Divorce letter…

Marquis Dingxi’s heart trembled.

Was this also someone coming to collect a gambling debt?

“Divorce letter? What divorce letter?” Marquis Dingxi asked with a completely puzzled expression.

Playing dumb? Qi Yue was somewhat stunned. She had imagined many kinds of reactions from Marquis Dingxi, but she never expected him to directly play dumb.

What nerve he had!

“Why are you talking about divorce letters out of nowhere?” Marquis Dingxi had already switched to an expression of shock and anger.

“Marquis.” Qi Yue smiled somewhat helplessly and said, “Actually, I’m not here to question you about anything. We can discuss this divorce letter matter. The result can be the same, but the form should be changed – for instance, mutual divorce…”

“Yueniang, don’t say anymore. I will definitely investigate this matter thoroughly and give you an explanation. Rest assured, as long as I’m alive, no one will dare bully you.” Marquis Dingxi waved his hand decisively, wanting to end this topic.

Qi Yue became somewhat anxious.

“Marquis, it’s written in black and white, and even has your seal on it. How can we just let it go like this?” she said. “Marquis, you’re a man of your word – when you speak, it creates a crater in the ground.”

That’s right, that’s right. Marquis Dingxi couldn’t help but smile with some pride. No, no, he hurriedly suppressed his smile again.

“Yueniang, how could such a thing happen? You’ve misunderstood, you saw wrong.” He straightened his expression and said seriously.

This was truly calling black white. Qi Yue finally witnessed it, and for a moment she opened her mouth wide, not knowing what to say.

“How could I have seen wrong? Marquis, don’t joke around. I saw it with my own eyes.” She frowned and said.

“Where is it? Where?” Marquis Dingxi said seriously, extending his hand. “Let me see which bold person dares to forge my seal?”

“Prince Yuncheng tore it up.” Qi Yue said. “If you don’t believe me, call him over – he saw it too.”

Marquis Dingxi felt for the first time that his unpopular legitimate son had done something considerate.

“Yueniang, if it’s torn up, then it’s gone. If it’s gone, then it’s gone. Don’t overthink it. You’ve been so tired these past few days – go rest properly and don’t worry about anything.” He said earnestly.

What did he mean by “gone is gone”?

Qi Yue looked at Marquis Dingxi. She was an adult too – how could she not understand what this marquis was thinking?

“Marquis.” She couldn’t help but sigh and said, “Actually, I can’t guarantee that I can save people every time. This kind of thing ultimately comes down to gambling on luck. But I can’t bring myself to stand by and watch people die, so I will cause a lot of trouble. This time I was fortunate not to bring trouble to the marquis’s residence, but next time, the time after that – eventually trouble will come…”

As she was speaking, someone swished the curtain open and entered.

“The Prince has arrived.” At the same time, a servant called out hurriedly.

Chang Yuncheng, carrying the chill of winter, stood still.

“Yuncheng, you’ve come too. Have you eaten?” Marquis Dingxi smiled hurriedly, while half-jokingly saying, “Haven’t seen you for just a moment, and you’re already following your wife?”

Both Qi Yue and Chang Yuncheng’s faces stiffened. What did this have to do with anything?

“Not yet. Father hasn’t eaten either, has he? We’ve delayed Father’s meal – we’ll take our leave first.” Chang Yuncheng said.

Good son, good son. Marquis Dingxi couldn’t help but beam with relief and joy, nodding repeatedly.

“Good, good. Quick, Yueniang has worked so hard these past few days – go eat quickly. Have the kitchen prepare something good.” He said, impatiently serving tea to usher them out.

“I’ve already eaten…” Qi Yue said. What a joke – she hadn’t said anything yet.

Chang Yuncheng reached out and grabbed her hand, turning to pull her out.

As soon as they left, Marquis Dingxi immediately busied himself giving orders.

“Quick, quick, pack things up. I’m going to stay at the manor by Yanyun Lake for a couple days. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the lake scenery.” He said.

What lake scenery to enjoy in the dead of winter… The servants were bewildered, but this marquis who loved elegance had aesthetic sensibilities different from common folk like them. Not daring to delay, they hurriedly passed along messages, packed various items to bring, prepared the carriage, and selected people to accompany him, rushing about without their feet touching the ground.

