Chapter 79

"My lady..." There was remorseful tears in Pei Lian's shriveled eye sockets."Worthless." She said, "Both my lady and I are worthless."

She called the Eldest Prince to her bedside.

"My lady has no child, he has no mother, you two joining forces is the best strategy." She looked at her weakly, "My lady, from now on... he will be your son."

Pei Noble Consort seemed to be nearing her end.

The Empress stayed by her side in her final moments.

When people die, they first lose their vision, sinking into darkness.

At this time, the dying often call out for their loved ones.

Pei Lian's eyes lost focus as she sank into the darkness.

She raised her hand.

The Eldest Prince wanted to hold her hand to comfort her.

But the last person Pei Lian called for before death was not her son, but "Zhao Lang..."

"Look at me again..."

"You said we would be together always..."

"Look at me one more time..."

The Empress stood silently by the bedside for a long time.

When the Emperor rushed over after court, Pei Noble Consort had already passed peacefully.

The Empress said, "Her last words were calling for you."

The Empress had once thought that after having the Eldest Prince, Pei Noble Consort no longer loved the Emperor like before.

The only thing that could rival a woman's foolish love was the love for her child. Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ ɴ0velFɪre.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

She was wrong.

On the day Pei Noble Consort died, she finally understood—

Pei Lian loved Zhao Jingwen till her last breath.

In the morning, sunshine streamed through the windows on the beautiful spring day.

Pei Lian woke up in Zhao Jingwen's arms. Recalling last night, she was shy, sweet, and blissful.

The husband and wife got up to wash up. Handmaids brought new clothes, Zhao Jingwen took them and dismissed the maids, dressing her personally.

The hardships she suffered in her youth were now all repaid. Pei Lian felt happiness from the bottom of her heart.

Fortunately she didn't marry He Lian. She couldn't imagine sharing a bed with that cold and wooden man.

She still remembered when they were fleeing destitute on the road in her childhood, loyal servants repeatedly told her, "You are the young miss of Jian Nan Dao."

Reminding her not to forget her status.

How could she settle for a coarse military man like He Lian as the young miss of Jian Nan Dao.

Naturally, she should be matched with a refined gentleman like Zhao Lang. Who knew Zhao Jingwen looked at her with eyes full of tenderness, but suddenly lowered his head.

Pei Lian was puzzled. "Husband?"

Zhao Jingwen raised his head to glance at her, lifting his robe with one knee on the ground, kneeling before Pei Lian. He confessed guiltily, "Wife, I have wronged you."

Pei Lian was shocked and quickly pulled him up. "What are you saying?"

Zhao Jingwen held her arm but did not get up, remorsefully saying, "I, I deceived you and father-in-law."

Pei Lian stared and asked, "What do you mean?"

Zhao Jingwen lowered his head again. "Actually, I already have a wife in Deng Prefecture."

"I see." Pei Lian breathed a sigh of relief.

Zhao Jingwen raised his eyes in surprise. "You..."

Pei Lian generously said, "Father already guessed and told me."

So what.

In the past, the empress of Wei Kingdom granted her princess's wish and killed the wife of the man her princess loved, marrying him to the princess instead. They lived harmoniously as princess and son-in-law for many years.

She, Pei Lian, was the young miss of Jian Nan Dao.

If not for the rebellion, she should be the princess of Shu Kingdom.

Weren't the princesses of Jin Kingdom to the north formerly the daughters of military governors as well, same as her?

How could a man as refined as jade like Zhao Lang be buried in the countryside. It was destined that he and she, a perfect match, would meet.

Zhao Jingwen knew he had gambled right again.

Later when he reviewed the events of that day, he realized that although his reaction was already considered fast, there was still a moment of hesitation and doubt.

He wondered if Pei Ze noticed it.

But after considering, he knew the matter of his marriage to Ye Suijin would eventually come to light.

Rather than being exposed by others, he might as well reveal it himself.

Indeed, he made the right move.

He lowered his head, "I feel truly ashamed, but also feared missing the one chance in life to be with you."

Pei Lian loved these tender words the most. She loved when others regarded her as very important.

Over the past days, Zhao Jingwen had figured this out about her.

Sure enough, Pei Lian felt sweetness in her heart. She helped Zhao Jingwen up, "Husband, stand to continue speaking."

