Chapter 59
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Mansion of the prince of Nanping. From the main courtyard came the sound of objects being smashed and the prince raging.
The servant girls were all driven out and gathered outside the perimeter wall, commenting in hushed tones on what had just happened.
“His Highness said he wants to take Miss Liu as his concubine and is fighting with the general.”
“The general said she would never allow her cousin to become a concubine.”
“His Highness said Miss Liu is beautiful and tender, and ten thousand times better than her, a disgraceful wife.”
“And then, the general completely ignored him, so His Highness started to smash stuff, saying he would curb her down.”
“The two of them were scowling so hard, it was so scary. I thought a tea cup would fly at my head. After that, Qiu Hua and Qiu Shui took pity and let us out.”
“I really don’t know why His Highness doesn’t like the general. They only got married recently, and now the novelty’s already faded. It’s really too mean to the general.”
“Eh, you’re not a man, how could you know how a man thinks? Embracing women left and right is the beauty of life.”
“…”
It was chaos inside. From his treasure pavilion, Xia Yujin picked up a flowery porcelain screen of Ru ware,[2] regretfully caressed it, then handed it to Qiu Shui so that she’d put it back, and instead picked up a large Dehua porcelain[3] vase and resolutely smashed it on the ground. The sharp sound of the porcelain shattering was very beautiful. Then he straightened, gasping, and sighed. “This really isn’t easy.”
Ye Zhao personally poured out some light tea, gave it to him after blowing on it, and wiped away the sweat on his forehead with a handkerchief. “Shall we take a break? It’s good enough.”
“Let’s.” Xia Yujin abruptly threw back the tea then smoothly smashed the cup, slumping back on his grand tutor chair. “Your cousin is a real jerk,” he said, fanning himself. “If she wanted to enter the imperial family as a concubine, she could have just said so. It’s not like my words don’t have any weight in the Palace. Imperial Uncle is a bit too old, but she could have gone to the Crown Prince. There was no need to go so far and make such a mess, and also make me twist my ankle… A damn pain.”
“She only wanted to marry you,” Ye Zhao said.
Xia Yujin scoffed. “If she wanted to marry me, she should have respected the main wife. How strong is the envious heart of a woman who prevented me from having sex for two months and got so jealous? I hate manipulative women the most!”
Eyes darting around, Ye Zhao swiftly changed the subject. “Right, we think that the truth isn’t actually so simple. We suspect she has another goal. Hu Qing says to test out if she really likes you first before talking.”
“We, we,” Xia Yujin said sourly. “You speak so intimately…”
“We’re just friends, nothing more.”
Qiu Hua and Qiu Shui tidied up the room and piled up the debris and shards outside; there were a lot fewer things on the tabletops inside the Precious Gems Pavilion, a scene of post-war desolation. Then they called Cousin Liu in. Liu Xiyin came in with unhurried steps as lights as lotuses,[4] cautiously looking up at the two “dark-faced” people. She slowly curtsied with proper etiquette and went to stand on the side, as though she dared not even breathe loudly.
Ye Zhao’s face eased as she looked at her and she went over to grab her hands. “I have just discussed your situation with His Highness, and I have found a newly-appointed palace candidate with good looks and good morals. If you marry him, you will be the mistress of the house. What do you think?”
Liu Xiyin somewhat nervously said, “Though I am ashamed, I am unwilling to marry.”
Ye Zhao consolingly patted her hand. “Your reputation was ruined because of Xia Yujin. How about letting him bear that responsibility?”
Liu Xiyin lowered her head, not speaking.
Ye Zhao stared at her for a long time. Seeing no answer from her, she understood, and slowly said, “The number of people in the Ye family are dwindling. You and I have been close since our childhoods, and you’re my cousin. You simply cannot be a concubine. I couldn’t explain that to my uncle.”
Liu Xiyin’s voice trembled slightly as she said, “But… Why?”
