“Hey, you sharp-tongued fellow, tell me why Wei Tanhua is divorcing his wife this time?”
Instantly, everyone in the teahouse turned to the sharp-tongued fellow. He tapped his empty wine bowl, and the person beside him, understanding, immediately refilled it.
The sharp-tongued fellow took a small sip, a satisfied glint in his eyes, and explained in a low voice, “Hey! What else could it be? Promotion, wealth, and the death of his wife—Wei Tanhua must have been targeted by the daughter of a high-ranking official in the capital!”
A collective gasp filled the air; this revelation was too explosive!
The gossipy mouth continued, “The reason why Scholar Wei left with nothing is because everything in the Wei family was acquired by Madam Wei using her dowry. Isn’t it reasonable for her to get her dowry back after the divorce?”
Someone in the crowd chimed in, “I’ve heard a thing or two about this. On the day the results were announced, Old Madam Wei even ordered Madam Wei to use her dowry to reward the officials who brought the good news in front of everyone!” ”
Moreover, Old Madam Wei is not someone to be trifled with. She uses her daughter-in-law’s dowry and still mistreats her. It’s truly a sin!”
Many people who had witnessed the commotion at the Wei residence that day echoed these sentiments, discussing the rumors amongst themselves.
The rumors spread like wildfire, and by the time they reached Wei Chi’s ears, it was too late.
He was furious but helpless. He wasn’t yet the all-powerful Prime Minister Wei, and could only cower in fear.
At the Ciyuan Hospital, Madam Wei, upon learning of the rumors in the capital, fainted from anger.
Wei Wan’er dared not continue to wear gold and silver when going out, nor enjoy the flattery of her close friends. She simply couldn’t bear their mocking gazes. At
the Liang State Duke ‘s Mansion, a beautiful 26-year-old woman in a magnificent red dress nearly tore her handkerchief to shreds as she angrily scolded her maid: “I told you to do something, and this is how you do it? Why ruin Wei Lang’s reputation?”
Clearly, she had heard the rumors circulating in the capital. She had intended to finalize Wei Chi and Jiang Lanyue’s divorce, then orchestrate a beautiful encounter with Wei Lang, smoothly marrying into the Wei family and becoming Wei Lang’s rightful wife.
But her maid’s incompetence had led to this situation. If news of her affair with Wei Lang were to spread now, it would only solidify the belief among the common people that Wei Lang was unfaithful.
The maid, wincing in pain from the pinch, dared not flinch. Knowing her mistress’s temper, they could only endure it.
The Liang State Duke’s wife entered and saw this scene. She shook her head and sighed softly. Xue’er was simple-minded; she couldn’t hide anything.
“Alright! What’s the use of scolding or beating her now that it’s happened? In my opinion, this is a good thing!”
Shen Jiaxue looked at Lady Liang with suspicion: “Mother? What’s a good thing about Wei Lang’s reputation being ruined?”
Lady Liang dismissed the maid and helplessly but affectionately took Shen Jiaxue’s hand.
“Why are you so clueless? Wei Chi is a capable man, and he’ll become the Grand Secretary sooner or later. Many people are watching him. Now that his reputation is bad, isn’t this a good thing for you?”
“Silly child, for a man, adding flowers to brocade is nothing, but offering charcoal in the snow is truly precious. These days you’ve been comforting him with warm words, how could he not be devoted to you?”
Her dear Xue’er had a bad life; years ago, she had married her off to a good-for-nothing, and she felt extremely guilty about it.
Therefore, after Xue’er divorced and returned home, she tried her best to make amends, granting almost every request. After learning that Xue’er was in love with Wei Chi, she went to great lengths to plan.
However, Wei Chi was already married. Fortunately, the Wei family wasn’t of high social standing, and Wei Chi’s first wife was a helpless woman whom she could easily manipulate.
Now that Wei Chi was divorced, his marriage to Xue’er would both be second marriages, a perfect match!
