Why My Domineering Prince Regretted Filing for Divorce?

Upon hearing Tushere’s words, Shang Ruyi also fell silent.

However, it wasn’t Tushere’s words at this moment that made her realize; in fact, this was a fact placed before her ever since she decided to feign illness.

But—

She said quietly, "Are you worried that the Emperor will blame me?"

Tushere carefully nodded.

Shang Ruyi chuckled softly, but her expression was far from relaxed. Her eyes, always clear, now bore a weight with a hint of menace. She said, "I certainly know that if I insist on Han Yuhui’s death, even if the Emperor doesn’t say anything now, he might harbor resentment in the future."

This situation is akin to when Yu Wenye traded the abdication edict for Yu Wenquan’s appointment of Yu Wenqian as Han King.

It was a form of coercion towards the Emperor.

Even if Yu Wenquan’s handling of Han Yuhui’s matter is filled with contradictions, after all, Han Yuhui harms the Imperial Grandson this time. Yu Wenquan personally investigates the clues about Wen Ying; it’s a protective measure for Yuan Qian, which is beyond reproach. But this feeling of being coerced is extremely detrimental for an Emperor.

Shang Ruyi remained silent for a while and said, "Even if the Emperor truly harbors resentment, that is a matter for the future."

"..."

"Now, at present, I must have Han Yuhui dead!"

"..."

"I cannot allow someone who seeks to harm my child to remain in this world, let alone in the palace. Otherwise, my child will forever be a target for others!"

Upon hearing Shang Ruyi’s words, Tushere nodded as well.

She understands the anger of a mother towards this matter. This is why, knowing she would offend the Emperor, Shang Ruyi still cannot refrain from doing what she must. Not only does the Emperor have a reverse scale; perhaps every mother has one attached to their child, and Han Yuhui touched it, which she never should have!

Tushere said, "I understand, Princess. Do not worry, no matter who comes, I will definitely stop them!"

Shang Ruyi looked up at her and smiled faintly.

Han Shanggong was condemned and sent to the Ministry of Justice prison. Although this was merely a palace case, somehow it suddenly spread to the court. The next day at the morning assembly, a courtier openly petitioned for the Emperor to forgive Han Yuhui.

When someone defends, naturally some will accuse. Another group of officials immediately stood out, vehemently condemning Han Yuhui for attempting to harm the Imperial Grandson, asserting that such a crime merits a death penalty.

Yu Wenquan evidently did not anticipate this matter escalating to the court, nor did he expect the courtiers to involve themselves.

However, upon careful consideration, it becomes clear.

This is far from a matter of Han Yuhui’s life or death; everyone sees that this is a struggle—or rather, a game—between Prince Qin, who leads forces outside, and the Crown Prince, who maintains stable control over the court.

Everyone uses her life and death to discern, or perhaps influence, the future of the Crown Prince and Prince Qin.

Therefore, due to Pei Xingyuan’s abduction interrupting the trial of the Hot Spring Palace case, the once quiet court has once again erupted with fervor. Even situated deep within the palace, Shang Ruyi can foresee the back-and-forth intensity with which the officials outside dwell in their heated debate.

Yu Wenquan gradually found himself unable to cope.

If this matter hadn’t escalated and remained within the palace, or if the Ministry of Justice had merely handled the investigation and passed the conclusion to him to manage, then Han Yuhui’s life and death would still end up being his decision. But now that it’s blown out of proportion at the court, it’s far from simple. Attempting to harm the Imperial Heir is no trifling matter; if such a grave crime can be forgiven, isn’t that akin to telling everyone that harming the Royal Family is no big deal? This is clearly inviting disaster!

Thus, for two consecutive days, Yu Wenquan ceased attending the court.

In the blink of an eye, the third day arrived.

On this day, Yu Wenquan was still in Liangyi Hall reviewing memorials. Yet, he could hardly put his pen to work, until Eunuch Yu at his side observed him and placed a cup of tea by his hand, softly advising: "Emperor, the past two days you haven’t had a proper rest. Perhaps it’s best to take a moment to relax."

"..."

Yu Wenquan spoke not a word, merely grasping the pen tightly.

He inquired, "How’s Princess Qin?"

Eunuch Yu glanced at him carefully and replied, "The Imperial Medical Bureau still delivers herbal concoctions daily, but there seem to be no signs of improvement."

"..."

Yu Wenquan furrowed his brow even deeper.

Just then, someone softly knocked on the door of the great hall, prompting Eunuch Yu to hurriedly step out.

Meanwhile, the Crown Prince Yu Wenqian also entered the palace, though he didn’t directly proceed to Liangyi Hall for the Emperor’s greeting; instead, he went first to the outer part of Qianqiu Palace.

Today’s weather was somewhat gloomy, with thick clouds like an ink-black net draping over the skies of Chang An. There wasn’t even a breath of wind, making everything stifling. The busy palace maids and eunuchs worked up a sweat from the heat and pressure. Only Yu Wenqian seemed untouched by the sweltering atmosphere; his extraordinarily beautiful face was even paler and more bloodless than three days prior, exuding an aura of icy chill.

He stood outside Qianqiu Palace, gazing at the palace before him.

This place remained closed, as it had been three days ago. Though one could barely hear the palace maids and eunuchs moving and cleaning under the eaves and in the corners, the entire palace was utterly quiet.

Yu Wenqian paused in silence for a moment before stepping forward to gently rap on the door himself.

A series of footsteps sounded within after a moment, the door cracked ajar, revealing Tushere’s charming yet naïvely innocent face. Upon seeing Yu Wenqian, her expression turned to one of startled anxiety: "Crown Prince."

Yu Wenqian courteously said, "I’ve come to see Princess Qin. Is she—feeling better?"

Tushere glanced at him, then turned to look behind her with a smile, saying, "Forgive us, Your Highness; our Princess is still recuperating and cannot receive guests at present."

Yu Wenqian inhaled deeply, "Still unwell?"

"Indeed."

"Has the Imperial Physician been invited for diagnosis?"

"Certainly, Doctor Su visits daily."

"And what are the results?"

"The Imperial Physician mentioned that due to the previous confinement in Chengqian Hall catching a chill, coupled with the distress over these recent events, the compounded illness won’t be easy to recover from."

"..."

Yu Wenqian remained silent for a moment, lifting his translucent gaze towards Tushere: "Is it truly incurable?"

"..."

Tushere was momentarily stunned by his stare.

At this moment, a little eunuch suddenly hurried over, perhaps to convey some message to Liangyi Hall. Catching sight of Yu Wenqian, he quickly stepped forward to salute: "Crown Prince, here you are."

Yu Wenqian said, "What are you looking for me for?"

The little eunuch replied, "I wasn’t originally seeking Crown Prince, but the Emperor has already sent a message to the Crown Prince Mansion for His Highness."

Yu Wenqian slightly furrowed his brow: "What is it all about?"

The little eunuch said, "Han Shanggong, Han Shanggong committed suicide in the Ministry of Justice’s prison."