Ye Zhao glanced at Xia Yujin, almost saddened for her cousin. She let out a sigh, and lowered her voice. “What if he and I divorced, and I made him take you as his second wife?”
That unexpected answer struck through Liu Xiyin’s brain like thunder through a clear sky, destroying her plans. She paled. “No… No! Ah-Zhao, you can’t destroy your marriage because of me and pass me off like merchandise. I will be very obedient and well-behaved, but I will not cause you trouble.”
“Enough!” Xia Yujin heavily placed down the tea cup he was holding and shouted at Ye Zhao, “You unworthy and unfilial wife! I’ve never wanted you.”
“The general is very virtuous,” Liu Xiyin hurriedly explained, “she’s a very good person.”
Xia Yujin “lustfully” looked at her. “‘Take a wife, take a virtuous one.’ Miss Liu, you’re very talented and good-looking, you know your way around household management, and you’ve obtained my mother’s approval. You would be a good wife.”
Liu Xiyin’s tears fell freely. “My reputation is ruined, how could I bear to become a prince’s wife? Your affection and your taking me as a concubine would be my good fortune, Your Highness, and I would know my place and be content, spare no effort to care for you. Please, Your Highness, you mustn’t mention divorce.”
If Liu Xiyin didn’t love Xia Yujin, then why didn’t she agree to the husband Ye Zhao had arranged for her?
If Liu Xiyin loved Xia Yujin, then why didn’t she dream of becoming the mistress of the house, like all concubines?
What fool rejected the great opportunity laid out at her feet and fought to become a concubine rather than a main wife?
What did she really want?
Their test had failed. Xia Yujin had trouble understanding; he thought that Miss Liu might have a mental problem or have encountered something evil, and that was why she couldn’t understand things very clearly.
They had to persevere when faced with an unwilling opponent. Only then could they uncover the truth.
He stealthily shot a glance at Ye Zhao, who gestured at him to keep going with the plan. So he crossed his legs and leisurely said, “Don’t worry, even if the marquess of Xuanwu’s power runs deep, the consort of the prince of Nanping will have the support of the Empress Dowager. Even if I divorce her and marry you, she won’t be able to do anything to you.”
“If I break up your great and fated marriage, Your Highness, Uncle Liu will be angry at me,” Liu Xiyin said.
Xia Yujin scoffed. “Don’t tell me General Liu doesn’t know what his niece is worth? She can’t do any housekeeping — we’ve been married for six months, and not only has she not embroidered me even one handkerchief, she lords over me every day.” Remembering the pressure of their wedding night, the number of his complaints immediately increased and he ruthlessly added, “Not to mention he isn’t even properly her maiden family. Even if he were, what right does he have to contest the termination, considering how he failed to teach her properly? Besides, I would still leave her some dignity. It wouldn’t be unfair to her to divorce on the grounds that we do not get along and to take away all her dowry.”
His face was perfect, his words were perfect, his hateful and bitter expression was more believable than an actor’s in a play. Even Ye Zhao, who knew the inside story, wondered if he was taking the opportunity to speak sincerely.
Liu Xiyin believed it. She was wholly dumbfounded. Shaking her head, she threw herself down and gripped Xia Yujin’s leg for a final struggle. “I’m begging you, don’t divorce your wife. I cannot bear the burden of this crime.”
Seeing that she was unwilling to speak the truth, still persistently trying to detain him, he beamed and fished out a slip of expensive paper from the front of his clothes and slowly spread it flat, then leaned over to pick Liu Xiyin up. He showed her the words written in ink on the fine paper. “Look, this is a divorce letter. I and Ye Zhao have already signed it. My mother didn’t say anything. Two days after Ye Zhao’s packed and gone back home, I will arrange for outside lodgings for you and, later, I’ll bring you back home as my wife, in a bridal sedan chair.”
