Why My Domineering Prince Regretted Filing for Divorce?

Chapter 1080 - 775: The Emperor’s Delight

As everyone held their breath, Yu Wenquan took out a letter from the box. He quickly opened it and read it once. Immediately, his tiger-like eyes widened as if seeing something unbelievable yet delightful, causing his hand holding the letter to tremble slightly.The hearts of everyone present also trembled.

But, it was not over yet.

After reading the letter, Yu Wenquan temporarily placed it aside and carefully reached into the box again. This time, he retrieved a map!

Even those seated farther away kept their eyes sharp like torches. Especially Yu Wenye, whose eagle-like eyes immediately saw the map unfurling languidly in Yu Wenquan’s hands, marked with some twisting lines and eye-catching dots.

It was unmistakably a map!

The secret report sent from Tongguan, this should be from Chu Zhengfei’s hand. Why is there a map inside?

Which place does this map depict?

Moreover, when Yu Wenye deduced that it was a map, he also noticed that one edge of the map showed signs of tearing, indicating that it was not a complete map but rather separated—perhaps only half or a fraction of the whole.

What exactly—

While everyone was bewildered and didn’t dare to speak easily, tension filled the atmosphere in the Kissing Tower. Suddenly, Yu Wenquan took a deep breath, and with a faint smile said, "Preparedness ensures success, unpreparedness invites failure. It seems someone has helped us prepare."

Helped to prepare?

Everyone seemed to sense something, while Yu Wenquan leisurely folded the obviously incomplete map, placed it back in the box along with the letter, closed the box, handed it to Eunuch Yu, and then looked up at the attentive few, smiling, "Let’s drink first."

"..."

Everyone exchanged uneasy glances, unable to speak a word.

Yu Wenquan didn’t tell them anything about the content he received, clearly intending to conceal it. Yet, those present were either his sons or daughters-in-law, arguably the closest individuals in the entire Dynasty. Is such secrecy necessary?

If he truly intended secrecy, then why did he just make a remark that served as a hint?

Everyone was filled with confusion, but since the Emperor had already spoken, they dared not ask more questions, nor neglect the occasion. They all hurriedly raised their cups to drink, only Shang Ruyi took a small sip and then stopped, while Yu Wenquan seemed tremendously pleased, unexpectedly downing a full cup of wine. After drinking, his tiger-like eyes still held a smile and his eye corners were full of wrinkles.

Clearly, what he just saw greatly satisfied him.

Tongguan Defender Chu Zhengfei, what kind of secret report did he send to make the Emperor so pleased?

Shang Ruyi couldn’t help but look at Yu Wenqian opposite her—Chu Zhengfei is Yu Dingxing’s man, and both Yu Dingxing and Yu Mingyue are firmly on the side of this Crown Prince. What did he send over, and could it be that Yu Wenqian knows nothing about it?

Judging by his similarly furrowed brow, it seemed so.

Is it due to a lack of communication, or was he simply not informed?

Shang Ruyi’s mind was swirling with speculation, unable to make sense of it all when suddenly she heard Yu Wenquan speak again, after another drink, with a chuckling voice, "Ruyi."

Shang Ruyi immediately snapped back to reality, "What does Father wish to say?"

Yu Wenquan waved his hand, smiling, "It’s not a command. I just remembered, you mentioned wanting to visit Dayan Temple for worship and blessings. I’ve thought about it, you should indeed make a trip. So, when the weather improves in a few days, prepare yourself, cleanse and bathe, I’ll personally arrange for someone to escort you there."

"..."

"It’s also good to visit old friends."

Shang Ruyi’s breath froze.

Previously, because she knew Chu Ruoyan missed Empress Dowager Jiang, she had boldly suggested to Yu Wenquan to visit the Ministry of Justice for worship but was refused by him, feeling sad yet aware of Yu Wenquan’s taboo regarding Dayan Temple, especially the people in Yanchun Palace behind it, so she dared not speak further. Even Yu Wenye said that unless there was an "extraordinary event", Yu Wenquan would not allow court officials to easily engage with the mother and son in Dayan Temple.

But now, she dared not mention it again, yet he proactively suggested and outright permitted her to go.

This—

Shang Ruyi was momentarily stunned, luckily Yu Wenye lightly coughed beside her, bringing her back to consciousness. She hurriedly stood up and saluted Yu Wenquan, "Thank you, Father!"

After speaking, she slowly sat back down, but due to her overwhelming shock, her heart thumping like thunder, her hands and feet weak. As she sat, it was Yu Wenye’s helping hand that barely steadied her, and when Shang Ruyi looked up at him, their eyes met and sparkled.

Indeed, that box of secret report held something "extraordinary".

But what kind of "extraordinary event" could delight Yu Wenquan so much, even recall a request from half a month ago deemed touching his reverse scale, and make exception in allowing it?

