HomeA Cup of LoveYi Ou Chun - Chapter 97

Yi Ou Chun – Chapter 97

She had thought the Xie family was firmly in her grasp, her position as household mistress as solid as a mountain. As long as the Xie family cared about their reputation, no one could touch her – but she was wrong.

These twenty-plus years had passed like a fleeting shadow – what had she gained? Her husband’s indifference, her mother-in-law’s contempt, and a lifetime of resentment. They had planned this long ago – at times like these, mother and son were the closest of kin, while she would forever remain an outsider. When circumstances demanded it, she was just like those concubines, dispensable. Besides her children, no one would truly care for her.

Qingru was sobbing, the handprint on her slapped cheek still visible, looking like a pitiful child. As her mother, she felt utterly ashamed. One moment of poor judgment had ruined her daughter’s entire life. How could a girl who had lost her virtue not panic when even her own family looked down on her? They mocked her for being willing to become a concubine, but as her mother, she heard the deep bitterness in it. Once the most noble legitimate daughter of the Xie family, destined for a perfect marriage – how had she fallen so low, to be ridiculed by these contemptible people?

If she stayed, she could still protect Qingru, but now the Master wanted to divorce her… divorce her. It seemed unbelievable, like a child’s game. But it was all real, irreversible – what would become of Qingru?

Her gaze shifted to the faces delighting in her misfortune. The two concubines were expected, but she never imagined she would ultimately fall because of two insignificant servant girls.

Only now did Zhengze’s wife grow anxious – she seemed to be the only one who didn’t want this to happen. She had her reasons, though not out of concern for her mother-in-law.

She knelt before Grandmother and Father, pleading anxiously: “Grandmother, Father, this absolutely cannot happen! If not for Madam’s years of devoted service, then please consider our children’s faces. Which family in Youzhou has ever divorced their principal wife? How can we face people afterward? Especially the eldest young master – he’s just begun his career. If people learn what happened to his mother, how can he maintain his position in the military? Won’t he face endless contempt and ridicule?”

So Lady Qiu was only worried about her husband’s career. In this entire household, not one person was sincerely pleading for her – truly tragic when she thought about it.

However, the eldest son’s dimming star meant an opportunity for the second and third sons to shine. Concubine Mei said coolly, “First Young Madam, don’t just think of yourself – consider the whole family. Weren’t you well-educated at your maiden home? Where is your sense of the greater good?”

Everyone stood watching, waiting for the Master to complete the divorce letter.

Finally, the Master set down his brush. Just as he was about to pronounce judgment, Zhengze ran in through the door. Still wearing his armor, he said with a pale face: “Father, please reconsider! How does a family fall? It starts with everyone harboring their schemes, leading to disintegration! Even if Mother has done wrong, Father should consider your twenty years of marriage. How can you rush to divorce? Which respectable household has ever done something so outrageous?”

Now Xie Shu was truly angry, staring at Zhengze with repeated cold laughs. “Good, very good! Now even you dare defy me – truly a worthy son of Madam Hu!” His rage then turned fully upon Madam Hu: “Look at the fine son and daughter you’ve raised! A son who shows no filial piety and dares lecture his father, a daughter who knows no shame and gives herself to any man – you’ve brought down the entire Xie family!” As he spoke, he viciously threw the divorce letter in her face. “Get out! Return to the Hu family immediately. From now on, you have no connection to the Xie family. Out of consideration for our past together, you may take your jewelry, but you may not touch a single tile or blade of grass belonging to the Xie family.”

Madam Hu stepped backward twice, suddenly realizing this scene was familiar – it was just like when they had driven Jin Chunqing from the mansion.

At this moment, she couldn’t help but marvel at karma’s cycle. She had never imagined she would one day walk the same path as Jin Chunqing. Qingyuan was sent by her mother for revenge – that seemingly harmless girl had gradually forced her into this position, turning her into a homeless dog, while keeping her own hands clean.

She had to admit defeat – she lost because her bedmate sacrificed her to protect himself. She had become an obstacle to reconciliation between the Xie and Shen families, so of course she would be disposed of without hesitation. Twenty years of dreams ended like this – what had become of the principal wife? After all her scheming, she had merely been an unpaid housekeeper for the Xie family.

Her children dared not plead for her anymore. She lowered her hands and picked up the divorce letter. She wanted to maintain her dignity, to leave with grace, but her raised lips trembled, every muscle in her face shaking… She walked outside the threshold, completely overwhelmed by despair. Seeing the thick pillar, she rushed toward it headfirst – better to die than be divorced.

Everyone was shocked as they watched her hit the pillar and collapse. Qingru and Zhengze rushed to hold her, crying out in panic: “Where’s the doctor? Quickly call the doctor!”

She was moved to the corridor, and the doctor came to check her pulse and examine her injuries. Grandmother stood nearby, holding her nose as she asked, “How is she?” thinking that if she died, it would be cleaner, saving the Xie family from disgrace.