Liu Xiyin looked it over quickly, confirming that the handwriting was real. Incredulous, she turned to Ye Zhao. “He really…”
Xia Yujin once again slipped the precious thing back into his clothes.
Ye Zhao slowly nodded. “We had it drafted by someone else, but I signed the divorce letter with my own hand.”
The words of the Great General held enormous weight.
Everything had already been set.
Liu Xiyin knew that it would be impossible to do anything. She stood up, grim-faced, biting down on her lip until blood almost spilled.
Seeing that the situation had changed, Xia Yujin immediately and delightedly poured oil on the fire. “What is it? Are you happy to become the princess consort?”
Liu Xiyin remained silent.
Xia Yujin waved his hand. “Well? Speak!”
Still, Liu Xiyin remained silent.
Looking at her, Ye Zhao sighed softly. “What bothers you?”
“What bothers me?” Liu Xiyin let out a soft laugh, then suddenly seized the Ru ware porcelain screen of the Precious Gem Pavilion and ferociously threw it at her. Her eyes were burning with fury. “You liar!” she screamed, frantic and shrill. “You big liar! Playing with me and abandoning me! Fickle! Untrustworthy bastard!”
Ye Zhao hurriedly caught her husband’s precious screen. Dumbstruck, she stared as her cousin suddenly turned hostile and cursed her silly.
The fright of this beautiful woman making a scene scared Xia Yujin so much that his scalp turned numb. He weakly tried to placate her. “Don’t get so angry, we can talk it out.”
Liu Xiyin grabbed the saucer from the desk and carelessly flung it at him, as though she wanted to give vent to all of the resentment in her heart. She started screaming her throat out. “Who’d want to marry you, you shameless vixen! You fickle bitch!”
It was Xia Yujin’s turn to get cursed silly.
Liu Xiyin slowly let out her anger, raising her head to look at Ye Zhao. Her anger turned into sadness and the rims of her eyes gradually turned red. She didn’t stop crying. Her tender and graceful mask crumbled; those were not the tender tears of a beautiful woman, this was not delicate misery, but a child who had been wronged. Word by word, she lamented, “You clearly said… You said you were going to marry me…”
The author has something to say:
The first man in history to be cursed out as a vixen. What a privilege, xiao Xia!
I’m gonna have to put alarms on my phone so I remember to post on time, huh.
[1 ↑] Lit. 始乱终弃 shǐ luàn zhōng qì, an idiom from the Tang-dynasty novel《莺莺传》The Biography of Yingying by Yuan Zhen, often used to refer to men’s behavior as they play with a woman’s affection before abandoning her. Translation.
[2 ↑] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ru_ware … Yeah, good call putting it back, Yujin.
[3 ↑] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dehua_porcelain
[4 ↑] Lit. 莲步轻移 lián bù qīng yí, “moving lightly with lotus steps,” a metaphor for women’s gracefully small feet and light steps (from foot binding).
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Mansion of the prince of Nanping. From the main courtyard came the sound of objects being smashed and the prince raging.
The servant girls were all driven out and gathered outside the perimeter wall, commenting in hushed tones on what had just happened.
“His Highness said he wants to take Miss Liu as his concubine and is fighting with the general.”
“The general said she would never allow her cousin to become a concubine.”
“His Highness said Miss Liu is beautiful and tender, and ten thousand times better than her, a disgraceful wife.”
“And then, the general completely ignored him, so His Highness started to smash stuff, saying he would curb her down.”
“The two of them were scowling so hard, it was so scary. I thought a tea cup would fly at my head. After that, Qiu Hua and Qiu Shui took pity and let us out.”
“I really don’t know why His Highness doesn’t like the general. They only got married recently, and now the novelty’s already faded. It’s really too mean to the general.”
“Eh, you’re not a man, how could you know how a man thinks? Embracing women left and right is the beauty of life.”
