Everyone showed expressions of surprise.
The eunuch who came earlier had just left, surely he hadn’t gone far yet, and now there was another one?
Although they were puzzled, since someone from the palace was here, they dared not neglect their duties. Thus, Aunt Hui immediately gathered the household staff to wait in the courtyard. Before long, they saw a young eunuch walking in with a cheerful smile.
This young eunuch, no more than sixteen or seventeen years old, appeared clever and alert. Unlike the previous eunuch, who carried his arrogance like his eyes were grown on his forehead, this one seemed far more humble and courteous. Upon entering, he greeted Yu Wenye with a bow, "Second Young Master."
Upon seeing him, Yu Wenye’s expression immediately became complex.
He returned the gesture with an imperceptible bow as well and said, "I wonder what guidance you have for me, sir eunuch, in coming here this time?"
The little eunuch smiled and said, "Second Young Master, I’ve come to request your presence at the palace."
"Yes, there’s something to discuss."
Upon hearing this, Shang Ruyi, standing to the side, frowned— The previous eunuch had just left without mentioning such a thing, and now this little eunuch claims to summon Yu Wenye to the palace. Could it be that the two bear entirely different orders?
What is the Emperor planning?
Although puzzled, Yu Wenye could not disobey an imperial command. He thought for a moment and said, "Please, sir, wait a moment while I make arrangements before accompanying you to the palace."
The little eunuch seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, smiled, and said, "Then, I’ll wait for you outside, Second Young Master."
After that, he nodded to the crowd and turned to leave.
Yu Wenye watched until the little eunuch was gone before turning to Shang Ruyi and saying, "It seems I won’t be able to go to the Shen Mansion today."
Indeed, a trip to the palace would take two hours at least, even if just for a brief visit.
Shang Ruyi quickly said, "Then, I too—"
Yu Wenye shook his head and said, "We’ve already sent the visitation post. Not going would be disrespectful to your uncle and aunt. How about this, you go alone today, and in a couple of days, I’ll accompany you back to the Shen Mansion to apologize to them."
Shang Ruyi hurriedly said, "What apology? It is the Emperor’s decree; you have no choice."
Yu Wenye looked at her and said nothing.
Shang Ruyi said, "Then hurry to the palace, don’t make the Emperor wait. Otherwise, it would be a crime of disrespect to the throne."
Yu Wenye nodded and turned to leave.
Just as he turned around, Shang Ruyi called him back, "Please, try to come back early."
After all, today was Mid-Autumn. Even if they couldn’t visit her uncle and aunt together, she had been looking forward to spending the evening with him.
Seeing the hint of hopeful light in Shang Ruyi’s eyes, Yu Wenye paused and softly responded, "Mm."
Watching his silhouette disappear through the main gate, Shang Ruyi sighed with slight desolation.
To say she wasn’t disappointed would be a lie. Although today was not a formal visit, it was, however, her first return to her "parental home" after the wedding. She had hoped her husband could accompany her, if only to reassure her uncle and aunt that she was doing well in her married life.
As she pondered her melancholy thoughts, a light laughter sounded from behind her.
Though the laughter was soft, it seemed exceptionally piercing at the moment. Shang Ruyi immediately turned around to see Aunt Hui standing by the hall, smiling at her.
In that smile was a clear sting.