Chapter 71 - 71: Want to Divorce

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“You…”

Shock and disbelief flooded Jiang Yuan’s eyes at Zhou Rongfang’s words. His gaze shifted toward her, carrying an unfamiliar undertone.

The room sank into silence. Suddenly, Jiang Yuan addressed Zhou Rongfang, “Forget it. I realize now that I’m powerless.”

“Given that, you should leave.”

Though Jiang Yuan’s voice was soft, every onlooker could hear it clearly. Zhou Rongfang froze in surprise, and Jiang Peihuan, upon hearing his words, revealed a startled expression.

She had an inkling about what Jiang Yuan was implying

As expected.

“Jiang Yuan, what exactly are you saying?”

“My intent is clear—I’m giving you a divorce letter. Once you accept it, you’re free to leave Jiang Mansion… and me.”

“You…what did you just say?”

Zhou Rongfang paled instantly at Jiang Yuan’s words. She gazed at him in shock, as if he was a stranger to her.

After his declaration, Jiang Yuan seemed to breathe easier. Meeting Zhou Rongfang’s stunned expression, he repeated, “I said, I want a divorce from you, you…”

“Jiang Yuan, you heartless man! How dare you consider divorcing me?”

Enraged, Zhou Rongfang lunged at Jiang Yuan, relentlessly attacking him.

Jiang Yuan, a martial artist, easily evaded her strikes, not fighting back. Soon, scratches marred his face, inflicted by Zhou Rongfang’s frantic onslaught.

“What is going on?”

Old Madam Jiang had been awaiting news in the chrysanthemum hall, receiving none for quite some time. She had no choice but to lean on Nanny Xu’s arm and move to the front hall, where she walked into the ongoing commotion.

The sight of Jiang Yuan’s scratched face caused the old madam to glower at Zhou Rongfang. “Rongfang, what are you doing?”

“Mother, he…he is driving me to my death.”

Hearing the old madam’s voice, Zhou Rongfang ceased her assault, but fell to her knees, sobbing in front of Old Madam Jiang.

Seeing Zhou Rongfang’s tear-streaked face, Old Madam Jiang frowned but spoke gently, “If you have grievances, voice them properly. What is the use of this crying?”

“Mother, Jiang Yuan wants to divorce me.”

This news caused the old madam to raise her eyebrows in surprise. She knew her second son well—despite his stern nature, he was fundamentally kind-hearted.

Turning to Jiang Yuan, the old madam inquired softly, “Jiang Yuan, is this true?”

“Yes.”

“Mother, you heard him! He indeed wants to divorce me. He’s driving me to suicide. I…I might as well die now…”

“If you indeed wish to die, I can arrange for someone to fetch a rope right now.”

Old Madam Jiang cut off Zhou Rongfang’s dramatic outcry. Under her fierce gaze, Zhou Rongfang dared not say more, only crying quietly.

Old Madam Jiang surveyed the room, her gaze finally settling on Jiang Peihuan. “Huan Er, enlighten me. What exactly transpired here?”

“Grandmother, to be precise, all this started because of me,” confessed Jiang Peihuan.

She recounted everything from start to finish. When Jiang Peihuan spoke of Zhou Rongfang’s actions, Old Madam Jiang looked at her with an icy demeanor. However, while addressing Jiang Yuan, she continued to defend Zhou Rongfang. “You’ve been warring abroad for years, and it was your wife who managed the household in your absence. Now, on your return, you wish to part ways with her. How does that make any sense?”

“Mother, is it truly her?”

Jiang Yuan wanted to reprimand Zhou Rongfang for her excessive actions, but when he thought about her years of toil and dedication, he ended up not voicing any complaints.

As the Old Madam praised her efforts, Zhou Rongfang’s sobs grew even more sorrowful.

Having addressed Jiang Yuan, Old Madam Jiang shifted her attention towards Zhou Rongfang. “Enough, no more tears.”

“Every action has its consequence. You must be aware of the amount of work Huan Er has put in. You need not be grateful to her, but if you had even a shred of conscience, you wouldn’t slander her this way. Is it because Huan Er didn’t please you, while Ruyun did?”

Upon hearing Old Madam Jiang’s words, guilt swam in Zhou Rongfang’s eyes.

Her daughter’s life was virtually in shambles. Yet, after Jiang Peihuan’s betrothal was cancelled, she could joyously become a princess. How was that fair?

“Huan Er shares the surname Jiang, and so does Ruyun. Even Huan Er understands the principle of shared honor and disgrace. Have you lived these many years in vain?”

“Mother, I realize my mistakes.”

“Jiang Yuan, you’ve been at war for countless years. Regardless of your wife’s wrongdoings, you owe her. If you truly wish for a divorce, discuss it with her. If she consents, I won’t interfere. But if she declines, you have no right to insist.” “Have you understood my words?”

“Yes, I understand, Mother.”

“Huan Er, will you escort me back?”

Old Madam Jiang’s gaze rested on each individual before finally settling on Jiang Peihuan. Upon hearing her request, Jiang Peihuan moved forward to support her.

Upon reaching the Chrysanthemum Hall, Jiang Peihuan knelt down before the Old Madam.

Seeing this, the Old Madam promptly spoke. “Huan Er, what on earth are you doing? Stand up at once.”

“Grandmother, I’ve been too petty.”

Hearing Jiang Peihuan’s words, a twinge of sadness entered the Old Madam’s eyes. She personally helped Jiang Peihuan up and gestured her to sit by her side. Then, she spoke in a gentle tone. “If you call yourself petty, then isn’t everyone in this world a saint?”

“Huan Er, if I could, I would rather you were more like Sijin, more naive. You’re intelligent and steadfast, which can be exhausting over time.”

“When King Cheng brought up the marriage proposal, I assumed he was speaking casually. I didn’t think he was truly fond of you.”

“Huan Er, out of everyone, I worry about you the most.”

“Grandmother, there’s no need to worry. Huan Er can take care of herself.”

Jiang Peihuan lowered herself gently, resting her head against Old Madam Jiang knee. The old madam hand smoothed her long hair. After a considerable pause, she spoke softly, “King Cheng may seem prestigious, but he is also a nuisance to many. Marrying him won’t guarantee your peaceful days ahead.”

“Grandmother, I have faith in him.”

Recalling his words, Jiang Peihuan, lying on the old madam lap, whispered.

While the Jiang Mansion was in chaos, a storm was brewing in the palace.

At Cining Palace.

“Emperor, you are indeed audacious to have Jiang Hong’s eldest daughter betrothed to Xiao Nanyc. What were you thinking?”

Grand Empress Dowager, eyes filled with restrained fury, questioned Emperor Qi Ming. Bewildered by her words, he asked, “Mother, is there something improper?”

“Indeed, it is. Given Jiang Hong’s distinctive status, binding him to Xiao Nanyc would make Nanye your arch-nemesis in the future.”

“Mother, why do you harbor such a strong prejudice against Nanye?”

“It’s not about me taking issue with him. It’s about you pampering and overindulging him too much..”