At this moment, Shang Ruyi walked into the dining hall and went directly in front of Yu Wenquan. She first saluted the couple and then said with a smile, "Father, please, don’t blame Second Brother, it’s all my fault."
Yu Wenquan, still a little angry, softened his tone toward her by three parts, "You don’t need to cover for him."
Shang Ruyi quickly said, "Actually, it was I who asked Second Brother to take me to the military camp."
Shang Ruyi smiled and said, "When I was young, I often followed my father in and out of the military. I miss those times, so I asked Second Brother to take me to see what the military camp is like now."
At the mention of this, Yu Wenquan seemed to fall into reminiscence, remaining silent for a long time before slowly saying, "Ah, yes, your father back then was also a great hand at managing the army."
"So, how was it? Did you gain anything from your visit today?"
Shang Ruyi smiled and said, "I don’t actually remember much from when I was young, but today I saw the soldiers training diligently, with strict military discipline and orders carried out without question. I think your management of the army today surpasses even my father’s."
Yu Wenquan was quite pleased and laughed heartily. After laughing, he modestly waved his hand, "Don’t try to flatter me."
With his laughter, the atmosphere in the dining hall immediately improved.
Shang Ruyi took the opportunity to sit back down next to Yu Wenye, casting a glance at Aunt Hui without showing her feelings. Aunt Hui also looked at her coldly.
A moment ago, Aunt Hui’s words were clearly intended to make something of her "reputation," but in truth, the social norms today have changed. Especially since Empress Du not only participated in political discussions, she also advocated for the establishment of the National Academy, which enrolled female students. Not only in the palace but also in the court, female officials have appeared, so the trends in private boudoirs are no longer what they used to be.
Moreover, since Shang Ruyi mentioned she had been in and out of the military camp since childhood, it was considered a family tradition, leaving Aunt Hui unable to criticize further.
Just then, the always silent Guan Yunmu softly chuckled, "Master, let’s eat first; otherwise, the dishes will get cold."
Yu Wenquan also laughed and said, "Yes, let’s eat first."
With that, everyone picked up their bowls and chopsticks.
While Yu Wenquan was picking up food with his chopsticks, he turned to Shang Ruyi and said, "Ruyi, now that you have married into our family, you should learn to manage things. As for the household—"
Before he finished speaking, he suddenly said, "What’s wrong with your hand?"
The people at the table, who had various expressions upon hearing his words, all looked at Shang Ruyi’s hand holding the chopsticks, only to find her fingers were swollen, especially the tip of her index finger, which was bruised purple and looked quite alarming.
Yu Wenye immediately frowned, "Did you get hurt?"
Shang Ruyi quickly pulled her hand back, awkwardly smiling, "No, no."
Yu Wenquan’s expression had already darkened, but he addressed Yu Wenye, "What happened? How did you let your wife get hurt?"
Yu Wenye was just about to say something when a commotion suddenly sounded outside.
Everyone at the table turned to look outside, only to see a servant hurriedly come in from outside and speak to Yu Wenquan, "Duke."
Yu Wenquan asked, "What’s the matter? Who’s making noise outside?"
The servant said, "Duke, Mr. Huang Gongyi has arrived."
Shang Ruyi’s heart skipped a beat, and she exchanged a glance with Yu Wenye.
Upon hearing this, Yu Wenquan’s expression became serious, and he quickly asked, "Why has he come? Has something happened in the military?"
The servant shook his head, somewhat awkwardly saying, "He said he’s here to see the Young Madam."