Chapter 1154 - 836: Wounds
Shang Ruyi raised her head and looked at her, simply smiling.
Tushere said softly, "It’s not much for us maids to call him Young Master, but Prince Qin and the Princess can’t keep calling him a child. He’s almost a month old; he should have a name by now, at least a nickname."
Shang Ruyi asked with a smile, "You’re quite anxious."
Tushere pouted, "How can I not be anxious about Young Master’s matters?"
"What’s the use of being anxious? We have to wait until his Grandpa is free."
"Then, when will Your Majesty be free?"
Seeing her anxious expression, Shang Ruyi smiled and was about to say something when she looked up and saw Wo Xue walking in from outside, her steps quicker than usual. As soon as she entered, she greeted Shang Ruyi. Shang Ruyi immediately asked, "How is it?"
Wo Xue whispered, "I asked the people serving at Liangyi Hall, and they said His Majesty just took a nap and is now playing in the Inner Court, probably at the Thousand-step Corridor."
"Oh."
Upon hearing this, Shang Ruyi nodded and was about to get up to prepare when Wo Xue took a step forward and whispered, "On my way back, I heard Prince Qi also entered the palace today. It seems it’s because he heard His Majesty was playing in the Inner Court, so he followed along."
"King Qi?"
Upon hearing Yu Wencheng entered the palace, Shang Ruyi’s brows furrowed.
She thought for a moment, then immediately stood up and said, "Prepare my clothes. She’er, accompany me and the child to the Inner Court later."
Although she didn’t know what Shang Ruyi was going to do, Tushere understood that Shang Ruyi was definitely going to find His Majesty the Emperor. Initially, these matters were not hers to meddle in, but seeing as the day wasn’t yet due, she could only brace herself and gently persuade, "Princess, you haven’t finished your postpartum period yet. What if you catch a cold going out like this? It could lead to a chronic illness."
Shang Ruyi said, "The sun is good outside today, and there’s not much wind; it’s not a problem."
"But—"
"Listen to me!"
At this moment, Shang Ruyi was not harsh with her, but only said two words, and Tushere understood the weight of the situation. She could only sigh, together with Wo Xue, help her change clothes and freshen up a bit, then accompanied Shang Ruyi out the door.
When leaving Qianqiu Palace, Tushere was still somewhat worried. Fortunately, the weather was quite fine as hoped; the consecutive autumn rains had made the weather cooler, but today there was indeed good sunshine and not much wind. Moreover, the clothes Tushere picked for Shang Ruyi were thicker than what others wore at this time, so she wasn’t too concerned about the cold. Thus, hugging the swaddled child, she followed behind Shang Ruyi, walked for a while, and entered the Inner Court.
In autumn, the Inner Court donned a different view.
The once lush vegetation had wilted somewhat, but some frost-resistant flowers and trees showcased a different charm. Especially when passing through a flowerbed, there were many chrysanthemums planted, each bloomed into large flowers, cold by nature, yet displaying vibrant energy at this time.
Maple trees and osmanthus in the corners, red and fragrant, swayed without wind, appearing quite lively.
However, such beautiful scenery did not make Shang Ruyi stop but instead fascinated the child wrapped in the swaddle tightly, who saw these fresh scenes for the first time since leaving Qianqiu Palace, even though he possibly couldn’t understand them. This refreshing experience excited him, making him squirm and mumble within the swaddle.
Tushere couldn’t help but laugh, "Young Master is happy."
The child in the swaddle blew a saliva bubble, making her laugh.
Shang Ruyi also turned to smile, then immediately looked forward again. Fortunately, there weren’t many people in the Inner Court today, and the plants weren’t lush, allowing her to see the two silhouettes in Liubu Pavilion not far from the Thousand-step Corridor with a glance—it was Yu Wenquan and Yu Wencheng.
At this time, Yu Wenquan was sitting on a bench while Yu Wencheng stood in front of him, seemingly speaking softly.
Shang Ruyi took a deep breath, turned, and took the swaddled child from Tushere’s hands, and whispered, "Follow me over there; once we arrive, stay back and wait."
Tushere was also somewhat nervous but obediently nodded, took a deep breath, and followed Shang Ruyi onto the Thousand-step Corridor.
They walked slowly, taking quite a while to gradually approach Liubu Pavilion, where Eunuch Yu and several little eunuchs were standing on the corridor, evidently being dismissed here because Yu Wencheng had come to seek an audience. Though there were many people, not a cough or breath was heard, and amidst the silence and still air, even from a distance, Yu Wenquan’s soft voice wafted over, faintly brushing past their ears—
"You’re recommending him?"
"Yes."
"Yan Jie, this time when you returned to Chang An on your own, I didn’t hold it against you, but how to fight in the Eastern Capital, who will fight, I have my conclusions; you shouldn’t interfere."
"Father, I don’t intend to interfere."
"Then you just—"
"I’m trying to ease Father’s burden."
"..."
"Father, Eastern Capital is more prosperous than Chang An. Emperor Yang has been managing it for over a decade; the city is well-fortified, the buildings are magnificent, the people are affluent, and the number of wealthy merchants is countless. Such a good place cannot be left to the likes of Liang Shide, Xiao Yuansui, or such vermin. Even if these can be disregarded, with us only residing in Central Pass, it’s hard to claim the nation; Luoyang must be captured, I wish to fight for Father and seize the Eastern Capital."
"..."
Yu Wenquan didn’t immediately speak.
These words didn’t need Yu Wencheng to say them; everyone knew the importance of Luoyang, everyone knew Yu Wenquan wanted to capture Luoyang. However, Yu Wencheng volunteering to lead the troops not only made Shang Ruyi, approaching gradually, pause in her steps but also brought silence to Yu Wenquan.
After a while, he said, "I know you have filial intentions, but Luoyang... isn’t easily captured."
Yu Wencheng stepped forward quickly, urging, "Father, serving you loyally is my duty, why won’t you let me lead the troops? Father surely wouldn’t still want—"
Before he finished, Yu Wenquan interrupted, "What I think, has nothing to do with you!"
Saying this, his tone turned stiff.
Casually speculating imperial intentions is something everyone in court does, but one absolutely cannot display even a trace in front of the Emperor. Even his own son, Yu Wenquan’s expression already showed displeasure, seeming to change completely if more was said.
And just at this moment, Yu Wencheng suddenly said, "Father, are you perhaps worried about my injury."
Saying this, Yu Wenquan’s expression changed again.
He looked up at this younger son and the wound bandaged on his forehead; his gaze softened somewhat and said, "Your injury—"
Yu Wencheng smiled, "My injury has long since healed. If you don’t believe, I’ll unwrap and show you!"
Having said that, he actually reached out and swiftly tore off the bandage wrapped around his head. Yu Wenquan originally wanted to stop him, but it was too late; raising his head, he saw the wound on his face, and was shocked, "You—"