“Second Young Master keeps scowling—if you’re so unwilling, you could have stayed home.” Jiang Yunniang glanced at Song Wenling beside her. Who was he showing that sour face to?
Indeed, Song Wenling had come reluctantly. But his mother insisted they must maintain ties with the Lu family before they returned to Mobei. Besides, he had just married; it would be improper for Jiang Yunniang to attend alone.
“If you don’t speak, no one will mistake you for a mute.” Song Wenling glared at her.
Jiang Yunniang lowered her head and chuckled softly. “It seems Second Young Master misunderstands me. You’d rather have Jiang Bairou accompany you, wouldn’t you? Too bad that’s impossible.”
Seeing Song Wenling’s dark face so early in the morning soured her mood as well. Now that they were at the Lu residence, she said whatever she pleased.
“Do you mean to quarrel with me here?” Song Wenling stopped. These days, he spends every moment with Jiang Bairou, convinced she is the best. As for Jiang Yunniang, he couldn’t even be bothered to look at her.
“I don’t want to quarrel. I only remind you—whether you like it or not, since you’re here, put on a smile. Don’t ruin my mood or my dignity.” Jiang Yunniang’s smile vanished. Between them, there was no need for pretense. “If you truly loathe me, you can write a confession of guilt, let all Shengjing know it was your fault—favoring a concubine over your wife—and that’s why we divorced. Then even Grandmother would have to agree.”
She sneered. “But if you won’t write it, then endure.”
“You—!” Song Wenling raised his hand, but Jiang Yunniang blocked him.
She gripped his wrist firmly. “This is the Lu household, not your Song family. If you strike me, think carefully whether you can afford the consequences.”
“Jiang Yunniang, you’re nothing but a shrew! Do you think I wanted to come? You and the Lus are all coarse warriors!” Song Wenling was truly enraged, unaware that others had approached behind him.
Jiang Yunniang retorted, “Second Young Master despises warriors, yet seeks to rise through the Lus. Hypocrite! Without generals guarding the borders, would you enjoy your peaceful days now?”
She flung his hand away. Turning, she saw Nan Huai’an had come near.
Nan Huai’an clapped. “Well said, sister‑in‑law! Without us soldiers, these stinking scholars would have been slaughtered a thousand times over!” His gaze toward Song Wenling was openly scornful. Song Wenling was too false, utterly unworthy of Jiang Yunniang.
Jiang Yunniang hadn’t expected Nan Huai’an to overhear. She had only wanted to warn Song Wenling not to sulk like a mourner—many guests would arrive soon, and she didn’t want to be fodder for gossip.
Song Wenling’s face burned. He thought Jiang Yunniang had provoked him deliberately, knowing Nan Huai’an was near. But he dared not offend Nan Huai’an. Hastily, he said, “Young General Nan misunderstands. I don’t look down on soldiers. We all serve the country and the people—there is no high or low.”
“Ha! Do you think I believe you? I heard you call the Lus coarse warriors. Song Wenling, if you don’t want to be here, get lost. I don’t care to see your face.” Nan Huai’an cracked his knuckles menacingly.
Being told to leave in public humiliated Song Wenling. Yet he had indeed insulted the Lu family. Just as he struggled to explain, Lu Jianye and his wife arrived.
Lu Jianye exchanged greetings with Nan Huai’an, while Madam Zhao drew Jiang Yunniang aside to the rear garden, saying she had words for her.
Nan Huai’an wanted to complain about Song Wenling, but Lu Jianye stopped him. He ordered a servant to escort Song Wenling to the front hall, then took Nan Huai’an to his study.
“Brother Lu, why did you stop me?” Nan Huai’an asked.
“No need. I know Song Wenling is no good.” Lu Jianye sighed. “But he is my cousin’s husband. Keeping him as a guest isn’t fear of the Song family—it’s to preserve my cousin’s dignity.”
Since his visit to the Jiang household, Lu Jianye had known what kind of man Song Wenling was. If a Lu daughter were treated so, the whole family would demand justice. But Old Madam Jiang was stubborn, refusing to allow her granddaughter to divorce.
“Dignity, dignity—it’s all empty. I despise such things.” Nan Huai’an curled his lip. “But your cousin is truly unfortunate. When she spoke of us soldiers, her words were full of respect. Rare indeed. And yet she was matched with Song Wenling.”
“Enough of him. Come see my newest long blade.” Lu Jianye changed the subject.
In truth, Song Wenling’s looks and family background were fine. Soon, he would sit for the palace exam, perhaps even win first rank. His future could be bright. But he lacked clarity—already devoted elsewhere, he should never have married Lu Jianye’s cousin.
Lu Jianye shook his head and led Nan Huai’an to the study.
Meanwhile, Jiang Yunniang sat with Madam Zhao in the garden pavilion.
It was still early. Even Madam Lu hadn’t arrived, and only a few guests had trickled in. Madam Zhao needn’t personally receive them.
Hearing that Song Wenling had truly taken Jiang Bairou as a concubine, Madam Zhao shook her head. “Don’t blame me for speaking harshly. If Song Wenling can risk everything for Jiang Bairou, he may easily err for passion again. Your Old Madam is foolish. Divorce and remarriage are common these days. For the sake of a hollow reputation, she leaves you in the Song family’s pit. I speak plainly, but you are young—you must think carefully, and leave yourself a way out.”
“Cousin‑in‑law, your words are for my good. I will remember them.” Jiang Yunniang knew she would leave the Song family eventually—but not yet.
At present, she had no connections, only some wealth. If she divorced under the stigma of unfilial rebellion, she might even face prison. In these times, filial piety was paramount. Either her grandmother must die, or consent, or Jiang Yunniang must gain leverage over her. In short, the time had not yet come.
She was in no hurry. Compared to her, Song Wenling and Madam Zhang were having a far harder time—they were the ones most eager for a divorce.
“Just remember, if your grandmother truly cannot tolerate you, then come to Mobei. We have plenty of fine young men there.” Madam Zhao was puzzled. Clearly, Jiang Yunniang was the true daughter of the Jiang family, yet on the day of her return visit, both the Old Madam and her uncle had seemed to favor Jiang Bairou instead.
Jiang Yunniang only smiled and nodded. Going to Mobei was impossible—unless her mother also divorced her father.
As the two spoke, Madam Zhao saw that the time was nearly up and was about to rise when a maid hurried in, saying that Second Master had struck Cousin‑in‑law.
The maid was from the Lu household. By “Second Master” she meant Lu Jianfeng, and by “Cousin‑in‑law” she meant Song Wenling.
“What is wrong with Jianfeng?” Madam Zhao worried her younger brother‑in‑law had hit too hard, and quickly lifted her skirts to rush over. Ever since his return, Lu Jianfeng had drunk himself insensible every day, only sobering yesterday after being beaten by his elder brother.
Jiang Yunniang followed Madam Zhao out. Song Wenling being beaten did not concern her in the least. As long as he wasn’t killed, a broken arm or leg would be perfectly fine. In fact, she rather looked forward to seeing Song Wenling’s miserable state.