Because of his military background, although Yu Wenye is handsome in appearance, the martial artist’s aura on him overshadows any noble family’s bearing. When he’s slightly angry, a sinister energy radiates from him, unique to a martial artist.
In this small carriage, it immediately made it hard for people to breathe.
But Shang Ruyi looked into his eyes without flinching, and solemnly said, "Because this marriage is a transaction."
"Since we are both parties in this transaction, you should treat me fairly. I am not your tool. Whenever you have any plans, any arrangements, you should discuss them with me in advance, otherwise this transaction will eventually fail."
Before she finished speaking, she saw Yu Wenye slightly squint his eyes, looking at her with a dangerous aura.
He said, "Shang Ruyi, you said—fair?"
Shang Ruyi said, "Yes, fair."
"A transaction must be fair."
Yu Wenye did not speak, only stared at her.
His gaze was sharp and piercing, like a tangible blade, causing Shang Ruyi’s bones to ache faintly, yet she never flinched, only clenched her fist tightly where Yu Wenye could not see.
Her palm was full of cold sweat.
After who knows how long, a cold smile appeared on Yu Wenye’s face.
He said, "Shang Ruyi, you really surprise me."
Shang Ruyi paused for a moment, then calmly said, "We were strangers in the first place."
These two sentences were exchanged in their bridal chamber last night, and at this moment, they repeated them verbatim. The coldness in Yu Wenye’s eyes intensified, while Shang Ruyi remained calm without the slightest ripple of emotion.
The carriage continued moving forward without stopping.
The accompanying people had no idea what kind of unseen confrontation was happening in the seemingly calm carriage.
Taiyuan City is not very large, and after a short while, the carriage began to drive into a more bustling area. Shang Ruyi turned her head to look outside through a gap in the curtain, seeing more pedestrians on both sides of the road, roadside shops beginning to appear, and the calls of street vendors rising one after another.
Shang Ruyi didn’t know their destination, wanted to ask, but held back.
After a short while, the carriage stopped.
Yu Wenye got off first. Shang Ruyi stepped out of the carriage, and just as she was about to jump down, she saw him standing below, extending a hand to her.
Shang Ruyi was taken aback. They had just had an unpleasant conversation, and she thought Yu Wenye would ignore her, yet unexpectedly—
Evidently, he was still very clear-headed.
Shang Ruyi said nothing, reached out her hand, and Yu Wenye grabbed it, helping her down.
Once stable, she saw before her an energetic three-story building named Xianglai Inn. Inside the ground floor hall, many guests were drinking, and the servant was diligently waiting at the door, bowing, and said, "Young Master Yu Wen, this way please."
Yu Wenye led her inside.
Probably due to being a regular, the servant directly led them upstairs to the second floor. Along the way, many people gave them sideways glances, clearly recognizing Yu Wenye, especially a few well-dressed young ladies who looked very wealthy or noble, who gazed at Yu Wenye without turning away.
However, upon seeing Shang Ruyi, they all showed expressions of disdain.
One of them sneered, using a voice that was just right to reach her ears, said, "Young Master Yu Wen really is something, clearly capable of marrying a golden noble lady from the Heavenly Palace, yet he picked up a dog’s tail grass."
Shang Ruyi turned to glance, only to see those people raising their chins provocatively.
She said nothing, turned and followed Yu Wenye upstairs.
Behind her, a burst of giggling ensued.