Chapter 58 - Chapter 58: Divorce
Chapter 58: Divorce
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.
“Alright, it’s cold outside.”
Upon reaching the doorway and noticing that Jiang Peihuan was still venturing out, Jiang Changbai voiced out firmly.
“Get some rest early.”
Listening to the receding footsteps outside, the smile in Jiang Peihuan’s 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 Peihuan’s mood. Her lips curved into a gentle smile which quickly faded upon hearing Yue Er’s words.
“Young miss, the people from Huainan Mansion are here again.”
At Yue Er’s words, Jiang Peihuan put down her teacup. “Who has arrived? Is it the Prince of Huainan?”
“Yes, but the Queen of Huainan is here too.”
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. “Let’s head to the Chrysanthemum Hall.”
“Understood.”
Yue and Ye Xiao followed Jiang Peihuan towards the Chrysanthemum Hall. On their way, they encountered Jiang Ruyun.
“Big sister?”
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, “You’re still not fully recovered. Instead of resting properly in your room, why have you come out?”
“I heard from maids that mother… Huainan Queen is here?”
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 couldn’t 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.
“Big Sister, I believe the Huainan Mansion came to take me back. If she indeed requests, what should I do?”
A hint of anxiety flashed in Jiang Ruyun’s eyes. Hearing her query, Jiang Peihuan responded directly, “Do you wish to return to the Huainan Mansion?”
Without waiting for Jiang Ruyun’s reply, Jiang Peihuan carried on, “If you choose to return, you’ll be the Princess wife. With Father and Second Uncle’s presence, the Huainan Mansion would not dare to mistreat you openly. But behind the scenes, their disapproval of you will surely intensify.”
“If 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.” “Among these two paths, have you made up your mind about which one to take?”
Upon hearing Jiang Peihuan’s words, Jiang Ruyun fell silent.
Seeing her quiet, Jiang Peihuan didn’t pressure her with more questions and proceeded towards the Chrysanthemum Hall. But then, Jiang Ruyun’s voice echoed from behind, “Big sister, I choose the second option.”
“Are you sure?”
Jiang Peihuan turned her head to look at Jiang Ruyun, her voice tender, and her eyes gentle.
Seeing the understanding in her sister’s eyes, Jiang Ruyun firmly nodded. “I’ve made up my mind.”
“Since that’s the case, there’s nothing to be afraid of.”
“Come with me. Remember, you’re a daughter of the Jiang family. We’re your support. Whatever happens, we stand by you.”
“Understood, big sister!”
In the Chrysanthemum Hall.
“Old Madam, it’s not that I want to complain, but as a mother-in-law, I’ve been here for quite some time, but I haven’t seen my daughter-in-law yet. It seems like your General Mansion’s young ladies have quite a temper.”
Jiang Peihuan and Jiang Ruyun just reached the door when they heard the voice of Chu Rou.
With a sarcastic smile, Jiang Peihuan responded, “My 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.”
“Huan Er, mind your manners.”
Upon hearing her granddaughter’s words, Old Madam Jiang’s eyes reflected a hint of pain, but she maintained her composure and reprimanded Jiang Peihuan.
Jiang Peihuan understood her grandmother’s intentions perfectly. After hearing her, she quickly stepped forward. “Peihuan greets Queen Chu Rou.” “Ruyun greets Queen Chu Rou.”
After Jiang Peihuan paid her respects, Jiang Ruyun also stepped forward and bowed to Queen Chu Rou.
Chu Rou frowned upon hearing Jiang Ruyun’s address. Coldly, she said, “Ruyun, you and Fuqing have already married. You’re husband and wife now. You should follow Fuqing’s example and address me as mother.”
“That day, Your Highness mentioned that you couldn’t bear such an address, so I didn’t overstep. Also, after today, I’ll no longer be related to the Prince of Huainan.”
“Jiang Ruyun, what do you mean?”
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 Ruyun’s 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. “I wish to divorce the Prince. After that, we naturally won’t have any ties.”
“You want a divorce?”
“Ruyun, 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, aren’t you being ungrateful?”
“Then, Your Highness, you should look for a wife who’s worthy of your favor. Today, I must divorce the Prince of Huainan. If the Prince doesn’t consent, I’ll take the matter to the court and ask the Emperor for a decision.”
“You, you…”
Nobody expected Jiang Ruyun to be so resolute. Even Jiang Peihuan was surprised.
However, when she noticed Jiang Ruyun’s tightly clenched fists, Jiang Peihuan felt reassured.
“The way your Huainan Mansion has treated my sister is unacceptable. Our agreement to this divorce is already a significant concession to the Huainan Mansion’s pride. Or does the queen wish for my father to personally request the divorce papers from the Huainan Mansion?”
A deep voice echoed from the doorway, followed by the entrance of Jiang Changbai and Jiang Songbai.
Jiang Changbai’s 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, “Fine, I agree to the divorce.”
“Fuqing, you…Nevermind. Let’s go ahead with the divorce.”
Chu Rou bit her tongue when she saw the humiliation in Fuqing’s eyes. On hearing this, Jiang Changbai instantly commanded, “Someone, bring the brush and ink.”