“…”
It was chaos inside. From his treasure pavilion, Xia Yujin picked up a flowery porcelain screen of Ru ware,[2] regretfully caressed it, then handed it to Qiu Shui so that she’d put it back, and instead picked up a large Dehua porcelain[3] vase and resolutely smashed it on the ground. The sharp sound of the porcelain shattering was very beautiful. Then he straightened, gasping, and sighed. “This really isn’t easy.”
Ye Zhao personally poured out some light tea, gave it to him after blowing on it, and wiped away the sweat on his forehead with a handkerchief. “Shall we take a break? It’s good enough.”
“Let’s.” Xia Yujin abruptly threw back the tea then smoothly smashed the cup, slumping back on his grand tutor chair. “Your cousin is a real jerk,” he said, fanning himself. “If she wanted to enter the imperial family as a concubine, she could have just said so. It’s not like my words don’t have any weight in the Palace. Imperial Uncle is a bit too old, but she could have gone to the Crown Prince. There was no need to go so far and make such a mess, and also make me twist my ankle… A damn pain.”
“She only wanted to marry you,” Ye Zhao said.
Xia Yujin scoffed. “If she wanted to marry me, she should have respected the main wife. How strong is the envious heart of a woman who prevented me from having sex for two months and got so jealous? I hate manipulative women the most!”
Eyes darting around, Ye Zhao swiftly changed the subject. “Right, we think that the truth isn’t actually so simple. We suspect she has another goal. Hu Qing says to test out if she really likes you first before talking.”
“We, we,” Xia Yujin said sourly. “You speak so intimately…”
“We’re just friends, nothing more.”
Qiu Hua and Qiu Shui tidied up the room and piled up the debris and shards outside; there were a lot fewer things on the tabletops inside the Precious Gems Pavilion, a scene of post-war desolation. Then they called Cousin Liu in. Liu Xiyin came in with unhurried steps as lights as lotuses,[4] cautiously looking up at the two “dark-faced” people. She slowly curtsied with proper etiquette and went to stand on the side, as though she dared not even breathe loudly.
Ye Zhao’s face eased as she looked at her and she went over to grab her hands. “I have just discussed your situation with His Highness, and I have found a newly-appointed palace candidate with good looks and good morals. If you marry him, you will be the mistress of the house. What do you think?”
Liu Xiyin somewhat nervously said, “Though I am ashamed, I am unwilling to marry.”
Ye Zhao consolingly patted her hand. “Your reputation was ruined because of Xia Yujin. How about letting him bear that responsibility?”
Liu Xiyin lowered her head, not speaking.
Ye Zhao stared at her for a long time. Seeing no answer from her, she understood, and slowly said, “The number of people in the Ye family are dwindling. You and I have been close since our childhoods, and you’re my cousin. You simply cannot be a concubine. I couldn’t explain that to my uncle.”
Liu Xiyin’s voice trembled slightly as she said, “But… Why?”
Ye Zhao glanced at Xia Yujin, almost saddened for her cousin. She let out a sigh, and lowered her voice. “What if he and I divorced, and I made him take you as his second wife?”
That unexpected answer struck through Liu Xiyin’s brain like thunder through a clear sky, destroying her plans. She paled. “No… No! Ah-Zhao, you can’t destroy your marriage because of me and pass me off like merchandise. I will be very obedient and well-behaved, but I will not cause you trouble.”
“Enough!” Xia Yujin heavily placed down the tea cup he was holding and shouted at Ye Zhao, “You unworthy and unfilial wife! I’ve never wanted you.”
“The general is very virtuous,” Liu Xiyin hurriedly explained, “she’s a very good person.”
Xia Yujin “lustfully” looked at her. “‘Take a wife, take a virtuous one.’ Miss Liu, you’re very talented and good-looking, you know your way around household management, and you’ve obtained my mother’s approval. You would be a good wife.”
