Why My Domineering Prince Regretted Filing for Divorce?

Chapter 1075 - 772: Prayer for Blessings

Since the hawthorn cake incident, over two months have passed without Yu Mingyue causing any further trouble. Of course, on the surface, the hawthorn cake incident seemed unrelated to her, but Shang Ruyi knew that only she could have the audacity to conspire with Aunt Hui to orchestrate such a murderous plot in the palace. However, that incident ultimately resulted in Yu Wenye’s gain and their failure.Consequently, much of Aunt Hui’s power was stripped away, leaving her unable to act recklessly again.

As for Yu Mingyue, she truly hadn’t stirred any more waves.

To say she’s settled down is something Shang Ruyi couldn’t believe. This person has no sense of reverence and is recklessly bold. It’s impossible for her to abandon her goals over a small setback. On the contrary, her silence these days feels more like the calm before the storm.

Just thinking about this made Shang Ruyi furrow her brows.

Beside her, Tushere and Chang Wan, originally cheerful, suddenly saw the joyful expression on Shang Ruyi’s face gradually fade, replaced by a look of concern. The two immediately became nervous, and even Eunuch Yu cautiously asked, "Princess, is something the matter?"

"Hm."

Shang Ruyi snapped back to reality, lifting her head to meet the concerned and worried eyes of everyone.

She couldn’t help but smile inwardly, thinking that even if Yu Mingyue were truly planning something, for them, it would merely be a matter of taking precautions against any incoming threats. Worrying would be useless and would affect her baby.

With this thought, she looked down at her stomach again. In just half a month, her belly had grown noticeably larger. Now, when she got up, she couldn’t straighten her back, and bowing her head, she couldn’t see her toes at all. Nowadays, Shang Ruyi disliked looking in the mirror even more, even though Yu Wenye kept reassuring her that she wasn’t clumsy or unsightly. She was unwilling to face her own heavily pregnant appearance.

This child, it would be nice if he could be born sooner.

She then smiled lightly and said, "It’s nothing, I was just thinking—it would be nice if this child could be born sooner."

Tushere’s brows furrowed immediately upon hearing this.

Before she could say anything, a displeased voice sounded from outside the hall: "What nonsense are you speaking?!"

Everyone turned their heads to see Yu Wenye walking in briskly from outside, holding a box. As soon as she saw him, Shang Ruyi’s face lit up with a smile, and she quickly explained, "What I mean is, if this child is born soon, if it’s a boy, he could train in the military and martial arts, contributing to the nation, and easing father’s worries."

Yu Wenye gave her a reproachful look. At this moment, Chang Wan stepped forward tactfully and took the box from Yu Wenye. Eunuch Yu didn’t even spare the box a glance but hurriedly came forward to salute Yu Wenye and offer congratulations. Yu Wenye laughed and said, "Thank you for the hard work, Eunuch."

"This servant wouldn’t dare call it hard work."

Eunuch Yu said with a smile, "Your Majesty has also issued an order for a banquet at the Kissing Tower behind Bai Fu Hall tonight, just for King Qin and the Princess. This is a great honor!"

Yu Wenye and Shang Ruyi exchanged a glance and both said, "We will be sure to attend the banquet on time."

Only then did Eunuch Yu smile and take his leave.

Once he left, Yu Wenye took off his outer garment—it was already very hot, and when he took off his clothes, a warm breath rushed over. Shang Ruyi couldn’t help but fan herself with the fan in her hand. Yu Wenye shook his head with a smile and sat down on the other side of the couch, a bit further from her. After Chang Wan placed the box on the table, she hurriedly brewed a cup of tea for him.

Shang Ruyi glanced down at the familiar box: "This is—"

Yu Wenye laughed; he had originally rushed back to share some good news with Shang Ruyi, but he was delayed after being stopped at Jinyu Garden for a few words, which is why he was late returning and ended up hearing Shang Ruyi’s "nonsense."

While sipping tea, he said, "Ruoyan sent it to you."

Upon hearing this, Shang Ruyi immediately reached out and opened the lid, finding inside, as before, two pieces of bright red hawthorn cake.

Having been in confinement for half a year, it seemed Chu Ruoyan had nothing to occupy her time. Coupled with the previous promises, she occasionally requested some ingredients from the Food Bureau, and it appeared Shangshan Residence knew she was taking the fall for someone else, so they weren’t difficult about it and diligently sent things over. During these days, Chu Ruoyan made quite a few pastries, and her skills improved significantly, allowing Shang Ruyi to also benefit and enjoy quite a few pastries sent out from Jinyu Garden.

This hawthorn cake can certainly satisfy a craving.

Just as she was about to take a piece, she suddenly realized today’s box was taller than usual. Pondering for a moment, she removed the top layer, only to find another layer beneath, with two translucent water chestnut cakes arranged neatly.

Shang Ruyi said, "This is—"

Having put down his teacup, Yu Wenye also glanced at the water chestnut cakes and said in a deep voice, "This is something she made extra."

"Oh?"

