At least, in hundreds of years.

With this thought in her mind, it was difficult for her to ignore the suffering of Chu Ruoyan, who was also a woman, let alone take pleasure in others’ suffering. That kind of thought was something only someone like Yu Mingyue would have.

So she sighed lightly again, and then said, "It is not easy for women to live in this world, so we should not belittle one another."

Tushere’s expression gradually became serious. Listening to Shang Ruyi’s previous words, although she was unwilling, she couldn’t help but feel a little respect for the Princess of the previous dynasty.

Indeed, not every woman has such a character.

In comparison, she was solely focused on helping Shang Ruyi to win King Qin’s favor, guarding against the possibility of rivals for affection. These thoughts, compared to the other’s patience and determination, seemed somewhat... insignificant.

She was silent for a long time, then whispered, "This servant understands. In the future, when encountering people from that side, this servant will be courteous."

Shang Ruyi laughed.

After laughing, she added, "But, when it is time to protect me, you must not shrink away." 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

Tushere immediately replied, "Of course not!"

Shang Ruyi shook her head and laughed again.

At this moment, a sudden breeze blew in. Although it carried a bit of chill, it was refreshing. Shang Ruyi looked up and saw Yu Wenye’s tall figure striding in from outside, seemingly having heard some of their conversation. He asked, "What neck shrinking?"

The pair of master and servant immediately laughed.

Tushere was particularly happy. Although she agreed with Shang Ruyi not to target Chu Ruoyan anymore, in her heart she was still protective of her own mistress. Seeing Yu Wenye return so quickly without lingering at Jinyu Garden, she was so delighted that her eyes curved with her smile. She quickly stood up and said, "Your Highness has returned, this servant will immediately call the Food Bureau to set the meal."

After speaking, she ran out joyfully.

Watching her joyful back, Yu Wenye asked puzzledly, "What made this girl so happy?"

Shang Ruyi shook her head and smiled, "Don’t ask."

Seeing her smiling like a rat that got into the oil jar, Yu Wenye seemed to understand, and couldn’t help but smile as well, but he didn’t ask further. After such a busy half-day, he was actually both thirsty and hungry. Without eating or drinking anything at Jinyu Garden, he returned directly, so he sat next to Shang Ruyi, casually picked up the teacup she had used, and drank the remaining tea in it.

Shang Ruyi immediately said, "Hey, that tea is cold."

"It doesn’t matter."

Yu Wenye waved his hand, put the cup back, and seeing a plate of snacks still on the table—the Hundred Flower Cake that Shang Ruyi had taken a bite of—he casually picked it up and ate it in one go.

Shang Ruyi couldn’t help but laugh, "Why are you always eating my leftovers?"

Yu Wenye swallowed the snack, then said, "I just don’t want to waste it. You’ve taken a bite, left it there, and certainly won’t eat it again. If they take it away, they’ll just throw it out; it’s such a waste."

"Oh."

Shang Ruyi felt a bit guilty. Normally, she wasn’t someone who was extravagant, but since becoming pregnant, her appetite changed quickly. Sometimes she would crave something, but after it was served, she might suddenly lose interest in eating it. Su Qinglan said it was common for pregnant women, so she didn’t push herself too hard. But hearing Yu Wenye say this, she felt it was somewhat too wasteful.

It seems from now on, she needs to be more mindful.

With no one around, she got up herself to brew a cup of hot tea and placed it by Yu Wenye’s hand, then asked, "What were you talking about just now?"

Yu Wenye took a sip of tea and glanced at her sidelong, "You want to know?"

"..."

Meeting his teasing gaze, Shang Ruyi suddenly turned her head away, "If you don’t want to say, then forget it."

This time, Yu Wenye really laughed, put the teacup back on the table, and then said, "I just took a look at the people on her side. This time, just one Jian Chun caused such a big commotion; it’s hard to say there won’t be more improper people around her in the future. After this incident, it might be even more difficult to deal with."

Shang Ruyi, hearing this, immediately said, "Then—"

Yu Wenye said, "Fortunately, the others were not with her before, but they are somewhat familiar faces. Plus, with Eunuch Yu taking charge of this matter this time, they will naturally be cleaned up again."

Shang Ruyi nodded.

It all seemed to fall into place.

But she thought for a moment, turned to Yu Wenye, and asked, "Did you already know?"

"Hmm?"

Yu Wenye raised his eyebrows slightly at these words, "Know what?"

Shang Ruyi said, "Know that Chu Ruoyan would step forward?"