The two of them said nothing, and the whole family enjoyed a harmonious breakfast together.
Afterward, they sat around sipping tea.
The fragrance of tea lingered, gradually dissipating with the light steam rising from the cups, and perated the air. Shang Ruyi took the teacup from Shen Wuzheng, gently sipped it. The slightly bitter tea slid down her throat, beginning with a slight astringency, but as she swallowed it, a sweetness instantly spread throughout her mouth, as if the tea had poured into her heart.
Shang Ruyi sighed softly in her heart with satisfaction.
A whole day of busyness and the bumps of life ahead, starting with this, was not necessarily a bad thing.
However, as she savored the taste and opened her eyes, she noticed Shen Shiyan glancing at her again. In fact, since last night, through breakfast just now, he had this gaze, but seed always mindful of sothing, never saying much.
But at this mont, it was ti.
Thus, Shang Ruyi smiled and said, "Uncle, is there sothing you want to tell ?"
Shen Shiyan was slightly startled, then looked up at her, his expression even more complex, pondering for a while before speaking softly, "Ruyi, Shang Family—"
ntioning these two words, the tongue’s sweet taste instantly returned to bitterness.
Even the sweet spring within her heart seemingly dried up at this mont, Shang Ruyi’s smile involuntarily stiffened.
Before she could say anything, Yu angrily interjected, "Why bring up that family again?"
Shen Shiyan frowned at her and said gravely, "That family, that family is still the Shang Family. Wherever Ruyi goes, even if she enters the palace and becos Princess Qin, she is still Shang Ruyi."
"..."
"My brother-in-law, my little sister, are still her parents!"
Upon hearing this, Yu was annoyed but found herself speechless.
Indeed, she knew there were no words to say.
Though the world has changed and many won now have the autonomy to marry as they please, even before Emperor Wen, throughout dynasties, filial piety governed the land. Shang Ruyi being driven out of the Shang Family had a myriad of justifications, but going decades without returning ho to honor her parents was simply unfilial.
Moreover, in the clan and social status, reputation was still one of the identities most valued by people. Her "unfilialness" would not only tarnish her parents’ reputation but also burden the Shen couple who raised her, causing them to face societal criticism.
Additionally, there was her current status.
Now she is Princess Qin, and during Yu Wenquan’s harem consort selections, before Han King Yu Wenqian’s marriage, she is virtually the most prominent woman in the newly erging Dasheng Dynasty, with all eyes focused on her.
Should people learn this fact and spread it widely—
Thinking of this, Shang Ruyi shuddered with a sudden chill.
Then, looking at Shen Shiyan, whose brow was filled with deep worry, Shang Ruyi also understood why since last evening he had looked at her that way, he must have already considered this point, but wished for her to enjoy this day, happily reunite with family, but after reunification and leaving the Shen Family, she is Princess Qin, with every move needing utmost caution.
As her uncle, he cannot sit idly and watch her err.
Thinking of this, Shang Ruyi whispered, "Uncle, Ruyi understands your aning."
"..."
"I will handle it properly."
Only then did Shen Shiyan nod.
Beside him, Shen Wuzheng had remained silent, and heard her final words, he rely sighed gently.
Everyone sat and chatted for a while, and looking up at the sky, it was already late.
Despite the reluctance, they knew Shang Ruyi had to return ho.
After all, the new Emperor instructed them to move into the Imperial Palace by today at the latest. The later she returns, the later she’ll enter the palace, which could easily result in another mistake, hence Shen Shiyan told Shen Wuzheng, "Quickly prepare the carriage and escort Ruyi back to the Duke Mansion."
Upon hearing this, Yu’s eyes imdiately reddened.
Shang Ruyi hastily went to console her, Shen Wuzheng was about to go arrange it too, but just as he was heading out, they saw a servant enter and report, "Master, Madam."
Shen Shiyan asked, "What is it?"
The servant replied, "The carriage from the Duke Mansion has been waiting outside for quite so ti."
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