Chapter 39: Yunxiu – I Am Determined to Divorce Him

“Miao Ge’er, this is your aunt.”

Lin Guilan walked over and led Jiang Zhimiao forward.

No wonder she had found the woman familiar when she saw her on the street earlier – it was because she resembled her father!

“Miao Ge’er, your father, mother, and aunt have matters to discuss. You should return to your room to rest.” Lin Guilan guided Jiang Zhimiao while glancing at the two children Jiang Yunxiu had brought along. “These are your older brother and sister. Greet them and ask if they’d like to accompany you back to the room to rest.”

Jiang Zhimiao immediately understood her mother’s meaning. Sensibly addressing the two seemingly shy children, she said: “Brother, sister, the adults have matters to discuss. Let’s return to our rooms to rest!”

The two children were quite handsome themselves. Though initially timid around strangers, seeing how kind such a young child like Jiang Zhimiao was, they gradually let down their guard and followed Jiang Zhimiao back to the room.

Jiang Zhimiao blinked at Lin Guilan, signaling that she could rest assured. Jiang Yunxiu watched in astonishment, her mouth agape, as Jiang Zhimiao led her two children back to their room.

“Nian Chen, sister-in-law, if I remember correctly, Miao Ge’er isn’t even three years old yet…”

Lin Guilan smiled awkwardly: “This child is quite precocious. You’ll get used to it, sister. Don’t worry – Miao Ge’er may be small but has an old head on young shoulders. She can take good care of the boy and girl. We can focus on our discussion.”

“I’m causing you trouble with this visit,” Jiang Yunxiu began. “But my mind is made up – I am determined to divorce him. Although he has treated me well over the years, my mother-in-law has always been harsh toward me, taking his side no matter what happens. I only persisted this long because he seemed honest and simple… Now that he’s been involved with a prostitute, even though he’s crying and begging me not to divorce him, I know him better than anyone. Though he’s pretending to be pitiful now, if I give him any leeway, he’ll surely repeat his mistakes. After all these years of suffering in his family, I’ve become completely disheartened and don’t want to entangle myself with him anymore. Moreover, his involvement with a prostitute is damaging to our reputation. Now that Nian Chen has earned his Scholar title, I don’t want him to have such a brother-in-law affecting his reputation.”

Jiang Qingshi looked at his twin sister’s calm face and suddenly felt somewhat dazed. Over all these years, Jiang Yunxiu seemed to have always been like this, never changing.

Jiang Yunxiu had been famous since childhood as the most beautiful girl for miles around. When she just reached the age of fifteen, marriage suitors nearly wore out the Jiang Family’s doorstep. When Old Master Jiang told her to marry, she calmly chose Wei Kun – the most honest man with reasonably good family circumstances. Jiang Qingshi knew Jiang Yunxiu had no feelings for Wei Kun; she simply chose him because he seemed honest, treated her with the most patience, and was the best option after comprehensive comparison. Furthermore, one condition of her marriage to Wei Kun was that he had to give her a sum of money privately. She secretly passed this money to Jiang Qingshi, who initially refused to accept it, feeling it was no different from his sister’s selling price. Taking money from her husband’s family to give to her brother would only make his sister looked down upon by her in-laws.

But Jiang Yunxiu insisted that Jiang Qingshi accept the money. Looking directly into his eyes, she said with great determination.

“Nian Chen, only when you achieve success will our siblings have hope for the future. We can’t rely on anyone else—only we siblings can fully trust each other.”

Over these years, it was only thanks to Jiang Yunxiu’s financial support that Jiang Qingshi managed to persevere. Old Master Jiang held no affection for him whatsoever. Had he not used money to cultivate connections everywhere, he might not even have been able to participate smoothly in the Imperial Examination.

This Jiang Qingshi—before marriage, he depended on his elder sister; after marriage, he relied on his wife. To call him a freeloader wouldn’t be an exaggeration in the slightest.

Now that his sister mentioned divorce, from Jiang Qingshi’s perspective, he couldn’t utter a single word of objection. His sister had protected him so fiercely back then; whatever she decided to do now, he would support her unconditionally.

