If Fourth Young Lady Xie was once the subject of gossip, now as the Lady of Guangyang County, no one would dare speak ill of her. In this world, a wife’s status rises with her husband’s, and as long as a man holds rank in court, his wife commands respect regardless of her background.
Lady Han was overwhelmed with the attention, treating the young ladies who came calling with utmost courtesy. This wasn’t merely out of respect for Shen Run’s position, but also because of the imperial edict personally written by His Majesty at their wedding. The titled ladies frequently interacted with the palace, and once they heard praise for this lady from the Inner Palace, the noble women of Youzhou and even the capital understood perfectly. Thus, Qingyuan received not only courteous treatment at the Commander’s mansion but also at other noble houses. Combined with her capable handling of affairs and thoughtful demeanor, she was quickly welcomed into Youzhou’s elite circles.
Later, as relationships grew more familiar, people often remarked: “What’s happened to Commissioner Xie’s household? Perhaps they’ve grown too accustomed to the South and become overly cautious in Youzhou. With the woman in charge being unsuitable for public appearances and the man away fighting, they can’t even maintain appearances. Their path grows narrower by the day. Fortunately, the lady is no longer part of their family, or there would be endless troubles ahead.”
Even outsiders could see it. Qingyuan maintained her dignity by keeping silent about the Xie family’s affairs.
Half a month had passed since her last visit to the Xie residence. She heard no news of any action from them. She had Mama Tao make inquiries and learned that Xie Shu’s illness seemed to be improving, as servants often saw him walking about – at least his life was no longer in danger.
Being alive was good enough; as Qinghe had said, at least she still had a place to return to. However, the Xie family’s indecisiveness truly disappointed her. Her previous conversation with Xie Shu seemed to have no effect, but she wasn’t dwelling on it for now. After settling Fangchun’s affairs, there would be plenty of time to deal with Madam Hu.
She began counting the days – Shen Run would return in three days. Though he still sent reports every other day while away, these brief messages weren’t enough to fill the void of her longing.
The banquet preparations were nearly complete. The next day, feeling restless, she went out with Fangchun to select silk threads. Coming out of the fabric shop, suddenly Baoxian exclaimed, “That carriage across the street looks like it’s from the Xie family.”
Qingyuan looked up. The street was lined with shops, and across the way was a stationery store. She assumed some members of the Xie household were out buying writing supplies and didn’t pay much attention.
She was about to board her carriage when she caught a glimpse of Lvzhui’s face in the half-raised carved window. She quickly stepped behind the fabric shop’s large sign, puzzled. Qingru had never been fond of reading or writing – had she suddenly changed? Upon further thought, something seemed amiss – there was no reason for a servant girl to sit in the carriage while her young lady went shopping.
Fangchun, not understanding the situation, watched their furtive behavior and whispered, “What are you looking at?”
Qingyuan gestured for her to be quiet and continued watching discreetly. Soon, Li Guanling emerged from the shop, and the carriage door immediately opened as Qingru leaned halfway out.
Qingyuan’s heart skipped a beat, uncertain of what was happening. Baoxian also grew anxious, “Isn’t that the First Son-in-law? Why is the Second Young Lady with him? This is terrible…”
Fangchun finally understood, “The Xie family is truly a tangled mess. The brother-in-law and sister-in-law are involved?”
Fortunately, it wasn’t as they imagined. Li Guanling wasn’t Li Congxin – he was honest and principled, focused on his studies. Though born into an Earl’s family, he wasn’t the type to engage in improper relationships. He seemed very surprised by Qingru’s appearance, showing a flash of bewilderment before making perfunctory replies and hastily departing with his servant.
Baoxian asked Qingyuan in confusion, “What’s going on?”
Qingyuan frowned and said, “Qingru is truly skilled at causing trouble, having gone after every sister in the family. Now that she’s lost face, she’s completely given up on propriety.”
