CHAPTER 123: CHAPTER 123: I DON’T FEEL AT EASE ABOUT THE TURKIC

Feeling the sharp gaze sweeping over her body inch by inch, as if trying to bore a hole through her, Shang Ruyi, though trying her best to control her breathing, found her body stiffening bit by bit under that gaze.

Her hand instinctively tightened its grip on the corner of the quilt.

Her teeth, too, were biting hard into her lower lip.

But the person behind her—why was he still standing there without moving?

Moreover, Yu Wenye’s breathing was heavy, seemingly carrying a hint of anger. Could it be that tonight, something unpleasant happened between him and Princess Xinyue?

But even if there was some unpleasantness between them, what did it have to do with her?

He returned, staring at her like this, was he looking to cause her trouble?

Thinking of this, a nameless wrath surged in Shang Ruyi’s heart, and she made up her mind that she had already done the best she could, being his nominal wife—providing opportunities for him to meet others and actively stepping aside without disturbing them, even helping him cover it up in front of the family.

It had come to this, and if he was still not satisfied, she couldn’t just be a lamb to the slaughter.

She tensed up her whole body, like a cat arching its back, ready to pounce if the other party made any move against her.

But just as her heart was about to leap out of her chest, she heard the person behind her let out a long breath, the sound carrying a sense of helplessness, even powerlessness. Then he turned and slowly walked towards the other side of the room.

Shang Ruyi’s heartbeat immediately settled down.

Yu Wenye was—leaving?

So, he was only standing by the bedside to take a look at her, not to cause her trouble?

Then why did he come over to stare at her like that?

Shang Ruyi was puzzled, but she finally breathed a sigh of relief, reflecting on her earlier state of treating it as if an enemy was at the gate, finding it a bit funny. After all, they were in a cooperative relationship, and she didn’t always have to be on edge like this with Yu Wenye.

As for those chaotic thoughts swirling in her mind earlier—Shang Ruyi smiled to herself, realizing there was no need for that.

She slowly closed her eyes, ready to go to sleep at ease.

Only, she didn’t know if it was her illusion, but even though he left, it felt as if his gaze lingered on her all night.

|

By the next day, everything was as usual.

The two got up early, dressed, and washed, doing everything in peace, but without words, until during breakfast, Yu Wenye asked, "Where is the letter I left on the table?"

Shang Ruyi replied, "I had someone send it off yesterday, along with those snacks."

At this point, she continued, "Yesterday Aunt Hui mentioned the need to procure winter coal in the manor. Since Father and Mother are not home this year, we decided to order two-tenths less than usual. I think this is okay. What do you think?"

"Also, for Third Brother’s study, Father settled on one before leaving, and Aunt Hui has already prepared the tuition. In a couple of days, the two of us will send him there."

"And also..."

She methodically talked about a few matters in the manor, all handled after returning yesterday.

Having said these, she looked up at Yu Wenye, only to see him still staring at her with that sharp gaze that felt like it could bore a hole through her, just like last night.

She was slightly stunned, then heard Yu Wenye say in a deep voice, "Why didn’t you wait for me to come back?"

"Huh?"

"I asked, why did you do these things without waiting for me to come back?"

After hesitating for a moment, Shang Ruyi said, "I thought you wouldn’t return last night."

"..."

Yu Wenye’s face instantly darkened.

Shang Ruyi pondered and then smiled to recover, "But these things are what I, as the Duke’s Daughter-in-law, should do. I just thought that since I’m young and inexperienced, I should consult with you."

Duke’s Daughter-in-law...

These four words seemed to touch something in Yu Wenye’s heart. He looked at Shang Ruyi for a long time, then coldly said, "You have found your position quite accurately."

Shang Ruyi was taken aback but quickly smiled.

This point had been clear to her from the start of this marriage, no, since deciding on it—that she was not here to be someone’s wife, or even a lover, but to be Duke Sheng’s daughter-in-law—there might have been moments of confusion in between, but now, with her uncle and aunt in trouble, her closest ones in dire straits, she had no room for confusion.

She softly said, "Don’t worry, I will take care of these matters even if you are not home."

Saying so, she lowered her head to sip the porridge, then remembered something and asked, "By the way, why has Luoyang suddenly started a lockdown, did you find out?"

Yu Wenye held the bowl but for some reason, his fingers applied extra force, almost crushing it. Hearing this, he glared at her before letting out a long breath, saying coldly, "His Majesty the Emperor is preparing to tour the Northern Border."

"What?!"

Upon hearing this, Shang Ruyi immediately furrowed her brow.

Planning an attack on Liaodong while preparing a tour to the Northern Border?

This Emperor is too restless, too—

Words that bordered on treason couldn’t be spoken, but the dissatisfaction she held towards the court filled her chest. She put down her bowl and chopsticks, saying deeply, "Has the court considered how the common people will survive!"

"..."

Yu Wenye’s face darkened, "You’re being bold."

Shang Ruyi glanced at him, knowing she had touched a nerve, recalling how on their wedding day she discussed court matters with him, which had made Yu Wenye leave her standing alone in anger.

Thinking now, what he wanted to defend was more than just the court’s dignity.

There was probably also Princess Xinyue...

Shang Ruyi smiled faintly, "I misspoke."

She then obediently picked up her bowl and chopsticks again, but her chest was still a bit obstructed, unable to swallow another grain of rice.

At this moment, Yu Wenye also slowly put down his bowl and chopsticks, wiped his mouth with a handkerchief, and said, "In the next couple of days, have the people below prepare."

Shang Ruyi looked up at him, "Prepare what?"

"Prepare to pack our bags."

"Pack again? Didn’t we just return to Luoyang?"

Yu Wenye said, "We’re supposed to contain those on the Liaoxi and Liaodong front lines. This journey, the Emperor will undoubtedly have us all under his command for assuredness."

Shang Ruyi sighed.

Yu Wenye added, "No matter what, be prepared. If we really do accompany, everyone should remain vigilant."

Shang Ruyi looked up at him, "What do you mean?"

"..."

Yu Wenye remained silent for a long while, then said, "I don’t trust the Turkic."