In the backyard of the Ming family.
"Get out! How did you arrange this?" Huang Li slapped Madam Lu fiercely across the face, her ferocious expression contorted with anger and unwillingness.
"This old servant doesn't know it would turn out this way." The slapped Madam Lu's cheeks were already red and swollen. She had been slapped several times by Huang Li in the carriage earlier. To appease her, Madam Lu dared not apply any medicine.
"You don't know?" Her voice was sharp and piercing. Huang Li grabbed Madam Lu's clothes and roared like a madwoman, "It should have been that old woman who fell into the water!"
Madam Lu fell to her knees with a thud, repeatedly kowtowing and begging for mercy.
After venting her fury, Huang Li was exhausted. She sat on a chair, panting heavily. After a while, she glanced out the window and asked, "Madam, what should we do now?"
According to Huang Li's plan, she would first ruin Madam Kong's reputation, forcing her to be divorced by Prefect Zhang. Then, she would divorce Ming San and marry Prefect Zhang. However, this plan was now impossible.
"Madam, why don't we stay in the Ming family for now and make plans after the situation calms down?" Madam Lu said cautiously. Although Madam had lost her reputation, the Ming family was not a difficult or harsh family. They would surely not divorce their wife due to an "accident."
Huang Li's face was grim, and she did not speak. Would marrying Ming San be any different from living as a widow?
Although the Ming family was a scholarly household, they only ran a private school. They were not poor, but they were not wealthy either. Besides the monthly allowance, they only distributed one thousand taels of silver to each branch of the family at the end of each year.
This sum of money seemed substantial, but Ming San spent five hundred taels on his expenses, leaving only five hundred taels for Huang Li. She was accustomed to extravagant spending, buying several new outfits every quarter, not to mention complete sets of jewelry. Five hundred taels was simply not enough, so Huang Li had to use her dowry to supplement it.
Previously, Huang Li had complained to her own family, wanting the eldest madam of the Huang family and her mother to come to the Ming family to seek justice, asking why they were given so little money, as if they were beggars! In the entire Nanxuan Prefecture, which lady had to use her dowry to buy clothes and jewelry?
Unfortunately, neither the eldest madam nor Huang Li's mother helped her seek justice. Instead, they lectured Huang Li. After all, the Ming family was already extremely generous, giving an additional one thousand taels a year without dividing the family property. Ming San, as the husband, only took half, leaving the other half for Huang Li. If she was still not satisfied, she was truly greedy.
"Madam, have some tea. Your throat is hoarse." Madam Lu stood up after seeing Huang Li calm down and poured a cup of tea, offering it to her.
Her throat was indeed dry and hoarse. Huang Li tilted her head back and gulped down the entire cup of tea before saying coldly, "No, if I don't leave now, there will be no chance later!"
She had schemed to marry Ming San, but she gained nothing – no money, no status, no power, not even a child. It was then that Huang Li decided to remarry.
And after the incident of falling into the water at the Peach Blossom Festival, if she did not leave the Ming family, outsiders would only say that the Ming family was kind and tolerant. If she were to divorce later, she would likely be drowned in spit.
After falling into the water, the muddled thoughts in Huang Li's mind were washed away, and she became sharper.
"Madam?" Madam Lu was a little stunned. Madam's reputation was already ruined. If she left the Ming family now, she could only return to her maiden home.
The Huang family would certainly take her in, but even before the incident, Madam's reputation was poor, let alone now. Was she to remain an old maid in her maiden home for the rest of her life?
"You useless fool!" Huang Li glared at Madam Lu, wondering how she had such an incompetent old woman by her side. "Old Madam Zhang was an accomplice in my accident. If I can't marry Prefect Zhang, I'll cause a scene at the prefectural office!"
Huang Li's eyes became more fierce. She had decided to use this as leverage to force Prefect Zhang to marry her. If she couldn't be the main wife, she would at least be a co-wife! Unless Prefect Zhang didn't care about his mother's life. After all, Old Madam Zhang was not innocent in this matter. She was now a desperate person who had nothing to lose!