Liu Xiyin’s tears fell freely. “My reputation is ruined, how could I bear to become a prince’s wife? Your affection and your taking me as a concubine would be my good fortune, Your Highness, and I would know my place and be content, spare no effort to care for you. Please, Your Highness, you mustn’t mention divorce.”
If Liu Xiyin didn’t love Xia Yujin, then why didn’t she agree to the husband Ye Zhao had arranged for her?
If Liu Xiyin loved Xia Yujin, then why didn’t she dream of becoming the mistress of the house, like all concubines?
What fool rejected the great opportunity laid out at her feet and fought to become a concubine rather than a main wife?
What did she really want?
Their test had failed. Xia Yujin had trouble understanding; he thought that Miss Liu might have a mental problem or have encountered something evil, and that was why she couldn’t understand things very clearly.
They had to persevere when faced with an unwilling opponent. Only then could they uncover the truth.
He stealthily shot a glance at Ye Zhao, who gestured at him to keep going with the plan. So he crossed his legs and leisurely said, “Don’t worry, even if the marquess of Xuanwu’s power runs deep, the consort of the prince of Nanping will have the support of the Empress Dowager. Even if I divorce her and marry you, she won’t be able to do anything to you.”
“If I break up your great and fated marriage, Your Highness, Uncle Liu will be angry at me,” Liu Xiyin said.
Xia Yujin scoffed. “Don’t tell me General Liu doesn’t know what his niece is worth? She can’t do any housekeeping — we’ve been married for six months, and not only has she not embroidered me even one handkerchief, she lords over me every day.” Remembering the pressure of their wedding night, the number of his complaints immediately increased and he ruthlessly added, “Not to mention he isn’t even properly her maiden family. Even if he were, what right does he have to contest the termination, considering how he failed to teach her properly? Besides, I would still leave her some dignity. It wouldn’t be unfair to her to divorce on the grounds that we do not get along and to take away all her dowry.”
His face was perfect, his words were perfect, his hateful and bitter expression was more believable than an actor’s in a play. Even Ye Zhao, who knew the inside story, wondered if he was taking the opportunity to speak sincerely.
Liu Xiyin believed it. She was wholly dumbfounded. Shaking her head, she threw herself down and gripped Xia Yujin’s leg for a final struggle. “I’m begging you, don’t divorce your wife. I cannot bear the burden of this crime.”
Seeing that she was unwilling to speak the truth, still persistently trying to detain him, he beamed and fished out a slip of expensive paper from the front of his clothes and slowly spread it flat, then leaned over to pick Liu Xiyin up. He showed her the words written in ink on the fine paper. “Look, this is a divorce letter. I and Ye Zhao have already signed it. My mother didn’t say anything. Two days after Ye Zhao’s packed and gone back home, I will arrange for outside lodgings for you and, later, I’ll bring you back home as my wife, in a bridal sedan chair.”
Liu Xiyin looked it over quickly, confirming that the handwriting was real. Incredulous, she turned to Ye Zhao. “He really…”
Xia Yujin once again slipped the precious thing back into his clothes.
Ye Zhao slowly nodded. “We had it drafted by someone else, but I signed the divorce letter with my own hand.”
The words of the Great General held enormous weight.
Everything had already been set.
Liu Xiyin knew that it would be impossible to do anything. She stood up, grim-faced, biting down on her lip until blood almost spilled.
Seeing that the situation had changed, Xia Yujin immediately and delightedly poured oil on the fire. “What is it? Are you happy to become the princess consort?”
Liu Xiyin remained silent.
Xia Yujin waved his hand. “Well? Speak!”
Still, Liu Xiyin remained silent.
Looking at her, Ye Zhao sighed softly. “What bothers you?”
“What bothers me?” Liu Xiyin let out a soft laugh, then suddenly seized the Ru ware porcelain screen of the Precious Gem Pavilion and ferociously threw it at her. Her eyes were burning with fury. “You liar!” she screamed, frantic and shrill. “You big liar! Playing with me and abandoning me! Fickle! Untrustworthy bastard!”
