The room was eerily silent.
Shang Ruyi could sense that Guan Yunmu was watching her closely; although the gaze was calm, it made her increasingly uneasy.
After what seemed like an eternity, Guan Yunmu suddenly smiled and said softly, "Ruyi, do you blame me?"
Upon hearing these words, Shang Ruyi hurriedly stood up, startled: "Mother, why would you say such a thing?"
Smiling, Guan Yunmu gestured for her to sit down, then said, "These past few days, I have been quite distant towards you, and haven’t even given you the meeting gift of a new daughter-in-law until now. You must feel very wronged."
Shang Ruyi was silent for a moment.
With her upbringing and wisdom, she had many answers to brush off this question, but at this moment, facing Guan Yunmu’s eyes full of wisdom and as calm as an autumn lake, she thought for a moment and chose the most candid response.
She said, "In life, there is no one who does not suffer grievances."
Upon hearing this answer, Guan Yunmu slightly raised an eyebrow.
"In life, there is no one who does not suffer grievances."
She repeated the phrase, then smiled and nodded gently, and when she looked at Shang Ruyi again, there was already a hint of satisfaction in her eyes.
"It is good that you have such a mindset."
Just as these words fell, Jinyun walked in from outside.
As soon as she saw Shang Ruyi in the room and noticed Guan Yunmu’s expression, she immediately understood, and Guan Yunmu already instructed, "Close the door."
Jinyun promptly closed the door.
The room was quieter than before.
Guan Yunmu remained silent for a while longer, then sighed deeply and said, "To test jade requires a full three days of burning, to discern a person requires seven years of time. In fact, I originally planned to neglect you for a while longer, to see your temperament, but now, things have happened suddenly, and some words can only be said to you in advance."
"But fortunately, you did not disappoint me."
"You did not let resentment consume you because of the grievances, nor did you become impatient due to the cold treatment. On the contrary, you were able to think, to do what you believe should be done," Guan Yunmu looked at her with praise and said, "Truly worthy of being Shang Ruohong’s daughter."
Though praised for not feeling resentment or impatience, when Shang Ruyi heard Guan Yunmu commend her father, she couldn’t help but feel a little joy inside.
On her face, she remained calm, "Mother, these words are too flattering."
"But I wonder, what does Mother really want to say to me?"
Guan Yunmu said, "Let me first ask you, why do you not take over the authority of the household?"
Shang Ruyi looked up at Guan Yunmu, solemnly said, "The Duke Mansion has always been managed by Aunt Hui. She is an elder and has the instructions of the late Mrs. Dong. If Ruyi were to actually take over the household duties, if it’s merely a lack of capability that causes discontent and unrest at home, that is minor."
"What is truly worrisome is putting the Duke in a difficult position, further affecting his safety at court; this is a major issue."
"Therefore, Ruyi does not dare to easily assume this power."
As soon as she finished speaking, a gleam flashed in Guan Yunmu’s eyes.
At that moment, she couldn’t conceal her appreciation and affection for her daughter-in-law, nodded lightly and said, "Good, good, good."
"You are indeed a commendable daughter-in-law of the Yuwen Family!"