Although she had mentioned to Yu Wenye the night before to wake her up first, early the next morning, Shang Ruyi still opened her eyes early.
However, Yu Wenye was no longer in the room.
When Wo Xue and the others came to assist her with washing, upon Shang Ruyi’s inquiry, she found out that he had left early for the military camp to handle a pressing matter.
Hearing this news, Shang Ruyi sat in front of the dressing table, gazing at herself in the copper mirror, and softly murmured, "Oh," without further comment.
It was Wo Xue who seemed to perceive Shang Ruyi’s mood, and with a conciliatory smile, said, "Young Madam, don’t be upset. Although this servant is newly arrived at the mansion, I heard from the family that our Second Young Master treats the military camp as home throughout the year. Before marrying the Young Madam, he wouldn’t come back even after ten days or half a month."
"For the Young Madam, the Young Master stayed home for quite a few days this time."
Her words did more harm than good.
Shang Ruyi originally wanted to say that she wasn’t upset but felt it unnecessary. After a moment of silence, she raised her head to look at the clever and charming face in the mirror and said, "So, you’re also new to the Yuwen Mansion."
Wo Xue laughed, "Yes, this servant entered the mansion just last month."
Shang Ruyi looked at Tushere, exchanged glances, and said nothing more.
After breakfast, Shang Ruyi instructed Wo Xue to inform Aunt Hui to prepare a carriage for her as she wished to visit the clinic to have a doctor examine her hand injury. Shortly after, the carriage was ready, and Shang Ruyi asked Wo Xue to stay in the room, while she and Tushere set out.
As the carriage rocked along the road, Tushere sat with Shang Ruyi inside the carriage, attempting to speak several times but hesitating.
Shang Ruyi, with her eyes half-closed, was resting but could feel Tushere’s gaze, so she smiled and said, "Just say whatever you want to say. It’s unlike you to be tongue-tied."
Tushere immediately spoke, "Miss, why did Aunt Hui send a new person to you?"
Shang Ruyi gestured for her to speak softly, then lifted the curtain for a glance outside. The two guards accompanying them were some distance away, rendering their conversation inaudible.
Only then did Shang Ruyi respond softly, "Even outside, don’t lose restraint."
Tushere said, "I know."
Shang Ruyi laughed, "Why do you think she shouldn’t send a newcomer over?"
Tushere answered confidently, "Isn’t it obvious? The legitimate Madam of the mansion is Madam Guan, and she’s still in charge at the mansion, which is ultimately improper. Now that Miss has married in, the power of housekeeping should naturally pass to the daughter-in-law. How could she not guard against you, Miss?"
"Hence, I always thought that Wo Xue was her spy assigned to you, which is why I’ve been ignoring her these past few days."
"But who would have thought, she’s really a newcomer, quite naive at that."
Shang Ruyi couldn’t help but laugh, then said, "You see, she thought of what you thought."
"She knew that whoever she sent, we would be cautious, so she didn’t bother making such an effort. She sent a newcomer to save everyone the trouble."
Tushere suddenly realized, "She’s quite cunning."
Shang Ruyi gave a faint smile and said, "Who in the Duke Mansion isn’t shrewd?"
Tushere let out a long sigh.
She looked again at Shang Ruyi’s swollen fingers, and with concern, said, "Later, make sure to find a good doctor to have a thorough look. Don’t leave any lasting harm."
Shang Ruyi smiled faintly, "It only looks alarming, but it’s not a serious injury. When I practiced archery in my childhood, it was often . Resting for a couple of days will be fine."
Tushere was puzzled, "Then why does Miss want to visit the clinic?"