Chapter 58 - 58: Divorce
Night of the Divorce! A Proud Lady Was Forced to Marry the Emperor's Uncle
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation
Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Aware of the unwavering support she received from her father, mother, and brother, Jiang Peihuan vowed to guard them fiercely in this lifetime.
âAlright, itâs cold outside.â
Upon reaching the doorway and noticing that Jiang Peihuan was still venturing out, Jiang Changbai voiced out firmly.
âGet some rest early.â
Listening to the receding footsteps outside, the smile in Jiang Peihuanâs eyes remained undiminished.
Her cherished family was right by her side; it was a comforting thought.
The very next day marked the return of the Jiang brothers to the capital. The entire Jiang household was abuzz with excitement. Early in the morning, the commotion within the mansion greeted Jiang Peihuan.
Due to her persisting internal injuries, Jiang Peihuan had forgone her morning training these past few days. However, she still maintained her habit of waking up early.
The prospect of seeing her parents soon brightened Jiang Peihuanâs mood. Her lips curved into a gentle smile which quickly faded upon hearing Yue Erâs words.
âYoung miss, the people from Huainan Mansion are here again.â
At Yue Erâs words, Jiang Peihuan put down her teacup. âWho has arrived? Is it the Prince of Huainan?â
âYes, but the Queen of Huainan is here too.â
Thinking of the temperament of the Huainan Queen, Jian Peihuan could not help but frown.
She rose to her feet and moved towards the door. âLetâs head to the Chrysanthemum Hall.â
âUnderstood.â
Yue and Ye Xiao followed Jiang Peihuan towards the Chrysanthemum Hall. On their way, they encountered Jiang Ruyun.
âBig sister?â
Upon spotting Jiang Peihuan, Jiang Ruyun performed a courteous bow.
In the past, Jiang Ruyun never bowed to Jiang Peihuan. Observing her pale complexion, Jiang Peihuan voiced her concern, âYouâre still not fully recovered. Instead of resting properly in your room, why have you come out?â
âI heard from maids that mother⦠Huainan Queen is here?â
On the evening of her wedding to Zhao Fuqing, Jiang Ruyun had started referring to the Queen as Mother. However, the Queen had publicly declared that she couldnât accept such a title, leading Jiang Ruyun to alter her form of address.
In this era, a daughter-in-law naturally harbored respect towards her mother-in-law, and Jiang Ruyun was no exception.
âBig Sister, I believe the Huainan Mansion came to take me back. If she indeed requests, what should I do?â
A hint of anxiety flashed in Jiang Ruyunâs eyes. Hearing her query, Jiang Peihuan responded directly, âDo you wish to return to the Huainan Mansion?â
Without waiting for Jiang Ruyunâs reply, Jiang Peihuan carried on, âIf you choose to return, youâll be the Princess wife. With Father and Second Uncleâs presence, the Huainan Mansion would not dare to mistreat you openly. But behind the scenes, their disapproval of you will surely intensify.â
âIf you choose not to return, the Jiang Family will do everything in its power to annul your marriage with the Huainan Prince. You will remain the second daughter of the Jiang Family, yet bear the stigma of a dissolved marriage.â âAmong these two paths, have you made up your mind about which one to take?â
Upon hearing Jiang Peihuanâs words, Jiang Ruyun fell silent.
Seeing her quiet, Jiang Peihuan didnât pressure her with more questions and proceeded towards the Chrysanthemum Hall. But then, Jiang Ruyunâs voice echoed from behind, âBig sister, I choose the second option.â
âAre you sure?â
Jiang Peihuan turned her head to look at Jiang Ruyun, her voice tender, and her eyes gentle.
Seeing the understanding in her sisterâs eyes, Jiang Ruyun firmly nodded. âIâve made up my mind.â
âSince thatâs the case, thereâs nothing to be afraid of.â
âCome with me. Remember, youâre a daughter of the Jiang family. Weâre your support. Whatever happens, we stand by you.â
âUnderstood, big sister!â
In the Chrysanthemum Hall.
âOld Madam, itâs not that I want to complain, but as a mother-in-law, Iâve been here for quite some time, but I havenât seen my daughter-in-law yet. It seems like your General Mansionâs young ladies have quite a temper.â
Jiang Peihuan and Jiang Ruyun just reached the door when they heard the voice of Chu Rou.
With a sarcastic smile, Jiang Peihuan responded, âMy second sister is the only newlywed who was injured on her wedding night in the whole capital. The Huainan Mansion seems more terrifying than wild beasts.â
âHuan Er, mind your manners.â n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
Upon hearing her granddaughterâs words, Old Madam Jiangâs eyes reflected a hint of pain, but she maintained her composure and reprimanded Jiang Peihuan.
Jiang Peihuan understood her grandmotherâs intentions perfectly. After hearing her, she quickly stepped forward. âPeihuan greets Queen Chu Rou.â âRuyun greets Queen Chu Rou.â
After Jiang Peihuan paid her respects, Jiang Ruyun also stepped forward and bowed to Queen Chu Rou.
Chu Rou frowned upon hearing Jiang Ruyunâs address. Coldly, she said, âRuyun, you and Fuqing have already married. Youâre husband and wife now. You should follow Fuqingâs example and address me as mother.â
âThat day, Your Highness mentioned that you couldnât bear such an address, so I didnât overstep. Also, after today, Iâll no longer be related to the Prince of Huainan.â
âJiang Ruyun, what do you mean?â
From the moment Fuqing stepped into the Chrysanthemum Hall, he remained silent. The King of Huainan had issued a stern order: he was to bring Jiang Ruyun back to the mansion today, no matter what.
However, Jiang Ruyunâs words stung him, making him seethe with cold fury.
At this moment, the gentle look Jiang Ruyun once had for him was replaced by disgust. âI wish to divorce the Prince. After that, we naturally wonât have any ties.â
âYou want a divorce?â
âRuyun, you also hold some responsibility for what happened that day. Besides, I have personally come to bring you back. If you keep harping on the past, arenât you being ungrateful?â
âThen, Your Highness, you should look for a wife whoâs worthy of your favor. Today, I must divorce the Prince of Huainan. If the Prince doesnât consent, Iâll take the matter to the court and ask the Emperor for a decision.â
âYou, youâ¦â
Nobody expected Jiang Ruyun to be so resolute. Even Jiang Peihuan was surprised.
However, when she noticed Jiang Ruyunâs tightly clenched fists, Jiang Peihuan felt reassured.
âThe way your Huainan Mansion has treated my sister is unacceptable. Our agreement to this divorce is already a significant concession to the Huainan Mansionâs pride. Or does the queen wish for my father to personally request the divorce papers from the Huainan Mansion?â
A deep voice echoed from the doorway, followed by the entrance of Jiang Changbai and Jiang Songbai.
Jiang Changbaiâs icy stare fell directly onto Fuqing. In response, Fuqing felt a fresh wave of pain emanate from his old injuries.
Observing the queen rendered speechless with anger, Fuqing spat out, âFine, I agree to the divorce.â
âFuqing, youâ¦Nevermind. Letâs go ahead with the divorce.â
Chu Rou bit her tongue when she saw the humiliation in Fuqingâs eyes. On hearing this, Jiang Changbai instantly commanded, âSomeone, bring the brush and ink.â