The husband and wife held hands as they sat at the bedside talking.

Zhao Jingwen guiltily said, "Lian'er, you and father-in-law are so magnanimous, I truly feel ashamed. I will go apologize to father-in-law later."

Pei Lian coquettishly scolded, "It's our wedding day, don't mention these matters. Wait a few days to bring it up. Let me mention it to father first."

Zhao Jingwen held her hand and asked, "Father-in-law really isn't angry with me?"

Pei Lian said, "What decent family is there in Deng Prefecture. And what is that wife's background anyway?"

Zhao Jingwen said, "She is from the Ye family in Deng Prefecture. The Ye family who now controls Deng Prefecture."

"I see, it's their family." Pei Lian also knew Zhao Jingwen served under the Ye family in Deng Prefecture. She asked, "What were her ancestors' ranks and titles, what grade were they?"

Zhao Jingwen shook his head. "Her family had no one who served in office throughout the Wei dynasty."

Pei Lian was fully confident. "A commoner family, how could they match my husband. Fine birds choose the best branches to perch, that is proper principle."

"My grandfather and great-grandfather were both second grade military governors who held authority by imperial decree."

"My maternal grandfather's family has hereditary first grade nobility."

"My mother was a gentlewoman in the capital."

"My lord meeting me was heaven's destiny." Pei Lian smiled. "A refined gentleman like you, how could heaven bear to let you be buried in the countryside. You and I, a perfect match in beauty and talent, were destined to meet."

Zhao Jingwen was moved and held her hand. "Lian'er, your grace and magnanimity truly match your noble status. Having you as my wife is my fortune in life."

The newlyweds went to greet Pei Ze. Pei Ze saw his daughter's face glowing like pearls and jade, lacking the frail sickly aura of the past. Her brows and eyes were full of charm and tenderness, clearly the couple was in marital bliss, which was good for her health.

Pei Ze nodded, very satisfied.

Pei Lian secretly told Pei Ze about Zhao Jingwen's confession.

Pei Ze indifferently said, "It's fine as long as you know. Tell him not to bring it up in front of me, I'll pretend to be unaware."

Pei Lian gently said, "He truly feels guilty to us and confessed early to me, not daring to deceive."

"Father, don't show any resentment towards him in the future, or he'll feel uneasy."

Pei Ze glanced at her. Complex feelings in his heart.

On the second day of her marriage, his daughter had put away her former stubbornness, arrogance and resentment. She had learned to speak gently for the sake of her husband, rather than make demands and accusations.

The maiden didn't used to be arrogant and ignorant. The maiden only knew he felt guilty towards her and she had the advantage.

Pei Ze said, "Let him settle matters over there and stay on this side from now on."

From their increased communication over these days, his son-in-law said he faced much discrimination in Deng Prefecture for being a newcomer. He was only assigned to lead troops to pursue bandits out of town.

But he had his eyes on Hekou so he seized it.

The people of Deng Prefecture failed to appreciate talent.

Pei Lian went to relay this to Zhao Jingwen.

But Zhao Jingwen lowered his head again.

Pei Lian was bewildered.

Zhao Jingwen raised his head and said, "Lian'er, although Ye family is from the countryside, we've been husband and wife for years. If I abandon her so heartlessly now, what manner of man would I be, that you'd entrust yourself to for life?"

Pei Lian was somewhat unhappy.

Zhao Jingwen said, "You are a high-born lady, daughter of a great family, and certainly capable of tolerance."

This was true. She nearly became a princess of Shu Kingdom, how could she have the same perspective as a country woman.

In prestigious families, concubines were numerous, it was commonplace. Her father only had a few people by his side now, a bit shabby.

That woman could never supersede her either.

Pei Lian lifted her chin arrogantly, proud yet tolerant. "Fine, let her stay there. Just don't bring her to this side."

Zhao Jingwen was overjoyed and kissed her cheek. "I knew you have the temperament of a main wife. Rest assured, she's in Deng Prefecture and you're in Fang Prefecture. You'll never meet."

With Jun Prefecture and Xiang Prefecture in between, there was no chance the two women would meet.

But he had spoken too soon.

Ye Mancang was especially excited. As he was actually a slave, when had he ever received such treatment?

