Why My Domineering Prince Regretted Filing for Divorce?

Wo Xue said, "I just saw some termites in the backyard, worried they might damage the wood, so I’ve been looking for their nests."

"Termites? Did you find them?"

"I found a spot under the rockery in the backyard. I just poured some boiling water over it, that should have taken care of them. I’m not sure if that’s the only nest. I looked for a while longer and only heard Sister She’er calling me, which is why I was late. Please forgive me, Princess."

Shang Ruyi shook her head and said, "No matter. You should be more vigilant these days. Spring has arrived, which means more snakes, insects, rats, and termites. If you find them, deal with them quickly. If you can’t manage, inform the Palace Bureau so they can send someone to take care of it."

Wo Xue replied, "I understand."

Several people busied themselves for half a day, finally managing to sort out the gifts and the list of offerings. By the time everything was done, the sky had darkened, and Shang Ruyi quickly had some dinner and went to bed.

The following days passed uneventfully.

On this day, Shang Ruyi was again practicing calligraphy in Qianqiu Palace. She had just written two sheets when she heard voices saying Tao Wanxin had arrived.

She immediately put down her pen and went out to greet her.

At the main entrance, she saw Tao Wanxin wearing a delicate silver-green gauze dress, her hair neatly styled. Unlike her usual simple attire, today she was adorned in pearls and jade, accentuating her porcelain-like skin and peach blossom complexion. As Tao Wanxin gracefully approached, Shang Ruyi immediately came forward to greet her, "Tao Jieyu."

Tao Wanxin, who had been smiling, was taken aback upon hearing this.

Then she said, "The Princess already knows?"

Shang Ruyi smiled and said, "Father Emperor has conferred you the title of ’Jieyu,’ which is wonderful news. The word has already spread among the people."

Tao Wanxin was still somewhat surprised. After all, it was only this morning that the Emperor issued the decree, and she hadn’t expected everyone to know. Observing the discerning demeanor of Princess Qin, she refrained from saying much and merely smiled, "I’m receiving undeserved honors, truly undeserving."

While speaking, Shang Ruyi had already led her inside to sit down, and then smiled, "Jieyu is being too modest. Father Emperor, managing the affairs of the state tirelessly, is greatly relieved by your service. It’s a significant contribution to the Capital, thus the conferment is well-deserved."

Tao Wanxin continued to smile and shake her head.

At this moment, Tushere brought tea, and Shang Ruyi instructed, "Have the Food Bureau send some snacks over; I wish to talk with Tao Jieyu for a while."

Tao Wanxin said quickly, "No need, I’ve brought some with me."

After speaking, she gestured, and the palace maid Qiao Shu, who came with her, promptly brought a food box to the table. Opening it revealed lifelike peach blossom and lotus pastries inside. Tao Wanxin smiled and said, "The Food Bureau has been sending fresh pastries to me these days. I thought to bring some to share with the Princess—I hope you don’t mind."

Smelling the faint floral aroma from the pastries, Shang Ruyi smiled, "Not at all, I happen to enjoy this."

She hadn’t concerned herself much with the affairs of the harem nor could she influence which concubine Yu Wenquan favored or which palace he stayed in. However, because she had sent soup to Yu Wenquan through Tao Wanxin one day, recognizing this as a personal favor, she discreetly observed how favored this beauty had become, which led to the conferment of Jieyu today.

The Food Bureau’s response was quite prompt; they had quickly ingratiated themselves.

Yet Tao Jieyu, far from feeling proud due to her favor or sending immediate thanks in the form of gold or silver, rather brought snacks over—a gesture neither submissive nor boastful, yet with a touch of cordiality. This approach drew Shang Ruyi closer to her.

Thus, the two of them ate and chatted about ordinary matters.

While speaking, they gradually became familiar with each other. Shang Ruyi discerned her scholarly background; having studied for several years, she was quite genteel. Her previous husband was a gifted scholar with whom she enjoyed poetry—a harmonious duet. During periods of neglect in the palace, she spent time reading, learning music, and even practiced calligraphy and painting. Recently, Yu Wenquan repeatedly visited her, praised her calligraphy upon seeing it.

She spoke while glancing at the nearby writing desk. "When I came in earlier, it seemed like the Princess was also practicing calligraphy."

"Indeed,"

Shang Ruyi said, rising to lead her over there while smiling, "But my calligraphy is ugly, unfit for display."

Tao Wanxin did not immediately speak, but circled behind the desk to examine closely, then softly recited, "Qinghai Long Cloud Dark Snow Mountain, Gul City overlooking Yumen Pass. Huangsha Hundred Battles Wear Golden Armor, not defeated Loulan never to return."

She thought for a moment and said, "If I remember correctly, this is the poem that won at the post-Fufeng battle poetry contest, isn’t it?"

Shang Ruyi smiled, "Exactly."

"Huangsha Hundred Battles Wear Golden Armor, not defeated Loulan never to return..."

Tao Wanxin recited the last two lines again and then laughed, "Though this poem doesn’t mention Fufeng, it truly is well-crafted. Moreover, the Princess’s calligraphy is ancient and vigorous, carrying a strength of a thousand pounds."

"..."

"Only with such forceful writing can the heroic spirit of this poem leap out at us."

Shang Ruyi smiled, "Jieyu praises me too much. I’m merely idle with no outlet for my energy."

Tao Wanxin laughed, "How could it be?"

"..."

"Calligraphy reflects one’s character, and practicing it hones one’s heart."

"..."

"Given the chance, I’d like to practice calligraphy with the Princess and seek guidance."

"I dare not; I would gladly welcome it."

While they were speaking, suddenly a little eunuch hurried in from outside, whispered several words to Qiao Shu, who approached and whispered, "Jieyu, Eunuch Yu just brought a message that the Emperor intends to visit tonight, urging you to prepare for the reception."

"Ah?"

Hearing this, Tao Wanxin became somewhat tense, then shyly turned her head to glance at Shang Ruyi, her face flushed with embarrassment.

In truth, she had come today primarily to express gratitude, finding it awkward to broach the subject directly, leading to this lengthy small talk, even complimenting the calligraphy of Princess Qin. Before this, she scarcely had opportunities to even meet the Emperor, but after receiving advice from Princess Qin, she repeatedly had the privilege of serving in the Emperor’s bedchamber the past few days, culminating in her elevation to Jieyu today. This filled her with joy and profound gratitude toward Princess Qin.

Qiao Shu softly added, "Additionally—"

Tao Wanxin immediately recalled something, blushing once more, and then smiled at Shang Ruyi, "Look at me, spending half a day chatting idly and forgetting the important matters. Coincidentally, Zhang Jieyu and my birthdays both fall this month, alongside the conferment, the Emperor plans to host a banquet at Bai Fu Hall three days later, inviting everyone to gather."

Speaking, she said gently, "I thought conveying this myself would be less formal than through others, so I came in person. If Princess Qin would honor us—"

Shang Ruyi hurriedly replied, "Jieyu, don’t say such things; I will certainly attend."

Tao Wanxin smiled, "Then I shall wait for you."

After speaking, she left with Qiao Shu.