Soon, the palace gates opened, and the officials attending court lined up and stread in one by one. Before long, the Hanguang Gate, which was bustling with voices, was left with only a row of empty carriages and the leisurely attendants waiting for their masters to return ho after the morning court session.
And Shang Ruyi, who could only hide in the carriage, gritting her teeth.
The words Yu Wenye left before departing made her blush, her face burning with heat that wouldn’t subside for quite a while. It wasn’t until much later, when Tushere saw that her young lady was still sulking in the carriage, that she beca a bit worried. She leaned against the window and softly asked, "Miss, are you alright?"
"No, nothing’s wrong."
"Shall we go back then?"
"...No."
Though still sowhat resentful, Shang Ruyi obediently stayed.
Beyond their recent quarrel, after calming her heart, she realized it was Yu Wenye’s first ti asking her to accompany him to court, and even insisted she stayed at the Daxing Palace to wait for him. Indeed, it was sowhat unusual, as he knew she hadn’t slept well last night and needed rest, and Yu Wenye was typically not inconsiderate.
Could his intention for her to wait here bear deeper aning?
Thinking of this, Shang Ruyi couldn’t help but lift a corner of the curtain to look outside. Most were like them, having sent officials of various ranks to court, and as their hos were far, the carriages remained outside the gates, waiting to take their masters back ho after the session. Those waiting outside the carriages were mostly coachn, servants, and maids, so napping against the carriage out of boredom, others gossiping with acquaintances; nothing seed out of the ordinary.
So did Yu Wenye’s request hold no special significance?
Thinking of this, Shang Ruyi couldn’t help biting her lip again.
At this mont, Tushere poked her head in, grinning as she said, "Miss, it seems the young master can’t bear to part from you, even for the ti it takes for a court session."
Shang Ruyi felt her face heat up, glaring at her: "You talk too much!"
Saying so, she retreated back.
Outside, Tushere covered her mouth and chuckled for a while. Seeing that Shang Ruyi wouldn’t acknowledge her, she went up to the coachman to chat to pass the ti, while Shang Ruyi, feeling a bit cramped in the carriage, could hardly bear to go out, mostly to avoid further teasing from Tushere and because those waiting outside were just servants. If they knew that a general’s wife, a second-rank Imperial decree holder, was waiting for her husband to finish court, they’d surely laugh at her too.
So she stayed in the carriage, realizing she hadn’t slept well last night, and decided to nap by the window.
Ti passed quickly, and before long, footsteps and lively voices began to arise around her.
Shang Ruyi, sleeping groggily, wanted to open her eyes but was reluctant to fully awaken, struggling in a haze between sleep and consciousness. Soon, she sensed the slight sway of the carriage, as if soone had boarded it.
Then, a familiar presence approached her.
Soone was gently watching over her.
Shang Ruyi vaguely knew who it was. She wanted to wake up, but enveloped in such an aura and gaze, it felt too comforting, as if all foreseen troubles and dangers vanished in that mont, forgotten. In the world, it seed as if only this tiny space existed’s, the two of them nestled in quiet peace.
She couldn’t help but smile a little in her sleep.
Soon, a soft chuckle echoed by her ear.
But then, unexpectedly, there was an abrupt sound of footsteps outside.
Although footsteps and noise were always jumbled outside, this particular set was intrusive, suddenly slicing into the tranquil space, stirring a distinct uneasiness within Shang Ruyi.
She awoke abruptly.
As soon as she opened her eyes, she saw Yu Wenye close by. At that mont, his handso face revealed a complex and grave expression.
As soon as they locked eyes, an apologetic voice ca from outside—
"Great General, please proceed slowly."
Shang Ruyi was taken aback, and the hint of joy on Yu Wenye’s face faded away like retreating tides. He turned his face slightly and asked, "What is it?"
The person outside replied, "The Empress Dowager wishes to see the Great General in the palace."
"...!"
Upon hearing this, Shang Ruyi’s breath imdiately hitched.
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