Chapter 211.1

Yaoniang only found out several days later why Qing Wang and Lu Wang had fought that day.

Coincidentally, when Fu Cheng came to report, Yaoniang happened to be there. At times like these, Emperor Jin’an generally wouldn’t avoid her and naturally let her listen.

After hearing the aftermath of the brawl in the bustling market, there was another incident involving a drunken dispute in a tavern. Yaoniang didn’t think much of it, but when she looked up at Emperor Jin’an’s expression, her heart skipped a beat.

Emperor Jin’an’s expression was no different from usual, but after spending so much time together, Yaoniang had grown more sensitive to his emotions.

After Fu Cheng left, the hall became quiet.

Yaoniang pretended to touch the teacup and couldn’t help but speak up for Xiao Jirou: “Women tend to be narrow-minded. Sometimes, what might seem like a small matter to outsiders can become a deep-seated issue for them.”

Emperor Jin’an didn’t speak. Whenever there was a disagreement with Yaoniang about something, he would stay silent. If she stopped bringing it up, the matter would pass, and usually, Yaoniang wouldn’t bring it up again.

However, this time was different. Yaoniang couldn’t help but want to explain on behalf of Xiao Jirou.

“When Zhuzhu fell into the water, Seventh Brother tried to downplay the incident, wanting to cover it up. That had a significant impact on Jirou. Add that on top of what that spy from Goryeo had previously done, it caused a great rift between them as a couple. It takes time to heal.”

Emperor Jin’an still didn’t say anything, he just gave her a glance.

Yaoniang felt a bit dissatisfied and looked at him. “Why aren’t you saying anything? Are you siding with seventh brother-in-law in your heart?”

Emperor Jin’an pulled her closer and patted her hand. “Alright, you’re pregnant, don’t worry about other people’s affairs.”

“Then tell me, are you really favouring seventh brother-in-law in your heart? Do you think Jirou is too unreasonable, causing all these problems?”

Did she really need to ask? It was obvious. But Yaoniang didn’t know if it was because of her pregnancy or what, but she was easily agitated, so she kept pressing Emperor Jin’an for an answer.

Emperor Jin’an put down the memorial in his hand. Looking at Yaoniang, he sighed helplessly. “I’m not leaning towards seventh brother. What’s the point in favouring him?”

“Then why did you have your spies keep an eye on seventh brother-in-law? Fu Cheng even reported it specifically to you.”

To have discovered this, meant Yaoniang wasn’t foolish. Emperor Jin’an did indeed have people secretly monitoring the situation.

“The Xiao family Found a man for Xiao Jirou. Since seventh brother has already admitted his mistake and they have two children together, there’s no need to make their issues public.”

Yaoniang didn’t catch much of what Emperor Jin’an said, except for the part about the Xiao Family finding a man for Xiao Jirou.

“The Xiao Family found a man for Jirou, does that mean they intend for her to remarry?” Quickly, Yaoniang understood why Emperor Jin’an was visibly displeased. Subconsciously, she explained, “Maybe this isn’t Jirou’s own decision. It’s probably her family’s decision.”

“Whether it’s her family’s decision or hers, they should both exercise restraint. While seventh brother was indeed at fault in that incident, wasn’t she also at fault? As a consort, if she can’t even manage the inner courtyard, how can she fulfill her responsibilities as a consort, a wife, and a mother? Back then, Zhen was in charge of the matter between the two of them and seventh brother was indeed in the wrong, so Zhen is willing to take responsibility to the end. Since she wanted a divorce, Zhen granted it. But she was the one who was unwilling to leave, and now seventh brother is back and causing a scene again. It’s one thing for them to make a fuss in their own homes behind closed doors, but now this matter even spread outside.”

The more Yaoniang listened, the more she felt something was amiss. She couldn’t help but counter, “So, according to your logic, seventh brother-in-law’s fights and drinking are related to Jirou?”

Of course, it was related! Ultimately, it was because of Xiao Jirou that Qing Wang lost his composure.

Emperor Jin’an’s thoughts weren’t wrong, but his standpoint was that of an emperor and of an elder brother.

From the perspective of an emperor, when there’s turmoil in a subject’s household, stemming from the main wife, it was the main wife’s fault. From the perspective of an older brother, Emperor Jin’an would also always side with Qing Wang.

Emperor Jin’an didn’t speak, tacitly agreeing with Yaoniang’s words.

For a moment, Yaoniang couldn’t accept this and said, “Your perspective is too overbearing. According to you, everything is the woman’s fault, and you men are never wrong. You say Jirou can’t manage the inner courtyard well and isn’t qualified to be a consort, but back then, I couldn’t manage the inner courtyard either. I ignored them. Should I be relieved that they didn’t cause any trouble? Have you always thought of me that way? Do you think I’m not fit to be a consort or even an empress?”

Emperor Jin’an laughed lightly, “Where did you get that idea? What does this have to do with you?”

“How does it not have anything to do with me? Because I’m the same. It’s not that I can’t manage things, I just don’t want to. Why is it so unfair? You men can have multiple wives and concubines, but if women get jealous, they’re being petty. You can make mistakes at will, but if a woman doesn’t forgive, she’s unreasonable and lacking in sensibility. You can go after anyone you want, and a wife has to greet her husband’s other partners with a smile. Out of sight, out of mind isn’t acceptable for us; we have to be perfect in everything. When you have the upper hand in everything, what are we supposed to do…”

As Yaoniang spoke, tears started rolling down her cheeks.

Genuine tears, without any pretense, streamed down her face in an instant. She was speaking and crying simultaneously, feeling deeply aggrieved, which left Emperor Jin’an utterly bewildered.

“Why do women suffer from the moment they are born? Then why are we alive? Just for the sake of you men…”

“What’s wrong? How did you go from speaking to crying all of a sudden?”

“I just want to cry. Can’t I even have the right to cry? You men are too overbearing…”