Why My Domineering Prince Regretted Filing for Divorce?-Chapter 451 - 391: You Are Still the Good Daughter-in-law of the Yuwen Family_2
His expression was relatively relaxed, clearly indicating that the matter of the late Emperor’s passing being resolved was like a heavy burden lifted from his heart. However, his gaze was not entirely at ease, and when he looked at Shang Ruyi, there was still a hint of seriousness.
He said, "Ruyi."
Shang Ruyi felt a tingle down her spine but hurriedly stepped forward and softly said, "Father."
Yu Wenquan looked at her for a moment, then sighed and said, "Since the truth is revealed, why didn’t you say something earlier? If you had spoken sooner, I could have been prepared and not been caught off guard like today."
Shang Ruyi lowered her head and softly replied, "This matter—indeed, I intentionally chose not to speak of it."
Yu Wenquan frowned, "Why?"
Shang Ruyi took a deep breath and softly said, "If I kept telling others along the way that Your Majesty was forced to commit suicide, rumors would spread and not be believed, reducing their credibility. When I finally speak out personally, people would already be predisposed to doubt my words even more."
"..."
"Not every boil is best lanced early; sometimes, lancing it at its peak yields the best result."
"..."
"Therefore, this matter should only be spoken of once, and only at the most critical moment."
Upon hearing this, Yu Wenquan nodded gently.
Having been through many trials over the years, he naturally understood this principle better than Shang Ruyi.
Shang Ruyi looked up at him again and smiled, "Moreover, if you hadn’t known everything, you wouldn’t have had to speak up today."
"..."
"If—I mean if—if today, I truly couldn’t escape the accusation of regicide, at least it wouldn’t implicate you too much."
"You child—"
Yu Wenquan’s brow furrowed. Although his expression remained somewhat grim, his eyes softened with paternal affection and concern as he said, "You don’t have to bear such matters alone."
"..."
"Since you’ve married into the Yuwen Family, you are a part of it. You mustn’t distance yourself or separate yourself."
"..."
Hearing these words, she recalled the countless hardships she had endured in her life, yet there was always someone there to protect and nurture her—such is life, giving her the conviction to keep going, reaching this very day.
Shang Ruyi’s eyes reddened, and she spoke with a choked voice, "Ruyi understands."
"As long as you understand."
Yu Wenquan sighed again, turned to look at the tightly closed doors of the Great Hero Hall, and then said, "Find a place to rest for a while. The ceremony will continue in the afternoon."
"Yes."
The two of them responded, and Yu Wenquan had already turned and walked away.
Watching his retreating figure, Shang Ruyi felt a mix of gratitude and relief. However, she then heard Yu Wenye’s somewhat cold voice in her ear, "What you think about most is still Father."
"...!"
She was taken aback and turned to look at him.
Then she saw Yu Wenye glance at her with a half-smile and said, "You truly are a good daughter-in-law of the Yuwen Family."
Shang Ruyi could easily hear the sarcasm in his words at that moment, although earlier, he had been gentle with her.
For a moment, she found herself unable to refute and merely lowered her head.
Seeing her almost acquiescent demeanor, Yu Wenye’s frown deepened.
Just as the tension between them was rising, the door of the Great Hero Hall opened again, and Eunuch Yu emerged, descending the steps directly towards Shang Ruyi, "Madam."
Shang Ruyi promptly said, "Eunuch Yu."
Having been apart for a long time, seeing him again filled Shang Ruyi with emotion. After all, during that period in the Jiangdu Palace, whether it was a dream or a nightmare, this eunuch had always been by her side, guiding her through each day.
Just now, he had saved her from danger.
Shang Ruyi softly asked, "Eunuch, are you well?"
"Well, well."
Eunuch Yu smiled at her, then glanced at Yu Wenye, whose expression was peculiar, sensing something. He just smiled and said, "Madam, the Empress Dowager wants to see you."
"...!"
Though she was prepared for this, hearing it spoken made Shang Ruyi’s heart jump.
The Empress Dowager...
Empress Jiang...
She wants to see me!
As Yu Wenye had mentioned regarding Chu Yang’s death, he never asked much, knowing that she found it difficult to face, yet he told her that in the world, she only needed to answer to one person.
That person is Empress Jiang.
Now, she is the Empress Dowager of the Daye Dynasty!
Although she had dealt with everyone just now, this was not the hardest part—the hardest part was this! Shang Ruyi suddenly felt a bit nervous, saying, "Alright, I—"
As she spoke, she glanced at Yu Wenye, who had a complicated expression, then turned to look at the rear courtyard of Dayan Temple, saying, "Go ahead. I—I’ll go to Layman Forest."
"...?"
Shang Ruyi found it odd—he’s not going?
However, Eunuch Yu seemed to have only said that the Empress Dowager wanted to see her.
She nodded, and Yu Wenye said no more, turning and walking away. Watching his silhouette disappear at the mountain entrance ahead, Shang Ruyi turned back and followed Eunuch Yu up the steps, entering the Great Hero Hall.
Inside, it was somewhat dim.
No matter how bright the sun was outside, or how noisy the chatter, once inside the hall, it felt as though all mundane affairs were shut out. Shang Ruyi felt a coolness pass over her heart, then saw a low table set to one side of the hall, with a familiar figure sitting behind it.
At this moment, she looked up at her.
And as Shang Ruyi saw her, her eyes widened in disbelief—
"Your Majesty!?"