Here, Qi Yue was dragged out of Marquis Dingxi’s study by Chang Yuncheng.

“What are you doing?” Qi Yue struggled forcefully but couldn’t break free. Chang Yuncheng was determined, gripping her hand tightly without letting go.

Qi Yue’s strength was completely negligible in his eyes.

“You’re hurting my hand again!” Qi Yue was furious. Anyone would be angry at having their carefully planned affair disrupted.

She simply followed closely for a few steps, blocked Chang Yuncheng’s path, and used her other hand to grab his.

Chang Yuncheng let her do as she pleased.

“With that little strength of yours, you’d be lucky to pry it open.” He looked at this woman’s exasperated appearance and couldn’t help but laugh.

Qi Yue reached out and grabbed his lapel.

“Is it fun?” She looked at him, her eyes red – whether from staying up late or otherwise.

Chang Yuncheng’s smile faded.

“Is it fun for you to toy with me like this?” Qi Yue looked at him. Her voice wasn’t raised, and her tone was slow. “Is it fun to watch me come and go like a dog at your beck and call? Is it comfortable to give me smiles when you’re happy and cold faces when you’re not?”

Chang Yuncheng looked at her. He didn’t release her hand but gripped it tighter, covering her hand that clutched his lapel with his other hand.

“I know, I’m very clear about it. I’m the one shamelessly clinging to your family, very annoying. I find it annoying too. I’m very sorry. At first I didn’t know what to do, didn’t know how to manage in an unfamiliar place after leaving, so I shamelessly stayed at your house. You have to believe me – I felt worse than any of you.” Qi Yue looked at him and continued, “Now it’s good – you’ve said it outright, and I’m prepared too. Everyone can part on good terms. Is playing like this interesting?”

Chang Yuncheng still didn’t speak, only gripping her hand.

Qi Yue’s chest heaved violently, as if the accumulated frustration and stifled feelings had found some relief.

“And you – what are you pretending to be so calm about?” She forcefully tried to shake off Chang Yuncheng’s hand, to no avail. “Is it so hard to speak openly? Can’t we all sit down clearly and talk properly? What’s the point of all this alarming and theatrical joy and anger? Is it very interesting?”

Chang Yuncheng waited for her to finish speaking.

“Good.” He nodded and said.

“Good what good?” Qi Yue, having said so much in one breath, felt slightly better and snapped.

“Speaking openly, sitting down to talk properly.” Chang Yuncheng said.

Qi Yue looked at him, panting.

“Fine. Your place or mine?” She said, while once again trying to withdraw her hand.

“You decide.” Chang Yuncheng said, maintaining his grip.

“Mine.” Qi Yue said, trying to withdraw her hand again. “Let go.”

Chang Yuncheng released her.

Qi Yue rubbed her wrist and glared at him resentfully, then turned and walked away.

Seeing Qi Yue and Chang Yuncheng enter the courtyard one after the other, A’Ru, A’Hao, Que Zhi and others who had been talking hurriedly came forward.

“Serve the meal.” Qi Yue said.

Seeing her expression, A’Ru didn’t dare ask questions and hurriedly signaled everyone to comply.

The meal was quickly served – aromatic, colorful, and flavorful. This time there was Qi Yue’s favorite white porridge and side dishes, and of course, the meat and eggs that Chang Yuncheng liked.

Watching Qi Yue eat with her head down in silence, Chang Yuncheng put down his chopsticks.

“Why don’t we talk first?” He said. “Eating with pent-up anger is bad for your health.”

Qi Yue looked up at him.

“Oh my, you understand health preservation too?” She said half-sarcastically.

Que Zhi, standing to the side, couldn’t help but furrow her brow, stealing a glance at A’Ru, who remained calm as if she hadn’t heard anything.

“Yes, I understand some.” Chang Yuncheng replied.

Qi Yue looked at him for a moment, then exhaled.

“I’m fine. Let’s talk after eating.” She said, the irritation between her brows gradually easing as she lowered her head to eat.