But this incident couldn’t be ignored. Li Guanling was a kind person, and being pursued by Qingru without being able to speak up about it was awkward. Even Qinghe would lose face before him if this continued, with people saying her sister was behaving so wantonly. Though she is no longer associated with the Xie family, Qinghe has always been kind to her, and she has to warn her about this matter.
So she turned to Mama Tao and said, “You saw what just happened. Tell the First Young Lady everything exactly as it occurred, without adding or exaggerating. Let her make her own decision.”
Of course, she also pondered privately that this might provide an opportunity. Only when the abscess is completely rotten can the knife be used to cut out the diseased flesh. Qinghe was very clever – previously when Madam Hu tried to break off her engagement, she couldn’t send a message directly, but Qinghe understood just from a small hint. Now she was giving her a chance; whether the performance could be carried through depended on her abilities.
Mama Tao accepted the task and hurried to the Xie residence. Following Fourth Young Lady, she couldn’t openly request to see First Young Lady, so she had to relay the message through the kitchen’s Merchant Woman, waiting anxiously by the back gate.
Before an incense stick could burn down, the First Young Lady appeared, somewhat surprised to see her. “Why has Mama come? Did Fourth Sister send you?”
Mama Tao responded affirmatively and pulled Qinghe aside, saying, “First Young Lady, something serious has happened! Just now our lady and Second Madam of the Western Residence were out selecting silk threads when we encountered Second Young Lady on Guanhua Street. Her carriage was stopped outside the stationery shop. At first, no one paid attention, but then guess what happened? First Son-in-law came out of the shop, and the Second Young Lady immediately emerged from the carriage to talk to him. Just look at this…”
Hearing this, Qinghe’s face turned pale, her heart pounding as she stammered, “Are… are they… involved?”
“No, no, no…” Mama Tao, seeing the misunderstanding, quickly waved her hands. “First Son-in-law just exchanged a few words and left, but Second Young Lady’s carriage had been waiting there for some time, clearly intending to meet him. Our lady happened upon this scene and, concerned for you, specifically sent me to inform you. Please be vigilant – such a good son-in-law mustn’t have his reputation ruined by Second Young Lady.”
Qinghe let out a long breath after hearing the full explanation, but immediately became furious, grinding her teeth as she cursed, “Shameless thing! Since she no longer cares about face, let’s have it out and be done with it!” With that, she turned and headed toward the garden.
The Master’s health had greatly improved, and they were to dine together at noon today. It seemed Qingyuan’s accusations against Madam Hu that day would likely have consequences. Qinghe wasn’t usually one to meddle; she wanted to see how the Master would handle it. If Madam Hu could be dealt with, that would be ideal. If he remained soft and indulgent, she would have to sigh that this maternal family couldn’t be associated with any more, and she’d need to find a way to get her mother out later. But who would have thought that at this moment, such a thing would happen? She was burning with rage, wanting to tear Qingru into eight pieces to quell her hatred.
As for evidence, Qingyuan’s words needed no verification. She knew Li Guanling was going to buy stationery supplies this morning, and Qingru had indeed gone out. If she hadn’t been out making a spectacle of herself, how could Qingyuan have made this up? Youzhou wasn’t that big – people ran into each other frequently, and one careless moment could catch others’ eyes. Qingru might not care about face, but she did! Since this marriage was arranged, it had been a rocky path to get to today, and she deeply cherished this blessing. If Qingru were to interfere, how could she face herself?
Feeling increasingly wronged and angry, she quickly entered Huifang Garden. Everyone in the family was gathered there now, with the daughter-in-law of Zhengze busy preparing the feast. The Master sat silently below Grandmother, while Madam Hu fidgeted nearby. Qingru had apparently just returned and was removing her cape to hand to Lvzhui when Qinghe strode forward, called out “Qingru,” and as she turned around, delivered a resounding slap across her face.
The sound of the slap shocked everyone present. Those busy outside rushed in, while those seated stood up.
Qingru was initially dumbfounded, but upon recovering, she shrieked, “Have you gone mad? Why are you hitting me!”
