nucmednet Chapter 250 (The End) - The End
Chapter 250 (The End) - The End
After seeing Fang Heng off, Zisu said, "His wife must have given him money."
Prince Duan smiled and nodded: "Yes, that should be the case. Alas, how could his father and mother be so unreliable! The heir of the dignified Marquis of Zhongxin is actually a penniless pauper!"
If he had married Zisu back then, he would never have been short of money. Unfortunately, he ended up with such an unreliable mother. His mother had a generous dowry, but she almost sent her son to jail for accepting bribes.
Because of this, Fang Heng became even more self-disciplined than before, never accepting a single penny of money from his subordinates or anyone else. Over the years, he remained remarkably honest and incorruptible, which earned him the respect of even Prince Duan.
This man is selfless and devoted to the country and its people, sparing no effort; he is truly a good official. Moreover, he is of excellent character, always speaking and acting with tact, and has never uttered a single inappropriate word to Zisu. Otherwise, why would he have paid any attention to Fang Heng all these years, allowing him free access to the Prince Duan's residence?
If Fang Heng had been even slightly less than decent, Prince Duan would have utterly humiliated him; how could he possibly consider him a worthy friend? Prince Duan was neither foolish, nor soft-hearted, nor fond of smoothing things over. His willingness to accept Fang Heng demonstrated that Fang Heng was indeed impeccable. He was both a pillar of the state and a worthy friend.
Since Prince Duan, Shangguan Mufeng, and Yu Zhe all retired to the countryside, Fang Heng has almost always taken the initiative to help resolve any issues these three families or their relatives and friends have with the government. Of course, this is on the premise that they haven't broken the law. Otherwise, Fang Heng is known for his impartiality.
After several flower shows, Zisu and Tianxiang gradually became familiar with each other and felt quite compatible. Of course, Fang Qiong and Yunduo played a significant role in bridging the gap between them.
The Fang family and the Prince Duan's residence gradually became much closer, and the two families would visit each other whenever there was an important event. Their interactions were not much different from those of ordinary relatives.
Ying disagreed.
On this day, Zisu held a flower party at the Prince Duan's residence, inviting more than twenty relatives and friends to attend. Tian Xiang was one of the invitees; she gladly went, went happily, and returned happily.
Ying snorted coldly and mocked, "You're such a fool! Don't you know that Princess Duan and Heng'er almost got married? You're so stupid, you were used and you're even helping them count their money!"
Upon hearing this, the scene fell into an eerie silence.
The maids and old women present were all terrified.
Tian Xiang was stunned for a moment, then realized what was happening and, for the first time, angrily shouted at her mother-in-law: "What are you doing? Trying to sow discord? Is this how a mother should act? Could it be that you think my husband and I are living too happily, so you're trying to ruin it?!"
His voice was extremely sharp, and his gaze was like a knife aimed at Ying.
This mother-in-law is so unreliable. Does she really want her son and daughter-in-law to fight? It's truly a tragedy for her husband and Fang Qiong to have such a mother. If their mother-in-law had been more reliable back then, her husband wouldn't have lost Princess Yulin and wouldn't have been single for over ten years.
More than ten years! My husband was only twenty-five back then, and he didn't end his single life until he was over forty. Luckily, he was a man, so he could have taken in maids. Otherwise, making such a grown man stay single for over ten years would have ruined his health, wouldn't it?
However, despite her husband having taken two maids as concubines, over the years, as the Minister of Personnel and the Left Chancellor, he had no wife to help him cultivate relationships with other ladies and young women. It was quite inconvenient, to say the least. Furthermore, her mother-in-law had a history of accepting bribes, which made her very uneasy.
Fortunately, Yun Duo and Fang Qiong can help him fend off some social obligations. Otherwise, as a high-ranking official, he would have had enough troubles over the years. Without a capable wife to support him, life must have been very difficult.
As a mother, doesn't the mother-in-law feel sorry for her son?!
Upon hearing her daughter-in-law's words, Madam Ying was stunned.
This daughter-in-law has always been very obedient and respectful. What's wrong with her today? Did she take the wrong medicine?
"What are you doing? Do you want to die, or do you want to be divorced?!" Madam Ying shouted at her daughter-in-law.
This is outrageous! How dare a daughter-in-law speak to her mother-in-law like that! If we don't teach her a lesson today, who knows what kind of trouble she might cause in the future!
Tian Xiang snorted coldly: "I'm still young, of course I want to live, and I want to live a long, long life! As for divorcing me? That's not up to you. If the Prime Minister hears about what happened today and says I should be divorced, then I have nothing to say!"
However, she believed that her husband wouldn't be so confused.
When Ying saw that she dared to talk back, she was furious and roared, "Then you just wait! When Heng'er comes back tonight, you can expect to come home with a letter of divorce!"
Tian Xiang could no longer bear it and mocked, "My husband is so pitiful to have a mother like you! No wonder Princess Yulin abandoned you so decisively back then because of you! Not to mention Princess Yulin, even I can't tolerate you! If you can persuade my husband to divorce me, I will definitely not beg for mercy and will obediently leave with the divorce papers!"
She simply couldn't believe Fang Heng would be so foolish. After being single for so many years, and finally married, less than three months later, he was already thinking of divorcing her because of his mother's nonsense. If that's the case, then this husband isn't worth having at all!
Hmph! Anyway, she's already pregnant. If she's divorced, she'll raise the child herself, nurture it well, and help it grow up. When the child is older, she'll still have someone to rely on. Besides, her dowry is quite substantial; as long as she doesn't squander it, supporting the child's education and participation in the imperial examinations won't be a problem at all.
