CHAPTER 485: CHAPTER 417: THE VAST WORLD, THE TINY HEART

Mu Xian said, "This, I am not quite sure, but I’ve heard that it is by Your Majesty’s decree."

"Your Majesty?"

Shang Ruyi’s mind immediately conjured up the chubby and exquisitely delicate face — Chu Chengfei?

Was it really his decree?

The Prince Zhao Chu Chengfei, who used to be mischievous and a boy who never grew up in front of me, now has been supported by Yu Wenquan to be Emperor, bearing the heavy responsibilities of the state. But Shang Ruyi is very clear that this child’s future is only in sight.

Moreover, he is still at such a young age, he couldn’t possibly mature overnight, and become so wise.

This matter, I’m afraid, also has others plotting for him —

Empress Dowager?

Or Princess Xinyue?

No matter who it is, Shang Ruyi finally realizes why before dawn today, Yu Wenye hurriedly left without attending court with his father and brothers. He must be seeking an opportunity for his own expedition to Fufeng.

Even if he tried to win over and persuade the ministers in the court meeting, it would be difficult to make the final decision. The final decision can only be made by the Emperor, and those who can influence the Emperor are the Empress Dowager and the Eldest Princess.

Both are people who have special feelings for him.

Thinking of this, Shang Ruyi’s heart unconsciously sank.

As her pupils dimmed, Mu Xian softly said, "Young Madam, this expedition is quite urgent, the latest departure is the day after tomorrow. I still have many things to prepare, so I’ll take my leave."

Shang Ruyi snapped back to reality and nodded, "Hurry on then."

Mu Xian bowed to her again, then quickly turned and left. Shang Ruyi watched his back momentarily, then rapidly turned and walked to her room. Pushing the door open, she saw Yu Wenye standing in the middle of the room, lowering his head as he tried to undo the belt at his waist.

He wore court attire, layer upon layer, heavy and oppressive, but even so, his waist tightly wrapped by the jade-colored belt still appeared slender and pliable, exuding a sense of strength.

Of course, that sense of strength was not only visible to the eyes.

Thinking of the near-unflagging movements of his waist last night, Shang Ruyi’s face instantly flushed, and her foot, just about to step inside, halted abruptly.

Upon hearing her footsteps, Yu Wenye immediately turned his head.

At a glance, he saw her somewhat flushed face.

He said with a half-smile, "Where did you run off to? Took everyone away, I can’t even find someone to help change clothes."

As Shang Ruyi heard this, she hurried inside, not calling anyone, but went herself to gently help him undo the belt. Suddenly, the heavy, loose court attire fell open, a burst of heat assaulting her senses.

Yu Wenye reached to remove his clothes himself, even his chest soaked with sweat. He said, "Standing in that court for a while longer, I’d be swollen by my own sweat."

Shang Ruyi hastily helped him undress, hanging the clothes on the rack nearby while smoothing the creases, softly saying, "Just this much and you call it hot? Isn’t wearing armor even hotter?"

"...Hmm."

Yu Wenye slightly raised his eyebrows, looking down at her, "You knew?"

Shang Ruyi returned with a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from his forehead and neck without looking up, only saying, "Just met Mu Xian on the way, he said Your Majesty decreed for you to lead the troops out."

Yu Wenye nodded, "Mm."

"..."

Shang Ruyi’s hand hesitated slightly, head lifting to glance at him, seeming as if to inquire but holding back.

Facing her gaze, Yu Wenye remained clear-headed.

He said, "Are you wondering if I asked the Empress Dowager for help?"

Shang Ruyi looked at him, "Did you?"

Yu Wenye said, "Yes."

"..."

"But, I hadn’t yet seen her when the Eldest Princess sent a message informing me that she had already convinced Your Majesty, who will announce today in the court meeting to issue an edict for me to lead the troops to Fufeng."

Shang Ruyi’s eyelashes drooped, obscuring the dimness in her eyes, gently nodding.

"...Oh."

It was Chu Ruoyan.

Her actions were even swifter than the always concerned Empress Dowager Jiang about court affairs, without requiring Yu Wenye to ask her personally; she already arranged everything.

Speaking of it, the past Chu Ruoyan was even more naive and carefree than her brother, never mind arranging any court affairs, she never cared about them, for in her vast world, there lay a small heart, and within her heart, only one person.

Unexpectedly now —

Recalling yesterday’s encounter at the Dayan Temple’s Buddhist Hall door, seeing her gaze at them with almost emotionless indifference, Shang Ruyi suddenly felt a sense of indescribable unease.

These days, it has also been a tumultuous change for Chu Ruoyan, hasn’t it?

Turning her from a naive and pampered little princess into someone who now begins to care about court affairs, even concerning military general assignments and border wars as an Eldest Princess.

But, is this indeed her transformation’s endpoint?

Or what will she ultimately become?

As she pondered in the chaotic whirl within her heart, suddenly she felt a pain in her chin, snapping back to reality to find Yu Wenye pinching her chin, looking at her with a hint of displeasure, saying, "What are you overthinking again?"

"..."

"Are you doubting me with her again?"

Shang Ruyi hurriedly shook her head, "No."

"Really?"

"Really!"

"..."

Somehow, hearing this answer, Yu Wenye didn’t appear relieved or pleased, instead his brows raised again, revealing a semblance of a smile, a complex and playful expression.

Shang Ruyi didn’t know what he was pondering, but the pressing matter was the greater affair, and she said again, "So, this matter is now settled, rather fortunate."

"..."

Yu Wenye paused momentarily, eyes reflecting a peculiar look, "Not necessarily."

"Hmm?"

Hearing this, Shang Ruyi’s heart skipped slightly, surprising her to look up at him — what does he mean?

Yu Wenye himself went to grab a light thin casual robe, putting it on before sitting by the table, solemnly saying, "Before Your Majesty’s decree was issued, some ministers were already arguing relentlessly over who to recommend to lead troops, headed by Yu Dingxing."

At hearing this name, Shang Ruyi’s brows furrowed once more.

Toward this person, she hasn’t fully settled, or, rather, she somewhat senses unsolved mysteries surrounding him, just that yesterday’s circumstances were unusual, leaving her unable to investigate further, but if given more time and opportunity —

As she thought about this, Yu Wenye continued, "Guess who he recommended?"

"..."

The words struck Shang Ruyi’s heart —

Yu Dingxing, isn’t he Yu Wenqian’s person? Who else but Yu Wenqian could he recommend?

Yu Wenye’s eyes gleamed sharp.

He said, "He recommended me."