Madam Lu finally understood and could not help but rejoice. She then flattered, "Madam, you are right. Prefect Zhang, for the sake of his reputation, will definitely marry you. Even if it's a co-wife, Madam Zhang is a barren hen. In the future, when Madam gives birth to a son, the Zhang mansion will be yours to command!"
...
When Madam Qin was imprisoned, it directly affected the Qin family. As the Huang family was related by marriage to the Qin family, and Di Lianchuan was the Huang family's physician, the Huang family's reputation was also somewhat affected. Therefore, no female members of the Huang family attended the Peach Blossom Festival this time.
When the news reached the Huang family, the Second Madam panicked, "What should we do? How could such a scoundrel appear?"
"Alright, stop thinking nonsense. I've already sent someone to prepare the carriage. We're going to the Huang family immediately." The Eldest Madam found Huang Li a headache.
"Okay." The Second Madam was flustered and nodded repeatedly, grabbing the Eldest Madam's hand. She was gentle by nature, and the Huang family had no such dirty dealings. Therefore, the Second Madam was at a loss when faced with trouble.
Knowing that the two madams of the Huang family had arrived, Old Madam Ming and Yin Yuanhui were not surprised. The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law went directly to the flower gate to welcome them.
"This was an accident, and no one wanted it to happen." Old Madam Ming expressed the Ming family's stance. No matter how displeasing Huang Li was, she was still the Ming family's daughter-in-law.
"Thank you, Old Madam." The Second Madam said with a choked voice. Her elder sister-in-law had told her on the way that the Ming family would not be harsh on Li'er, but as a mother, how could the Second Madam not worry? Only now did her suspended heart finally relax.
Old Madam Ming patted the Second Madam's arm comfortingly. Her eldest daughter-in-law and the Second Madam were the same age. The Old Madam treated her like a junior. It was a pity that her daughter-in-law was not as gentle as her mother.
Yin Yuanhui beckoned the Eldest Madam to walk towards the back courtyard. She had a straightforward personality and spoke directly, "I've already asked Third Brother. He doesn't mind and won't divorce his wife because of this."
"Li'er has been ignorant all these years, and it's also your fault as the elder sister-in-law for not being calculative." The Eldest Madam of the Ming family said gratefully. It was also due to the good family style of the Ming family, otherwise, with Li'er's troublesome nature, if she were her daughter-in-law, even the Eldest Madam would not be able to tolerate her.
As Huang Li's head maid, Cui Zhu had been waiting at the courtyard entrance. Upon seeing the arrivals, she winked at the little maid behind her and went to greet them, "This servant greets Old Madam..."
The little maid hurried over to report, "Madam Lu, Old Madam and the others have arrived. The Eldest Madam of the Huang family is also here."
"Alright, I know. Go and prepare the tea." Madam Lu dismissed the little maid and then walked into the inner room. "Madam, Old Madam and the others have arrived."
Leaning on the bed, Huang Li nodded, "Help me up."
After a while, in the small hall connected to the bedroom, Huang Li looked with some disgust at the tearful and grateful Huang Second Madam. Such a useless woman was her mother. If she were a bit more capable, Huang Li would not have to scheme so hard for herself.
"Li'er, what's wrong? Quickly thank your mother-in-law." The Second Madam urged the silent Huang Li, wishing she could thank her on her behalf. After such an incident, not only would her in-laws not be harsh, but they would also be so tolerant. Where could one find such a good in-law?
Old Madam Ming and Yin Yuanhui did not care whether Huang Li was grateful or not. She had caused trouble quite often in the past. Now that something had happened, the Ming family would not kick her while she was down. This was the Ming family's style and upbringing. Even if this daughter-in-law were not Huang Li, it would be the same.
"Li'er!" The Eldest Madam's tone deepened. The Ming family was generous, but she had to be grateful. Li'er was also fortunate. If she had married into another family, she would probably have died of illness.
Huang Li, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly spoke, "After such an incident, I have no face to remain in the Ming family. I voluntarily request to leave. Mother, Eldest Aunt, if the Huang family cannot accommodate me as a returning daughter, I will find a small courtyard outside to live in."