This morning, she was diagnosed with a one-month pregnancy. Her husband went on a business trip, and she hadn't had a chance to tell him yet; she was originally going to tell her mother-in-law, but who knew her mother-in-law would stir up trouble. Oh well, since that's how it is, she'll keep quiet for now. She'll wait and see how her husband treats her before deciding whether to tell him.
Enraged, Madam Ying uttered harsh words: "Very well, you unfilial and disrespectful wretch, then you just wait and see, wait for my son to come back and divorce you! Now, get out of here right now, I don't want to see you again!"
Tian Xiang gave a cold laugh: "The one who should get lost isn't me. This is my home!"
Ying was taken aback, then stomped her foot hard: "Let's go!"
Surrounded by maids and servants, she stormed off.
This daughter-in-law used to seem quite obedient, but today she's revealed herself to be an ill-mannered wretch! Luckily, she discovered it today, otherwise her precious son would have been forced to spend his life with such a vile woman! Her good son, a high-ranking official, could marry any woman he wanted! Divorce this wretch, and tomorrow her son can marry a fifteen-year-old virgin!
That evening, Fang Heng returned to the Marquis's residence and found the atmosphere strange. From the gatekeeper to the sweeping maids, everyone seemed a bit odd.
He took off his big wool coat, and Tian Xiang silently stepped forward to take it and helped him hang it up.
Fang Heng felt that his wife seemed strange, so he couldn't help but ask, "Xiang'er, what's wrong? Could it be that something happened at home?"
Just as Tian Xiang was about to answer, a maid called out from the doorway, "Prime Minister, the Old Madam has something urgent to discuss with you. Please come over!"
Fang Heng frowned. "What's the rush?" He'd just gotten back and hadn't even had a sip of hot tea yet, and his mother was already sending someone to fetch him. This wasn't quite right. What could be so urgent?
Maid: "Prime Minister, this servant does not know." "Prime Minister, this servant dares not speak!"
Fang Heng then looked at his wife and asked, "Xiang'er, what happened at home?"
Tian Xiang's expression turned somewhat sorrowful: "Probably, they want you to write a letter of divorce and send me back to the Tian family!"
Upon hearing this, Fang Heng was greatly shocked: "How could this be? Why would I divorce you?" He waved his hand and said to the maid, "Alright, go back and tell her I'll be there soon!"
The maid dared not object, respectfully agreed, and left to carry out the order.
Fang Heng then said to his wife, "Tell me what happened!"
Tian Xiang sighed and recounted the events of the day in detail.
Fang Heng's face was extremely ugly: "What exactly is she trying to do? Why not just enjoy her life? What is she trying to do?! Hasn't she caused enough trouble in her life?!"
It wasn't that he was biased or gullible; he simply knew his mother's character very well. What his mother had said to his wife today was exactly what his mother had told him yesterday. Besides, his wife had no reason to lie about such a thing.
Tian Xiang quickly brought him a cup of tea: "Don't be angry, have some hot tea first!"
Fang Heng was thirsty, so he took the teacup, tested the temperature of the tea, and found it to be just right, then drank it all in one gulp. Then he said to his wife, "Don't worry, I'll investigate this matter thoroughly. If you weren't lying just now, I definitely won't divorce you! Of course, if you lied too, or if you're trying to sow discord, then don't blame me for being impolite!"
He wouldn't allow either his wife or his mother to sow discord. It hadn't been long since he'd finally decided to get married; his wife had always behaved well, and he was very satisfied with her. If she deliberately tried to cause trouble today, he wouldn't be truly sincere towards her in the future.
He would never allow his mother to sow discord. After all, he had missed out on Zisu back then because of his mother. Over the years, whether it was his sister's wedding, Yunduo's wedding, or Rufeng's wedding, his mother had never used her dowry, only giving his sister and Yunduo a symbolic dowry.
Otherwise, why would he have become penniless after giving his wife a betrothal gift? Why would he always have Prince Duan pay for his meals when they went out to eat? Even when he ate at the Good Days Restaurant, Jiang Shichang took pity on him and didn't charge him.
To be honest, he didn't have much affection for his mother anymore. Over the years, every time she acted out, his feelings for her faded a little. He couldn't even remember how many times she had acted out over the years.
Her husband's words sent a chill down Tian Xiang's spine, but she quickly regained her composure. She hadn't uttered a single lie, nor had she intended to sow discord. Therefore, she wasn't afraid; she had a clear conscience. If her husband still suspected her because of this, then she could simply divorce him!
Jin'er is absolutely right. Women need to be self-reliant and independent. There's no hope if you rely solely on a man! Hmph! Anyway, she still has so much dowry. Even if she leaves the Fang family, she can still live a good life!
His wife's composure made Fang Heng feel a little better.
Good, his wife is still a good one, that's good! Divorce her? What a joke! He's been single for over ten years, and now that he's finally married, divorcing her during their honeymoon would make him a laughingstock!
Fang Heng arrived at his mother's place. Before going to see her, he spoke with several people and learned the truth. His wife hadn't lied; his mother had deliberately caused trouble.
When Ying saw him, she cried and rushed over, “Son, you’re finally back! I can’t go on living! That slut is no good. You should divorce her right away. Don’t let her ruin your life! Divorce her, and I’ll find you a fifteen-year-old virgin tomorrow. You’re a high-ranking official, you don’t need to worry about not finding a wife!”