Ye Zhao hurriedly caught her husband’s precious screen. Dumbstruck, she stared as her cousin suddenly turned hostile and cursed her silly.
The fright of this beautiful woman making a scene scared Xia Yujin so much that his scalp turned numb. He weakly tried to placate her. “Don’t get so angry, we can talk it out.”
Liu Xiyin grabbed the saucer from the desk and carelessly flung it at him, as though she wanted to give vent to all of the resentment in her heart. She started screaming her throat out. “Who’d want to marry you, you shameless vixen! You fickle bitch!”
It was Xia Yujin’s turn to get cursed silly.
Liu Xiyin slowly let out her anger, raising her head to look at Ye Zhao. Her anger turned into sadness and the rims of her eyes gradually turned red. She didn’t stop crying. Her tender and graceful mask crumbled; those were not the tender tears of a beautiful woman, this was not delicate misery, but a child who had been wronged. Word by word, she lamented, “You clearly said… You said you were going to marry me…”
The author has something to say:
The first man in history to be cursed out as a vixen. What a privilege, xiao Xia!
I’m gonna have to put alarms on my phone so I remember to post on time, huh.
[1 ↑] Lit. 始乱终弃 shǐ luàn zhōng qì, an idiom from the Tang-dynasty novel《莺莺传》The Biography of Yingying by Yuan Zhen, often used to refer to men’s behavior as they play with a woman’s affection before abandoning her. Translation.
[2 ↑] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ru_ware … Yeah, good call putting it back, Yujin.
[3 ↑] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dehua_porcelain
[4 ↑] Lit. 莲步轻移 lián bù qīng yí, “moving lightly with lotus steps,” a metaphor for women’s gracefully small feet and light steps (from foot binding).
Mansion of the prince of Nanping. From the main courtyard came the sound of objects being smashed and the prince raging.The servant girls were all driven out and gathered outside the perimeter wall, commenting in hushed tones on what had just happened.His Highness said he wants to take Miss Liu as his concubine and is fighting with the general.The general said she would never allow her cousin to become a concubine.His Highness said Miss Liu is beautiful and tender, and ten thousand times better than her, a disgraceful wife.And then, the general completely ignored him, so His Highness started to smash stuff, saying he would curb her down.The two of them were scowling so hard, it was so scary. I thought a tea cup would fly at my head. After that, Qiu Hua and Qiu Shui took pity and let us out.I really don't know why His Highness doesn't like the general. They only got married recently, and now the novelty's already faded. It's really too mean to the general.Eh, you're not a man, how could you know how a man thinks? Embracing women left and right is the beauty of life.It was chaos inside. From his treasure pavilion, Xia Yujin picked up a flowery porcelain screen of Ru ware,2regretfully caressed it, then handed it to Qiu Shui so that she'd put it back, and instead picked up a large Dehua porcelain3vase and resolutely smashed it on the ground. The sharp sound of the porcelain shattering was very beautiful. Then he straightened, gasping, and sighed. This really isn't easy.Ye Zhao personally poured out some light tea, gave it to him after blowing on it, and wiped away the sweat on his forehead with a handkerchief. Shall we take a break? It's good enough.Let's. Xia Yujin abruptly threw back the tea then smoothly smashed the cup, slumping back on his grand tutor chair. Your cousin is a real jerk, he said, fanning himself. If she wanted to enter the imperial family as a concubine, she could have just said so. It's not like my words don't have any weight in the Palace. Imperial Uncle is a bit too old, but she could have gone to the Crown Prince. There was no need to go so far and make such a mess, and also make me twist my ankle A damn pain.She only wanted to marry you, Ye Zhao said.Xia Yujin scoffed. If she wanted to marry me, she should have respected the main wife. How strong is the envious heart of a woman who prevented me from having sex for two months and got so jealous? I hate manipulative women the most!Eyes darting around, Ye Zhao swiftly changed the subject. Right, we