PFC Chapter 1082 - 777: Are They Really This Close?
Chapter 1082 - 777: Are They Really This Close?
Shang Ruyi was a bit surprised.So this person had human emotions too.
As soon as she thought this, she immediately found it amusing—Yu Wenqian, after all, was a living person, how could he not have human emotions?
With this laugh, she immediately felt it was inappropriate; it was improper to listen to such things. Standing there and hearing their conversation was not right, and to criticize it in her heart was not something a Princess Qin should do, so she hurriedly decided to turn and leave.
However, her body was heavy, her steps slow, and as soon as she moved, someone heard her.
In front of her, Duke Shenwu, tall and seemingly robust, with a face bearing some signs of lingering fatigue and illness, immediately heard something, raised his head, and saw Shang Ruyi’s slightly sluggish figure.
Dong Bizheng’s expression slightly stiffened.
Still, they weren’t discussing anything confidential, just family gossip between uncle and nephew, not something shameful. He just furrowed his brow slightly, and quickly smiled, saying, "Ah, it’s Princess Qin."
The refined figure standing opposite him trembled slightly.
At this moment, Shang Ruyi couldn’t leave, or she would appear guilty, so she composed herself and walked over to greet them, "Greetings, elder brother, greetings, Commandery Prince."
Upon hearing "elder brother," Dong Bizheng raised his eyebrows slightly, glanced at the Crown Prince’s suddenly solemn expression beside him, then piled on a smile, bowed to Shang Ruyi, and said, "Greetings, Princess Qin. How has your health been lately?"
Shang Ruyi replied, "Thank you, Commandery Prince, for your concern; I am well."
"That’s good. I hope the Princess takes good care of herself. If you bear an Imperial Grandson, it would be Dasheng’s fortune."
"Thank you for your kind words, Commandery Prince."
Shang Ruyi knew these were just polite words, but when people like them meet, who would truly open their hearts? It was all about maintaining decorum, so she also expressed concern, saying, "I notice Commandery Prince’s complexion isn’t good; the weather has been quite variable lately. Please take good care of yourself and rest for your health."
"Thank you, Princess, for your concern."
Yu Wenqian stood quietly by, and somehow, a smile appeared in his eyes.
He seemed pleased to witness this moment.
However, the polite exchange between Princess Qin and Duke Shenwu did not last long. After all, they weren’t close, nor was there any extra affection. Once all the questions were asked and answered, silence naturally fell, and Yu Wenqian timely said, "Since Uncle has decided to accompany Father Emperor, you should go back early to prepare and rest well."
Dong Bizheng glanced at him, looked at Shang Ruyi, and then bowed, saying, "Then, I will take my leave first."
Shang Ruyi hurriedly returned the courtesy.
Just like last time, Dong Bizheng descended the Thousand-step Corridor, leaving the Inner Court at a moderate pace.
Watching his figure disappear ahead, Shang Ruyi turned back only to find Yu Wenqian looking at her. She hesitated, but still said, "Forgive me, elder brother. I just—"
Before she finished, Yu Wenqian smiled and said, "It seems it’s rare to have such fine weather, so sister-in-law is out for a stroll as well."
Shang Ruyi said, "Yes."
She thought for a moment, yet continued to explain, "Earlier I—"
Yu Wenqian laughed again, saying, "By the way, I’ve heard sister-in-law’s Yu Zhang Academy has already started classes."
"Yes,"
Mentioning this, Shang Ruyi forgot about her previous indiscretion and immediately laughed, "Speaking of which, I’m very grateful for elder brother’s suggestion earlier. Making this happen saved me a lot of trouble and silver coin."
Yu Wenqian laughed, "I merely said it casually; it was your own effort that brought it about."
As he spoke, he gestured with his hand, and Shang Ruyi followed his lead, walking alongside him, as if they were on a stroll.
Shang Ruyi hadn’t thought of walking with this elder brother, even though the weather was fine, the roofs of the corridor still slowly dripped rainwater, its crystal-clear drops reflecting sunlight into rainbow hues, adding a touch of vibrant splendor to the Inner Court scenery, greatly easing her mood after days of being cooped up. But Yu Wenqian seemed in a good mood, accompanying her as they walked slowly forward, with Tushere following behind, showing a hint of helplessness and anxiety on his face.
While walking, Yu Wenqian said, "Unfortunately, my affairs haven’t been so smooth."
He began speaking, so Shang Ruyi could only follow, asking, "Wasn’t elder brother sorting out farmland and household registrations in the Guanzhong Region?"
Yu Wenqian replied, "Yes, but halfway through sorting the household registrations and farmland here in Chang An, Father Emperor plans a tour, and Uncle insists on accompanying him. As sister-in-law said, people become more stubborn with age. I just spent half a day persuading him, to no avail."