Moreover, he had always felt that Jiang Yunxiu was an exceptionally rational person. She had never harbored any feelings for Wei Kun. Initially, finding Wei Kun acceptable, she could make do with the marriage. Now that she deemed Wei Kun unreliable, she resolutely sought divorce.

“Nian Chen, I hope you can help me,” Jiang Yunxiu stated her purpose directly. “I want both children to stay with me. Although this will be difficult, if I divorce Wei Kun, the Wei family will surely welcome a new bride—possibly that courtesan. I cannot leave my children in the Wei household to be bullied.”

“This is indeed quite challenging,” Jiang Qingshi pondered. “But sister, since you’ve asked me, Nian Chen will spare no effort to make it happen.”

Jiang Yunxiu nodded. She knew there was no need for lengthy explanations with her brother—he had always been a man of his word.

Though Lin Guilan hadn’t yet grown accustomed to the pragmatic dynamic between these siblings, seeing how late it was and that their discussion was largely concluded, she invited Jiang Yunxiu to rest.

“Sister, it’s getting late. Why don’t we continue discussions tomorrow? For now, please settle peacefully in our home. Even if Wei Kun tries to find you, he’ll have to tread carefully here in Jiangping.”

“Alright, thank you, sister-in-law.” Jiang Yunxiu looked at Lin Guilan. “Ever since I married away, you’ve been taking care of my brother. Though he possesses some talent and intelligence, he lacks in many daily matters. Having you by his side puts my mind at ease.”

Lin Guilan smiled. “Sister, we’re all family here—no need for formalities. Why say such things? As fellow women, please rest assured we’ll stand firmly by your side.”

Jiang Yunxiu nodded. “Very well, thank you, sister-in-law.”

Jiang Yunxiu’s two children were named Wei Danqing and Wei Sichan. Wei Danqing, the elder brother, had just turned five, while Wei Sichan, the younger sister, was not yet four—close in age to Jiang Zhimiao.

Although Jiang Zhimiao appeared younger than them, her actual mental age was far more mature. To her, these two children seemed like mere toddlers. Though the children felt anxious about being suddenly taken from the Wei family by their mother, it was evident they both relied heavily on Jiang Yunxiu. They were well-behaved and sensible, never questioning why they left home or where their father was.

Particularly Wei Danqing—despite his young age, his bearing already showed a brother’s sense of responsibility. He constantly watched over his younger sister. After just two days together, he had extended his protective care to even little Jiang Zhimiao.

Jiang Zhimiao was going to attend the Wei family’s private school. Jiang Qingshi had spoken with Wei Fengling, arranging for Wei Danqing and Wei Sichan to join as well. Jiang Qingshi simply introduced them as his sister’s children. Given Wei Fengling’s excellent relationship with the Jiang Family at the time, he naturally agreed without hesitation.

One day, after finishing his rounds at the shops with nothing else to do, Wei Fengling offered to escort the three children home. He turned into the Jiang residence with familiar ease, humming a tune as he pushed open the courtyard gate. The moment he entered, his eyes fell upon a beautiful woman hanging laundry in the yard. Wei Fengling froze on the spot.

Jiang Zhimiao knew full well that Wei Fengling had been utterly captivated by Jiang Yunxiu when he saw her on the street that day. Today, he had intentionally guided Wei Fengling to drop him off, hoping to give him another glimpse of Jiang Yunxiu. After all, Jiang Yunxiu was soon to be divorced—why not let them get acquainted early? Uncle Wei had passed his personal vetting—his character was absolutely reliable!

Jiang Zhimiao watched the scene unfold with keen interest, like a satisfied badger in a melon patch. Seeing the usually eloquent Wei Fengling struck speechless for so long, Jiang Zhimiao decided to step in.

“Uncle Wei, this is my aunt.”

“Aunt… Aunt…” Wei Fengling stammered nervously, “No, no—since she’s Miao Ge’er’s aunt, that makes her Nian Chen’s sister. May I ask how I should address this madam?”

“No need to call me madam.”

Jiang Yunxiu smiled. She was naturally an ice-cold beauty; even when she smiled, the warmth never quite reached her eyes.

“You may call me Miss Jiang.”