think that the truth isn't actually so simple. We suspect she has another goal. Hu Qing says to test out if she really likes you first before talking.We, we, Xia Yujin said sourly. You speak so intimatelyWe're just friends, nothing more.Qiu Hua and Qiu Shui tidied up the room and piled up the debris and shards outside; there were a lot fewer things on the tabletops inside the Precious Gems Pavilion, a scene of post-war desolation. Then they called Cousin Liu in. Liu Xiyin came in with unhurried steps as lights as lotuses,4cautiously looking up at the two dark-faced people. She slowly curtsied with proper etiquette and went to stand on the side, as though she dared not even breathe loudly.Ye Zhao's face eased as she looked at her and she went over to grab her hands. I have just discussed your situation with His Highness, and I have found a newly-appointed palace candidate with good looks and good morals. If you marry him, you will be the mistress of the house. What do you think?Liu Xiyin somewhat nervously said, Though I am ashamed, I am unwilling to marry.Ye Zhao consolingly patted her hand. Your reputation was ruined because of Xia Yujin. How about letting him bear that responsibility?Liu Xiyin lowered her head, not speaking.Ye Zhao stared at her for a long time. Seeing no answer from her, she understood, and slowly said, The number of people in the Ye family are dwindling. You and I have been close since our childhoods, and you're my cousin. You simply cannot be a concubine. I couldn't explain that to my uncle.Liu Xiyin's voice trembled slightly as she said, But Why?Ye Zhao glanced at Xia Yujin, almost saddened for her cousin. She let out a sigh, and lowered her voice. What if he and I divorced, and I made him take you as his second wife?That unexpected answer struck through Liu Xiyin's brain like thunder through a clear sky, destroying her plans. She paled. No No! Ah-Zhao, you can't destroy your marriage because of me and pass me off like merchandise. I will be very obedient and well-behaved, but I will not cause you trouble.Enough! Xia Yujin heavily placed down the tea cup he was holding and shouted at Ye Zhao, You unworthy and unfilial wife! I've never wanted you.The general is very virtuous, Liu Xiyin hurriedly explained, she's a very good person.Xia Yujin lustfully looked at her. Take a wife, take a virtuous one.' Miss Liu, you're very talented and good-looking, you know your way around household management, and you've obtained my mother's approval. You would be a good wife.Liu Xiyin's tears fell freely. My reputation is ruined, how could I bear to become a prince's wife? Your affection and your taking me as a concubine would be my good fortune, Your Highness, and I would know my place and be content, spare no effort to care for you. Please, Your Highness, you mustn't mention divorce.If Liu Xiyin didn't love Xia Yujin, then why didn't she agree to the husband Ye Zhao had arranged for her?If Liu Xiyin loved Xia Yujin, then why didn't she dream of becoming the mistress of the house, like all concubines?What fool rejected the great opportunity laid out at her feet and fought to become a concubine rather than a main wife?What did she really want?Their test had failed. Xia Yujin had trouble understanding; he thought that Miss Liu might have a mental problem or have encountered something evil, and that was why she couldn't understand things very clearly.They had to persevere when faced with an unwilling opponent. Only then could they uncover the truth.He stealthily shot a glance at Ye Zhao, who gestured at him to keep going with the plan. So he crossed his legs and leisurely said, Don't worry, even if the marquess of Xuanwu's power runs deep, the consort of the prince of Nanping will have the support of the Empress Dowager. Even if I divorce her and marry you, she won't be able to do anything to you.If I break up your great and fated marriage, Your Highness, Uncle Liu will be angry at me, Liu Xiyin said.Xia Yujin scoffed. Don't tell me General Liu doesn't know what his niece is worth? She can't do any housekeeping we've been married for six months, and not only has she not embroidered me even one handkerchief, she lords over me every day. Remembering the pressure of their wedding night, the number