How could she, a girl, answer such words?
Just when Shang Ruyi was awkwardly wishing for a crack in the ground to crawl into, a voice came from the corridor—
"Second Young Master?"
Turning her head, she saw Uncle Chen, the steward of Shen Mansion, walking over.
Seeing someone approaching, only then did Yu Wenye move his gaze away from Shang Ruyi. Once he did, Shang Ruyi felt as if a heavy burden was lifted from her shoulders, and she let out a long sigh of relief.
Uncle Chen walked up to Yu Wenye and said with a forced smile, "Why did Second Young Master come here?"
Yu Wenye glanced at him without speaking.
Uncle Chen said with a smile, "Duke Sheng is talking to our master and madam in the main hall. Second Young Master should go over first. Our Miss has just recovered a bit and cannot meet guests for now."
"Recovered...?"
Yu Wenye turned to look at Shang Ruyi, "You were sick?"
Uncle Chen quickly said, "Yes, Miss caught a cold half a month ago and has been ill ever since. She just started feeling better these last few days."
"Half a month ago?"
Yu Wenye's eyes flickered for a moment.
Half a month ago, right when the two families were discussing the marriage arrangement.
Shang Ruyi also knew that the steward was helping her out of the situation, and she felt relieved. She softly said, "Uncle Chen, since the Duke is already here, as a younger generation, I should naturally go over to pay my respects."
After speaking, she said to Yu Wenye, "Second Young Master, please."
Yu Wenye gave her a glance and then turned to walk outside.
Uncle Chen hesitated a bit, "Miss, you—"
Shang Ruyi smiled and waved her hand, signaling him not to worry, and followed Yu Wenye towards the main hall.
Along the way, with one in front and one behind them, both remained silent. Yu Wenye strode ahead, his height and long legs making Shang Ruyi almost run to keep up with him.
Luckily, the courtyard wasn't large, and before long, they reached the side door of the main hall.
Before they entered, a deep and resonant voice came from the main hall, like thunder shaking the ears—
"Enough! You've been talking for ages without reaching any conclusions, I'm tired of speaking with you. But this time, it's your Shen Family that's in the wrong towards my Yuwen Family!"
"..."
"How can the matter of marriage be treated as child's play?!"
"..."
"Do you know which family my son's original marriage proposal was with?!"
Shang Ruyi's heart skipped a beat, and she looked up at Yu Wenye, whose steps also seemed to falter.
It turns out he originally had an arranged marriage, which she had ruined.
No wonder Duke Sheng was still speaking to her uncle and aunt, while he had already rushed into her room, so angry—surely the one he was to marry was someone he cared about...
Feeling extremely guilty, Shang Ruyi softly said, "I'm sorr—"
Her words were interrupted as Yu Wenye, without turning back, quickly strode forward into the main hall: "Father, stop talking!"
The sound in the main hall instantly quieted down.
With no choice left, Shang Ruyi followed him inside.
However, as she stepped into the main hall, she instinctively held her breath.
Inside the main hall, seated prominently was her uncle, Minister of Rites Shen Shiyan, a slender and elegant middle-aged man who was regarded highly in the court. At this moment, he was being reprimanded to the point that he could not lift his head; and his wife, the fiery and straightforward Yu, could only offer repeated apologies forcefully.
Standing before them was the one who had spoken.
This person was about forty years old, with a sturdy build and dark skin, standing in the center of the main hall like a tower of iron, with thick eyebrows and broad eyes, a face full of rugged hair, exuding an imposing aura.
This man was Duke Sheng—Yu Wenquan!
Upon seeing him, Shang Ruyi's heart skipped, and she involuntarily murmured two words—
"Grand Ancestor..."