Previously, Huang Li had a two-courtyard residence as part of her dowry, but she had sold it due to her extravagant spending.
What? All four people present thought they had misheard. She actually wanted to divorce voluntarily?
The Second Madam jumped up, grabbing Huang Li's arm in a panic, "Li'er, what nonsense are you talking about? Did you hit your head and get confused? How can you say such a thing!"
Even if she divorced, what would she do in the future? Would she stay in her maiden home forever?
But if she remarried, even her mother, the Second Madam, dared not say that her daughter was good. Moreover, the Ming family was so kind. With Li'er's temperament, if she married into another family, it would surely lead to chaos.
"Mother, you're hurting me." Huang Li flung off the Second Madam's hand, rubbing her arm, and said decisively, "Mother, you don't need to persuade me. I've decided to divorce. No one can change my mind!"
Wilfully saying this, Huang Li got up and went into the inner room, lying down on the bed, completely ignoring the people from her in-laws' family and her own family outside.
Given Third Sister-in-law's personality, shouldn't she be shamelessly clinging to the Ming family and refusing to leave? Yin Yuanhui was a little stunned. She glanced at the inner room in surprise. Had she caught something dirty from falling into the water?
Seeing the Second Madam flustered and unsure what to do, the Eldest Madam gave her a reassuring look and then said to Old Madam Ming, "This niece has been spoiled by us. She has caused you many troubles. I think Li'er is showing some responsibility this time. Why don't we let her mother stay for a few days? After all, she was quite startled at the Peach Blossom Festival."
"Alright." Old Madam Ming smiled and agreed.
Not divorcing or expelling her wife was the Ming family's kindness, but if Huang Li truly wanted to leave, Old Madam Ming would not force her to stay. After all, she loved her youngest son, Ming San, more. Old Madam had witnessed the cold relationship between the couple over the years.
...
Zhan Feiyu was completely unaware of the Ming family's affairs. The next morning, she went to the Zhang mansion to visit Madam Zhang. Compared to the shock of falling into the water, the presence of an assassin in the water was truly terrifying.
"Xiao Yu, you're here." This time, it was Zhang Guantong who personally came to greet her, holding Zhan Feiyu's hand gratefully. "I heard everything from Mother. If it weren't for you, my mother would have been in danger."
Zhang Guantong was somewhat timid, which was ultimately due to Old Madam Zhang's fussiness. Although she couldn't compete with Madam Kong, she would always cry, make a scene, and hang herself in a tantrum.
Zhang Guantong was intelligent and sensible from a young age. She was very sensitive, especially since she was the only child in the Zhang family and a girl. Every time Old Madam Zhang used this to刁难 and blame Madam Kong for not continuing the Zhang family's lineage, and seeing the conflicted Prefect Zhang caught in the middle, Zhang Guantong believed it was her fault.
From the age of three or four, she had carried this guilt. Over the years, her personality had developed a sense of self-blame and timidity, always believing that she was the cause of the Zhang mansion's domestic unrest.
"Sister Guantong, you don't need to be so polite." Zhan Feiyu was not surprised that Old Madam Zhang and the Bao siblings were not present this time. They probably didn't dare to show themselves.
Madam Kong had a slight fever last night. She was fine after taking medicine, but her head was still a bit groggy. All other visiting invitations had been declined.
"Guantong, didn't you say you were going to brew a pot of fruit tea for Xiao Yu? Hurry up." Madam Kong sent Zhang Guantong away. Thinking of the scene yesterday, she couldn't help but sigh, "If Guantong were even a third as capable as you, I wouldn't have to worry about her being bullied in the future."
"Madam can find a master to teach Guantong some self-defense skills. Not only can she protect herself when encountering trouble, but it can also make Guantong's personality a bit stronger." Zhan Feiyu suggested with a smile. The world was already unfair to women. After marriage, they could only live within the confines of the inner chambers.
If she married well, it would be fine. But if she met an unsuitable husband, she would have to deal with not only her husband but also those concubines, not to mention her mother-in-law, sisters-in-law, and sisters-in-law.
In Zhan Feiyu's opinion, it was "one force overcomes ten thousand!" No matter how good or bad life was, at least one should not be bullied. If one encountered someone who didn't know their place, just beat them up!
