novelAbuy Chapter 991 - 723: You Want Me to Stay Away for How Many More Days?
Chapter 991 - 723: You Want Me to Stay Away for How Many More Days?
"Shackles?"At the mention of these two words, Shang Ruyi’s eyes widened in astonishment. "Why?"
Shen Wuzheng calmly said, "The Crown Prince is the cornerstone of the nation. Once Yu Wenqian is appointed as Crown Prince, do you think His Majesty the Emperor will still let him go through battles and dangers?"
"..."
"But now, is it a time of peace and stability, a time to maintain what we have?"
"..."
"He has nothing to maintain."
Shang Ruyi took a deep breath.
Indeed, the status of the Crown Prince is extraordinary, relating to the future succession of the throne. Naturally, Yu Wenquan would no longer allow him to easily lead troops to battle so recklessly.
But in this way, Yu Wenye, brave and skilled in battle, can continue to lead the troops and make military achievements!
Shen Wuzheng said, "I heard you mentioned that King Qin deliberately teased Yu Mingyue, letting her chase after Wang Shaoqiu, but she’d rather swallow her pride and remain silent, which is telling."
Upon hearing this, Shang Ruyi quickly turned her mind, saying, "She doesn’t know how to fight!"
"Exactly!"
Shen Wuzheng nodded and further added, "Even historical records can’t capture every battle in detail; and those who read history may not necessarily remember everything they’ve seen."
"..."
"So, she may have the upper hand in certain matters, but can’t handle everything perfectly."
"..."
"There’s also the possibility that this battle is very dangerous, making her hesitant to risk easily, and even more so to let Yu Wenqian take such risks. Because for her, the Han King is all she relies on. Without him, she is nothing."
Shang Ruyi took a deep breath.
Although Shen Wuzheng’s bold guess gave her a vague understanding of Yu Mingyue’s background and abilities, her own mind couldn’t yet comprehend all these complexities. If not for her brother, she might still be confused.
Once these thoughts were clarified, everything seemed very clear.
Looking at him, Shang Ruyi chuckled, "Brother, it’s lucky I have you."
Shen Wuzheng also smiled. At this moment, a cold wind blew in through the slightly open door, making his expression slightly somber. He continued, "But I guess King Qin has also realized this point."
"Oh?"
"He clearly understands that losing the Crown Prince position this time is only temporary. His capabilities and military merits are the reasons His Majesty the Emperor, even if tricked by him, will still have to rely on him."
Shang Ruyi gently nodded.
She remembered that when they were playing in the Inner Court before, Shen Wuzheng mentioned that if Yu Wenye doesn’t change his temperament and ways, he can only rely on his military achievements, not the Emperor’s favor.
Therefore, earlier, although Yu Wenye was reluctant, even giving her a "fierce" glare before leaving, he still went to the military camp, knowing what he needed to do.
At this moment, one must not linger in the land of gentle beauties.
However, when the words "land of gentle beauties" emerged, Shang Ruyi herself felt a bit thick-skinned, her face heating up involuntarily.
Seeing her like this, Shen Wuzheng’s gaze dimmed again.
But he said nothing more, slowly stood up, and said, "It’s getting late. I think they’re almost done drinking over there, so I’ll head back first."
Shang Ruyi was a bit stunned, realizing they had talked for a long time, but felt reluctant, "Brother, you haven’t eaten anything."
Shen Wuzheng also glanced at the table, noticing the untouched wine and dishes. They had only sipped some tea, but he merely smiled and said, "I ate something before coming over, so it’s fine. You too, don’t eat too much at night, lest your food gets stuck."
Shang Ruyi couldn’t help but laugh, "Brother still treats me like a child."
Shen Wuzheng also smiled, "You’re certainly not."
You are now the Princess Qin, the wife of King Qin, standing above all in the Dasheng Dynasty.
He didn’t say the rest, but gave Shang Ruyi a deep look, simply bade her farewell, and turned to leave. It wasn’t until he left that Wo Xue, who had been standing guard outside the door, felt her task was "complete." Shang Ruyi called her in to accompany her in eating a bit, heeding Shen Wuzheng’s advice, she didn’t eat much, and let Wo Xue clear the cups and dishes.
After washing herself, she went to bed to sleep.
But she couldn’t sleep.
Of course, she couldn’t sleep.
Not only because Shen Wuzheng’s words just now had a great impact on her, so much so that she hadn’t fully grasped the underlying causes, but after much deliberation, she believed Shen Wuzheng’s guesses were generally correct. Both Shen Wuzheng and Yu Wenye’s views on Yu Mingyue aligned with her own.
