Chapter 1.1 - Divorce (Second Marriage to Eastern Palace)

 

Chapter 1.1: Divorce

“She smiles and asks how painful it is to part in this world.”

“A heartless lover, too cruel to express.”

“Longing that cannot be fulfilled…”

A soft, melancholic voice echoed from the courtyard, accompanied by the sound of a pipa, weaving a tapestry of heartache that felt intoxicating, soaking into the heart and constricting the soul.

“That country girl still has the face to listen to such songs, what a shameless wench!”

A carriage stopped outside the alley, separated from the sorrowful melody by just a wall.

A woman stood next to the carriage, cursing under her breath. Dressed in a tea-colored spring outfit and wearing her hair in a round bun, her sharp features made it clear she was not to be trifled with.

She cast an irritated glance at the tall walls of the courtyard, holding back her frustration, unable to express her anger fully, so she muttered a complaint to show her dissatisfaction.

The singing in the courtyard continued, its soft tones carrying the unique charm of Jiangnan women, filled with a vague, unexplainable grievance that pierced to the bone.

The maid, Fang Ling, could no longer bear it, but her mistress in the carriage remained unmoved.

Cui Wenxi sat quietly inside, listening to the feelings expressed in the performance.

The song told the tale of a woman in a boudoir waiting for her lover's return, separated for too long, filled with longing and wild imaginations.

Being alone in her boudoir brought her moments of joy and self-pity.

Accompanied by the weeping pipa, the woman's tangled feelings were vividly portrayed.

Cui Wenxi had not listened to such performances in a long time, and today’s unexpected tune felt quite pleasant.

She maintained her dignified posture, sitting upright with her hands resting on her knees, even her earrings remained still.

After some time, Cui Wenxi finally said, “Let’s go back.”

Outside, Fang Ling was stunned and asked in surprise, “Are you really just going to leave like this, my lady?”

Cui Wenxi did not respond.

Fang Ling sighed and shot a harsh glare at the courtyard before ordering the driver to head back to the manor.

On the way, Fang Ling, still unsatisfied, leaned closer to the carriage window and whispered, “Why don’t you go inside and have a look at that country girl? A good scolding would do her good.”

Cui Wenxi slowly lowered her head, her gaze falling on her delicate hands.

Her fingers, untouched by labor, were slender and soft, adorned with a finely crafted ruby ring, well-maintained.

She scrutinized the pale color of her nails, feeling they seemed dull next to the ring, and said, “When we return, dye my nails a bright red.”

Fang Ling was confused, “???”

Cui Wenxi adjusted the flower pin in her hair and added, “Don’t bring this up again.”

Fang Ling outside fell silent.

She knew her mistress was composed, but it was perplexing that even after the prince had brought home a pregnant country girl to raise in a side courtyard, the lady remained so calm, not causing a scene.

“My lady…”

“This matter should not be mentioned again.”

Fang Ling could only resign herself to silence.

Inside the carriage, Cui Wenxi seemed a bit weary, her back, which had been rigid for so long, slowly relaxed. She quietly leaned against the wall of the carriage, her expression neutral.

The song she had just heard truly resonated with her.

In this feudal era, could one really expect to be with a partner for a lifetime?

Married to Prince Zhao for seven years, she had once felt happy, believing she had a good man who cherished her like a precious jewel, understanding the challenges she faced as a woman.

She thought her life had been smooth sailing, being born as the eldest daughter of the Duke’s household and then being courted by Prince Zhao, even swearing lifelong vows before her parents.

That vow document still lay in her mother’s hands, beautifully written, every word imbued with sincerity.

It had made the noble ladies of the capital envious.

Her parents were pleased with the match, and she was too.

Yet, alas, as the saying goes, “What is full must become empty.” Fate played a cruel joke on her—seven years of marriage without a child.

For a woman, and especially in this patriarchal society, that was a disaster.

She had sought medical help from her family, but to no avail.

Not having given birth was her greatest fault as a woman, and now her husband, Prince Zhao, had brought home another woman from Wei Prefecture, secretly placed in a side courtyard, pregnant.

She had been unaware until her maid, Fang Ling, gathered this information from elsewhere.

Curiosity gnawed at her; she wanted to know what kind of woman could win her husband’s heart, so she came to take a look.

Little did she expect that upon arriving at the back door of the side courtyard, her interest would dissipate.