Why My Domineering Prince Regretted Filing for Divorce?

In the early morning, the first ray of sunshine spilled onto the recently cleaned entrance of the Crown Prince Mansion. A palace carriage stopped here, blocking this rare ray of sun. Eunuch Yu, supported by a little eunuch follower, hurriedly walked inside to summon the Crown Prince to the palace immediately.

Unexpectedly, just as he walked outside the main hall, he saw the Crown Prince and General Ningyuan sitting inside, seemingly in conversation.

Both of them had tightly furrowed brows, especially the Crown Prince, who solemnly gazed at Lou Yingxiong. That look seemed to question, or perhaps demand, but when they saw him enter, both withdrew their gazes and immediately rose.

Yu Wenqian stepped forward to greet him: "Eunuch, why have you come?"

Eunuch Yu greeted the two and then said: "The Emperor has issued an edict, requesting the presence of the Crown Prince and General Ningyuan in the palace immediately."

A flicker of joy flashed across Lou Yingxiong’s face.

He knew well that after receiving the news of Cijian’s defeat, the Crown Prince had recommended him to lead an expedition, but because the Emperor was unwell, the matter had been delayed for a night. However, he also understood that in the current court, the most suitable candidates were only him and King Qin. Because of the incident at Hot Spring Palace and the Emperor’s increasing suspicion towards Wanggang Village rebels, the Emperor might also suspect King Qin, so the selection of the expedition leader would almost certainly fall to him.

Yet, he hadn’t expected the Crown Prince to ask such a question just now —

He broke out in a cold sweat, nearly letting it slip.

Fortunately, Eunuch Yu arrived, diverting the matter away, and he felt very grateful. Regardless, as long as he took on this mission, he would be away from the capital and the court. If the court couldn’t uncover anything, the blame would ultimately fall on Wanggang Village’s people. If he then achieved military success, the Duke Wushan, who had already lost an eye, and his Crown Princess Consort daughter, would have no way to compete with him in front of the Crown Prince.

Thinking of this, Lou Yingxiong breathed a sigh of relief and quickly said: "Since the Emperor summons us, we should go to the palace immediately."

Eunuch Yu smiled slightly: "Indeed."

After speaking, he was about to turn and leave, when Yu Wenqian suddenly said: "Eunuch Yu, did the Emperor mention the reason for our summons to the palace?"

Lou Yingxiong looked at him strangely for a moment; at this point, what else could it be?

Eunuch Yu also glanced at the Crown Prince, but smiled as he said: "Your Highness, although I serve at the Emperor’s side, the court’s major affairs are beyond my inquiry. Since the Emperor summons Your Highness and the Great General to the palace, naturally there’s a significant matter to address."

"..."

"I ask you both to hasten your departure for the palace, so as not to keep the Emperor waiting."

Lou Yingxiong also said: "Yes, Your Highness, let us go quickly."

Yu Wenqian furrowed his brow slightly, still seemingly apprehensive, but given the circumstances, he could not defy the imperial command and said simply: "Let’s go."

Thus, the group quickly left the Crown Prince Mansion, boarded the carriage, and headed for the Imperial Palace.

However, just as the carriage departed, a hulking middle-aged man, covered in mud and with a few facial injuries, emerged with an anxious look from an alley nearby. This was one of the ones who had fled in the chaos when the Left Guard surrounded the village outside the city the night before. He had hidden in the mountains overnight and only sneaked into the city at dawn. Arriving at the Ningyuan General Mansion, he was told General Ningyuan had gone to the Crown Prince Mansion early in the morning. Given the urgency, he had come after, not expecting the Emperor to have summoned him before he could report to General Ningyuan.

"It’s over,"

He looked at the distant carriage with despair, kneeling on the ground: "Everything, it’s all over..."

At this moment, a strikingly beautiful lady accompanied by a youthful, graceful maid appeared — it was Crown Princess Consort Yu Mingyue.

Yesterday, she had just heard that Yu Wenqian recommended Lou Yingxiong to lead the forces to aid Cijian, and having heard that the palace sent someone this morning, feared it was to announce Lou Yingxiong’s appointment, which left her quite resentful. But by the time she rushed out, they were already gone, leaving her to stand disappointed at the gate, watching the carriage slowly fade. She sighed a long breath, prepared to return to the mansion.

Turning her head, she saw the disheveled man and inquired puzzledly: "Who’s there?"

The man saw her, immediately scrambled up, and fled hastily.

Yu Mingyue felt puzzled, but it seemed improper to chase after him for answers. After considering, she asked the gatekeeper: "Who was that man just now?"

The gatekeeper smiled apologetically: "No idea where the beggar came from, early came looking for General Ningyuan, claiming he had an urgent matter to report. We tried to drive him away, but with palace people arriving, didn’t attend to him, and he left. Hadn’t expected him to return, and sully Your Highness’s sight. Beg Your Highness’s pardon."

"Looking for General Ningyuan? Urgent matter?"

Yu Mingyue looked perplexed, watched the man’s departing figure, then glanced back at the mansion, suddenly felt enlightened, her eyes widening in fury: "Could it be—"

The gatekeeper and maid beside her were bewildered, asked: "Your Highness, what is it?"

Yu Mingyue gritted her teeth: "She has such audacity!"

The maid Bingbing saw her sudden angry expression, startled, cautiously asked: "Your Highness, she? What about her?"

Yu Mingyue swung her sleeve forcefully, said: "Go, I’m going to find Lou Liangdi, speak a word or two!"

Hearing these words spoken through clenched teeth, Bingbing seemed to sense something too but dared not say more, merely followed the furious Crown Princess Consort back into the Crown Prince Mansion.

Meanwhile, in another part of the palace, inside Qianqiu Palace, Yu Wenye finished sword practice, freshened up, and changed into an orderly attire. Shang Ruyi helped him button up, glanced at the outfit, then softly asked: "Not going to the camp to train soldiers today?"

Yu Wenye shook his head.

Shang Ruyi looked up at him, her voice even quieter: "Will the plan succeed?"

Yu Wenye looked down at her and smiled: "Even if you don’t trust Mu Xian’s capability, you should trust me, shouldn’t you? Have I ever lied to you?"

Shang Ruyi immediately said: "It’s not that I don’t trust Mu Xian, but—"

"What?"

"It’s just one night; can it really succeed?"

As they spoke, the attire was already tidy. Yu Wenye gently dusted the hem, calmly said: "Lv Qianfeng’s ability is undoubtedly high; otherwise, Father wouldn’t have entrusted the Left Guard to him. If I’m not mistaken, he should have already investigated everything that needed investigating, and arrested whomever needed arresting."

"Oh?"

"If his actions are more prompt,"

Yu Wenye said, lowering his head to whisper softly in Shang Ruyi’s ear: "It’s possible that now, Father has already—"

He hadn’t finished his words when Wo Xue hurriedly entered the inner hall, bowed his head and said softly: "Your Highness, the Emperor sent someone to convey that you are to immediately proceed to Xuanzheng Hall to see him."