Why My Domineering Prince Regretted Filing for Divorce?-Chapter 776 - 590: Do You Blame Me? _3

It turns out—

It turns out she went to Dayan Temple to fast long before the comet appeared, preparing for today.

No, it should have been even earlier.

At this moment, Shang Ruyi suddenly remembered how she used to be puzzled by Empress Jiang frequently summoning her to the palace, treating her with kindness and soft words, and Chu Yang coldly telling her—it’s because there was a benefit in her.

Now it seems that everything was predestined.

Empress Dowager Jiang understood earlier than anyone else that she couldn’t persuade Chu Yang or save the Da Ye Dynasty. Yu Wenquan replacing him was only a matter of time, and all she could do for her children was to find a secure and long-term place for them.

So, she mentioned the well-placed Yanchun Palace behind Dayan Temple and moved in with Chu Chengfei. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

She also married her daughter to the new Emperor’s second son, King Qin, becoming a concubine.

Although Yu Wenye was cold and ruthless on the battlefield, and perhaps wouldn’t speak softly to those around him, his heart was gentle. Even towards someone he had no feelings for, he would not take advantage. So, as long as Chu Ruoyan married him, no matter what, he would protect this little sister who grew up with him.

He would also protect Empress Dowager Jiang, and Chu Chengfei, whose status became sensitive after the abdication.

Empress Dowager Jiang always had this attitude towards Ruyi, knowing today’s situation—one Princess Qin, one Prince Qin’s Concubine—she wanted Ruyi to treat her daughter well.

Parents’ love for their children often leads to deep considerations; Zhao Zuo Master’s words were indeed correct.

This is what a mother can do for her children after experiencing all the suffering in the world, and even being willing to give up her life—the last little thing she can do.

Thinking of this, Shang Ruyi also felt a surge of bitterness in her heart, not knowing what to say, while Empress Dowager Jiang looked at her gently and said, "So, within this Daxing Palace, there is only one Your Majesty—the one sitting on the Dragon Chair now, your father-in-law."

"..."

"Ruyi, in the future, you must not make the same mistake again."

"..."

"This is also my last time reminding you as an elder."

As she spoke, she gave a faint smile, a smile that seemed both somewhat sorrowful and somewhat mocking, and said, "If I could choose, I wouldn’t wish to be your elder, I would more wish you were—"

"Hmm?"

Shang Ruyi froze.

Not wishing to be her elder, what would that make their connection?

Empress Dowager Jiang’s eyes suddenly flickered, seeming to dive back into memories for a moment, memories that ripped her heart to shreds. Even in that instant, Shang Ruyi could sense her gaze fragmenting, as if torn by memories, unbearable in their pain.

After a long silence, she finally said, "Actually, I would prefer if you could be my... friend, or any closer relationship."

"..."

"That way, you could be by our side; with you here, perhaps you could persuade him."

"..."

"Persuade him to return."

"..."

Shang Ruyi’s breath caught once more.

But she immediately realized, the "him" Empress Dowager Jiang spoke of—was Chu Yang.

Thinking of that immortal-like figure, Shang Ruyi’s breath again hitched, a familiar, tearing pain assailing her heart once more.

But this was only her pain.

For Empress Dowager Jiang, this was the greatest regret of her life.

Because she had been chosen by Emperor Wen and Empress Du, to be groomed as the future Crown Princess Consort and Empress, placed by Chu Yang’s side. Yet, all her knowledge and skills, even if they shaped a Yu Wenye, could never persuade a Chu Yang.

Therefore, in her most desperate time, she put her hopes in Yu Wenye and Shang Ruyi to protect her children.

She would even allow herself to wonder, what if it were Shang Ruyi?

Could Chu Yang’s feelings for Shang Ruyi make her persuade him?

Seeing the grief-stricken look on Empress Dowager Jiang’s face, Shang Ruyi remained silent for a long time and finally said softly, "Empress Dowager, if I could... then Jiangdu Palace wouldn’t have ended that way."

"..."

"I, can’t persuade him."

"..."

Empress Dowager Jiang suddenly looked at her with wide eyes, tears filling the gentle eyes.

After a brief silence, she gave a painful smile.

Then said, "Yes, I was confused."

"..."

"If there were someone in the world who could bind him, it wouldn’t have ended this way."

Having said that, she took a deep breath, holding back her bitter tears, letting her expression regain its usual calmness and warmth. Then she looked at Shang Ruyi and said, "The end for him and me is already determined, but you are different from us."

"..."

This sentence might have been an affirmation of her or a comfort, but Shang Ruyi felt another pain in her heart.

She replied bitterly, "Yes."

"..."

Empress Dowager Jiang quietly looked at her for a while and asked, "Do you blame me?"