Free Web NovelChapter 1061: Chapter 767: Growing Closer...
It’s actually Yu Wenqian!
Shang Ruyi froze for a moment, almost instinctively took a step back, and even thought about turning around to leave.
But immediately, reason overpowered that momentary instinct and unease. She clearly knew that the person in front of her was not only her elder brother but also the Crown Prince of the Dasheng Dynasty. No matter how opposing the environments they found themselves in, she absolutely could not show any trace of vigilance or hostility from her mind on her face, nor reveal any hint.
So, Shang Ruyi immediately stood firm, respectfully saluting the Crown Prince before her: "Greetings, Crown Prince."
The smile on Yu Wenqian’s face stiffened.
The next moment, he still plastered a smile across his face, slowly stood up, and said to Shang Ruyi, "I hope I didn’t disturb you from enjoying your poetic pastime."
Shang Ruyi’s brow slightly furrowed.
That sentence just now—if it counts as poetry—actually came from nowhere. Speaking of which, it seemed to merely chant the spring scenery of the whole garden and the joyful mood of people facing such exuberant spring light, yet she inexplicably felt that this verse should not have been heard by a man, let alone by Yu Wenqian.
And him stating it so plainly made Shang Ruyi feel an inexplicable embarrassment.
So she could only cut off this topic and flatly said, "I don’t know why the Crown Prince is here."
Yu Wenqian did not answer immediately; instead, he looked down at Shang Ruyi dressed in red. Actually, he rarely saw her in such bright and noticeable colors, not only not gaudy, but on the contrary, because of her fair skin and oval shape, it revealed a kind of brilliance that had never been seen before, like a transformation of this rich spring light around. Yu Wenqian’s gaze lingered on her for a moment and swiftly shifted away before Shang Ruyi felt uncomfortable. Then he looked around, gathering all the delightful spring scenery into his sight.
Then he smiled and said, "Coming to the garden is naturally to enjoy the spring scenes."
Shang Ruyi said, "It seems the Crown Prince is also very interested in elegance, then I—"
Before finishing her sentence, Yu Wenqian’s eyes flashed and he suddenly turned to look at her, smiled warmly, and said, "You always speak of etiquette and rules, but when there are no outsiders, I still hope to just be family with you, regardless of rank and status."
"..."
Shang Ruyi looked at him and seemed to see gentleness engraved in his bones. She was silent for a moment and finally said, "Elder brother."
Yu Wenqian smiled and nodded.
Shang Ruyi said, "Then I won’t disturb elder brother’s interest—"
She originally intended to leave very politely, but before finishing her sentence, Yu Wenqian said, "By the way, I heard that these days you have bought a house in Changle Square and it is already about to be refurbished, is that true?" freёweɓnovel.com
Shang Ruyi’s steps suddenly stopped. freeweɓnovēl.coɱ
She looked up at Yu Wenqian and said softly, "How did elder brother come to know about this?"
Yu Wenqian smiled, brushed off his robe, stepped back, and sat back in his chair, saying, "Our Dasheng has just founded months ago. Apart from external war, the most important thing is to count the households and lands under our governance. I have been following the Emperor’s orders these days, accounting for the lands and houses, household registries in the Central Pass, and naturally, Chang An City is the first step."
"..."
"Just now, uncle—Duke Shenwu also came to the palace to discuss the next steps with me."
"..."
Shang Ruyi’s expression froze again, and then a bit of embarrassment emerged in her heart.
In fact, upon seeing Yu Wenqian, she already knew that the familiar back that had just walked out of Thousand-step Corridor was Duke Shenwu Dong Bizheng, Yu Wenqian’s uncle. It seemed she inadvertently disrupted their meeting, so she was discreet in speaking to Yu Wenqian, saying no more than necessary, but unexpectedly, Yu Wenqian took the initiative to mention it.
It seemed to tell her that their meeting was nothing illicit.
And her caution seemed somewhat amusing.
Shang Ruyi felt a bit awkward internally but maintained a calm smile and said, "It turns out Duke Shenwu was in the palace as well, I should have come to meet him."
Yu Wenqian laughed, "Not meeting is fine."
"Ah?"
Shang Ruyi was puzzled again.
Her remark was naturally a courtesy, as everyone knows that Yu Wenquan’s backyard has the Dong and Guan families vying against each other, and ultimately, she counts as Guan Yunmu’s daughter-in-law and never gets along closely with the Dong Family. Not meeting naturally avoids awkwardness, but it was necessary to say such polite words, so why did Yu Wenqian—
Just as she was a bit astonished, she saw Yu Wenqian smiling and saying, "He always complains day in and day out. You’re now pregnant, and it’s most important to maintain a cheerful mood, and shouldn’t always listen to those words full of resentment."
