Chapter 1062: Chapter 767: Closeness... (2)
"..."
This time, Shang Ruyi was at a loss for words.
She had just felt that when Yu Wenqian said "It’s fine not to see him," it wasn’t only lacking politeness but also had a—curiously intimate feel. Only those close can avoid saying polite words, and Shang Ruyi naturally dared not and couldn’t be close to him, so she treated his words as a slip of the tongue.
But now, his words seem to be venting grievances about his uncle to her.
This was truly intimacy, even closer than his relationship with his uncle.
For a moment, Shang Ruyi was somewhat taken aback looking at him, while Yu Wenqian seemed completely unaware of her unusual reaction and continued smiling: "His old self was used to being on the battlefield in the past. He fought a few battles over the last two years, yet never got the chance to lead troops. Now, he’s only allowed to register households in Changa An City, which has filled him with resentment."
"..."
How could Shang Ruyi respond to this?
But Yu Wenqian didn’t continue, seemingly waiting for her to speak.
After hesitating for a good while, Shang Ruyi finally engaged her mind, though an embarrassingly awkward smile involuntarily appeared at her twitching lips: "Old folks are like that; as they age, they tend to be stubborn. My uncle is the same..."
"..."
"Sometimes, if you can persuade them, do so; if not, go along with them."
Yu Wenqian looked at her again: "Do you mean, I should find an opportunity for uncle to go to battle?"
"..."
This time, Shang Ruyi really couldn’t continue the conversation.
Fortunately, Yu Wenqian seemed to realize he shouldn’t be talking about this with her, even sincerely asking for her advice. Seeing Shang Ruyi’s awkward look, he simply smiled and said: "Speaking of properties and estates in Changa An, even though the house Sister-in-law bought isn’t big, it is the Crown Prince’s property, and the subordinates should still report it truthfully."
After speaking, he looked at Shang Ruyi: "I see Sister-in-law plans to turn it into a school, right?"
Finally, back to "serious business".
Shang Ruyi breathed a sigh of relief and then thought that even this matter didn’t seem suitable for just the two of them to discuss. However, looking at Yu Wenqian’s demeanor, he seemed genuinely intent on "having a chat". But the property purchase and school establishment weren’t anything unspeakable, as it was with the money Yu Wenquan previously rewarded her with, and wasn’t under the Crown Prince’s jurisdiction.
Thus, she relaxedly walked to a chair opposite Yu Wenqian’s, sat down while maintaining some distance.
Tushere stood by quietly, neither too close nor too far.
Shang Ruyi said: "Elder brother is truly perceptive."
Yu Wenqian chuckled: "It’s not that I’m perceptive, but after the school was completed, it attracted mostly female students, causing quite chatter in Changa An City. I also heard Sister-in-law not only built a school but also reduced numerous tuition fees for students and bestowed favors by paying tuition for some impoverished female students across private schools in the city."
"..."
"Now, many citizens in the city know about this, praising Princess Qin as a living Bodhisattva."
Hearing this, Shang Ruyi felt embarrassed.
These matters were handled by Jiang Kesong; although she did instruct not to be overly flashy, it was necessary to reveal the identity of Princess Qin when needed, lest subordinates act recklessly out of greed and fearlessness.
Unexpectedly, it ended up like this.
Shang Ruyi simply smiled awkwardly: "I’m far from being a living Bodhisattva, it’s just—"
In her heart, she thought it was due to listening to Yu Mingyue’s words; hundreds of years later, women would have more choices in life from studying more, so she followed Shen Wuzheng’s suggestion to emulate Empress Du, establishing more girls’ schools to encourage girls to study.
However, she understood that mentioning Yu Mingyue in front of Yu Wenqian would be awkward.
Even now, she and Yu Wenye couldn’t guess how much Yu Wenqian knew about Yu Mingyue’s origin and the things she knew, and how much Yu Wenqian understood. But one thing was clear: after knowing certain futures revealed by Yu Mingyue, and realizing the path he would take, he didn’t want to sit idle, hence he abandoned many years of practice, returned to the Yu family, and inherited everything before him.
Reflecting on this, Shang Ruyi changed her words, lightly touched her rounded belly and said: "Consider it accumulating blessings for this child."