Qinghe shouted, “I’m striking you, you harlot! Even if I don’t speak of it, Heaven sees what you do, yet you dare to show your face before Grandmother and Father! Do you think I don’t know what you did today? It’s as if you haven’t seen a man in eight hundred years – first Li Congxin, then Li Guanling, you covet every man your sisters are involved with, feeding on grass from your yard!” As she spoke, she collapsed into her mother’s arms, wailing, “Mother, what’s the point of all our preparations? In the end, we’re just making wedding clothes for someone else. First Fourth Sister and the Young Marquis broke their engagement, now it’s my turn. I’m to be married in two months, and now my sister is trying to steal my man. What’s the point of living? I might as well die!”
Then there was chaos as people searched for silk cords, and she threatened to hang herself before Grandmother and Father.
Though Qingru felt guilty, she had developed an iron mouth and a disposition to never admit defeat. She lunged forward to retaliate but was held back by the servants. Speaking over the barrier of arms, she retorted, “You’re falsely accusing me without evidence, taking advantage of my misfortune to bully me, throwing any dirt you can at me! What proof do you have that I covet Li Guanling? If you can’t explain exactly what happened, I won’t accept this!”
“You want proof? If I brought witnesses, you’d die of shame! Let me ask you, weren’t you on Guanhua Street today? Lanshan was buying stationery inside, why were you waiting outside? A brother-in-law and sister-in-law should avoid suspicion, yet you keep pursuing him. Is bringing shame to the Xie family not enough? Must you broadcast it outside?” Qinghe was furious now, no longer caring about maintaining dignity, and continued harshly, “How did you seduce the Young Marquis before? You knew he was engaged to Fourth Sister, yet you still clung to him, wanting to be his concubine. Even Grandmother knows about this, though everyone else was kept in the dark – truly preserving your face. Fourth Sister was kind enough not to hold it against you, but I’m petty. People will say he married the elder sister and got the younger one too. You may be shameless, but I won’t be disgraced alongside you!”
Everyone in the room, including the concubines, sisters-in-law, maids, and servants, stared at Qingru in astonishment, followed by whispers and meaningful glances.
Qingru was rendered speechless, growing frightened as she glanced at Grandmother and Father.
At this point, Madam Hu slammed the table and stood up. “First Young Lady, you’re something! We know you’re engaged to a good family, but you don’t need to constantly bring it up and treat people like thieves. We’re meant to be family – what’s wrong with exchanging greetings when meeting on the street…”
Concubine Lian cut in with a cold laugh, “It’s not the thief we fear, but the thief’s intentions. Our Second Young Lady now has nothing to lose, what does she have to be cautious about? Madam, don’t rush to defend her. Let me say something unpleasant – the family knows Second Young Lady was schemed against, but have you heard how people talk outside? They say the Second Young Lady had a lover and used this as an excuse when caught. Who doesn’t laugh behind their sleeves when mentioning the Xie family? In my opinion, since the Second Young Lady is so eager for a man, where are those two fake monks now? Why not match her with them? That would be perfect!”
These words cut deep – the women of the inner quarters were experts at hitting where it hurt, knowing exactly where to pour salt on wounds.
Concubine Mei clapped her hands, “One guest shouldn’t trouble two hosts – that would make it complete.” She ended with a laugh.
Lady Ming covered her mouth and smiled, “Second Sister, listen to your sister-in-law’s advice. When you’re not upright, even your shadow is crooked. Things that aren’t your fault are blamed on you, yet you still haven’t learned to be cautious about going out. If you stayed home, ate vegetarian meals, and conducted yourself properly, where would these rumors come from? Look at you, acting as if nothing’s wrong – if I were you, I’d be so ashamed I’d want to find a hole to crawl into.”
The spacious main hall was filled with the chaos of arguing voices. Xie Shu felt his heart turning to ash bit by bit. He hadn’t realized it before, but today he discovered this family was truly without rules or order, beyond salvation. The mistress didn’t act like a mistress, the concubines didn’t act like concubines, the young ladies didn’t act like young ladies, and the daughters-in-law didn’t act like daughters-in-law – there was any trace of their century-old noble family? Whose fault was all this? It was Madam Hu’s fault, and even more so his own!
