Chapter 1199 - 876: Who Is Yu Wenqian’s Real Target?
Shang Ruyi asked with concern, "No news from him at all?"
"None,"
At this point, Su Qinglan’s eyes were slightly red, making her look even more fragile, which softened Shang Ruyi’s heart. Just as she sighed inwardly, she heard Su Qinglan say softly, "The most worrisome thing is, I don’t even know where to find him."
"Haven’t you been to his home?"
Su Qinglan shook her head with a bitter smile: "At home, there’s only his old father, and Uncle Jiang... he’s a carefree person, only saying Jiang Xian is grown up and can take care of himself. Every day, he’s either drinking or meditating and chanting, and doesn’t care about anything else."
Hearing this, Shang Ruyi couldn’t help but smile wryly.
Indeed, she had met that Jiang Yu before. It’s precisely because of his carefree nature that he’s not accepted by Pure Buddhism. Yet, he loves his wine and meat while having a heart for Buddha, no wonder he acts so paradoxically.
Perhaps it’s because of this paradox that allows him to see clearly some people and things.
However, for Su Qinglan, this father and son duo are indeed worrisome. Thinking back, no wonder marriage stresses parental approval and matchmaker’s words. Though cumbersome, if parents are around, they would surely carefully choose their in-laws. As for Jiang Yu and Jiang Xian’s situation, they may not truly be a match for Su Qinglan. After all, she’s already a Medical Minister at a young age, whereas Jiang Xian’s family background and other aspects are far inferior.
Too much freedom in feelings may not only bring joy.
In fact, nothing and no one in this world is perfect, nor utterly without merit. It all depends on what one desires.
Shang Ruyi could only comfort her, "Don’t worry, Mr. Jiang is grown up enough to take care of himself. Besides, didn’t he often go to Henan to trade horses? Since it’s familiar territory for him, there won’t be any major issues."
Su Qinglan said, "If it were in the past, it would be fine, but—"
Upon saying this, she glanced at Shang Ruyi, bit her lower lip, and swallowed the rest of her words.
Though she didn’t say it, Shang Ruyi knew what she meant. Yu Wenquan had already started military actions against Eastern Capital. Perhaps Jiang Xian’s prolonged absence is due to the situation there, but matters like these aren’t something they can discuss or influence.
Su Qinglan soon gathered her thoughts, quickly composed herself, and said, "My apologies for my lack of composure."
Shang Ruyi smiled and shook her head, "It’s nothing."
Speaking, she reached out and took Su Qinglan’s hand, gently patting it, "Fortune will favor Mr. Jiang; he will be fine. If there’s any news, or—feel free to inform this palace."
Su Qinglan glanced at her and whispered, "Thank you, Princess."
After saying these words, Su Qinglan regained her composure and continued to grind the pills for Shang Ruyi, then used hot soup to dissolve the pills and served Princess Qin, then bid farewell and left. Shang Ruyi asked Tushere to escort her, and when Tushere returned, Yu Wenye’s tall and chilly figure walked in front of her.
Seeing him, Shang Ruyi immediately stood up and smiled, "You’re back."
Yu Wenye took off his snow-dusted outer garment and tossed it to Chang Wan, his brow slightly furrowed, as he walked forward, "I saw Doctor Su when I returned. Were you unwell?"
Shang Ruyi smiled, "Just a moment ago, I coughed a few times."
Yu Wenye glanced at Tushere, who was sulked, then at her complexion, and couldn’t help but chuckle, "You, you can do everything except take good care of yourself, right?"
Shang Ruyi mumbled, "Who said so."
Saying this, she glared at Tushere, who shrank her neck and withdrew.
Turning back, she met Yu Wenye’s gaze, feeling a bit guilty. Yet she felt a warm and strong hand grasp hers tightly, and she immediately laughed, "I’m really fine; just caught a bit of a cold the past few days. Hearing about the snow, I went out to see for a while, which triggered my illness. But Doctor Su said I’m in good spirits, nothing serious, not even needing to take brewed medicine."
"Hmph."
"By the way, is there anything happening today?"
Yu Wenye carefully examined her complexion for a while, indeed seeing no signs of illness, only then he relaxed and shook his head, "There’s nothing major in the court."
"Any news from King Qi’s side?"
"Still no battle reports coming back."
"Then, what about at Hot Spring Palace? Is Father still not planning to return?"
Speaking of this, Yu Wenye’s brow furrowed slightly and said, "I’ve sent messages over, but the returning person said Father is enjoying himself at Hot Spring Palace, going out with Zhang Jieyu daily. That Lou Liangdi prepared singing and dancing for Father as well, and with the snowy and slippery roads, they’re not planning to come back for the time being."
"Lou Liangdi?"
Upon hearing this name, Shang Ruyi instinctively felt displeased.
Although Lou Chan Yue had never offended her, because she’s the Crown Prince Consort, naturally, there’s no good feeling. Besides, her name, with the Crown Prince surrounded by a Ming Yue and Chan Yue, seemed tailored to irk her, "Ming Yue Nu."
Shang Ruyi said, "Why does she join in the excitement again?"
Yu Wenye said, "She’s the Crown Prince Consort; with Imperial Brother’s permission, she can go. Moreover, her father is the guard for Hot Spring Palace’s entourage."
"General Ningyuan?"
"Correct."
Shang Ruyi thought for a while, then frowned and said, "But, they’ve been gone for several days already. By rights, my uncle, Lord Pei, and Lord Ji should have tried to persuade him."
Yu Wenye said, "The returning person won’t say much but from his tone, it seems your uncle and the others are finding it difficult to see Father."
"What?"
Hearing this, Shang Ruyi’s complexion worsened.
Yu Wenye, however, said, "Therefore, now you can be somewhat relieved; the Crown Prince’s aim is not at your uncle."
Though he said this, Shang Ruyi still couldn’t relax. Yu Wenqian never acts without purpose, having put so much effort into taking Yu Wenquan and a group of veteran ministers to Hot Spring Palace, yet letting Yu Wenye conveniently take advantage of being Regent; though nothing has happened in this period, as long as nothing indeed happens, it demonstrates King Qin’s caution and discerning resolution, handling matters properly. When the Emperor returns, acknowledging achievements is inevitable.
Would Yu Wenqian allow such a thing to happen?
Absolutely not!
He must have his purpose, neither losing the power nor hurting people, yet as things have developed to this point, they can’t grasp his tactics, nor where he would start.
The events of late, the people involved, seem like countless threads tangled in the heart, as Shang Ruyi bitterly wonders, trying to find a loose thread, a thread to clarify everything.
What is Yu Wenqian’s real target?
Suddenly Yu Wenye said, "By the way, I just saw Doctor Su’s face looking not quite right. Has something happened to her?"