After the hawthorn cake incident, Su Qinglan provided them with a more detailed recipe. Shang Ruyi remembered that pregnant women eating a moderate amount of water chestnuts was beneficial for the fetus, but it shouldn’t be eaten excessively. These two pieces were just right. However, she noticed that Yu Wenye’s tone was somewhat heavy, so she asked him, "What’s wrong?"

Yu Wenye was silent for a moment again, and said, "This is something the Empress Dowager used to like eating."

Shang Ruyi immediately understood that Chu Ruoyan was missing her mother.

Being confined for half a year, that loneliness and helplessness, to outsiders might seem like just a pond, but only those who are in it know how cold and suffocating it is. No matter how sympathetic Shang Ruyi was, she couldn’t fully empathize, but through what Chu Ruoyan had created, she could more or less understand the torment in her heart during these days. At such times, people always wish for the safety and well-being of their loved ones, but her loved ones, even if not far away, are difficult to meet again.

Shang Ruyi couldn’t help but sigh softly, and slowly closed the box.

Yu Wenye said, "Why aren’t you eating?"

Shang Ruyi smiled and shook her head, handing the box to Tushere to take it away and store it properly, then said, "I’m not very hungry at the moment. Besides, Father will be hosting a banquet soon; we should go bathe and change early to prepare."

Yu Wenye laughed and said, "It’s still early, but you are getting busy already."

Though he said this, under Shang Ruyi’s urging, he got up, and the two of them each went to bathe in incense, then changed their clothes. After preparing everything, it was just in time for Yu Wenquan’s banquet, and they walked toward Bai Fu Hall in the fiery glow of the sunset.

As they passed the entrance to Jinyu Garden, Shang Ruyi took a special look inside.

Though the doors and windows were still closed, faintly, there seemed to be a low, mournful melody of a zither, as if sobbing and lamenting.

Shang Ruyi’s mood grew heavier, but she didn’t say much, simply continued to follow Yu Wenye forward. They passed through several palace gates, finally bypassing Bai Fu Hall, and reached the rear Kissing Tower, a two-story building. Though not high, and not as spacious and bright as Bai Fu Hall, it was exceptionally exquisite and luxuriously decorated, with a touch of the exquisite charm of Southern palaces.

When the two ascended to the second floor, they were surprised to find Yu Wenquan already there, standing by the window enjoying the view.

Shang Ruyi was startled, knowing that typically when the Emperor hosts a banquet, the ministers should arrive first to await the Emperor. Today they arrived later, making the Emperor wait for them. The two hurriedly approached to bow and apologize, but Yu Wenquan turned around, smiled indifferently, and waved his sleeve, saying, "No need to be so formal. I have nothing to do today, so I came early to enjoy the breeze here. It’s more open here than in Liangyi Hall or Taiji Palace."

After speaking, he invited them to sit down and then smiled, asking Shang Ruyi, "How is your health?"

Shang Ruyi promptly replied, "Apart from feeling a bit warm lately, I haven’t noticed anything amiss. The nutrients bestowed by Father are too plentiful, I can hardly consume them all."

Yu Wenquan laughed and said, "If you can’t finish them, keep them. Once you’ve had the child, you can slowly build up your strength."

After expressing concern for Shang Ruyi, he turned to Yu Wenye, saying, "Shen Tu Tai is quite adept at warfare. I thought he was just a fierce general known for charging into battle, but it turns out he is also strategic, able to capture Xuzhou effortlessly. Quite remarkable."

Yu Wenye quickly replied, "It’s also due to Your Majesty’s known reputation that the defenders of Xuzhou surrendered without a fight."

Yu Wenquan stroked his beard and laughed.

He was not one to get carried away by a victory and his son’s flattery, yet this victory did indeed delight him greatly. If they could take Song State without bloodshed, it would be a significant step toward the goal of capturing Luoyang.

So he picked up a wine cup and said, "Come, have a drink with me first!"

Yu Wenye immediately lifted his cup and drank with him.

As Shang Ruyi was pregnant, naturally she didn’t drink, but sat by watching them. After the father and son had two drinks, various dishes were successively presented. Even though it was a small family banquet, the dishes bestowed by the Emperor were extraordinarily splendid and exquisite. With the absence of Yu Mingyue, who tended to engage in prattling at banquets, and no need to entertain other officials, Shang Ruyi wasn’t overly anxious and ate a few bites.

As they ate, they discussed their upcoming plans.

The palace maids serving around them continuously brought out plates of dishes and pastries without interruption. When Shang Ruyi noticed one plate in particular, it was glistening, translucent water chestnut cake.

Her heart stirred immediately.

She took a sip of soup and then glanced at Yu Wenquan. Seeing that he was in a good mood, she softly said, "Father, I have an unworthy request."

"Oh?"

Yu Wenquan, still smiling, looked at her and asked, "What do you want?"

Hearing Shang Ruyi suddenly speak, Yu Wenye furrowed his brow slightly, his gaze falling on the plate of water chestnut cake, as if understanding something. Shang Ruyi gently said, "In just over two months, I will be due. To ensure a smooth delivery, I wish to go to pray for blessings."

Yu Wenquan said, "Well, it’s not impossible. But those temples are far away, you—"

Shang Ruyi said, "I wish to go to Dayan Temple to pray for blessings."