“Miss… Miss Jiang.” Wei Fengling grew even more nervous. “Alright, then I’ll call you Miss Jiang.”

Jiang Yunxiu smiled again. “I’ve heard Nian Chen mention you. You must be the young master of the Wei family, the wealthiest in Jiangping County. Nian Chen said you’ve been very kind to him. That child has had a hard life since he was young. Though he loves studying, our family never supported him. Fortunately, he’s determined and has friends like you to help him.”

Wei Fengling scratched his head. “If I recall correctly, Miss Jiang, you and Nian Chen are twins, aren’t you?”

Jiang Yunxiu nodded. “That’s right.”

“But…” Wei Fengling chose his words carefully, “You speak as if you’re several years older than Nian Chen, almost like… an elder.”

Jiang Yunxiu paused. “Do I?”

Jiang Zhimiao nodded vigorously from the side. He had noticed it these past few days too—this aunt of his seemed mature beyond her years. Though she was younger than his mother, she spoke with the gravity of an elder, clearly someone who carried many worries.

“Perhaps Miss Jiang has many concerns weighing on her mind.”

When Jiang Zhimiao brought Wei Danqing and Wei Sichan to study together, he had already hinted to Wei Fengling that his aunt was planning a divorce and was staying with their family. Thus, Wei Fengling had some understanding of Jiang Yunxiu’s current situation.

“That’s why there’s a heaviness of melancholy between your brows. Once these matters are behind you, Miss Jiang will likely appear more carefree and bright-eyed.”

“Thank you for your kind words, Young Master Wei.” Jiang Yunxiu nodded toward him. “I hope I can soon see the clouds part and the moon shine through.”

Crash!

Just as Jiang Yunxiu finished speaking, a loud noise came from the courtyard gate. Everyone in the yard turned to look in that direction.

Jiang Zhimiao glanced over and couldn’t help but feel surprised—he hadn’t seen these people in a long time.

Old Master Jiang, Feng Shi, along with the two brothers Jiang Wenjiang and Jiang Wujiang, their wives Cao Cuiying and Yuan Yuexian, followed by a man of average height with slightly dark skin who appeared rather frail.

“My, living in such a fine residence now. Jiang Laosan has truly made something of himself,” remarked Yuan Yuexian, her eyes sweeping over the house with undisguised envy. “Jiang Laosan is truly blessed to have married such a capable wife. I’ve heard your shop does excellent business, sister-in-law—sometimes people queue all morning without guarantee of service. Now Jiang Laosan has followed you to become a city dweller too.”

“Yuan Yuexian, what nonsense are you spouting?” Jiang Yunxiu set down the wooden basin and stepped forward, her delicate willow-leaf eyebrows drawn tightly together. “My brother now holds the Scholar title and achieved Top Scholar in the Academy Exam. Even the county magistrate treats him with respect. If you keep spewing such filth, you ignorant woman, I’ll douse you with this basin!”

“Oh my, I didn’t notice earlier—isn’t this our married-off young mistress?” Yuan Yuexian deliberately adopted a sarcastic tone. “We traveled all this way to the city, making numerous inquiries just to find Jiang Laosan’s whereabouts, all for our dear young mistress. Young mistress, are you dreaming of a second spring now that Jiang Laosan has made something of himself? Have you abandoned your original husband? Staying at your brother’s place—are you planning to remarry? Oh my, look at this gentleman holding Jiang Yunxiu’s two children. Jiang Yunxiu, have you already found your next man so quickly?”

Jiang Yunxiu directly flung the basin’s water fiercely at Yuan Yuexian, who couldn’t dodge in time and got drenched from head to face. Yuan Yuexian hastily wiped her face, and before her vision cleared, she scrambled to claw at Jiang Yunxiu with both hands and feet.

Wei Fengling stepped forward and immediately restrained Yuan Yuexian’s limbs.

“You adulterer!” Yuan Yuexian screamed. “Do you think Jiang Yunxiu is some prize? She’s just worn-out shoes others have used! She hasn’t even been divorced yet, and you’re eager to pick up these discarded shoes!”

Jiang Qingshi had been studying in his room when he heard the commotion outside. Setting down his book with a frown, he emerged and immediately understood the situation upon seeing the scene before him.