The banquet had just begun and the atmosphere was heating up when suddenly an attendant came in to report: "The city defense official is here!"

Everyone stopped their wine cups and put down their chopsticks. Pei Ze said, "Let him in."

A general hurried in: "Sir!"

Pei Ze's expression became solemn as he asked, "What happened?"

The city defense official bowed and saluted: "Sir, someone has brought troops outside the city. He claims to be the military governors of Deng and Tang Prefectures, and has come to congratulate Miss Pei on her wedding."

There was a cracking sound as everyone looked over to see that Ye Mancang, seated at the end, had accidentally smashed his bowl and dishes, and was in a sorry state. Xiang Da's expression was also tense.

Zhao Jingwen's face turned pale white, his mind in turmoil.

The military governors of Deng and Tang Prefectures?

When did this happen?

She, she...she had already taken Tang Prefecture?

How was this possible? He had left Deng Prefecture for only a short time!

When he left, she had just become the ruler of Deng Prefecture. Shouldn't she be governing Deng properly and nourishing the people?

Zhao Jingwen felt it was unbelievable.

Pei Dingxi said, "Deng Prefecture? Brother-in-law, isn't that your current boss?"

Zhao Jingwen knew he had married Pei Lian, so he would follow her father and brother from now on, which meant bidding farewell to his original lord.

The young boy was very understanding, and advised: "There is no banquet in the world that does not end. Brother-in-law, bid farewell properly to your original lord. Let us part as good friends, so we may meet again in the future."

Wasn't He Lian like this?

When He Lian left, Father had given him ample gold. He Lian was not resentful either.

They had parted ways amicably, so that when they met again in the future, they could still greet each other as old friends.

Pei Ze asked, "How many men did he bring?"

The city defense official said, "It looks like about six hundred men."

As the army units all had fixed numbers, one could roughly estimate the number of men by looking at the rows and formations.

The city defense official presented the item in his hand: "This is the lady's greeting tablet."

Pei Ze asked in surprise, "What lady?"

The city defense official said, "The military governor of Deng and Tang Prefectures, she is a lady. Surname Ye."

"Quite extraordinary for it to be a woman," Pei Ze praised.

Six hundred men was enough to ensure safety, but not enough to attack a city. So the other party evidently did not have hostile intentions with this visit.

As Pei Ze accepted the greeting tablet, he turned to Zhao Jingwen and asked, "Did you send word to your former master? Why didn't you tell me her side already controlled two prefectures?"

With such power, if she and Zhao Jingwen could part on good terms, Pei Ze would also be willing to befriend her.

Zhao Jingwen, drenched in cold sweat, could not answer.

Pei Ze had just smiled and praised "Turns out to be a woman," when he unrolled the tablet and looked:

【The military governor of Deng and Tang Prefectures, granted authority over the two prefectures...】

These were all official titles, listed one by one, to let people know her status. This was all normal.

But below, there was also one line —

【Ye Suijin, wife of son-in-law Zhao Jingwen, pays respects】and Pei Ze's smile froze.

Pei Ze closed the tablet and asked, "Where is she?"

The city defense official said, "Already at the residence."

Pei Ze said, "Please bring her to my study."

The official responded: "Yes!"

And left with the guards.

Pei Ze stood up: "Jingwen, come with me."

Zhao Jingwen knew Pei Ze's expression had changed, but now that it came to it, he could only calmly stand up and follow along.

The others were very curious, but since Pei Ze didn't say, they did not dare to ask, and could only exchange looks with each other.

Seeing that Xiang Da and Ye Mancang had also gone out, someone encouraged Pei Dingxi: "Go listen to what's going on!"

Pei Dingxi was somewhat worried.

As his son, he could sense very clearly his father's change in aura.

Everything was fine at the start. After Father read the tablet, the whole atmosphere changed.

He said, "I'll go take a look."

And ran out.

With them gone, the adopted sons joked, "Our brother-in-law really is quite the character."

Zhao Jingwen followed Pei Ze to the side room.

Pei Ze stopped and turned around: "Zhao Jingwen."

"Your wife, the military governor Ye Suijin of Deng Prefecture, has come to our door." His eyes burned like torches as he stared at Zhao Jingwen. "Are you planning to return with her?"

"You really have outstanding taste in choosing a wife."

