As soon as he saw them, a faint trace of a smile appeared in Yu Wenye’s eyes.
He stood up and said, "What brings you here?"
Pei Xingyuan, not caring that he was being teased, still confidently fanned himself and said, "I heard that Brother Fengchen returned to the Eastern Capital today, so we came to meet him, though we didn’t mean to disturb you and your wife—"
At this point, he seemed to feel the sharp gaze fall on the back of his neck again and swallowed his words.
Turning to Shang Ruyi, he smiled and said, "We came specially to pay our respects to the Young Madam."
Shang Ruyi was secretly grateful that Yu Wenye had let her comb her hair earlier; now she was relatively presentable. She hurried over to greet the visitors, and Yu Wenye also stood by her side, introducing each visitor to her.
His friends were all naturally gatekeeper’s sons, especially the one leading the conversation, who was the second son of Pei Xu, the current Left Director of the Imperial Secretariat, Pei Xingyuan.
Shang Ruyi also came from a noble family, and although she didn’t interact much with outsiders, she had heard of their names.
So, she greeted them one by one.
When they reached the last introduction, the only woman among the visitors, Shang Ruyi clearly sensed a subtle oppressiveness in the otherwise joyful air. When she looked up, she realized the pressure came from the tall and stunning woman before her.
Yu Wenye said, "Ruyi, she is the daughter of General Lei of the Left Imperial Guard—Lei Yu."
Shang Ruyi looked up and met those deep and sharp eyes.
Her heart trembled slightly, but she quickly smiled and said, "So, it’s Miss Lei. I’ve heard much about you."
Lei Yu’s name matched her demeanor; even when she spoke, it was sharp and direct: "When have you heard of my name?"
Shang Ruyi was stunned, unsure of how to respond.
Everyone knew this was a customary greeting for new acquaintances, but Lei Yu’s question made her seem insincere.
Just as the atmosphere became a bit awkward, Pei Xingyuan fanned himself and interjected with a smile, "That’s an excessive question. Who in the Eastern Capital City hasn’t heard of Miss Lei’s reputation? As for when exactly, who knows if it was when you punched the fierce southern tiger or kicked the northern sea dragon? I can’t remember."
Everyone immediately burst into laughter at his words, even the tense expression on Lei Yu’s face softened a little.
She gave Pei Xingyuan a sidelong glance and said, "You talk too much."
Yu Wenye asked, "You still haven’t said why you came?"
Pei Xingyuan laughed, "Feng Chen, it’s a rare occasion for you to return to the Eastern Capital. Naturally, we must give you a welcome banquet. Tonight at Tinghe Building, it’s my treat!"
Saying this, he specifically smiled at Shang Ruyi and said, "Young Madam, you must honor us with your presence as well."
Shang Ruyi had not expected to meet Yu Wenye’s friends on the first day of returning to the Eastern Capital. Although she was reclusive and didn’t often interact with these aristocratic families, now as the Young Madam of the Duke Mansion, she could not avoid socializing. Plus, these people were Yu Wenye’s friends—she was somewhat eager to join, but didn’t want to decide on her own, so she turned to Yu Wenye, her gaze carrying a hint of inquiry.
Whether it was an illusion or not, it seemed like she heard Lei Yu snort coldly again.
Yu Wenye pondered for a moment and looked at Shang Ruyi.
Then he said, "Let’s go."
So, after making some arrangements with the people at home, they left with the group.
But when they reached the door, they found two carriages waiting. The others, having not seen Yu Wenye for a long time, insisted on riding with him, leaving the only two women.
Shang Ruyi glanced at the stunning and stern woman beside her and smiled, "Then I’ll ride with Miss Lei."