Why My Domineering Prince Regretted Filing for Divorce?

Han Yuhui said, "Could it be that while the Princess was confined in Chengqian Hall these few days, she caught a thief?"

"That’s not it,"

Shang Ruyi calmly said, "I just remembered that someone has seen the calligraphy I wrote and can testify for me."

Yu Wenquan asked, "Oh? Who is it?"

"Father, it is Tao Jieyu."

"Her?"

Shang Ruyi said, "Yes. On the day Tao Jieyu was conferred the title of concubine, she happened to come to Qianqiu Palace to chat with me for a while. She also saw the calligraphy I wrote and even wished to practice calligraphy with me. However, at that time someone came with a message, saying Father intended to dine with Tao Jieyu that evening, prompting her hurried departure."

Saying this, Shang Ruyi looked up at Yu Wenquan, "Father, I remember correctly, don’t I?"

Yu Wenquan nodded lightly.

His memory was quite good, and since the matter happened not long ago, coincidentally on the day Tao Wanxin was conferred the title of concubine, he remembered it clearly. Not only did he recall dining with her that evening, but he also remembered during their meal, Tao Wanxin mentioned visiting Princess Qin and Little Yuan Qian at Qianqiu Palace during the day and wanting to practice more calligraphy to calm her mind, just like Princess Qin.

After their dinner, he even held Tao Wanxin’s hand to write a piece of calligraphy.

In hindsight, he felt somewhat grateful to Shang Ruyi. If she hadn’t mentioned Tao Wanxin in front of him, he might never have noticed such a intelligent and gentle presence in his harem. Previously, he had favored Zhang Yuping, finding her charming and alluring, but upon closer acquaintance, Tao Wanxin’s gentle tranquility and meticulous care were no less pleasant.

Therefore, mentioning Tao Wanxin made Yu Wenquan’s mood a bit more serene.

Shang Ruyi continued, "If Father does not believe it, you may ask Tao Jieyu to verify whether she remembers seeing the calligraphy in Qianqiu Palace that day."

Yu Wenquan pondered for a moment, and then said, "Send someone immediately to summon Tao Jieyu to Liangyi Hall, I want to question her personally."

The little eunuch below swiftly took the order and hurried out, soon returning with her.

Tao Wanxin, along with Qiao Shu, hurried over. Because they walked quickly, she was slightly out of breath upon entering the hall. She saw the crowd kneeling in the center of the hall and seemingly sensed something. However, she kept her composure, stepped forward, and bowed to Yu Wenquan, "Your Majesty, this concubine greets you."

"Rise."

Although Yu Wenquan’s expression was stern, his tone was gentle when speaking to her, "I called you here for no other reason than that Princess Qin mentioned you visited Qianqiu Palace a few days ago and saw her calligraphy?"

"Yes."

"Do you remember which day it was?"

"It was the day Your Majesty was gracious to confer upon me the title of concubine."

"What did she write? Do you still remember?"

"I remember it roughly."

"Go ahead."

"There was The Art of War by Sun Tzu, a poem without clothing from the Book of Songs, and also a poem from the poetry contest at Divine Tired Pavilion after the Battle of Fufeng, the one that won first place."

Han Yuhui’s face had turned exceedingly unpleasant, and she forced a laugh, "Jieyu, your memory is truly remarkable."

Tao Wanxin glanced at her lightly and smiled, "I have no other interests except for poetry and literature, so when I saw what Princess Qin wrote, it caught my attention. Moreover, Princess Qin’s calligraphy is unlike the average woman’s; the strokes are ancient and powerful, making a lasting impression."

After finishing, she addressed Yu Wenquan, "I wonder why His Majesty inquired about this—"

Yu Wenquan did not answer her question, but only nodded and lightly waved his hand, "Since you have seen what she wrote in the Book of Songs, that is enough."

Tao Wanxin glanced down at Shang Ruyi, sealing her lips with clarity of mind, and obediently withdrew to his side.

With this, the hall quieted down.

Seeing Yu Wenquan’s expression slightly soften, Han Yuhui’s tightly clenched hands trembled slightly inside her sleeves, her nails digging into her palms. This was a gambit she had painstakingly orchestrated, betting almost everything, intending to bring down Shang Ruyi, Yu Wen Yuanqian, and even Chu Ruoyan. Thus, the faction of King Qin would be nearly wiped out, and once he knew what transpired at the rear, surely he would suspect the Emperor’s doubt and might react irrationally. If he showed such a tendency, King Qi and Shang Shoufei could immediately report him, giving the Emperor more reason to deal with this untrusted son.

Initially, everything proceeded smoothly, but unexpectedly Shang Ruyi, confined for a few days, sought to clear her name through her handwriting.

However, handwriting was not definitive proof.

Thinking this, Han Yuhui gritted her teeth and intentionally said, "Ultimately, these writings are by the Princess’s hand; handwriting can be altered, and so can hearts."

"..."

"Moreover, even if a piece of calligraphy did go missing from Qianqiu Palace, it might have been carelessly misplaced by the servants rather than stolen to mimic the Princess’s hand; it’s merely her conjecture, lacking evidence."

"..."

"But the torn fabric left by Sun Xianyue in the back garden of Qianqiu Palace is undeniable evidence of him having been there, meeting with the Princess in private."

Yu Wenquan glanced back at her once again.

His gaze carried a chill that seemed to penetrate to the bone, causing Han Yuhui to shiver instinctively.

But Yu Wenquan said nothing, turning his head to look at Shang Ruyi, his gaze equally cold, as if awaiting her response.

This time, Shang Ruyi did not avoid Han Yuhui’s gaze but lifted her head to meet it directly, her sharp eyes causing a tremor in Han Yuhui’s heart. Shang Ruyi calmly said, "Chief Palace Han speaks reasonably, which is why I asked Eunuch Liu Yu to also bring that piece of torn clothing."

Han Yuhui’s face changed.

All eyes fell upon the piece of blue-gray torn fabric in Liu Yu’s hand, exactly a torn corner from the clothing Sun Xianyue had worn that night.

Shang Ruyi said, "Chief Palace Han just stated that this piece of torn fabric proves he visited Qianqiu Palace and met secretly with this palace."

Han Yuhui, with a stiff neck, said, "Isn’t it?"

Shang Ruyi smiled faintly, "Indeed, it’s undeniable proof."

Upon hearing this, everyone showed expressions of surprise, as if they couldn’t believe she would "admit" so, even Chu Ruoyan couldn’t help but whisper, "Sister..."

Han Yuhui was overjoyed, her eyes brightening for a moment.

The next moment, Shang Ruyi articulated each word clearly, "But this is undeniable proof that I have never met Sun Xianyue in private!"