Pei Ze was very angry.

It was one thing for Zhao Jingwen to conceal his marital history. Changing wives and friends according to wealth and status were common affairs of the world.

But he had let them all think his wife was just an ordinary woman from the Ye family of Deng Prefecture.

Who knew she was the head of the Ye family and the military governor of two prefectures!

How could a rural woman and the military governor of two prefectures be the same!

What kind of man would take another wife after marrying a military governor.

Pei Ze was so angry he almost laughed.

From the reception hall to the side room, although not very far, it still gave Zhao Jingwen sufficient time to react.

He knelt down heavily: "Father-in-law, please see clearly, your son-in-law...has difficulties!"

Pei Ze was in no hurry either.

He had experienced great changes in his life, and was tempered. Apart from his children, he could be very patient about other matters now.

He said, "Speak."

Waiting for his dear son-in-law to give him an explanation.

"Mistress Ye," Zhao Jingwen said, "cannot bear children."

With just this one line, Pei Ze's anger dissipated by more than half: "Is that so?"

Zhao Jingwen said, "I dare not deceive Father-in-law, it really is true. Mistress Ye fought with clansmen for the family property as a daughter back then. To gain support, she drank a bowl of potent medicine that made her barren."

"I, I don't blame her. As a woman, she had no easy path."

"But, but I..." Zhao Jingwen wept, "My parents have passed in the wars, leaving only me. Father-in-law, I cannot fail in my filial duties!"

Pei Ze was silent for a long time.

What Zhao Jingwen had stated, men could understand. Among them, Pei Ze could especially empathize.

Because he was also the last one left of his family. Although exiled and not knowing whether his wife and daughter were alive, he still had Pei Dingxi.

Otherwise, with the ancestral line severed, it would be utterly unfilial.

Pei Ze asked, "So what will you do now? She has come to the door, you can only choose one. Lian'er or Mistress Ye, you decide."

But Zhao Jingwen did not choose. Tearfully, he asked in return, "If I act heartlessly today and abandon Mistress Ye, how could I not also turn cold-hearted towards Lian'er in the future?"

"Father-in-law, you should know best,"

"With Young Mistress' mother at your side, could you abandon my mother-in-law in your heart?"

"That day when I attended the ancestral worship with Mother, the incense marks on the memorial tablet were so heavy, clearly showing that Father thinks of her constantly. Father-in-law, you should understand such affections, when others do not."

Pei Ze was stunned for a long time, before letting out a long sigh.

This son-in-law really was just like him.

His daughter simply didn't understand these convoluted and entangled feelings. She always resented him for abandoning her and her mother, forgetting her mother in his heart.

That wasn't the case at all. Not one day had he forgotten his deceased wife.

It was he who had failed her.

Pei Ze's eyes grew moist.

He took a deep breath. His anger had dispersed, and he was about to speak, when there were sounds from the reception hall. Hurried footsteps ran away.

Zhao Jingwen whipped around.

"Ignore it," Pei Ze said. "Must be Xiao Xi."

It was Pei Dingxi outside.

He was Pei Ze's only son, the heir. Righteous and aboveboard, he had gone to eavesdrop. Who dared to stop him?

Hearing everything, the child was immediately furious, but didn't dare to burst in.

Angry, he ran to the back and found Pei Lian, repeating everything he heard to her verbatim.

Pei Lian was also quite shocked.

"That woman controls two prefectures? She was conferred the title of military governor by the Jin Emperor to oversee the two prefectures?" She asked repeatedly.

Pei Dingxi said, "It sounded like it."

He was angry: "Not only does he have a wife, he's also a dependent son-in-law."

Pei Lian sighed, "He is destitute and helpless, it can't be helped. You have never suffered, so you don't understand."

"I didn't expect the other side to have such an outstanding woman. I always said a man of jade and jewel like Zhao Lang was beyond match for an ignorant country girl."

Pei Dingxi stared wide-eyed: "Sis, you, you knew he had a wife already?"

Pei Lian gave a faint smile: "He didn't hide it from me."

This was beyond Pei Dingxi's comprehension. Knowing he had a wife already, why wasn't Sister angry?

Men were like this. The younger they were, the less tainted by the mundane world. This was why boys were cute, children were cute.

Grown men each had their own hatefulness.

