Yu Wenye silently looked at her for a while, then suddenly said, "You don't want to marry me."
"..."
Shang Ruyi felt her breath catch.
Yet at that moment, she wasn't surprised that Yu Wenye could see through her thoughts. It seemed those deep black eyes were destined to gain insight into worldly affairs. She just paused for a moment, then softly said, "You don't want to either, do you."
It was something she didn't even need to discern his thoughts for; Yu Wenye was too exceptional a person to be willing to marry such an ordinary woman as herself. Moreover, they had just been discussing marriage, and judging by his attitude of storming into her room without regard for propriety, he must already have someone in mind.
Yu Wenye seemed to let out a light laugh.
He continued walking forward, and Shang Ruyi gradually followed by his side. The two kept only a half-step's distance apart, speaking softly enough for each other to hear clearly.
Yu Wenye said, "Since that's the case, it's easier to handle."
"...?"
Shang Ruyi was taken aback and looked up at him—what did he mean?
But Yu Wenye just glanced indifferently forward without looking at her, as if he was merely speaking to himself.
They reached the entrance. The people and horses brought by Duke Sheng were already waiting outside. Several elders exchanged reluctant farewells, and Duke Sheng boarded the carriage, but Yu Wenye did not join him. Instead, he mounted a tall, snow-white horse.
Watching his adept movements, a faint light flickered in Shang Ruyi's eyes.
Soon, the Duke's convoy started moving forward, and at the moment before he spurred his horse into movement, Yu Wenye turned to look at Shang Ruyi standing at the entrance and suddenly said, "Shang Ruyi, I'm waiting for you in Taiyuan!"
Shang Ruyi was stunned; he was already riding away, as if carried by the wind.
Watching his gallant figure, those around couldn't help but exclaim in admiration. Even Yu couldn't help but say, "I never thought—this second young master is so outstanding. It seems we've struck gold this time?"
Then she turned to look at Shang Ruyi, who was still lost in thought staring at Yu Wenye's departing silhouette, and suddenly laughed, "Ruyi, what do you think?"
"..."
Shang Ruyi snapped back to reality, her face instantly flushed red.
Yu chuckled and then said, "Come on, let's head back; it's windy outside."
Shang Ruyi nodded and followed them silently as they walked back.
The family returned to the main hall, and Shen Shiyan heaved a sigh of relief, then asked, "Ruyi, you weren't too frightened, were you?"
Shang Ruyi gently shook her head.
She asked, "Uncle, why did Duke Sheng come today?"
Shen Shiyan sighed and said, "They initially came to Eastern Capital to report to Your Majesty. They coincidentally met our envoy at the station outside the city yesterday and decided to come over directly today."
Speaking of this, he added with a guilty expression, "Ruyi, don't blame your uncle for changing your marriage plans. Bonding with the Yuwen Family was your father's wish before his passing, and we couldn't go against his last wish; but you didn't want to marry Yu Wenqian, so after much consideration, this was the only option we had."
Shang Ruyi hurriedly said, "Uncle, please don't say that; it's all because I was stubborn, creating difficulties for you."
Shen Shiyan waved his hand dismissively.
Beside them, Yu observed her for a moment, then suddenly said, "Ruyi, since you agreed to marry Yu Wenye, you mean to say you're not unwilling to marry into the Yuwen Family, correct?"
"..."
"You just don't want to marry the eldest son, Yu Wenqian, right?"