Chapter 1190 - 868: Terms
Returning to Qianqiu Palace, the medicinal soup rewarded by Yu Wenquan was delivered again.
Shang Ruyi silently finished drinking the soup and took a short nap. When she got up again, it was near dusk. She asked Tushere to bring the key and went to the rear hall to open one of her chests.
It was a camphorwood chest that she had brought from the Shen Family when she married, incredibly large, capable of fitting in two or three adults. Upon opening, it was filled with items and utensils Tushere was very familiar with, brought from the Shen Family. Shang Ruyi bypassed these items and picked one of the three one-foot-square sandalwood boxes lined up in the corner.
Apart from the box itself, the contents were not heavy, and precisely because they weren’t heavy, they were most valuable.
Shang Ruyi took out the key and opened the box, revealing thick silver notes packed to the brim. The lid immediately puffed up upon opening.
Shang Ruyi counted a few notes, pondered for a moment, and counted a few more.
Tushere watched from the side, her eyes turning red. In the early days of her marriage, Shang Ruyi managed her own money, but after the chaos in Luoyang where she was unexpectedly taken by Wo Xue, Tushere protected these items to Chang An. When Shang Ruyi returned and checked, she found nothing was missing, so she entrusted her key and property to her. Now seeing the Silver Coin flowing out like water, Tushere smacked her lips in distress, muttering, "Princess, how can it be like this..."
Shang Ruyi glanced at her and smiled without saying anything.
Yet her expression grew heavier.
Although this maid usually overly protected her and developed some unnecessary hostility towards others, her displeasure this time wasn’t baseless, nor was it irrational. A wellborn lady like Shang Ruyi would generally have a lavish dowry prepared by her natal family upon marriage. This property was her support for the latter half of her life, sometimes more reliable than raising children. To demonstrate familial strength and affection for the daughter-in-law, or for face and dignity, the husband’s family would absolutely not touch this money.
This was Shang Ruyi’s private property.
So over the years at the Yuwen Family, except for using some for school affairs in recent days, this money had almost only increased. After giving birth to Yuanyuan, the Emperor’s rewards were continuous, and not only should there be rewards from the Emperor, but Yu Wenye, as her husband, should also reward his wife.
Yet, instead of giving her money, Yu Wenye now sought to take from her purse, something only an unpromising man would do in a small household.
No wonder Tushere felt so uncomfortable.
But Shang Ruyi still counted the stack of silver notes clearly and said, "It’s for use."
Upon hearing these four words, Tushere could no longer say anything. She certainly knew that her Miss wasn’t the kind of delicate Miss who could be easily manipulated; she had her own calculations and strategies. If she was willing to bring out her family assets, firstly, it was because of her deep feelings with Yu Wenye. Secondly, Yu Wenye’s character and abilities were trustworthy. Thirdly, this "use" was crucial and even related to her own life and fate.
Tushere could only reluctantly sigh.
Shang Ruyi, however, looked back at her and laughed, saying after a while, "Rest assured, I’m not that foolish."
"..."
"If there were no conditions, why would I be willing to give out money?"
Hearing this, Tushere immediately widened her eyes and looked at her, asking, "What conditions did the Princess propose?"
Shang Ruyi smiled and said, "Even if I tell you, you wouldn’t understand. You’ll know when the time comes. Okay, quickly lock it up, don’t let anyone see."
"Yes!"
After that money was given out, Shang Ruyi didn’t inquire further, but Yu Wenye became busy, often leaving the palace early in the morning and returning late at night, sometimes even staying directly in the military camp.
Days passed like this, one after another.
The weather grew colder and colder. Although it hadn’t started snowing yet, the howling northern wind made people deeply feel the chill of winter. Shang Ruyi waited in the north wind for the battle report from the front, or the news of Shen Wuzheng, but received none.
In this weather, marching was difficult; who knew where they had reached.
Had they arrived at Hulao Pass?
Probably not yet, but there were also several passes of various sizes on the way. Had they engaged in battle?
Her mind was filled with these questions, and she didn’t realize how fast time passed. In the blink of an eye, November arrived, and on this day, waking up from a tangled dream, she unexpectedly found Yu Wenye actually stayed at Qianqiu Palace. Surprised, Shang Ruyi asked him, "Why aren’t you going to the barracks today?"
Yu Wenye replied, "I was planning to, but Eunuch Yu just came with a message that today Father summoned us for a meal."
"Us?"
"And the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess Consort."
Upon hearing about these two people, Shang Ruyi’s spirit immediately grew alert. She hurriedly got out of bed, dressed herself, and with Tushere’s help, washed up. Once everything was in order, she somewhat came back to her senses, "Oh, it’s been a month."
The Crown Prince’s grand wedding had been over for an entire month.
Although it was evident that Yu Wenquan still had reservations about Yu Mingyue, the marriage of the Crown Prince was indeed a worry relieved for him. Therefore, he secretly gave the Crown Prince a month’s leave to let the newlyweds enjoy some leisure. Shang Ruyi, though not deliberately inquiring, knew that the Crown Prince often took the Crown Princess sightseeing recently, reportedly even visiting Huashan.
Though the two sides had long been at daggers drawn, the intimate relationship between the couple had nothing much to do with them. Besides, their peaceful coexistence was rare in itself.
Still, Shang Ruyi felt a bit uneasy.
They were too calm, or rather, both sides were too peaceful.
With one Commandery Prince dead and the other injured, Yu Wenqian completely gave up on his practice to marry Yu Mingyue. Shang Ruyi had always believed that after marriage, he would certainly "make a move" against Yu Wenye, even if not openly, at least there should be some fierce contention at court.
But except for getting Shen Wuzheng into the eastern expedition troops, there had been no other movements.
Upon suddenly hearing today that Yu Wenquan wanted them to dine together, and including the Crown Prince and Crown Princess, that slight unease quickly surged to her heart. Nervously, Shang Ruyi asked, "What does Father want to say?"
Yu Wenye smiled lightly and said, "Recently, there has been no news from the east, and nothing significant in court; Father probably won’t say much. It’s just after the Imperial Brother’s marriage, he wants the family to sit and have a meal together."
"Oh."
Shang Ruyi nodded, but Yu Wenye’s expression changed and he continued, "However, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess, might be a different story."
Shang Ruyi quickly looked at him.
Yu Wenye said, "It’s been too quiet lately, I feel something is amiss. If they propose to do anything or go anywhere, just follow my words."
Shang Ruyi nodded, "Okay."