But it wasn’t her fate to die – the impact hadn’t taken her life. The doctor said tremblingly, “Just a concussion with some bleeding. She’s temporarily unconscious but will recover after two days of rest.”

Xie Shu frowned and turned to instruct the steward, “Notify the Hu family to send a carriage to collect her.”

Later, the Hu family naturally had to argue extensively with the Xie family. The lady had been with the Xie family for many years and had observed mourning for the old master – at least this fell within the “three no-dismissals.” They claimed Xie Shu wanted to divorce her because she had aged and lost her beauty. The Hu family planned to take it to court, determined to charge Xie Shu with unjust divorce.

When Qingyuan heard this, she smiled while holding her pumpkin hand warmer. “It would be good if they did sue. Everything would come out in court without me having to reveal it, and the Xie family would tell all. Then my mother’s injustice would be cleared.”

But Madam Hu wasn’t foolish. Since things had reached such a destructive point, she couldn’t expect the Xie family to show mercy. Unjust divorce carried a punishment of one hundred strokes and eighteen months’ imprisonment – if you were going to ruin Xie Shu anyway, would they fear revealing the reasons for the divorce to save themselves? As Grandmother had said, she had the deaths of Concubine Xia and that servant boy on her hands, plus Jin Chunqing who, though not killed by her directly, had died because of her. If these old cases were reopened, not only would she lose her life, but her children would also be implicated, left unable to show their faces in public.

The matter of the Xie family’s principal wife being divorced caused a stir for two days, but by the third day, it had disappeared like raindrops in a lake, leaving no trace. After hearing about the old grudges from Qingyuan, Fangchun clenched her fists and rolled up her sleeves, saying: “Is she getting off that easily? After our banquet, I’ll go teach her a lesson, beat her to avenge your mother.”

But Qingyuan said it wasn’t necessary. “She has sons and daughters and her personal belongings – better off than my mother was then. But she also has brothers and four formidable sisters-in-law. Her days in the Hu family won’t be peaceful. We don’t need to act – others will deal with her.”

In these times, it was unheard of for a woman to establish her household. The Hu family wouldn’t want to lose face, so her elderly parents would surely keep her confined in the mansion. Living under the same roof, there would be plenty of friction. A divorced woman depends on her brothers to survive – one can imagine the hardships.

Qingyuan now lacked for nothing – she was content to watch the drama unfold in the Hu family.

On the third day, Qinghe came to visit. This was the first victory in the usually stoic First Young Lady’s life. Upon seeing Qingyuan, her face glowed as she grabbed her hands and said: “Fourth Sister, I finally drove out Madam Hu. Now half your mother’s revenge is accomplished, and my mother will be safe from now on.”

Qingyuan nodded, “Sister has tested her abilities at home, so she won’t fear managing affairs in her husband’s house. How are things at the mansion now? Is all peaceful?”

Qinghe replied: “Nothing’s unsettled. After two days of gloom and misery, things will improve. Currently, my Grandmother is in charge, with my mother and Concubine Mei helping with management. Without Madam Hu, it’s more peaceful.”

“The family affairs will eventually be handed to Concubine Lian – you need not worry anymore,” Qingyuan said while holding Dayuanzi. Seeing Qinghe’s hesitation, she smiled and added, “Your mother is a Noble Consort. Though Concubine Lian has two sons, she was originally a serving maid. The Xie family wouldn’t let her manage the household. Besides, your mother only has you, so her heart won’t be divided. The Master is too old to take another wife now, so he will surely elevate your mother’s position.”

Only then did Qinghe feel relieved, saying sheepishly, “I had thought the same, but feared I was overthinking and hoping in vain. Hearing you say this, I can finally marry without worry. Everyone in the Xie family is cunning – my mother has no sons, and I feared leaving her alone in the Xie family would lead to her suffering.”

Having someone to care for was always a warming thing. Qingyuan squeezed Qinghe’s hand, “Sister need not worry anymore.”

Speaking of Qingru, Qinghe showed disdain, “Father ordered Qilan Garden’s gates sealed. From now on, Qingru is forbidden from appearing at any family occasions, large or small. Father said her character needs tempering – sending someone like her to a temple without supervision would only lead to more lawlessness.”

Qingyuan nodded, “That’s right. If she deliberately brings shame to the Xie family, none of them could hold their heads up.”

Qinghe studied her face, “Will you return in the future?”

Qingyuan smiled, “Return? Isn’t Grandmother still there, and the Master too? All past events were his fault – even disposing of Madam Hu doesn’t clear their sins. Why should I return? I’m now surnamed Chen, not Xie.”

Only now did Qinghe truly realize how deep this sister’s thoughts ran. Her one return visit was just giving the Xie family a taste of honey, letting them think fulfilling her wishes would restore their relationship, but it was just wishful thinking. Though she achieved her goal, it didn’t mean she wanted to acknowledge her ancestral home. After all, she now had a good marriage and the Chen family to rely on – what meaning did the Xie family have for her? Why acknowledge them? Just to add troubles?