Pei Lian said, "I just didn't expect her to be so incredible. This is good too, so I'm not shamed."

She stood up.

"She has come all the way from afar to Fang Prefecture, of course it is to see me."

"I shall go meet her."

"Alright, I won't force you to choose. Just remember, my daughter will not serve one husband with another woman." Pei Ze stood up. "You wait here first. Let me go see her first. You stay here and think it over. I'll call you when I'm ready."

Pei Ze left.

Zhao Jingwen took a deep breath.

He didn't want to make a choice in front of Pei Ze. That's because he had already decided who to choose - Ye Suijin.

Because compared to Pei Lian, Ye Suijin would be harder to appease. He had to focus on Ye Suijin first.

As for Pei Lian, she was too easy to appease.

He was confident he could persuade Pei Lian to agree to two wives serving one husband.

Pei Ze's footsteps were steady as he entered the study. "Esteemed guest, please excuse my tardiness. I hope you can forgive me."

There was a woman standing in the room, with a handsome young guard by her side.

Upon hearing Pei Ze, the woman turned around.

With just one glance, Pei Ze sighed inwardly - his son was no match for her.

Although Ye Suijin of Deng Prefecture was young, she had neither the naivety of a young maiden, nor the narrow-minded weakness of a woman confined to her inner chambers. Her eyes were like a cold pond, deep and unfathomable.

Her brows furrowed with a domineering aura.

She was someone who had experienced storms and tribulations.

After all, she was the wife of two military governors.

What Pei Ze didn't know was that when Ye Suijin turned around and saw him, she was also surprised. She remembered that Pei Lian's father Pei Ze was clearly an old man.

But the Pei Ze before her now, although he had the air of experience between his brows, he was...in his prime.

When Ye Suijin returned to life, she saw Duan Jin as just a child.

Even seeing Zhao Jingwen, he was still young and inexperienced, his schemes not deep enough.

She did not expect that the annoying old man who left a deep impression on her, was actually a mature, refined, dignified man in his prime...a peer.

Back then she didn't feel it, but looking now, she was too young back then.

Ye Suijin bowed, "Lord Pei".

Pei Ze returned the bow, "Lady Ye".

He did not invite her to sit, because with today's matter, it was not something that could be discussed while seated.

So when Ye Suijin entered, she was also standing with her hands clasped.

Ye Suijin asked, "Does Lord Pei know the reason for my visit today?"

Pei Ze asked, "Could it be to take Zhao Jingwen away?"

Ye Suijin smiled. "Lord Pei has misunderstood. I've come specially to offer congratulations upon hearing that you've found a good son-in-law."

Duan Jin opened the box he was holding and presented it.

Inside the box was a piece of paper.

Pei Ze picked it up and glanced at it.

It was a bill of divorce.

The writing was neat, the format was correct, and it had the seals of the household registration office and county magistrate of Biyang County.

It was completely legitimate with legal effect.

Although nowadays in many places there was turmoil and collapse of morals, official government did not exist, marriage contracts were void, and agreements invalid.

But this piece of paper represented Ye Suijin's attitude.

Ye Suijin was divorcing Zhao Jingwen.

Pei Ze looked up. "Lady Ye, this is..."

Divorce was different from separation. Or rather, divorce was a mandatory separation - in certain situations, regardless of whether the parties involved agreed or not, they had to separate.

Among the situations where divorce was applicable according to Wei laws, Ye Suijin felt that her situation with Zhao Jingwen fell under Article Six:

[When a husband marries his wife or concubine to a prison warden or sells his wife or concubine.]

But Zhao Jingwen was her son-in-law and she was the wife. So their situation could be reversed from a normal husband and wife.

That's right, Ye Suijin had decided to sell off her son-in-law Zhao Jingwen.

"He's just a son-in-law. Since your daughter is fond of him, I'll give him to her," Ye Suijin said sincerely.

"He's just a man, not worth damaging the friendship between the Ye and Pei families."

"Lord Pei, my visit today is specifically to see you."

"With Jingwen marrying your daughter, our families are connected by marriage."

Ye Suijin looked earnestly at Pei Ze.

"Lord Pei, matters between children are trivial, let's set them aside."

"Instead, how about you and I join forces to take Xiang Zhou?"