Chapter 1302 - 978: Grievance

Under Yu Wenquan’s gentle coercion, after everyone expressed their gratitude, they left the Liangyi Hall.

As soon as they stepped out of the hall, Shang Ruyi let out a long breath, and almost simultaneously, Chu Ruoyan also breathed a sigh of relief. Shang Ruyi turned to look at her and smiled, saying, "Are you alright?"

Chu Ruoyan also smiled, but her forced smile seemed somewhat stiff.

Shang Ruyi knew she feared Yu Wenquan in her heart, so she held her hand to lead her outside. Only after walking a distance from Liangyi Hall did she feel the warmth returning to Chu Ruoyan’s fingers, with a bit more color in her cheeks.

Shang Ruyi said softly, "Thank you this time."

Chu Ruoyan lowered her head and said softly, "Sister, don’t be a stranger."

"No, it’s not being a stranger."

Shang Ruyi turned to look at her and earnestly said, "I understand very well that you know the stakes involved; even the slightest misstep could drag you down into ruin. You were willing to stand up and care for Yuan Qian. I shouldn’t say I’m grateful, but I truly am."

Chu Ruoyan glanced at her and smiled, "Since you shouldn’t say it, then don’t. I understand."

Shang Ruyi smiled and nodded.

They walked forward, and Chu Ruoyan’s mood became increasingly relaxed. However, watching Shang Ruyi’s expression remained somewhat conflicted and heavy, with her brows still furrowed. Recalling her plea to Yu Wenquan in Liangyi Hall, she asked, "Sister, what exactly is going on with Sun Xianyue?"

"He..."

Shang Ruyi sighed lightly and explained Sun Xianyue’s background and how he went to the palace to perform for the Pei Family, only to be used by Han Yuhui. She only omitted the part where his sword dance resembled someone else’s. After hearing this, Chu Ruoyan remarked, "He truly is a man of character."

"..."

"But, since he’s proven innocent, why doesn’t the Emperor release him?"

"..."

"Is it just because he pleaded for the Pei Family? After the Hot Spring Palace incident, many in the court pleaded for the Pei Family, so will they all be punished? Since those people weren’t punished, why is Sun Xianyue, a commoner, held onto?"

Shang Ruyi was silent for a moment and said, "Thus, the Emperor’s reluctance to release him might not necessarily be related to the Pei Family."

"...?"

Chu Ruoyan looked at her in surprise, "What else could it be related to?"

Shang Ruyi didn’t speak, seeming to be pondering, her expression growing heavier.

The two walked forward and first reached Jinyu Garden, just as Lin Shian arrived, tasked with examining Little Yuan Qian.

Little Yuan Qian, who had calmed down a bit, was opening his mouth wide for Lin Shian to examine his tongue, his big eyes darting around until he saw Shang Ruyi entering from outside. He was momentarily stunned, then pouted, his eyes instantly filled with tears.

Seeing him like this, Lin Shian paused for a moment, then turned his head to see Shang Ruyi and the others, quickly rising to greet them.

Shang Ruyi couldn’t care for anything else and immediately rushed over to hold Yuan Qian.

Just as she reached out without touching him, a loud "wah" was heard, and the child suddenly opened his mouth wide, tears streaming down, then burst into cries.

Shang Ruyi’s heart ached as she quickly called, "Yuan Qian, Yuan Qian, mother is here."

As she spoke, she reached out to hold him, but the child turned his head to dive into Nanny Feng’s arms, sobbing twice before turning to glance at Shang Ruyi, then cried even louder with grievance, tears flowing down and wetting Nanny Feng’s shoulder.

Seeing him like this, everyone felt both compassion and amusement.

Nanny Feng gently patted his back to soothe him, speaking softly, "Oh dear, Young Master is aggrieved, Young Master is grieved badly, but now that mother has returned, there’s no grievance."

She said with a smile, looking at Shang Ruyi, "Princess, Young Master has missed you these days, just couldn’t express it."

Seeing the child like this, how could Shang Ruyi not understand? She hurriedly joined the others to surround him, kissing and touching him, and finally managed to calm the child, who nestled against Shang Ruyi, his tear-stained face buried in his mother’s chest, refusing to lift his head.

Shang Ruyi smiled as she lovingly stroked him.

She finally had some free time and asked Lin Shian, "Imperial Physician, how is Yuan Qian?"

Lin Shian had been standing smilingly all along, and now he stepped forward to greet her, saying, "Princess can rest assured. This humble servant has just understood Young Master’s condition. Previously, the endless crying was indeed due to fright on that night. A child’s temperament is unstable, easily startled, unable to calm the spirit."

Shang Ruyi’s face turned pale, "What can be done?"

Lin Shian quickly replied, "Princess needn’t worry. Such cases can be resolved by resting for a few days. Now that Princess is back to personally care for him, it’s even better."

Shang Ruyi sighed in relief and continued, "Then, about the clove..."

Lin Shian said, "This matter has also been investigated. Young Master did consume some decoction mixed with clove powder, but fortunately, the amount was small. Upon inspection, there were a few rashes on his body, but it’s not serious. Later, I’ll prepare a prescription for a herbal bath for two days and some pills to clear lungs and detoxify."

Hearing this, Shang Ruyi let out a long breath.

She then said, "Then I’ll trouble Doctor Lin."

"Not at all, this humble servant will attend to it immediately."

He left to return to the Imperial Medical Bureau to prepare medicine.

After he left, Shang Ruyi prepared to return to Qianqiu Palace. Chu Ruoyan knew she was exhausted these days and didn’t keep her long. When they returned to Qianqiu Palace, Lin Shian promptly sent over decoctions for Yuan Qian’s bath and a detoxifying pill, calming the child significantly.

Seeing her son, having suffered so much in just two days apart, Shang Ruyi felt immense heartache and couldn’t bear to let go of him until he finally fell asleep, only leaving reluctantly when urged by Tushere.

First, she went to the bathroom and washed thoroughly, soaking until her limbs felt limp before coming out. Tushere helped her onto the bed, where she cuddled her child and fell into a deep sleep.

This sleep nearly lasted for an entire time period.

When she awoke the next day, it was almost noon. Having slept so long, coupled with the excitement and tension from returning yesterday and barely eating, Shang Ruyi felt weak and handed Yuan Qian to Nanny Feng to be nursed. With Tushere’s assistance, she washed perfunctorily before regaining some clarity.

Then she sat down to eat a meal, unsure whether it was breakfast or lunch.

After just a few bites, Tushere softly said, "Princess, I heard the Crown Prince went to Liangyi Hall early in the morning."