"..."
Shang Ruyi lowered her head, saying nothing.
Her silence was an implicit agreement.
Shen Shiyan and his wife exchanged a glance, growing more puzzled.
It was known that Yu Wenye was praised among the court officials as "unmatched in the world," yet the eldest son of the Yuwen Family was equally outstanding. Rumor had it that he was erudite and extraordinarily handsome. Although due to certain special reasons, he remained indifferent to fame and wealth, almost never setting foot in officialdom, and had no military accomplishments, his temperament was steady, and he was wise and courageous, making him a leading figure among the noble sons.
Why then, at the initial discussion of the marriage, did Shang Ruyi not oppose, but after an unexpected illness, she refused to marry him?
Shen Shiyan couldn't help but ask, "Why? Did Yu Wenqian offend you in some way?"
"..."
"Or, have you heard anything bad about him?"
Hearing this, Shang Ruyi's heart suddenly sank.
But she still bit her lip, remaining silent.
Seeing this, Yu said, "Let it be, since Ruyi doesn't want to talk, don't ask anymore. Anyway, the marriage is already decided."
Shen Shiyan, seeing her like this, could only sigh, "Alright then."
After all, this was the daughter left by his most beloved youngest sister.
Shang Ruyi's mother was the youngest and most pampered daughter of the Shen Family. Eighteen years ago, she married the world-famous third son of the Shang Family, Shang Ruohong, who was serving as the Left Merit Guard Cavalry General at the time. Although she was a second wife, the couple was very much in love, and shortly after the marriage, they had Shang Ruyi. The family was harmonious and happy.
However, the good times did not last long. Within a few years, the couple both succumbed to illness.
Once the Shang couple passed away, the young Shang Ruyi was swept out by her half-brother, almost forced to wander the streets. Shen Shiyan, feeling sorry for her, took her into his own home and raised her as his own.
The matter of her marriage had always been a heavy concern for Shen Shiyan. Now that it's settled, he could finally give an account to his sister and brother-in-law.
At this moment, Yu went to the yard, looked at the ten or so zitan wood boxes, and beckoned to them: "Come quickly, see what the Yuwen Family has sent as betrothal gifts."
Opening just the first one left them stunned.
"Wow!"
Yu covered her mouth in astonishment, "What a grand gesture!"
Inside was a White Jade Guanyin Statue, half a person tall, exquisitely carved and beautifully finished – clearly not an ordinary item.
Yu ordered a few more boxes to be opened. If not famous paintings and calligraphy, then ancient jade artifacts. Even Shen Shiyan and his wife, who had seen the world, had never seen such lavish betrothal gifts.
This made Shang Ruyi feel a bit overwhelmed.
She had thought that their decision to break off the engagement would have displeased Duke Sheng, yet he still sent such heavy betrothal gifts.
However, something seemed amiss.
Before she could think it through, Shen Shiyan nearby solemnly said, "Mei Xian, time is short, and we must hurry to prepare Ruyi's dowry. With such lavish betrothal gifts, we mustn't be disrespectful."
Yu laughed, "Naturally."
In the following days, after a period of frantic busyness due to Shang Ruyi's illness, everyone at the Shen Mansion cheerfully busied themselves with her wedding preparations.
During this period, however, a small "accident" occurred.
Just three days after the marriage was set, Shang Ruyi was called into the room by Yu, who helped her tidy up her clothes while blushing and talking to her about some marital secrets. Just as Yu was speaking at her ear about the wedding night, suddenly news came from the palace —
Duke Sheng had entered the palace for an audience with His Majesty the Emperor, provoking the emperor's wrath, who wanted to execute him!