So, the two of them took a carriage together back to the Duke Mansion.
On the way, Shang Ruyi told Yu Wenye about the day’s events. He listened with a furrowed brow but remained silent until Shang Ruyi lifted the curtain and saw the lights of the Duke Mansion’s entrance ahead. Only then did she softly say, "If this matter escalates further, I’m afraid Father will want an explanation from you."
After all, on one hand administering dicine, on the other hand selling dicine.
No one minds if soone acts as a living Bodhisattva, but if soone uses the epidemic as an opportunity to "reap a harvest," it cannot be ignored.
Yu Wenye said, "It doesn’t matter."
"..."
"But today’s events have reminded ."
"Oh? About what?"
Yu Wenye slightly furrowed his brow and said solemnly, "In the future, items like dicinal herbs, which concern the economy and people’s livelihood, should not be entirely in the hands of ’Pei Xingyuan,’ nor in the hands of ’Guanghan Guest.’
"..."
"Otherwise, neither wealth nor the people’s support would be available to the court."
Shang Ruyi looked at him, sowhat astonished.
Throughout the day, her mind had been focused almost entirely on the "Guanghan Guest." After all, she finally learned the identity of the one who seed to possess foreknowledge—albeit just an alias—bringing her one step closer to so sort of "truth." She thought Yu Wenye would surely be preoccupied with this person’s identity, but unexpectedly, he had sothing else in mind.
However—it’s not bad.
From this incident, it’s evident that certain things concerning the economy and people’s livelihood should not be completely controlled by private individuals.
So she nodded and said, "Yes."
At this mont, the carriage stopped. Yu Wenye assisted her out of the carriage. As they walked inside, Yu Wenye said, "By the way, speaking of that Guanghan Guest—"
Before he could finish his sentence, soone approached them with a smile, greeting, "Second Young Master, Young Madam."
They stopped imdiately.
The person who approached was none other than Aunt Hui.
Upon seeing her, Yu Wenye nodded, "Aunt Hui."
Aunt Hui smiled, "You’ve had a hard day. The dining hall is ready, and the Duke invites the Second Young Master and Young Madam to dinner."
"Oh? Father instructed this?"
"Yes."
"And what about elder brother?"
"The Princely Heir just returned and is changing clothes; he will join you for dinner once he’s ready."
Yu Wenye and Shang Ruyi exchanged a glance.
They thought that so late at night, the family would have already had dinner since Yu Wenquan had been dealing with official duties in the Inner Court all day and even received reports from various regions until 5 PM. They did not expect that after returning ho, he would still want the whole family to dine together.
And now is definitely not the right atmosphere for the two brothers to dine together.
But since Yu Wenquan had arranged it this way, they dared not refuse, so they returned to their rooms to change and freshen up before heading to the dining hall.
Compared to other places in the residence, which had fewer lights, the dining hall was as brightly lit as ever. Upon entering the main door, they saw Yu Wenquan already seated at the head of the table, with Yu Wenqian just settling in. Seeing them, he offered a slight smile.
Yu Wenye imdiately led Shang Ruyi inside, bowing, "Father, elder brother."
"Sit down."
Although Yu Wenquan’s face showed no obvious expression of either joy or anger, the deep wrinkles between his brows were clear under the bright light, revealing the pressure he’d been under these past days. Without many words, they quickly took their seats.
Yu Wenquan turned to look at Yu Wenqian and then at Yu Wenye and Shang Ruyi.
After a mont of silence, he said, "Let’s eat first."
Hearing this, Aunt Hui promptly had the dishes served. Even though it was just a simple family al, it was rare for the whole family to dine together these days, so the dishes were quite plentiful. However, everyone was worn out and hungry after a long, busy day, yet no one had much appetite. Even Yu Wenquan only forced himself to eat a bowl of rice and half a bowl of soup before putting his chopsticks down.
As soon as he set his chopsticks down, the other three followed suit.
Yu Wenquan looked up at them.
After a brief silence, he said, "Qian’er, how are things in the East City?"
Yu Wenqian replied, "Yanzuo Square has accommodated a total of two thousand two hundred and fourteen patients. Although thirty-one patients have unfortunately passed away, the situation remains under control."
Yu Wenquan nodded, then looked at Yu Wenye.
Yu Wenye said, "In Changle Square, there are two thousand four hundred and sixty-four patients in total, with sixty-two patients passing away in the past two days."
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