Why My Domineering Prince Regretted Filing for Divorce?

"Human affection should not be divided by rank or status. If a division must be made, it should not be based solely on human affection but rather on the means used to achieve it, which can be distinguished as either upright and honest or despicable and inferior."

At this point, his gaze suddenly deepened, and he said, "Throughout history, the means men have resorted to for power and wealth are likely far more despicable than those used in pursuit of their beloved. Therefore, women have no need to remain rigid, nor should they deprecate or judge themselves."

"However,"

Yu Mingyue pondered for a moment, then softly said, "Perhaps Your Highness still may not fully understand our place — but the pursuit of money and power can at least allow one to live better. Yet, pursuing a person, even if one gains the affection of their love, may not necessarily make life better. This is a... pragmatic way of thinking."

"Pragmatic,"

The somewhat novel term made Yu Wenqian’s eyes brighten, and after thinking it over, he nodded with a slight smile, "Interesting."

"..."

"To speak of pragmatism — what is referred to as living better is merely satisfying one’s desires, correct?"

"That is so."

"However, human desires are countless, and what living well looks like varies in myriad ways. Some desires require money to satisfy, some require power, and others can only be fulfilled by the companionship of a loved one. Even viewed from a worldly perspective, those who love are not inferior to those infatuated with money or power."

"..."

"Moreover, these are not the only pursuits in this world."

"..."

"Do you remember me telling you about my time at Ban Yan Temple in Luoyang when I met a Little Monk adopted by the Abbot at the riverside foothills and raised from childhood because he was inherently perceptive and destined for Buddhism? When I met you, he had just turned thirteen, and the Abbot was preparing for his ordination."

Yu Mingyue nodded, "I heard of it."

Yu Wenqian continued, "Recently, I learned that just as you and I left your village, the child’s grandfather came to find him. This man was a Secretary to Emperor Wen’s reign, who had retired due to old age, thus evading the chaos in the Eastern Capital. This child was born to his daughter, who became pregnant out of wedlock. Fearing that the family would be shamed, the child was abandoned by the river."

Yu Mingyue was shocked into opening her eyes wide.

Yu Wenqian continued, "The elderly man found his grandson, intending to take him back, acknowledge his lineage, and raise him properly. With his family background and connections, if this child followed him home, he would surely accomplish great things in the future, with wealth and power readily attainable; that is what you say, allowing one to live well."

"..."

"However, the child still chose to stay at Ban Yan Temple, pursuing the Buddhist Law wholeheartedly, refusing to return to secular life."

At this point, Yu Wenqian calmly looked at her, "His ascetic practice does not allow him to ’live better,’ but rather it runs counter to the ’better’ you speak of, so is his pursuit lower and less admirable than those who pursue wealth, power, or love?"

Yu Mingyue didn’t speak, her cheeks slightly flushed, and her body trembled.

After a long while, she said in a restrained, slightly trembling voice, "No, it isn’t..."

Her voice grew softer, "He won’t; he will be renowned in history..."

Yu Wenqian calmly said, "In the end, each person has their aspirations, which cannot be compelled. Using one’s likes and dislikes to judge another’s pursuits is not only ignorant but also unreasonable. All humans have voids in their hearts, and because of regrets, Heart Demons are born, and due to Heart Demons, numerous desires arise, hence different struggles, competitions, pursuits, and aspirations appear. All should be treated equally, regardless of age, gender, sage, or beast."

"..."

"So, in the end, there is no so-called ’competition,’ only different desires and means."

"..."

Yu Mingyue finally drew her mind back from the shocking revelations but had not expected Yu Wenqian to say such words. She softly said, "So, you don’t blame me?"

Yu Wenqian glanced at her and said, "The cause of the matter stems from you. If you and Duke Wushan hadn’t presumptuously done those things, allowing my father to release Su Qinglan, do you think General Ningyuan and Lou Liangdi would have resorted to this desperate measure?"

Yu Mingyue guiltily lowered her eyes.

No matter how hard she tried to be stubborn or justify herself, she was upset at Lou Chan Yue overshadowing her, drawing attention from the Emperor, even potentially threatening her role as the Crown Princess Consort. So she urged Yu Dingxing to do those things. In the end, she was indeed engaged in "competition" with Lou Chan Yue.

Seeing her this way, Yu Wenqian lightly sighed, "But this time, if it weren’t for you being concerned with what I told you that day, you might have discovered their problems sooner, preventing today’s events from occurring."

"..."

"I do not absolve you of blame, but I hope you understand that a wise person considers ten steps ahead."

"..."

"And you — you are also a wise person, but I hope you understand how to be a wise person."

"..."

Yu Mingyue remained silent for a long time before finally saying, "I understand."

"..."

"So about this matter—"

Yu Wenqian calmly said, "Since things have come to this point, it cannot be undone. Since you have already dealt with Lou Liangdi, there are some matters I must attend to."

Yu Mingyue hesitated for a moment, saying, "Leave it to me."

Yu Wenqian looked at her in surprise, and Yu Mingyue softly said, "This matter — indeed began because of me, so I think I should resolve it." As she spoke, she looked deeply at Yu Wenqian again, "I want you to know that I am qualified to be your Crown Princess Consort, and no less than anyone else."

"..."

Yu Wenqian silently looked at her for a while before finally letting out a long breath, "Alright."

After saying this, the candle beside the shrine finally burned to the end, and with a soft "pop," the flame drowned in the wax, plunging the entire room into complete darkness.

Meanwhile, in the other side of the dungeon, the dark was even more profound and oppressive than the night, engulfing from all directions, making it hard to breathe.

Lou Yingxiong was panting continuously.

Throughout his life, he was on smooth waters, even though he had experienced a few defeats, he was never in such a mess. This was his first time in prison, realizing that confinement felt like this — that icy, damp, and suffocating sensation, even without a complete trial and conviction, was enough to make life feel worse than death.

He curled up in a corner, drenched in cold sweat.

Just then, a figure suddenly passed through the corridor outside the cell. It was a newly swapped prison guard. He paused outside the bars, tossed something inside, turned, and left.