Huang Gongyi’s smile faded, and a look of shame appeared on his dark face.
After a moment of silence, he said, "I’ve thought for a long time, although you lost to me today, you are a woman confined to the inner quarters, while I am a man who trains every day. Such a comparison is unfair. If we were to compare your skills among women and mine among men, I am definitely not your equal."
"Therefore, I am here to say to the Young Madam — I, Huang Gongyi, admire you."
"I will no longer mistreat the prisoners of war. If the Young Madam ever needs anything from me, Huang Gongyi, please do not hesitate to ask. There’s no such thing as ’no’ from me."
Shang Ruyi never expected things to come to this point. Although Huang Gongyi has a fiery temper, he is straightforward and carefree. When he said these words, the slight blush on his dark face made him even more endearing.
Shang Ruyi smiled and said, "Mr. Huang, I truly don’t deserve such words."
"Actually, there is something I didn’t have the chance to tell Mr. Huang. The way you treated those prisoners of war, though I don’t agree with it, I know you did it to vent my anger. Therefore, I must thank Mr. Huang."
Upon hearing this, Huang Gongyi seemed a bit pleased, puffing out his chest, "You’re welcome."
His manner made Shang Ruyi burst into a radiant smile.
Huang Gongyi said, "Alright, I’ve said what I came to say, I should be leaving. Young Madam, farewell."
After saying this, he gave a formal bow to Shang Ruyi and a cupped fist salute to Yu Wenye, then turned and walked out briskly, his figure as carefree as a gust of wind.
Watching his retreating figure, the smile on Shang Ruyi’s face lingered for a long time.
Meanwhile, Yu Wenye, who had been silently watching the meeting, had a thoughtful expression on his face. He slowly lowered his gaze to Shang Ruyi, as if there was something flickering in his eyes.
Shang Ruyi looked up to meet his deep eyes, paused slightly, but immediately said, "Let’s go back."
The family was still seated around the round table, and upon seeing them return, Yu Wenquan immediately said, "What happened? What did that guy come here for?"
Yu Wenye sat down and recounted the events of the day.
Yu Wenquan immediately said, "You’re also being ridiculous, bringing Ru Yi to the military camp was one thing, but how could you let her compete with those guys? She is your wife!"
Yu Wenye lowered his eyelids and didn’t argue.
Shang Ruyi quickly said, "Father, don’t blame him. It’s actually because I spoke too much today that I caused trouble."
Yu Wenquan sighed and said, "You’re still young and inexperienced. Weapons have no eyes, what if you got hurt? Ye’er was truly reckless."
"Father, don’t blame Second Brother."
Yu Wenquan glared at Yu Wenye one more time before letting it go, but as he thought more, he suddenly laughed and said, "However, this matter was handled beautifully."
Shang Ruyi was taken aback, "Ah?"
Yu Wenquan laughed and said, "That Huang Gongyi, having been by my side since childhood and having earned many military merits, sometimes doesn’t listen to me. As for his mistreatment of prisoners, no matter how many times Ye’er told him off, even docking his pay, nothing worked."
"I didn’t expect that with just one move from Ru Yi, this troublesome matter would be resolved."
"He doesn’t easily admire others, and now he’s so impressed with you," he even smiled with a hint of pride, "indeed, she is a fine daughter-in-law of our family!"