Yuwen Yu looked at his second son, then at Shang Ruyi whose face was still somewhat flushed, and was about to say something with a smile when he heard Yu Wenye say calmly, "Father, such matters shouldn’t be one-sided; it’s better to listen to the opinions of the people involved. Others may not necessarily be willing."
Yuwen Yu was surprised: "Wasn’t this matter already settled by them?"
Yu Wenye shifted his gaze lightly towards Shang Ruyi: "Is that so? Ruyi sister?"
At this moment, Shang Ruyi only felt her heart pounding like thunder.
Previously, she had only firmly expressed her unwillingness to marry Yu Wenqian, and the matter of changing to marry Yu Wenye was something she had only just understood; she indeed wasn’t "willing."
But, how did Yu Wenye know?
She raised her eyes to meet those deep onyx-like eyes, feeling an inexplicable chill rising from her feet, and immediately lowered her head to avoid his gaze.
At this time, Shen Shiyan walked to Shang Ruyi’s side, and said gently, "Ruyi, if you have anything to say, just tell Duke Sheng; your uncle is here, you naturally have someone to make decisions for you."
Yu also said, "Yes, yes."
Shang Ruyi was silent for a long time, then raised her head, looking instead at the tall, mighty Duke Sheng Yuwen Yu standing behind Yu Wenye, who gave a feeling of reliability.
Yuwen Yu, Duke Sheng...
When these words flashed in her mind, Shang Ruyi finally made up her mind and stated solemnly, "Everything depends on Uncle’s arrangements."
With just this sentence, she felt as if all the blood in her body seemed to boil for a moment.
Her remaining life, perhaps, and the future of all those around her, changed at this moment!
Upon hearing this, Yuwen Yu was overjoyed, saying: "Good, then it’s settled!"
Shang Ruyi’s breathing still couldn’t quite catch up, as she withdrew her gaze, looking at Yu Wenye standing in front of her; his face still showed no warmth, as if his expression hadn’t changed.
Yet, within those deep eyes, there seemed to be a playful gaze flickering across her.
Yuwen Yu said heartily, "Since it’s settled, let’s set a date."
Shen Shiyan was a bit surprised: "So soon?"
Yu Wenye said, "Uncle Shen, please forgive me; Father came to the Eastern Capital primarily to report to His Majesty the Emperor, and the matters at Dragon Gate are yet unfinished, so we cannot stay long."
Shen Shiyan nodded and didn’t say much more.
Not only he but even Shang Ruyi knew well that while Duke Sheng had outstanding military achievements, he was also facing the risk of overshadowing the Emperor, and in recent years, His Majesty had grown increasingly suspicious of him, reaching a precarious level.
Yuwen Yu pointed to the open courtyard outside the hall: "Leave the betrothal gifts here. I’ve already had people check, and the fourth day of next month is an auspicious day; we will handle the matters on this day."
Shang Ruyi then noticed, in the open courtyard, twelve massive boxes made of purple sandalwood neatly lined up.
Unexpectedly, he had brought the betrothal gifts directly.
Yuwen Yu said to Shang Ruyi again: "Ruyi, if your health permits, begin the journey to Taiyuan early; our Yuwen family will certainly marry you into our home with grand celebration."
Shang Ruyi softly said, "Yes."
Yuwen Yu said, "Alright then, I have other matters to attend to, so I’ll leave now."
After saying this, the father and son stood up to leave, while Shen Shiyan and his wife naturally courteously escorted them out the whole way.
The elders walked in front, at a slow pace, talking about something as they walked, and Shang Ruyi also followed behind her uncle, watching as they approached the main gate, Yu Wenye suddenly stopped, and Shang Ruyi was caught off guard, nearly bumping into his back.
She quickly stopped, raised her head to see Yu Wenye looking down at her.
Those deep, obsidian-like eyes, somehow, seemed to penetrate her body, seeing through to her very soul.
Shang Ruyi felt her heart involuntarily skip a beat under his gaze.