Free Web NovelChapter 1017: Chapter 740: Speaking of Women’s Passions, It Can Be Said
The streets gradually filled with people. The last time she rode in a carriage along Vermilion Bird Street seemed to be when the epidemic lifted and Changle Square reopened. Unbelievably, a few months had already passed in the blink of an eye. Compared to the previous state of fear where everyone avoided the streets, now Chang’an City bustled with traffic and crowds, lively and festive. Walking alongside the carriage, Tushere hadn’t seen such a lively scene in a long time, her eyes shining with excitement. But now she had to consider the dignity of King Qin and Princess Qin, and couldn’t freely look around as she used to.
Shang Ruyi lifted a corner of the curtain and watched her trying to restrain herself, unable to hold back a soft, amused laugh.
Yu Wenye had been resting with his eyes closed, but upon hearing the laughter, he turned to her: "What’s so funny?"
Shang Ruyi responded with a smile: "I was laughing at She’er, finally showing a bit of maturity."
Yu Wenye chuckled as well, saying: "It took quite a bit of effort for her to get the chance to come out with you today. She wouldn’t dare to be bold; otherwise, she might not get another chance like this."
Shang Ruyi said: "It’s because Wo Xue went out with us before, so they didn’t compete over it this time. Chang Wan—it’s largely because Chang Wan is considerate towards her."
Yu Wenye laughed.
After the laughter, his expression slightly dimmed, and he said: "Mother bought her initially because she valued her gentle yet strong personality. Staying by Mother’s side for so many years has tempered some of her rough edges."
"..."
"As for that girl you have, she may look fierce but has a soft heart beneath her sharp tongue; their personalities complement each other well by your side."
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"With Wo Xue added to the mix, the people around you are quite decent."
Shang Ruyi knew he was always accurate in judging people. The three girls each had their strengths and weaknesses; their presence was quite beneficial.
Just then, they reached Divine Tired Pavilion.
Shang Ruyi had visited this place as a child. It was the largest tavern in Chang’an City, and its owner was known for his arrogance. The food and drink here were exorbitantly priced, intimidating most people. However, he treated scholars with favor, especially those who left calligraphy in the tavern and earned the owner’s appreciation, often having their drink fees waived for months. As a result, scholars thronged here, and poetry and song contests frequently took place.
Thus, although it wasn’t constantly crowded, it remained the most desirable tavern in Chang’an City.
At this moment, Yu Wenye left Tushere and the others downstairs, only bringing Shang Ruyi inside. Their generosity and the presence of Shen Wuzheng waiting for them prompted the waiter to lead them upstairs hospitably, even if he didn’t recognize them as King Qin and Princess Qin. They indeed found Shen Wuzheng sitting by a window. Before him was a cup of clear tea and a few fruits offered by the establishment, untouched as he stared intently at the budding willow branches and the sprouting pink buds of the peach trees in the distance, with eyes that did not reflect the vivid spring colors.
Yu Wenye and Shang Ruyi approached, and Shang Ruyi softly said: "Brother."
Upon hearing her voice, Shen Wuzheng immediately snapped back to reality, a smile emerging on his face as he eagerly invited them to sit. He called for the waiter to order food, but Yu Wenye and Shang Ruyi had just eaten and weren’t hungry, ordering only two cups of tea and some fresh fruits.
Settling down, Shang Ruyi asked: "What were you thinking about, so deeply lost in thought?" frёewebηovel.cѳm
Shen Wuzheng’s gaze dimmed slightly but didn’t conceal it: "I was pondering what Yu Mingyue said to me."
Upon hearing this, Shang Ruyi and Yu Wenye exchanged a glance.
Earlier, she heard Yu Wenye mention that recently Shen Wuzheng frequently spaced out while working, seemingly due to Yu Mingyue’s words, and now it was confirmed. Even during a brief tea break, he would become distracted. Who knew how long and deeply he had been pondering these matters.
Shang Ruyi couldn’t help but say: "Brother, why did you seek out Yu Mingyue that night? What exactly did she say to you?"
Shen Wuzheng remained silent for a long period before gravely saying: "That day, the things she said made me deeply uncomfortable. I sought her to clarify matters, to inquire about her ’homeland’— whether its people disregard the teachings of sages, whether they take pride in evil deeds and forsake the path of virtue."
As he spoke, his expression became heavy.
Shang Ruyi suddenly understood; this was the reason for Yu Wenye’s mention of Shen Wuzheng’s somewhat extreme reaction that day.
For someone like Shen Wuzheng, the emergence of a bad person, whether it’s one or a group’s lack of virtue, isn’t a grave concern. But the place Yu Mingyue comes from is different; hundreds of years later, although they won’t live to see that era, it symbolizes a certain goal, allowing them to glimpse the endpoint of their lifelong striving.