Very well, she had her considerations – no need to force it. Qinghe remained cheerful, glad that Qingyuan was still close to her, and sat chatting a while longer before leaving.

After Qinghe left, Qingyuan moved to her dressing table to prepare herself – Shen Run was returning today, likely arriving home in the afternoon.

Sure enough, soon a servant announced at the flower-hung gate that the Master had entered Youzhou. She quickly applied lip rouge and hurriedly sent someone to fetch Fangchun. The two sisters-in-law went out to welcome him, waiting at the lane’s entrance. Though the winter wind blew bitter cold, she didn’t feel it, eagerly looking into the distance with anticipation in her heart.

Fangchun looked at her young sister-in-law, seeing the faint blush beneath her fox fur and the starlight hidden in her eyes – the warmth of longing for her beloved. Her happiness was contagious. Fangchun realized she hadn’t shown such initiative toward Shen Che in a long time, and began to reflect – had she grown too complacent, forgetting to be grateful and neglecting care for her husband?

They arrived – a group of galloping horses. The leader in fine clothes and light fur dismounted with a flip and rushed over. Qingyuan dropped her hand warmer and ran to him, its embers scattering on the ground. They embraced before all eyes – the Commander had no dignity to maintain now, for being affectionate with one’s wife was only natural after marriage.

Qingyuan looked up at his face, “Are you cold? You’ve traveled so far – you must be frozen!” She hurriedly sought his hands to warm them.

When she touched his forearm, Shen Run’s brows furrowed slightly, but he quickly smiled again, saying he wasn’t cold. “You should have waited at home. Why come out? Standing in the wind so long – what if you catch a cold, hmm?”

That “hmm” was especially tender. Qingyuan smiled and held his hand, but carefully, avoiding his arm.

They returned home together, and once in their chamber, she asked, “What happened to your arm? Are you injured?”

Shen Run paused briefly, then teased, “My wife would make a fine investigator – I hid it so well, yet you still discovered it?”

She fell silent, helping him remove his cape and outer clothes to reveal thick bandages beneath his middle garment sleeve, blood seeping through and staining a large area. Her heart trembled.

Shen Run didn’t think much of it, but seeing her serious face, he couldn’t smile either.

She said nothing, turning to gesture to Red Cotton to bring medicine for wounds and clean cotton. She lowered her head, gently unwrapping the bandages. Though prepared, she still paled at seeing the wound beneath – a three-inch gash down his forearm, very deep, flesh torn open wide enough to embed a grain of rice.

She looked up at him anxiously, and he tried to reassure her lightly: “It’s nothing – while capturing a major bandit, I was caught in an ambush.”

But she wasn’t easily fooled. “With so many guards on duty at the Imperial Guard, why did you need to make the arrest personally? Don’t deceive me – I’ll be angry.”

Helpless, he had to confess: “From a previous case – didn’t expect there was an escapee who lay in ambush for days in the snow trying to kill me. I cut him down with one stroke.”

He spoke casually to ease her mind, but she thought: though safe this time, what about next time? But given his position, she couldn’t say anything, only rebandaged his wound before retiring to the inner chamber to quietly wipe her tears.

Shen Run saw her through the curtain, both amused at her sensitivity and moved – after years of life-and-death situations, he finally had someone who cared for him, who would worry over a small wound.

He went in and crouched beside her feet, waving his arm to show her, “It’s nothing serious – will heal in a couple of days.”

Red-eyed, she said, “Why don’t you submit a memorial to resign?”

Shen Run laughed, “Which military officer doesn’t have a few scars? If we resigned for this, we’d be laughed at.”

She puffed her cheeks, looking unhappy. She knew that in his high position with enemies all around, staying in power was the safest option. She spoke foolishly out of concern for her husband – if he tried to resign, she’d be the first to make him reconsider.

She sighed, cupping his face, “I’m just sad that your good looks are ruined now – you’re worthless.”

Shamelessly, he replied, “Nonsense – this part may be damaged but other parts aren’t. If you don’t believe me, I can show you, see if I’m worthless or not.”

Qingyuan blushed, giving him a light tap, “Still joking at a time like this.”

He pulled her close, chuckling, “As long as I’m not injured where I shouldn’t be, how can I not think of you daily? My wife, I’m wounded and need good care – you must look after me, not let me get lonely or tired out.”

Qingyuan frowned and laughed, “You’re really… still thinking of that despite being injured.” She looked sadly at his arm, “Has this been reported to His Majesty? If there are still remnants out there, we need to investigate thoroughly.”

He nodded, “I’ve ordered a thorough investigation – following the trail might reveal other matters. I’ve reported to His Majesty too, making the injury seem worse to get ten days’ leave. After the New Year, I can help you move house.”

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