He slapped himself hard, “Heavens above, the Xie family is headed for ruin!”
This action immediately silenced everyone, all standing there in confusion like rain-beaten clay figures.
He stepped down from his seat and walked toward Madam Hu, looking at her with profound grief. “I entrusted a perfectly good family to you, and this is how you’ve managed it? Look what Qingru has become under your care! Truly, like mother like daughter – you persecuted concubines, hired assassins to kill your daughter, and when one plan failed, you made another, until finally your daughter was violated by bandits. How can you face living? I originally thought of our marriage bond and planned to send you back to Hengtang to be cared for, but now I see that’s unnecessary. You are jealous, evil-natured, and lack the virtues of a proper mistress. The Xie family can no longer tolerate you. I will write a letter of divorce now – hand over your accounts and return to the Hu family.”
It was like a bolt from the blue. Madam Hu stood there stunned, almost believing she had misheard. “Master, what did you say?”
After speaking those words, Xie Shu felt more settled. Regarding Madam Hu’s fate, he had discussed it at length with Grandmother, thinking to show mercy for her having borne and raised children, at most sending her to Hengtang like an exile. After all, divorcing a wife would greatly damage his reputation. But today, witnessing the family’s decline firsthand, it was more than he could bear. Everyone in the world acts in self-interest – all of this needs someone to take responsibility. Perhaps through Madam Hu’s divorce, the Xie family’s shame and humiliation could be completely washed away.
With this thought, his resolve strengthened. He called out, “Bring paper and brush!”
Madam Hu knew things had turned dire, muttering repeatedly, “The eldest son hasn’t returned yet… the eldest son hasn’t returned…”
Cailian quietly retreated – the only hope now was the eldest young master. She slipped out of the main hall and ran through the moon gate.
Qingru was beside herself, crying out, “Father, you can’t do this – Mother has been your wife for over twenty years!”
But Xie Shu raised his bloodshot eyes, glaring at her fiercely, and forced words through clenched teeth: “You little harlot, I’ll deal with you next!” This frightened Qingru into silence.
Watching him write stroke by stroke, Madam Hu felt as if this was a nightmare, not reality. Though she had sensed days ago that Qingyuan’s visit would bring no good, she had waited quietly, waited for the Master to discuss it with her, even question her, but nothing had happened – all had been calm until today. She thought that even if he was angry, he would consider their years together, yet because of Qinghe’s scene, he was divorcing her. She couldn’t make sense of it.
Still clinging to hope, she pleaded, “Master, I’ve been your wife all these years. Even if I have no merit, I’ve worked hard. How can you bear to cast me into such an irredeemable situation!”
Xie Shu was resolute, his face dark as water, not even glancing at her.
Knowing it was hopeless, Madam Hu turned to beg Grandmother, clutching her legs: “Mother… Mother, you know me, everything I did was for this family! Now that the sons and daughters are grown, the Master wants to divorce me – isn’t this forcing me to my death!”
Grandmother lowered her gaze, like a compassionate Buddha, and sighed: “Wenzhuo, you’ve been with our Xie family for over twenty years, managing the household for over twenty years. I saw how capable you were in everything, which is why I felt comfortable entrusting everything to your care. But no matter how great your contributions are, you shouldn’t have done such things. Fourth Girl’s encounter with bandits at Bijin Temple – wasn’t that arranged by you with outsiders? Second Girl at Huguo Temple… those two fake monks were also sent by you to scheme against Fourth Girl. You’ve harmed others and yourself – how can you still not repent? The Master divorcing you is protecting you. If Fourth Girl took this to court, not only these matters, but you also have two murder charges against you. By law, you would face death – don’t you know this? So accept it, and say nothing more. Your parents are still alive, and you have brothers – whether good or bad, they’ll give you a place to live. The Master’s decision must have been carefully considered. I’m old now and can’t manage so much anymore – it’s all up to you!”