiao also did not dwell too long in this somber mood. After a brief moment, she regained her composure and turned to face Yu Wenye and Shang Ruyi, saying, "I heard His Majesty the Emperor plans to attack the Eastern Capital?"
Shang Ruyi and Yu Wenye exchanged a glance before answering, "Yes."
Lu Xiao nodded, then took a deep breath and said to them, "I came to Chang An with nothing, and now, meeting the Prince and Princess is my way of bidding farewell."
"...!"
At these words, everyone in the hall was taken aback, even Yu, who had been solely focused on Little Yuanzi, looked up in surprise, "You’re leaving?"
"Yes."
It was clear that Yu didn’t quite like her. Although Lu Xiao had lived in the Shen Family for some time, there was hardly any interaction, let alone any feeling, so Lu Xiao was equally dismissive, yet full of politeness, saying, "Thank you, Madame, for your hospitality during these days."
Yu frowned.
At this, Yu Wenye, who had remained silent until now, spoke, "Where are you going?"
Lu Xiao turned back to look at him, her face showing a trace of "you know well enough" expression, and said, "Naturally, I am going to the Eastern Capital. Previously, I came back with both of you to avoid further entanglements with Wang Shaoqiu. Besides, at that time, I had nowhere else to go."
Yu Wenye said, "You’re going to meet Wang Shaoqiu there, aren’t you? Is the Eastern Capital really your destination?"
Lu Xiao’s face darkened as she quickly responded, "But, haven’t you already declared war on Luoyang?"
"..."
"Xiao Lang—he’s on Liang Shide’s side, and no matter where I go, I’m on his side."
"..."
"Staying in Chang An is merely being in the Cao Camp with a heart loyal to Han."
Saying this, she suddenly smiled. Although there was no makeup on her face, her inherent allure still allowed her to display a stunning charm with a deliberate smile that could almost take one’s breath away: "Prince Qin and Princess, you once helped me, and I don’t wish to do anything that might harm you."
At these words, Shen Shiyan frowned.
Shang Ruyi also understood her meaning; her entire life was devoted to following Xiao Yuansui, even though she temporarily stayed in the Western Capital, her heart was constantly tugged by the presence of that person in the Eastern Capital. Hence, she avoided the world, staying reclusive unless disturbed or compelled.
Her remark about not wanting to harm them was because she had influenced the battlefield more than once in the past.
The painting she sent to Shang Ruyi during the Xingluo Granary battle.
And the Jiangdu Palace...
She was grateful to Yu Wenye and Shang Ruyi, but if forced to choose between them and Xiao Yuansui, she would unhesitatingly choose the latter. To avoid conflicting with her conscience, her best course of action was to leave before the war began and she had any capacity to sabotage.
Shang Ruyi looked at her, a strand of complicated admiration in her eyes.