Why My Domineering Prince Regretted Filing for Divorce?

Early the next morning, after having breakfast, Shang Ruyi noticed the weather was still good outside and decided to walk towards the Inner Court with Tushere.

Lately, she spent most of her time in Qianqiu Palace, rarely visiting the Inner Court. But now she saw that it was already lush with greenery, and many flower bushes that had bare branches in winter were covered with vibrant green leaves. There were also red and pink buds hidden in the centers, occasionally revealing a fresh color.

After a short walk, she was slightly perspired.

Tushere fanned Shang Ruyi while worrying that Shang Ruyi might decide to return soon. Since it was a rare chance for her to get out and clear her mind, she happily suggested, "Princess, let’s rest at the corridor for a while."

Shang Ruyi had the same thought and nodded in agreement.

So the two of them went onto the Thousand-step Corridor. Being open on all sides and not under the sun, it was cooler than outside. As they walked, they counted the magnolias, forsythias, azaleas, and weeping crabapples that were about to bloom, and before they knew it, they arrived at the Liubu Pavilion.

Upon approaching, they noticed someone already sitting inside.

When that person saw Shang Ruyi approaching, they slowly stood up. Shang Ruyi quickly stepped forward and greeted, "Beauty Tao."

The person sitting in the Liubu Pavilion was none other than a concubine from Yu Wenquan’s harem, Beauty Tao Wanxin.

Shang Ruyi didn’t often visit Yu Wenquan’s harem and had only seen the favored Zhang Jieyu a few times. As for Beauty Tao, she had met her twice at palace banquets. Though over thirty, she appeared just in her early twenties. Her skin was fair, and her features were delicate—a gentle beauty. It was said she was married before entering the palace and had a harmonious marriage, but unfortunately, her husband passed away early, leaving no children. With her beauty and gentle nature, she later entered the palace by selection, but she wasn’t very favored by the Emperor.

Unexpectedly meeting the Princess Qin here, Beauty Tao was quite surprised and quickly said, "Princess Qin, no need for such courtesy."

She then ordered the little palace maid Qiao Shu to clean the stone bench opposite and invited Shang Ruyi to sit. Naturally, Tushere couldn’t let a concubine’s maid serve Shang Ruyi, so she hurriedly came forward too, and the two maids quickly got it done. Shang Ruyi sat down and smiled: "Is Beauty Tao out for relaxation today?"

Tao Wanxin lowered her head, "Nothing to do stuck indoors."

Shang Ruyi chuckled, "Yes, Father is busy with state affairs every day. I heard he was up early for court this morning."

Tao Wanxin felt a bit awkward, "Is that so."

Beside her, Qiao Shu cast an unpleasant glance at Shang Ruyi.

For her, her master’s lack of favor in the court was well-known. Was Princess Qin’s mention meant to insult? But there was no past enmity between, leaving Qiao Shu wondering why Princess Qin would wound with words like this, especially since Princess Qin had no prior connections with her master.

However, since Beauty Tao was not favored, even if affronted by the younger Princess Qin, they couldn’t object, especially as this Princess Qin had given birth to the Emperor’s most cherished Imperial Grandson, highly favored now.

They could only endure silently.

Seeing the awkward expressions of the master and servant pair, Shang Ruyi seemed unconcerned and continued, "Father has been so busy that it’s easy for him to neglect his health. The other day, I heard his voice was terribly hoarse when he spoke."

Tao Wanxin felt even more embarrassed and just said, "It appears so."

Shang Ruyi said, "If someone could send some nourishing soup to the Emperor, it would be good."

"..."

It wasn’t until this point that Tao Wanxin seemed to realize something. She looked up at Shang Ruyi, who smiled warmly and gazed at her with intelligence shining through her eyes. Thinking it over, Tao Wanxin could only manage a difficult smile, "That would be nice, but the Emperor rarely visits my place."

"Is that so..."

Shang Ruyi did not seem surprised, only said: "I have a recipe here. If Beauty Tao doesn’t mind, you can take a look. If the Emperor does visit you, you’ll be prepared."

Tao Wanxin seemed to understand something.

Seeing that Shang Ruyi indeed took out a note, she motioned Qiao Shu to retrieve it, took a look, and said, "Thank you, Princess Qin."

Shang Ruyi smiled, "No need for formalities, Beauty Tao."

Saying that, Tao Wanxin folded the note neatly and tucked it into her sleeve. The two of them sat in the pavilion for a while longer, admiring the outside view. As the sun grew stronger, they both got up to say goodbye and returned to their respective quarters.

The Inner Court was vibrant with spring, yet the court was still rife with tension.

Discussions on whether to send troops to Xiazhou had been going on for two days without a conclusion.

Even though Yu Wenquan had hinted at his desire to dispatch troops, the practical issues remained—how many troops to send, how many to leave in Chang An, and if another enemy took advantage, how should they respond?

More importantly, if the battle in the Eastern Capital failed, Liang Shide had long colluded with the Western Turks. If they seized this opportunity to attack the Dasheng Dynasty together, what would they do?

These issues made Yu Wenquan somewhat hesitant.

Yet, one thought had covertly taken root in his mind: the necessity of appointing a supervisor to Yu Wenye’s army. Given the potential for fighting on two fronts, he needed to be constantly informed of the battle situation in Eastern Capital and couldn’t afford to be in the dark.

After court sessions, he continued the discussion with several ministers for a long time, only finding free time when it was time for the evening meal.

Just as he was about to request the meal, Eunuch Yu came in and announced, "Your Majesty, Princess Qin and the young prince have arrived."

"Oh?"

Hearing this, Yu Wenquan’s face brightened with joy and he immediately said, "Let them in."

Eunuch Yu hurried out to pass the message, and shortly after, Shang Ruyi entered with Tushere and Chang Wan, performing a formal bow. "Your daughter greets Father."

"Stand, no need for formalities."

Yu Wenquan raised his hand with a smile, his gaze already falling on Little Yuan Qian, who was resting in Tushere’s arms, eyes wide open staring at him. Suddenly, as if recognizing him, Little Yuan Qian broke into a cheerful laugh, lighting up the world around him. Yu Wenquan said, "Come, come, come to Grandpa’s side."

Eunuch Yu quickly came forward to carry Little Yuan Qian, who eagerly leaped into his arms.

Yu Wenquan burst into hearty laughter.

Laughing, Yu Wenquan looked at another palace maid accompanying Shang Ruyi. Usually, Shang Ruyi only brought Tushere with her, but this time Chang Wan came too, carrying a food box. So he asked, "Did you bring something today?"

Shang Ruyi replied, "Yesterday, when I was strolling in the Inner Court, I met Beauty Tao. She mentioned that Father had a bit of a cough these past couple of days. Considering it’s early spring, with the weather changing quickly and with the chill in the wind, I specially prepared some soup to soothe and comfort. If Father doesn’t mind, please try some."