Chapter 1312 - 988: Release

After returning to Qianqiu Palace, Shang Ruyi spent her days much like the previous ones, playing and frolicking with Little Yuan Qian, and at night, she continued to sleep with him. Although she was often woken by the child’s cries from hunger, she took it in stride.

However, Tushere increasingly sensed something was amiss.

Although Shang Ruyi displayed immense patience in caring for Yuan Qian these past days, Tushere felt she wasn’t fully present. At times, Shang Ruyi seemed distracted, glancing towards the outside of Liangyi Hall as if waiting for something. Even during her rest periods, she wore an expression of eager anticipation mixed with unease, which unsettled everyone in Liangyi Hall.

Fortunately, the news she awaited arrived swiftly.

Just two days later, Yu Wenquan suddenly decreed the release of the innocent Sun Xianyue.

Regarding this matter, the Crown Prince had no objections, as Sun Xianyue was indeed innocent. Even though it was partly to appease the Pei Family, many officials continued to plead for them in court. Many of Yu Wenquan’s daily documents contained stark pleas for the Pei Family’s relief, and keeping Sun Xianyue in the Ministry of Justice’s prison was indeed inappropriate.

Thus, after several days of imprisonment, Sun Xianyue was finally set free.

Before this day, Shang Ruyi had requested permission from Yu Wenquan to leave the palace and visit her uncle and aunt, and because of King Qin’s successive victories in the east, Yu Wenquan granted her request. By the time Shang Ruyi arrived at the Shen Mansion that noon, Sun Xianyue had already been brought there to recover. Seeing his pale face and heavily injured leg, Shang Ruyi felt a deep sense of guilt and hastily told Shen Shiyan to fetch the doctor they had arranged for at home.

The doctor meticulously cleaned Sun Xianyue’s wounds, applied medication, and bandaged them, then reported to Shang Ruyi: "Your Highness, the young man’s leg bone is fractured. It will take at least a hundred days for a full recovery."

Shang Ruyi asked, "Will he fully recover?"

The old doctor glanced back at Sun Xianyue, who sat silently by the bedside, and upon hearing this question, he lifted his head with hopeful eyes, seemingly anticipating something eagerly. The doctor sighed lightly and said, "It depends on fate."

Upon hearing this, Sun Xianyue immediately lowered his head.

Shang Ruyi’s face also paled slightly, but she quickly resumed her usual demeanor and said, "Please take good care of him in the future. Here’s your reward."

Tushere immediately brought over the money, and the doctor accepted it with profuse thanks and left.

Shang Ruyi sighed and then approached Sun Xianyue, looking at his downcast form, and said, "Mr. Sun, do not lose hope. The doctor mentioned it depends on fate, and fate may yet fulfill our wishes."

Upon hearing this, Sun Xianyue glanced at her again, and his pale face gained a semblance of life. He nodded and said, "Thank you, Princess."

After speaking, he asked, "Princess, why did the Emperor release me?"

Shang Ruyi smiled and replied, "You’re innocent, and there was nothing between you and me. Why shouldn’t you be released?"

Sun Xianyue thought for a moment and lowered his head, saying, "I thought His Majesty would blame me because of the Pei Family’s affairs."

Shang Ruyi said lightly, "The Emperor is magnanimous."

"Yes."

"Alright, have a good rest. Stay here during your recovery, and once you’re well, we can discuss your plans."

"Thank you, Princess."

Shang Ruyi nodded, then turned to look at Shen Shiyan and his wife, who had been standing silently nearby. She spoke softly to them, and everyone left the room, leaving Chang Wan to help Sun Xianyue settle in.

Once they exited, someone immediately brought in hot tea, but Shang Ruyi was clearly not in the mood for tea. She cautiously looked at Shen Shiyan and spoke softly, "Uncle, Aunt, I’ve burdened you again."

She was referring, of course, to having them look after Lu Xiao before and now bringing Sun Xianyue into their care.

Upon hearing this, Yu merely smiled wryly, while Shen Shiyan sighed lightly and said, "Princess, please don’t say that. This person’s identity is special; if you don’t entrust him to us, who else would you trust?"

"..."

"Moreover, he ended up in this condition for pleading for the Pei Family. No matter what, I must lend a hand, at least for a colleague."

"..."

"After all, the Pei Family’s current situation—"

At this, both Shang Ruyi and Shen Shiyan couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

Under normal circumstances, it would make sense to send Sun Xianyue to the Pei Family after his release. However, the Pei Family was practically under house arrest, albeit permitted nominal freedom. Sun Xianyue couldn’t simply be sent there, and doing so might incite further suspicion from Yu Wenquan.

Seeing both uncle and niece wearing worried expressions and the hall overshadowed with gloom, Yu suddenly said, "By the way, I heard that King Qin is having great victories in the east!"

Hearing this, Shang Ruyi’s face instantly lit up with a smile.

She laughed, "Aunt, capturing Luoyang would be a grand victory indeed. However, he has conquered several passes south of Luoyang, clearing obstacles for the eventual attack on Luoyang."

Yu clapped her hands and said, "That is wonderful indeed!"

"..."

"When the time comes, it will truly be a grand victory!"

Shen Shiyan also began to smile but admonished her while doing so, "One shouldn’t speak too confidently; things can go awry if you do."

"Oh, oh!"

Yu immediately caught herself, hurriedly tapped the table three times, and seeing her cautious yet eager demeanor, Shang Ruyi’s eyes curved into a smile and said, "Don’t worry, Aunt. I trust in Feng Chen’s capabilities. With this campaign, he’s sure to be victorious."

Yu said, "That would be great!"

The three of them continued with their cheerful conversation, easing the tension and worries stemming from their prolonged separation. As Shang Ruyi chatted, her gaze occasionally wandered outside, and Yu, ever perceptive, immediately realized her thoughts. "Are you thinking of seeing Lu Xiao, Princess?" she asked.

Shang Ruyi replied, "She—"

Yu softly said, "She intended to come out and meet you, but upon hearing there was a male guest, she decided against it."

"...Oh."

On hearing this, Shang Ruyi understood Lu Xiao’s feelings and smiled lightly, "Does she still avoid going out?"

Yu said, "She stays in the backyard, living like a recluse."

Hearing this and recalling her last conversation with Lu Xiao, a sense of indescribable sadness washed over Shang Ruyi. She sighed inwardly, then smiled and said, "Since she’s not coming out, I’ll go see her."

"Eh?"

Yu was a bit surprised, not expecting Shang Ruyi to voluntarily see Lu Xiao, but Shang Ruyi just smiled and said, "I have something to discuss with her."