Though such a small "interlude" happened, because Yu Wenquan was particularly pleased, the atmosphere of this Mid-Autumn banquet was better than at any previous time, with Yu Wenquan merrily chatting and drinking with his sons and daughters-in-law, drinking a few extra cups. By the end of the banquet, slightly tipsy, yet he maintained the Emperor’s dignity, and when getting ready to leave, he took a glance at Eunuch Yu always accompanying him.

Particularly looked at, was the box he held securely, never daring to relax his grip.

Seeing Eunuch Yu protecting that box, Yu Wenquan’s eyes filled with even more amusement, gesturing for Eunuch Yu to take it back to his Liangyi Hall, and then preparing to leave. Yu Wenqian and others immediately came out from behind the desk, kneeling to see him off.

Yu Wenquan suddenly turned back and said, "Ruoyan has also been grounded for several months, hasn’t she? Earlier, I was too strict with her, considering that she also cares for Ru Yi."

Suddenly bringing up Chu Ruoyan made Yu Wenye and Shang Ruyi even more surprised.

Shang Ruyi didn’t dare to take a breath, but Yu Wenye calmly said, "Thank you, Father, for keeping her in mind."

Yu Wenquan sighed, "You too can go see her. She has been wronged these months."

With that, he waved his hand and left.

After hearing this, Yu Wenye and Shang Ruyi hurriedly kowtowed to thank him. Shang Ruyi’s heart pounded so hard it didn’t feel like her own, but at that moment, she instinctively turned her head to look at Yu Wenqian beside her. His eyes were calm like water, without a single ripple, but his brows involuntarily furrowed slightly.

Then, they slowly stood up.

However, they did not speak immediately, instead both looked outside the pavilion, until Yu Wenquan’s figure slowly disappeared into the night. Only then did the two turn to face each other, Yu Wenqian smilingly said, "Congratulations, second brother."

"This, is not really a joyful matter; it’s just that nothing bad happened."

"True enough."

"To say what the true joy is, it should probably be just now—that," at this, Yu Wenye stared into Yu Wenqian’s eyes, "does elder brother know?"

Yu Wenqian gave a faint smile and said, "Second brother, I sat here just like you, saw what Father said and saw, how could I know any more than we both did?"

Yu Wenye also smiled and said, "So that’s how it is, I just thought perhaps elder brother might have some foreknowledge."

"...!"

Yu Wenqian’s expression froze slightly, his eyes flickered as if he glanced at Shang Ruyi, but the next moment, he just calmly smiled and said, "Second brother’s words are amusing, I once studied Buddhism, but I am no Buddha."

"Indeed."

"Alright, it’s late. If there’s no mood to admire the moon, second brother should return first. Sister-in-law’s body is heavy, it’s not good for her to tire herself any further."

Shang Ruyi didn’t expect he would mention her suddenly and immediately said, "Thank you, elder brother, for your concern."

Yu Wenqian smiled at her and turned to leave elegantly.

Watching his silhouette disappear into the night, Yu Wenye finally let out a breath, while Shang Ruyi almost exhaled at the same time. The two exchanged a glance but had no mind to speak, simply burdened with heavy thoughts as they left the Kissing Tower.

Outside, it was already pitch dark.

Two little eunuchs carried lanterns ahead to light their way, and with Yu Wenye always holding her hand, Shang Ruyi walked very steadily.

It wasn’t long before they passed by the entrance of Jinyu Garden.

She subconsciously glanced inside. Tonight, unlike usual, it wasn’t too early for the lights to go out and the doors to close, but there was only one candle flickering dimly and lonely. She thought the people inside might also be admiring the moon, but such a full moon would only make her feel more of life’s imperfections.

Shang Ruyi softly said, "Should we—"

It seemed as if he knew what she was about to say; as soon she spoke, Yu Wenye firmly said, "It’s too late, let’s talk tomorrow."

"Very well."

Shang Ruyi nodded and left with him.

Even though she wanted to share this good news with Chu Ruoyan, it was already late today, telling her wouldn’t make much difference; they themselves needed time to organize their thoughts.

Soon, they returned to Qianqiu Palace.

The two sat by the desk, motionless, not even drinking the tea Wo Xue brought. After a long while, Shang Ruyi said first, "That map really—"

Yu Wenye said, "It was sent from Tongguan, but for father to be so pleased with it, it’s probably not just an ordinary map."

Shang Ruyi murmured, "It should be what Father needs most now, or perhaps something that can ease his difficulties and resolve issues."

Yu Wenye also said, "The biggest issue before Father now is advancing east to Luoyang."

As they spoke, the candle on the table suddenly flickered, Shang Ruyi went to get scissors, snipping the wick while murmuring, "Moreover, Father also said that planning leads to success, not planning leads to failure, someone is preparing for us."

Just then, the flame rose.

Their eyes both lit up, simultaneously looking at each other, "So, that map is—"