After much deliberation, Shen Jiaxue understood her mother’s meaning, and a smile appeared on her face.
In this way, Wei Lang only had her as a choice. If she could comfort him, their relationship would surely deepen, and after marrying into the Wei family, they could live happily ever after.
At a manor in the suburbs of the capital.
Two days had passed since Shanhu indignantly discussed the rumors in the capital. Jiang Lanyue’s lips curled into a smile, in a very good mood.
It was worth the high price she paid for her sharp tongue; it was indeed venomous!
A hint of satisfaction appeared on Coral’s face: “Hmph! Wei Tanhua is such an ingrate! He relied on his wife to support the family when they were poor, but now that he’s passed the imperial examination, he’s abandoned her. He deserves to be scolded!”
Jiang Lanyue sighed helplessly. Since arriving here, Coral had been scolding Wei Chi every day. She knew Coral didn’t want her to overthink things.
“Look how angry you are! Are you thirsty from scolding? Go to the estate and pick some wild fruit for me. We’ll make juice!”
Coral swallowed hard. The juice her wife made was the best!
Watching Coral leave, Jiang Lanyue closed her eyes for a nap, but in her mind, she began to consider how to get revenge on Wei Chi and Shen Jiaxue.
Now that she had nothing, all she could do was exert pressure through public opinion and morality, but this was not a long-term solution.
…
At the Wei residence, after being embroiled in rumors, the gates of the Wei residence were tightly shut.
However, even with the gates closed, due to poor soundproofing, Wei’s mother heard every word of the neighbors’ sarcastic remarks.
Wei’s mother’s face was dark with anger, and with Wang Pozi adding fuel to the fire from time to time, Wei’s mother’s hatred for Jiang Lanyue intensified.
“That vicious woman, Jiang, can’t even find peace after leaving! What has my Chi’er ever done to wrong her? She’s been married into the Wei family for six years and hasn’t had a single child. Chi’er, out of old affection, didn’t want to divorce her, and even ha d a son outside the marriage to raise under her care.” ”
Now that my son has finally come to his senses, divorcing her is perfectly reasonable!”
Mother Wei slammed her hand on the coffee table in anger, her three-pronged eyes filled with fury. She looked at the steward and instructed, “Go outside and spread the word that Jiang was abandoned by Chi’er because she was childless. Chi’er, out of old affection, gave her face and that’s why we’re discussing divorce!”
The steward obeyed and went to carry out the order, feeling indignant for Jiang Lanyue. Others might not know, but he did. The doctor had clearly explained that it was the head of the family who had difficulty conceiving.
To produce a son for the young master, the head of the family consorted with a woman who was easily pregnant. This woman was an unattractive farmer. After giving birth to the son, the Wei family, fearing ridicule, raised him under Jiang Lanyue’s care, pretending he was the wife’s biological child.
The next day, rumors about the Wei family spread again.
Madam Wei listened with satisfaction to the gossip being relayed by her servants, chuckling, “That’s more like it! Jiang should be the one being scolded.”
Seeing the turn of public opinion, Wei Wan’er happily went out; she hadn’t heard such flattering words in a long time.
Entering the theater, she saw her former confidante again. Wei Wan’er was haughty, and Li Xianglan felt somewhat embarrassed.
When the Wei family’s reputation was infamous, Wei Wan’er invited her to visit, but she refused outright, fearing misunderstandings and trouble.
She thought the Wei family would never recover their bad reputation, but this slap in the face came so quickly.
“Wan’er, a new batch of fabric arrived in the capital. I embroidered two handkerchiefs for you…”
“Hmph!” Wei Wan’er snorted coldly, curling her lip in disdain. “Who wants your precious handkerchiefs? Take them back!”
Li Xianglan stiffened, knowing she was still angry. She coaxed her for a long time before finally pleasing her.
Seeing that she was willing to be close to her, Li Xianglan breathed a sigh of relief, her mind starting to race.
“I heard that Brother Wei and your sister-in-law divorced?”