of his complaints immediately increased and he ruthlessly added, Not to mention he isn't even properly her maiden family. Even if he were, what right does he have to contest the termination, considering how he failed to teach her properly? Besides, I would still leave her some dignity. It wouldn't be unfair to her to divorce on the grounds that we do not get along and to take away all her dowry.His face was perfect, his words were perfect, his hateful and bitter expression was more believable than an actor's in a play. Even Ye Zhao, who knew the inside story, wondered if he was taking the opportunity to speak sincerely.Liu Xiyin believed it. She was wholly dumbfounded. Shaking her head, she threw herself down and gripped Xia Yujin's leg for a final struggle. I'm begging you, don't divorce your wife. I cannot bear the burden of this crime.Seeing that she was unwilling to speak the truth, still persistently trying to detain him, he beamed and fished out a slip of expensive paper from the front of his clothes and slowly spread it flat, then leaned over to pick Liu Xiyin up. He showed her the words written in ink on the fine paper. Look, this is a divorce letter. I and Ye Zhao have already signed it. My mother didn't say anything. Two days after Ye Zhao's packed and gone back home, I will arrange for outside lodgings for you and, later, I'll bring you back home as my wife, in a bridal sedan chair.Liu Xiyin looked it over quickly, confirming that the handwriting was real. Incredulous, she turned to Ye Zhao. He reallyXia Yujin once again slipped the precious thing back into his clothes.Ye Zhao slowly nodded. We had it drafted by someone else, but I signed the divorce letter with my own hand.The words of the Great General held enormous weight.Everything had already been set.Liu Xiyin knew that it would be impossible to do anything. She stood up, grim-faced, biting down on her lip until blood almost spilled.Seeing that the situation had changed, Xia Yujin immediately and delightedly poured oil on the fire. What is it? Are you happy to become the princess consort?Liu Xiyin remained silent.Xia Yujin waved his hand. Well? Speak!Still, Liu Xiyin remained silent.Looking at her, Ye Zhao sighed softly. What bothers you?What bothers me? Liu Xiyin let out a soft laugh, then suddenly seized the Ru ware porcelain screen of the Precious Gem Pavilion and ferociously threw it at her. Her eyes were burning with fury. You liar! she screamed, frantic and shrill. You big liar! Playing with me and abandoning me! Fickle! Untrustworthy bastard!Ye Zhao hurriedly caught her husband's precious screen. Dumbstruck, she stared as her cousin suddenly turned hostile and cursed her silly.The fright of this beautiful woman making a scene scared Xia Yujin so much that his scalp turned numb. He weakly tried to placate her. Don't get so angry, we can talk it out.Liu Xiyin grabbed the saucer from the desk and carelessly flung it at him, as though she wanted to give vent to all of the resentment in her heart. She started screaming her throat out. Who'd want to marry you, you shameless vixen! You fickle bitch!It was Xia Yujin's turn to get cursed silly.Liu Xiyin slowly let out her anger, raising her head to look at Ye Zhao. Her anger turned into sadness and the rims of her eyes gradually turned red. She didn't stop crying. Her tender and graceful mask crumbled; those were not the tender tears of a beautiful woman, this was not delicate misery, but a child who had been wronged. Word by word, she lamented, You clearly said You said you were going to marry meThe author has something to say:The first man in history to be cursed out as a vixen. What a privilege, xiao Xia!I'm gonna have to put alarms on my phone so I remember to post on time, huh.1 Lit. sh lun zhng q, an idiom from the Tang-dynasty novelThe Biography of Yingyingby Yuan Zhen, often used to refer to men's behavior as they play with a woman's affection before abandoning her.Translation.2 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ru_ware Yeah, good call putting it back, Yujin.3https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dehua_porcelain4 Lit. lin b qng y, moving lightly with lotus steps, a metaphor for women's gracefully small feet and light steps from foot binding.
