Why My Domineering Prince Regretted Filing for Divorce?

This was a man in his twenties, or perhaps a little older, with refined features and an elegant demeanor. He wore a moon-white long gown that draped his body like a milky fog enveloping a person. His light steps and swift movements truly resembled a wisp of smoke blowing into the hall.

Everyone’s gaze was drawn to this fog-like figure.

At that moment, a cold gleam broke through the mist, revealing a long sword in the man’s hand, as a silver snake emerging from its hole, aimed directly at the dome of the great hall.

The hall instantly echoed with the sound of hurried breathing, while Tushere widened her eyes in delight.

She recognized him as the one they saw at Wangyun Pavilion before.

In that mesmerized instant, the drumbeat suddenly stopped, and everyone’s consciousness paused. Immediately, a melodious, clear flute sound resonated, like a cool breeze caressing one’s ears, enchanting the mind.

The man stretched his long arm, the sword in his hand descended along an invisible arc, like a rainbow. Under the illumination of the bright flames surrounding the hall, it left a rainbow shadow in everyone’s sight until the sword pointed to the ground. With the flute’s tones rising and falling, his wrist turned like a butterfly, waving the sword to create dazzling light and shadows.

While everyone was captivated by the gentle beauty of the sword dance, suddenly, the drumbeat began again!

The man’s steps paused, and his whole body leaped like a nimble cat, constantly flipping in the air, his sleeves fluttering as the sword accompanied his moves. The body followed the sword, agile and ethereal, sending dragon-like bellows that made the audience hold their breath, their gaze seemingly drawn by invisible strings to the sword, roaming unpredictably with its swings.

Finally, the drumbeat settled, and the sword drew its last cold gleam under everyone’s focused gaze, disappearing into the layered, smoke-like draping sleeves.

"Bravo!"

Yu Wenquan praised, "Excellent sword dance!"

As he spoke, the audience, who had been quietly admiring with bated breath, began to exclaim in acclaim, "It’s truly beautiful!"

"Who is this?"

"Is there such an outstanding dancer in the palace?"

While everyone was showering praises, Yu Mingyue’s eyes sparkled, and she suddenly smiled, "Firm as Yi shooting the nine suns, swift as emperors riding dragons. Arrival like thunder subsiding anger, departure like clear light condensing over rivers and seas—I have never seen such graceful sword dance!"

After she finished speaking, her gaze suddenly turned to Shang Ruyi, "Princess Qin, what do you think?"

Originally, everyone’s attention was on the gracefully poised dancer in the hall’s center. However, upon hearing her speak, especially reciting a poem no less beautiful than the elegant sword dance, everyone naturally shifted their focus to her. Upon hearing her final sentence, they also instinctively followed her gaze to Princess Qin.

Even Yu Wenquan turned to look at Shang Ruyi, as in his eyes, both his daughters-in-law were exceptionally talented. The Crown Princess Consort had miraculously composed a splendid poem corresponding to the beautiful sword dance just witnessed, making him cheer inwardly and subconsciously wanting Princess Qin to also compose a poem.

But as he turned, his gaze instantly froze.

It was only then that people realized Princess Qin had been staring intently at the dancer.

Upon hearing the Crown Princess Consort’s words and feeling everyone’s gaze, Shang Ruyi abruptly came to her senses, realizing it was inappropriate to stare blankly at others. She hastily withdrew her gaze, "I—"

She hesitated for a moment, and Yu Mingyue smiled, "It seems this sword dance is indeed exceptionally beautiful, and even Princess Qin is entranced."

Shang Ruyi’s heart raced in confusion.

She subconsciously looked up, only to see Yu Wenquan slightly frowning at her.

Shang Ruyi’s spine chilled, and as she turned to Yu Mingyue, facing her radiant smile, yet sensing an underlying malice, she took a deep breath and smiled, "Yes, the sword dance is indeed exceptionally beautiful. I once heard Lord Yun Shen of Sword Saint fame has spent his life accompanied by the sword, his sword dance astoundingly magnificent, famed in the world. This dancer—"

After speaking, she glanced at the man again, but this time, her gaze no longer lingered excessively, "Possesses the style of the West River Pei Family."

Her words had just faded when the man also glanced at her.

By this time, Yu Wenquan’s smile had gradually faded, yet no joy or anger could be discerned. He merely asked, "You are—"

The dancer bowed his head, and Chief Palace Han Yuhui, who had been beside Yu Wenquan the entire time, stepped forward, her voice moderate enough for the hall’s attendees to hear, "He is called Sun Xianyue, and is,"

While speaking, her gaze deliberately swept over Shang Ruyi, "a disciple of Pei Yunshen."

Yu Wenquan raised an eyebrow slightly, "Oh?"

Shang Ruyi’s back tingled again.

Her previous words were meant to excuse herself from the discomfort of having stared at Sun Xianyue so intently in front of everyone by praising the West River Pei Family’s splendid sword dance. Yet unexpectedly, this person turned out to be Pei Yunshen’s disciple!

Incidentally, he was named Sun Xianyue.

Another "Yue".

While Shang Ruyi’s heart was in disarray, Yu Mingyue smiled, "Indeed a descendant of West River Pei Family. Princess Qin has true insight, worthy of being called a confidant."

Shang Ruyi took a deep breath and calmly said, "Not a confidant, but genuinely admiring."

Then Yu Wenquan said, "The sword dance was well done, go and receive your reward."

After finishing, he lowered his head, taking a cup of wine to drink.

Indeed, Sun Xianyue remained silent in the middle of the hall, seemingly unmoved by the praise and discussions. Yet at this moment, he looked up at Yu Wenquan, seemingly wanting to say something, but before he spoke, Chief Palace Han Yuhui already said, "The Emperor has spoken; go and receive your reward."

Sun Xianyue hesitated for a moment, but could only thank and withdraw.

Although this particular sword dance was exceedingly exquisite, it stirred some inexplicable emotions. Afterward, regardless of the flourishing music and dance, everyone seemed to sense a peculiar heaviness pressing on their minds. A deeper thought revealed it was Yu Wenquan’s melancholic mood, causing everyone to not dare to be indulgent.

Fortunately, it was not too late. After a while, the evening banquet concluded, and everyone returned to their quarters.

Originally, Yu Wenquan was supposed to choose between resting at Zhang Jieyu’s or Tao Jieyu’s place that night, but instead, he chose neither, returning alone to Liangyi Hall, perfunctorily washing up before preparing to sleep.

He leaned at the head of the bed, watching Eunuch Yu, who was about to extinguish the nearby candle, suddenly spoke, "I remember, Chu Yang was quite the skilled sword dancer."

Upon suddenly hearing Chu Yang’s name, the flickering candlelight seemed to pause on Eunuch Yu’s face.

But then he quickly smiled back, "The Emperor’s memory is impressive."

Yu Wenquan was silent for a moment, then asked, "And back then when Princess Qin was at Jiangdu Palace—"