Only then did Chang Yuncheng pick up his chopsticks.

“Try this peony cake – it’s made from a recipe Father specially requested from the capital.” He hesitated, then picked up a piece of golden cake from the plate and offered it to her.

Qi Yue accepted it.

“Thank you.” She said, her tone calm, returning to politeness.

“Try this fish soup too.” Chang Yuncheng said again, placing a small covered bowl in front of Qi Yue. “Having something fresh and savory in the morning is also good for the body.”

After speaking, seeing the woman look over, he smiled.

“The nannies in the residence have taught this since childhood – what to eat, what not to eat, when to eat, how much to eat.” He said.

Ancient people knew more about health preservation than modern people, Qi Yue thought to herself, saying nothing more as she slowly ate with her head down.

Breakfast ended in an unprecedented harmonious atmosphere, and Que Zhi and the others also breathed a sigh of relief.

Watching the two sit down in the room, after Que Zhi personally served tea and withdrew with slight reluctance at A’Ru’s signal, they were alone.

“Anyway, I absolutely disagree with being divorced.” Qi Yue said straight to the point.

Chang Yuncheng looked at her and nodded.

“Yes, I disagree too.” He said.

Qi Yue’s expression softened slightly.

“You see, neither of us could make decisions about our marriage.” She continued, “Although my status doesn’t match yours, I haven’t done anything wrong in other respects, so divorce is absolutely unreasonable. But mutual divorce would be fair to both of us.”

Chang Yuncheng looked at the teacup in his hands without speaking.

“You have no objection to this point, right?” Qi Yue asked.

Chang Yuncheng smiled without speaking.

“I’m not being stubborn. Since we’re both leaving anyway, as long as the result is achieved, that’s what matters.” Qi Yue didn’t mind either. She also picked up her teacup for a sip, her gaze turning toward the door as she continued, “I must be responsible for myself. If I’m wrong, I’ll bear the consequences. But if I’m not wrong yet must debase myself to bear false guilt, then even if I achieve my desired result, it would be unforgivable to me. People – if you don’t even care about yourself, wouldn’t living be too meaningless?”

“Yes.” Chang Yuncheng said, looking at her with a smile. “Well said. I like that.”

Qi Yue smiled at him – friendly but also polite.

“See, it’s actually very simple. It’s quite good that we sat down and talked it through. You don’t need to struggle with it either. Your mother’s worry and wariness toward me is completely unnecessary. Actually, I’ve had this plan for a long time, just at the beginning…” She said with a smile, tinged with some relief.

Speaking of the beginning, Qi Yue couldn’t help but recall with some nostalgia – at the beginning, she still harbored hope of returning.

“…I just wasn’t ready yet, didn’t know what path I wanted to take. To say I wasn’t afraid would be lying.” She smiled with some sentiment.

She really had been afraid – the unfamiliar environment, unfamiliar people, unfamiliar customs and rules.

“The beginning?” Chang Yuncheng suddenly said, interrupting her words. “You mean you prepared for this early on?”

“Yes, so you really worried for nothing. I never planned to cling to your family for life. Look how you and your mother were scared.” Qi Yue couldn’t help but purse her lips.

So all his struggles, all his torment, and all the things he had done were just a joke in her eyes…

Chang Yuncheng smiled, but this smile was somewhat terrifying.

“Forget it. Let’s not talk about the past. Now I’m prepared.” Qi Yue said, looking up at Chang Yuncheng. “So we’ve reached agreement on the point about mutual divorce?”

“No.” Chang Yuncheng stood up and said.

“Then let’s discuss the property division… huh?” Qi Yue said with a smile, clapping her hands with some relief. Before she could lower them, she froze suddenly, looking at Chang Yuncheng with some alarm. “What did you say?”

Chang Yuncheng looked down at her from above.

“I said…” He smiled slightly, “Whether you stay or go, you think you get to decide?”

Qi Yue stared at him wide-eyed.

“Did you forget what I said to you so quickly?” Chang Yuncheng smiled, stepped closer, and reached out to pinch her chin. “Mutual divorce? You’re dreaming!”