Shang Ruyi didn’t expect him to share these things with her, and his tone was full of complaints.
Such complaints weren’t offensive, as they weren’t laden with heavy despondency, but rather reflected the indulgence and helplessness of a young person toward the elderly, the elders—at most, they would just smile it off.
Shang Ruyi then laughed and said, "The Commandery Prince is also someone who means what he says."
A desolate smile suddenly appeared on Yu Wenqian’s face. He said, "Yes, I remember being weak and sickly as a child. Aunt Hui would boil bitter herbal medicine for me to drink, saying that good medicine is always bitter. But at that time, I didn’t understand and refused to drink it because it was bitter. No matter how much she persuaded me, I wouldn’t budge. Aunt Hui was distressed about my illness and even more distressed about my fear of bitterness, not knowing how to console me, she would hold me and cry together."
"..."
"But not taking medicine was not an option. As Father was often leading troops outside, she had no choice but to invite Uncle over."
"..."
"When Uncle arrived, he was not as gentle. Without hesitation, he pinched my nose and poured the medicine into my mouth. Often, half of the bowl would spill onto me. But because of his actions, I became afraid. The next time I got sick and needed medicine, Aunt Hui only had to mention Uncle, and I wouldn’t dare be obstinate and would obediently drink the medicine myself."
"..."
Shang Ruyi listened quietly without saying a word.
Her silence was not solely out of politeness but also due to her surprise—during their last meeting here, Yu Wenqian’s "complaint" about elder stubbornness had already bewildered her. But this time, he was even more candid, sharing stories from his childhood!
Are they really that close?
For a moment, Shang Ruyi almost began to doubt whether the tension between the Crown Prince and King Qin was as intense as she had thought.
Otherwise, why would Yu Wenqian be so close and share such words with her?
Shouldn’t these be the kind of things he shares with close individuals like Lou Chan Yue or another concubine, or perhaps with a future Crown Princess Consort, to strengthen their bond and deepen their affection?
Still, she remained clear-headed.
Even if not intense, even if Yu Wenye was courteous when meeting him, the struggle for the Crown Prince position between Yu Wenye and the established Crown Prince Yu Wenqian must not have genuine closeness and peace. And she, as Princess Qin, would be the same.
Thus, Shang Ruyi thought to use some polite phrases to navigate this.
But before speaking, her heart involuntarily softened.
Sometimes, the human heart has gaps, and it isn’t only blood ties that bridge them. It could be a shared song, a recited poem, or even mutual hurt, making souls resonate. Regardless of the nature of Yu Wenqian’s words—casual talk, building rapport, or other purposes—the genuine emotion within touched a soft spot in Shang Ruyi’s heart—
Thoughtful, she sighed gently and said, "The attitude of elders can vary greatly, but their loving heart remains unchanged."
"Indeed,"
Yu Wenqian walked forward a couple of steps with his hands behind his back, suddenly thinking of something. Smiling, he looked at Shang Ruyi and said, "I suddenly remember that my sister-in-law also grew up by her uncle’s side."
Shang Ruyi responded, "Yes."
Yu Wenqian said, "It’s no wonder that my sister-in-law can understand my... feelings."
Shang Ruyi glanced at him once more, feeling increasingly that the warmth around him seemed heavier.
However, regardless of the intensity of the warmth radiating from him, Shang Ruyi instinctively developed a slight sense of caution due to his comment—they shared no relationship suitable for exchanging heartfelt tales, so some words are best merely listened to.
Thus, she smiled and said, "Sometimes with elders, you can only humor them, letting them have their way. Fortunately, this time we’re not headed to the battlefield, but merely accompanying Father on the Longmen Crossing tour."
At this point, Shang Ruyi glanced at him, her gaze slightly flickering, "Will Elder Brother be accompanying?"
Yu Wenqian paused before saying, "Of course."
"Elder Brother’s accompanying as well."
"Father has already decreed it, ordering me to accompany him. We depart tomorrow. So today, I hurry to arrange some documents. I didn’t expect Uncle to insist on accompanying, leading to today’s deliberation here."
"Oh..."
Shang Ruyi felt a pang in her heart, unexpectedly realizing the decision was made so swiftly, uncertain whether Yu Wenye would accompany or not.
Probably only after he returns today will she know.
Observing Shang Ruyi’s flickering gaze, seemingly aware of her worries, Yu Wenqian’s eyes darkened slightly and said, "My sister-in-law might be concerned whether Second Brother will accompany. I heard that Second Brother has already declined."
"Ah?"
Shang Ruyi was taken aback, her eyes widening as she looked at him, "Why?"
Yu Wenqian also gazed at her, his expression indescribably somber, "This, I fear is a question for Second Brother."