"This?" Madam Kong hesitated for a moment, thinking of how Zhan Feiyu had kicked Huang Li to the ground with one foot yesterday and knocked Bao Lian'er unconscious with one punch. Her clean and decisive movements were truly astonishing.
As for the assassin hidden in the water, after falling into the water, Madam Kong was entangled by Old Madam Zhang and almost drowned. Coupled with the assassin behind her, and the dim light in the water, Madam Kong never knew about it from beginning to end.
"Alright, after the prefecture examination, I'll find a female master for Guantong!" Madam Kong thought it through, and her expression softened considerably. She then continued, "The scoundrel from yesterday has confessed. Huang Li gave him fifty taels of silver."
Chai Yi had impersonated Huang Li's servant to find the person. He dared not reveal Madam Kong's identity, otherwise, even if he were given five hundred taels of silver, the ruffian would not dare to disrespect the prefect's wife.
He hid in the woods and jumped into the water when he saw someone fall in. Everything was done according to Chai Yi's instructions. The fifty taels of silver were also found by the constables under his bed.
"As for my Old Madam." Madam Kong truly considered Zhan Feiyu, her savior, as one of her own. Therefore, she didn't care about airing her family's grievances. "Old Madam has always wanted to divorce me. I was just playing along, only seeking peace in the future."
Zhan Feiyu didn't know what to say. If Madam Zhang were truly divorced, Prefect Zhang would probably remain a fourth-rank prefect for his entire life. To be promoted? Did she really think the Kong family were vegetarians?
Unfortunately, Old Madam Zhang would not understand this. She would only think that Madam Kong couldn't give birth to a son and was clinging to Prefect Zhang.
Madam Kong had originally planned to use this leverage to threaten Old Madam Zhang, but who would have thought that the railing of the octagonal pavilion would break, causing them all to fall into the water? This was also something no one had expected.
After Zhang Guantong brought the brewed fruit tea, the three of them drank tea and ate pastries. The atmosphere was harmonious until Prefect Zhang arrived. Madam Kong pretended not to see him, blaming his mother.
Although Zhang Guantong felt sorry for Prefect Zhang, her father, Madam Kong had told her everything when she returned. Zhang Guantong also harbored some resentment towards Prefect Zhang because of Old Madam Zhang.
"Father." She performed a proper bow, and Zhang Guantong sat obediently beside Madam Kong.
Knowing that she was in the wrong, Prefect Zhang was very helpless. Moreover, Zhan Feiyu was secretly chuckling, making Prefect Zhang lose both face and dignity. "Xiao Yu, the prefecture examination is imminent. Since you're here, why don't you come to the study? I happen to have time to test your studies."
"Thank you, Your Excellency." Zhan Feiyu had no reason to refuse.
Watching Zhan Feiyu leave, Zhang Guantong's face showed disappointment. She had a few close friends among the ladies, but she got along best with Zhan Feiyu, whom she had only met a few times.
"Do you like Xiao Yu so much?" Madam Kong dotingly stroked her daughter's head.
"Yes, Xiao Yu knows a lot. Speaking of which, her status is even higher than mine, but Xiao Yu has no airs at all." Zhang Guantong had a few close friends in Nanxuan Prefecture, but they all somewhat flattered her, considering her father was the prefect and her mother came from the Kong family.
Being with Zhan Feiyu was unprecedentedly relaxed and comfortable. They could talk about anything and didn't worry about saying the wrong thing and offending each other. Moreover, Zhan Feiyu's personality was exactly what Zhang Guantong liked.
Madam Kong understood her daughter's feelings and smiled, "A few days later, I'll find a female master for you. You can learn some self-defense skills. After the court examination, Xiao Yu should come to Nanxuan Prefecture to study, and then you can see each other more often."
"Really?" Zhang Guantong was overjoyed. She loved to read, but because of Old Madam Zhang's constant disturbances, she could only hire tutors at home. Even so, Old Madam Zhang often caused trouble. If she could study at the academy with Xiao Yu, Zhang Guantong couldn't help but look forward to that day.
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