So, the road ahead may be difficult, but there’s not a complete lack of hope.
Moreover—
"Bang!"
A loud noise abruptly interrupted her thoughts, and Shang Ruyi sat up from the bed in fright, only to discover that a window had been blown open by the wind, hitting the wall.
She sighed and got out of bed to close the window.
Before the window closed completely, she couldn’t help but glance outside again. The night was deep, surrounded by darkness with not a single light. She wondered if Yu Wenye would recognize the way when he returned.
Just thinking about it, she found herself amusing.
Even if he hadn’t grown up here, he’d lived here for several years. How could he not recognize the way? Besides, Shen Tu Tai and the others wouldn’t really let Yu Wenye return alone after drinking.
She just didn’t know how long they were going to drink.
Surely they wouldn’t drink all night.
A bit cold...
Thoughts bubbled up inside her mind like the boiling porridge, and Shang Ruyi suddenly felt a bit bored. Hurriedly, she clasped the window shut and rushed back to bed, diving under the covers. But she didn’t know whether she hadn’t warmed the bed previously or the recent cold wind had chilled it, the bed felt icy.
At that moment, she did start missing Yu Wenye.
When they used to sleep separately, she didn’t feel cold, perhaps accustomed to it. But after sleeping together with him, she realized how comfortable it was to have someone with body warmth beside her, especially being naturally sensitive to cold. As she tended to snuggle toward the warmth despite starting the night with proper sleeping posture, inevitably waking up in his arms, her sleep oblivious to the world, just like...
That first night entering the palace, spent in Qianqiu Palace.
Back then, she felt awkward about his accepting Chu Ruoyan as a concubine, while in hindsight, Yu Wenye felt awkward as well due to her ’generous’ offer to visit Jinyu Garden to accompany Chu Ruoyan. Yet somehow, despite the awkwardness, on the first night, he stayed by her side. Thinking back now, even if he was angry, he did not truly intend to leave her.
With these thoughts, Shang Ruyi’s face grew warm once again.
But remembering his fierce glare when leaving...
Forget it, better if he doesn’t come back.
Shang Ruyi just felt that even if he returned, they might not speak nicely to each other; they might even end up arguing again.
Thinking about this, she ceased pondering further and buried her face in the pillow, tightly wrapping herself with the quilt.
Sleep now...
The silent urging didn’t quite work, tossing and turning until late at night before drowsily falling asleep. Even amid confusion, she still felt the chilling surroundings and the sound of the cold wind whistling outside the window, a cold sensation causing her heart to palpitate.
Like this, she didn’t know how long she slept.
Gradually, in the darkness, a strange light began to emerge. Intuitively, she sensed an enticing warmth within that light, drawing slowly and slowly closer.
Soon, warmth enveloped her whole body like she was soaking in the warm spring river.
However, as the warmth coursed over, besides warming her, it seemed to grow more and more turbulent. Wave after wave lapped against her, penetrating her flesh, integrating the escalating scorching heat into her body.
Though painless, it had an indescribable touch.
No, something’s not right...
Not right
An unspeakable soreness and swelling hit, startling Shang Ruyi awake from her dreams. No sooner had she opened her eyes than a heavy breath accompanied by scorching heat blew into her ear from the darkness.
She was pinned below someone, at his mercy!
"Eh?"
Shang Ruyi hadn’t fully woken, as if still submerged in the gentle, warm waters of the dream, only to be enveloped by an unexpected assault, yet the unexpected cry made the figure atop her immediately aware.
His breath sank, and his entire body pressed down.
"Mm—!"
Just as Shang Ruyi instinctively reached out to push away the figure, another scorching, strong hand grabbed hers faster.
He easily pinned her hands above her head.
Shang Ruyi was thus left in a dominated position—though, by now he had already claimed her as prey, meat on the chopping board, yet he defiantly showed a fierce manner, sweat-soaked, flushed face approaching her. Those eyes, reddened by alcohol fumes, shed their usual sternness, not only hot and fiery but also brimming with a beast-like ferocity and craving.
Shang Ruyi’s face flushed red.
Understanding what was happening, yet powerless to struggle, she could only feel him transferring heat into her, even penetrating into her body, cheeks turning scarlet, heart pounding like thunder. Instinctively, she turned her face away to avoid those reddened eyes.
But he wouldn’t allow her to avert her gaze.
The other hand released her already limp, unresisting waist, gripping her chin to turn her face toward him. In the darkness, their gazes intertwined like their breaths entangled closely, merging into one.
He breathed heavily in her ear, murmuring deeply: "You want me to go away for a few more days?"
"..."
"Hmm?"