Why My Domineering Prince Regretted Filing for Divorce?

In Lizheng Hall, Yu Wenquan sat at the top of the grand hall, observing a few courtiers who had been incessantly debating during the early court session, now glaring at each other, resembling bulls in a furious clash, causing his brows to furrow.

Actually, the matter was not that significant.

Princess Qiancheng of the Eastern Turks had sent a letter, stating that the Western Turks had suddenly attacked their border at Xiazhou recently. Although temporarily defeated, they also received news that Ashina Zhuxie was leading the main force of the Western Turks south, seemingly planning a major move.

Princess Qiancheng hoped the Dasheng Dynasty could send troops to support Xiazhou.

According to the previous relationship between the Dasheng Dynasty and the Western Turks, first, the Yuwen Family had always been close to Princess Qiancheng’s line, naturally aligning more with the Eastern Turks. Moreover, during the Siege of Yanmen, Yu Wenye had blinded Ashina Shali, and in the previous battle at Taiyuan, Ashina Zhuxie had directly participated, seizing Princess Qin, further setting both sides in direct opposition.

More importantly, Xiazhou neighbored Jingyang, only a few dozen miles from Chang An, and if Ashina Zhuxie indeed captured Xiazhou and used it as a stronghold to move further south—

Therefore, in terms of sentiment and logic, they should support the Eastern Turks.

Yet, there’s another voice in the court arguing this was originally a family affair between the Eastern and Western Turks, and they shouldn’t intervene; besides, Xiazhou wasn’t an important city or territory of the Eastern Turks, and even if the Western Turks occupied it, it wouldn’t greatly affect the Eastern Turks.

But if they send troops, it might easily attract hostility from the Western Turks.

And now, since King Qin led the expedition, Chang An’s garrison amounted to only tens of thousands, already wary against the rebel armies around, should Ashina Zhuxie’s Turkic army indeed invade, it would be truly perilous.

Hence, some believe they absolutely mustn’t dispatch troops to aid Princess Qiancheng now, to avoid drawing the Western Turks’ war flames.

Currently, both sides remain at an impasse, having quarreled in court, they still argue after returning to Lizheng Hall for discussion, leaving Yu Wenquan feeling a headache so intense it might split, thus he swiftly gestured, "Alright, all of you may leave, I need to ponder this matter further."

The individuals glared at their opposites, yet unable to utter further words, could only rise and withdraw one after another.

As they were all nearly out of Lizheng Hall’s door, the Minister of War, Dong Yue, trailing behind, paused, turned back: "Emperor, I have words I wish to speak."

Yu Wenquan was rubbing his temples, upon raising his head and recognizing him, he said: "Speak."

Although allowed to speak, Dong Yue didn’t immediately start, instead waiting for everyone to leave, and for Eunuch Yu to close the hall doors outside, only then did he return to the grand hall. Yu Wenquan pointed casually to the side, Dong Yue promptly thanked him, taking a seat at his left hand below.

Yu Wenquan inquired: "What do you wish to say?"

Dong Yue explained: "Emperor, it’s been five days since King Qin set out."

"Hmm."

"But, he hasn’t sent any news back."

"Five days, I’m afraid he hasn’t encountered Liang Shide’s people yet, what news is there to report?"

"I was thinking, in five days, Prince Qin should have at least passed Tongguan, and ought to send some news back, so the court is aware of his movements."

"..."

"Otherwise, as he moves forward and engages the enemy, he might neglect us more."

Yu Wenquan’s brows gradually knitted together.

In the past, when Yu Wenye led troops on expeditions, apart from his more immature years at the age of ten, Yu Wenquan would have him send news back regularly to grasp his movements. But after winning a few battles, he became increasingly adept, so Yu Wenquan released control, allowing him to wage war freely. Often, he would return with unexpected good tidings.

So this time, he didn’t consider having Yu Wenye send his status back regularly.

However, Dong Yue’s words reminded him.

Now Yu Wenye was no longer the second son of the Yuwen Family, but Prince Qin of the Dasheng Dynasty, a Heavenly Strategy General who could rival the Crown Prince in court, especially after the Battle of Longmen Crossing. Yu Wenquan was somewhat uneasy about him.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have commanded King Qi to attack Luoyang.

He said, "Your meaning is—"

Dong Yue smiled indulgently: "Actually, I previously mentioned to the Emperor, that this time, with Prince Qin’s expedition, there should be a military supervisor in the army, to oversee Qin—for the Emperor to be informed about the frontline battles, to avoid repeating past mistakes."

"..."

"Especially now, with the Western Turks’ issue emerging."

"..."

"If Prince Qin doesn’t win this battle, it’s still no major issue, but if anything happens... then it would be troublesome for Chang An."

Yu Wenquan’s face slowly darkened.

Seeing his face change, Dong Yue felt a wave of panic too, honestly, while speaking these words, his palms were already filled with cold sweat, and now supporting both knees, even his garments were moist. Thus, he hurriedly stated: "I have spoken rashly, please forgive me, Emperor."

"..."

Yu Wenquan didn’t speak immediately, instead squinting slightly at him for a while, finally saying: "I’ll consider this matter. You may leave."

"Yes."

Dong Yue rose and exited.

Yu Wenquan remained alone in the vast Lizheng Hall, though many documents awaiting his review were still piled on the table, initially intended to reach a conclusion from consultation with the courtiers before examining them, but now nothing but frustration permeated his mind, unable to focus or critique even a single word, so he irritably pushed the documents aside.

After some time, Eunuch Yu entered, carrying a cup of tea.

Seeing Yu Wenquan’s tightly furrowed brows and tense expression, he dared not speak much, only placing the teacup by the Emperor’s hand, quietly standing by.

It’s uncertain how long it passed, when Yu Wenquan seemed to feel the hall became stifling, rising to walk outside, Eunuch Yu hurriedly stepped forward to open the hall doors for him. A fresh breeze blew in, slightly relieving his depressed emotions.

But the next moment, Yu Wenquan couldn’t help coughing.

Eunuch Yu rushed back inside to fetch the teacup, offering it before Yu Wenquan, who sipped it twice, his throat still ticklish, coughing lightly twice. Eunuch Yu said, "Emperor, your throat hasn’t been well these days, shall I have the Food Bureau send more soups to soothe it?"

Yu Wenquan responded indifferently: "See to it."

"Yes."

Yu Wenquan drank two more sips of tea, gaze once more turning to the clear skies outside, yet inexplicably feeling a faint shadow pressing upon his heart, suddenly he remarked: "Yu Mingli."

"I’m here."

"Will King Qin have no issues leading the troops on this expedition?"

Eunuch Yu was startled, immediately smiling: "I dare not speak recklessly."

Yu Wenquan looked down at him briefly, suddenly smiling, a hint of self-mockery in the smile, shaking his head: "Talking to you about these... alright, you can go."