Why My Domineering Prince Regretted Filing for Divorce?

Watching her slim silhouette disappear in the setting sun, Shang Ruyi’s smile lingered on her face for a long time—she hadn’t expected to form any alliance with Tao Wanxin or to become friends. That day’s encounter was merely a meeting by chance; her primary goal was to prevent Yu Wenquan from sending a supervisor to the military, and the outcome relied entirely on her own fate and skills.

Unexpectedly, this incidental attempt led to such a favorable result.

Tao Wanxin was humble and courteous, and her background was legitimate, revealing a clear-mindedness entirely different from Concubine Zhang.

Being on good terms with her has many advantages.

Thinking of this, Shang Ruyi’s smile deepened, and she slowly turned around to walk inside, instructing, "Bring me the list, I want to see what gifts we should prepare."

Tushere replied, "Yes."

Following that, Bai Fu Hall indeed became busy for the next two days.

After the incident at Hot Spring Palace, there were hardly any festive events in the court, although the Emperor naming the Imperial Grandson was significant. However, since the name carried great weight, no other ceremonies were held. Thus, the birthday banquets of the two concubines became a rare occasion for celebration in the palace.

Every day, as Tushere passed by, she saw the bustling scene of Bai Fu Hall, decorated with lanterns and streamers, with palace attendants busily moving about, creating a lively atmosphere.

She returned and told Shang Ruyi, "It looks like it will be quite lively at the time."

Shang Ruyi smiled faintly.

She did not perceive this liveliness as undesirable, especially since it was Tao Wanxin’s birthday. She was pleased to see someone close to the Emperor who could speak favorably of her and King Qin. Yet amidst this worldly excitement, she increasingly thought of Yu Wenye, who was leading troops in battle.

How is his situation over there?

Based on the travel pace, he should be nearing Cijian and may have already engaged in battle.

Will he win?

Shang Ruyi believed if he took action, Cijian would certainly be captured, and Yu Wencheng would be saved. Nonetheless, with the looming presence of Luoyang, Yu Wenye only commanded thirty thousand troops, while Liang Shide had hundreds of thousands of soldiers. How could such a disparity not cause concern?

Seeing Shang Ruyi’s brows furrowed with worry, Tushere guessed she immediately thought of Yu Wenye, and said, "Princess, let’s go to the Inner Court for a walk."

Shang Ruyi frowned, "For what reason?"

"Today’s beautiful weather calls for a leisurely stroll by the Princess."

"I don’t want to go."

"Come on, since Prince Qin left, the Princess has been gloomy. Apart from matters concerning the Emperor, you haven’t visited the Inner Court. The flowers are fully bloomed there now, the scenery is splendid."

"..."

"Even as Prince Qin goes to battle, wouldn’t he hope the Princess can enjoy her days happily?"

"..."

"This was what Prince Qin instructed me before he left."

Upon hearing her last sentence, Shang Ruyi couldn’t help but laugh lightly and jested, "You’ve gotten more adept at using his name to sway me."

Tushere laughed cheerfully, "Both the Prince and I care deeply for the Princess. Come on, let’s go."

With this, like a child, she grasped Shang Ruyi’s sleeve and shook it, amusing Shang Ruyi. Reluctantly, she stood up and said, "Alright, have it your way— I bet you’re just itching to play in the Inner Court."

"Haha, let Nanny Feng bring along the Young Master too."

"That sounds good, let him bask in the sun."

Thus, the four of them left Qianqiu Palace and headed to the Inner Court.

These past days, Shang Ruyi had been practicing calligraphy, though calming, it left her somewhat melancholic. As they stepped onto the Thousand-step Corridor, she walked forward steadily, observing the flowers in full bloom around her, the lush greenery, and the bees and butterflies dancing in pursuit of fragrance, creating a scene of vibrant spring that truly lifted her spirits. Her steps became lighter, and before long, she arrived beside Linhu Palace.

By this time, she was lightly sweating, but fortunately, the Mountain and Water Pool below emitted a refreshing mist, offering comfort.

While standing under the corridor enjoying the breeze, a melody of silk and bamboo accompanied by the sound of water drifted towards them.

"Hmm?"

She raised her head to look ahead, "Why is someone playing music here?"

Tushere and the others also heard it, particularly Little Yuan Qian, who listened to the novel sound with wide eyes, resembling a curious and alert little rabbit, irresistibly adorable, as Nanny Feng touched her cheek to his lovingly.

Tushere had just picked a flower to entertain him, but upon hearing Shang Ruyi’s words, she stepped forward, "I heard it too, let me check it out."

With these words, she stepped forward, but hadn’t gone far before several young palace maids covered their mouths, blushing with giggles, ran by from ahead. Upon seeing Princess Qin, they hurriedly stopped and bowed.

Tushere asked, "What’s ahead?"

One of the palace maids replied, "Ahead is Wangyun Pavilion."

"What made you laugh so? Who’s playing music over there?"

"Those are the musicians and dancers rehearsing for tomorrow night’s performance at Bai Fu Hall. We...we just happened to pass by and saw them..."

Upon hearing this, Tushere glanced back, Shang Ruyi nodded slightly, and Tushere said, "You may go about your duties."

The palace maids curtseyed and quickly ran off. Even as they departed, their laughter remained audible.

Tushere, puzzled, glanced back several times before turning towards Wangyun Pavilion, only a glimpse of its corner visible through dense green trees, and murmured, "It’s just musicians and dancers rehearsing, how amusing it must be for them."

Turning her eyes, she suggested, "Princess, shall we take a look?"

As if expecting her suggestion, Shang Ruyi reluctantly said, "We’re merely passing by, you may take a brief look."

"I understand."

With that, the group continued forward.

The closer they got, the more distinct the melody of the flute and pipa became, harmonizing beautifully with the sound of water. After circling a large banyan tree, Wangyun Pavilion fully revealed itself in their view—a small octagonal pavilion extending from the Thousand-step Corridor, perched entirely over the lake. Though the pavilion was small, its intricate elegance coupled with the thin mist rising over the lake made it resemble an Immortal Realm.

At this moment, within the Immortal Realm, strings resonated melodiously, accompanied by graceful figures dancing to the music.

Tushere couldn’t help but say, "It sounds so beautiful, looks so lovely."

Beside her, Little Yuan Qian, still in Nanny Feng’s arms, watched curiously ahead, his little body appearing to hover as if suspended in air.

Having seen many such dances, Shang Ruyi wasn’t particularly interested. Instead, she found her son’s behavior amusing and reached out gently to stroke his hair, then turned back to urge Tushere to leave.

Yet as soon as she turned, the pavilion showed a swift and agile figure passing before her eyes.

Shang Ruyi’s heart suddenly sank, gazing intently ahead.