Upon hearing these words, Shang Ruyi also breathed a big sigh of relief.
In fact, this matter had been like a heavy stone on her heart since the day she got married. She had been gambling, gambling whether her concessions were correct, and now seeing Guan Yunmu’s performance, she had placed her bet correctly.
That Aunt Hui, Han Yuhui, was someone left behind by the late Mrs. Dong. Why she stayed on in the house managing affairs even after Mrs. Dong’s death wasn’t simply because she raised the eldest son or had household management experience.
More importantly, the Dong Family came from the same Dingchuan Military Town as the Duke Sheng.
Having Han Yuhui remain in the Yuwen Family as a steward seemed merely a minor steward position, but in reality, it signified a link between the Yuwen Family and the Dong Family.
This symbol cannot be touched.
This line must absolutely not be broken.
Previously, it was heard that Yu Wenquan was nearly executed by the Emperor, and the one who pleaded to save him was Duke Shenwu, Dong Bizheng, the late Mrs. Dong’s brother. Therefore, Shang Ruyi couldn’t take control of the steward’s power; it couldn’t be taken from those directed by the Dong Family. That would affect the connection between the Yuwen Family and the Dong Family.
Of course, this indirectly affected Guan Yunmu as well.
Being the Duchess and unable to manage household affairs, with the late wife’s confidant lingering about, was clearly uncomfortable for her.
If she were a shallow person, she might become bitter and blame others for being cold to her, which would inadvertently worsen the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship with Shang Ruyi—indeed, over the past month, Guan Yunmu had been quite cold towards her.
But Shang Ruyi was not only betting on the relationship between the Yuwen Family and the Dong Family, but also on her mother-in-law not being a shallow person.
Now, it seems she bet correctly.
Guan Yunmu clearly understood the tangled interests involved; she did not just seek justice for herself but considered her husband’s situation and the future of the entire Yuwen Family.
Just like she said earlier—living in this world, no one is without grievances.
Facing Guan Yunmu’s smiling gaze, Shang Ruyi softly said, "Mother, you flatter me."
Guan Yunmu shook her head and said, "It’s not easy for you to think of this level. You are right; family discord is a small matter; now the Duke is deeply suspected by Your Majesty, and without support in the court, his situation will be more difficult."
"His great ambition will also be harder."
Shang Ruyi looked up at her—great ambition?
Whether Guan Yunmu noticed she spoke a few more words or felt a bit out of breath after speaking so much, she held her chest at this moment and began to cough. Shang Ruyi quickly stood and walked to her side, gently rubbing her back to help soothe her.
After a while, Guan Yunmu finally calmed down.
She smiled and waved, indicating for Shang Ruyi to sit down, and Shang Ruyi sat back down.
Still sitting with restraint, maintaining a composed posture.
Guan Yunmu said, "I have one more thing to ask you."
Shang Ruyi said, "Mother, please ask."
"Why did you use illness as an excuse instead of directly refusing the stewardship?"
Speaking of this, Guan Yunmu sighed, "That time when you got injured, it was on purpose, wasn’t it?"
Shang Ruyi nodded slightly and softly said, "Refusing with illness allows room to strive for it when recovered. But if I directly refused, it would be difficult to claim it in the future."
"Just because I can’t want the stewardship now doesn’t mean I don’t want it forever."
Guan Yunmu’s face showed a hint of surprise.