Chapter 606 - 572: Severing Ties Completely (Part 2)

Chapter 606: Chapter 572: Severing Ties Completely (Part 2)

After speaking, he got up and knelt before Xu Guangfu and Mrs. Xu.

Already recovering from illness, his face appeared pale, yet it revealed a genuine and sincere expression.

His performance, whether in speech or action, was indeed excellent.

If Xu Jia hadn’t lived an additional lifetime, she might have been moved.

However, the words "taking a concubine" stabbed Xu Guangfu’s heart. He had said so to his wife before—one wife and one concubine are sufficient, no more women in the courtyard. But now...

Thinking of this, Xu Guangfu glanced specifically at his wife.

Mrs. Xu seemed unaware of his gaze, still sitting quietly, but her mind recalled that scene from the morning—

The Emperor had bestowed two excellent concubines, elevated to become Aunt Cao and Aunt Huo. Last night, Xu Guangfu stayed in Aunt Cao’s courtyard.

Early this morning, Aunt Cao was late in paying her respects. By the time she arrived, Mrs. Xu and Aunt Huo had been waiting for half a day. Aunt Cao kept apologizing, saying she didn’t intend to be late, but was really exhausted from last night, resting only after midnight, and couldn’t get up in the morning.

Hearing this, Aunt Huo almost tore her cloth in anger.

Mrs. Xu used to have a very harmonious relationship with Aunt Chang, and they were as close as sisters. Even during the years when Aunt Chang was favored, she never showed off like this in front of Mrs. Xu.

This Aunt Cao was arrogant on her first day entering the mansion, but she was bestowed by the Emperor and could neither be easily dealt with nor too severely punished. Because of this, Mrs. Xu was in a bad mood early in the morning and still felt a fire burning within her.

Clearly, anyone who claims they wouldn’t take concubines must either be delusional or smooth talkers accustomed to sweet-talking.

If Jia’er lived with such a person, who knows how bitter her days ahead would be.

Thinking of these things, Mrs. Xu spoke with a cold face, "Let’s not discuss other matters for now, but just focus on your current situation, regardless of your reasons. Your reputation is already spoiled. Do you want my daughter to live a life where she’s constantly pointed at and criticized?"

Without waiting for Tang Yuan to respond, Mrs. Xu continued, "You might explain things clearly to the government office, or to us here, but how will you change the many people’s bad impression of you outside?"

The mother-in-law’s words were too sharp, leaving Tang Yuan speechless.

"Moreover, due to this incident, your career prospects are certainly affected. Forget about promotions; just keeping your current job is considered good. You’ve put yourself in such a dire situation—how will you support my daughter in the future? Do you expect to live off my daughter’s dowry?"

"I won’t." Tang Yuan said, "Mother-in-law, trust me; I will absolutely not treat her unfairly."

Mrs. Xu sneered, "You said the same when you came to fetch the bride from our home, but what happened afterward? Even if taking a concubine is a lie, nobody wronged you for neglecting my daughter for over a month, right?"

Tang Yuan was speechless again.

Mrs. Xu, very angry now and not wanting to waste words with him, directly fetched the prepared divorce letter, "Things have escalated to this point; there’s no more to say. There’re just two paths: either you sign and seal to make the divorce letter effective, or our family will acknowledge the divorce letter as true. Make a choice, Second Young Master Tang, and give us a straightforward answer quickly!"

Tang Yuan’s mind exploded with a buzz.

Though the divorce yesterday was witnessed by many, as Xu Jia’s parents weren’t present, it could barely be explained as a minor couple’s conflict. But now, it was suggested by the mother-in-law herself—either divorce, or be divorced.

Tang Yuan couldn’t imagine losing Xu Jia and Marquis Zhenxi Mansion as his support, wondering how he’d still hold his ground in court in the future.

He regretted more than ever, inadvertently casting a hopeful glance towards Xu Jia, begging her to abandon past grievances for Tang Yong’s sake and return home with him.

Xu Jia would not have it, "Second Young Master, did my parents not speak clearly, or is your mind incapable of understanding?"

Tang Yuan: "..."

"When I proposed a divorce, you said, "either you divorce me, or I’ll request to step down; divorce is impossible." Now the opportunity is in my hands, and I’m much more lenient, giving you a chance for divorce; otherwise, it’s a termination. Judge it yourself."

Tang Yuan looked pained, "They say a couple’s bond lasts; are you truly so cold-hearted and merciless?"

Xu Jia remained silent.

Tang Yuan glanced at his young nephew, "Moreover, Yongyong doesn’t have parents; he can’t possibly leave you."

Xu Jia found his desperate struggle amusing, "Even at this point, is there a need to play the family affection card? You know I’m not Jiang Qingyu and won’t let emotions prevail. The child thrived during the years without me."

Xu Shu could no longer listen, slapping the tea table loudly and glaring, "Tang Yuan, choose between divorce or a termination letter, quickly give a straightforward answer. In such cold weather, does anyone enjoy accompanying you in playing house here?"

Tang Yuan felt disheartened.

Trying everything from yesterday till now, Xu Jia showed no kindness; he was helpless, ultimately choosing to sign and seal the divorce letter.

When he picked up the divorce letter, Xu Jia’s lips curved slightly, "After all, we’ve once been married; Second Young Master’s falling into such a state makes me, the former wife, feel uncomfortable. I specially asked my father to arrange a backup for you. From now, Second Young Master needn’t face others’ gaze in Capital anymore. Suzhou’s Bronze County lacks a County Magistrate; since you don’t know how to manage your courtyard, why not try managing the people?"

Suzhou lies at the border, with harsh weather, mountains, and poor water sources. Sent there would be both physical torment and mental challenges.

This woman’s heart is truly dark.

Such continuous blows made Tang Yuan seem to age decades instantly.

Clutching the divorce letter, he could only tell her: Thank you.

Thank her for letting him experience the bitterness of his self-inflicted consequences.

Thank her for letting him understand the pain of regret after losing a loved one.

Thank her for making him feel as if his bones were gouged and his heart unearthed, completely heartbroken.

He bid farewell to everyone respectfully, taking his young nephew’s hand to leave.

It seemed only now did Tang Yong realize his second aunt wouldn’t accompany them; he shook off Tang Yuan’s hand, ran towards Xu Jia on the armchair, tears streaming down, "Second Aunt, why aren’t you coming with us?"

Xu Jia stroked his head, softening her tone, "I’m tired."

"We have a carriage." Tang Yong pointed outside, repeating eagerly: "Second Aunt won’t need to walk."

"Be good." Xu Jia pried off the little paws on her arm, "You go with your second uncle first, and I’ll visit you when I have the chance."

Tang Yong wanted to say more, but Tang Yuan’s stern voice interrupted, "Yongyong!"

Tang Yong was startled, looking timidly at his second uncle.

Tang Yuan took a deep breath, "There’s still matters at home; let’s go."

"Second Uncle..."

"Without Second Aunt, you still have Second Uncle." Tang Yuan again held his small hand, the two quickly disappearing from the Western Marquis Mansion.

From marriage to completely cutting ties with Tang Yuan, it was seemingly just over a month, but Xu Jia endured lifetimes, now finally free, she exhaled deeply, looking at Xu Guangfu and Mrs. Xu, "Father, Mother, thank you for speaking for me."

Nowadays, most parents treat married daughters as outsiders. When these matters arise, it’s natural they blame the daughters, believing it’s their incompetence unable to secure a man’s heart resulting in trouble.

Thankfully, her parents weren’t narrow-minded.

Thankfully, she still had a chance to repay and treat them well.

——

Tang Yuan couldn’t bring Xu Jia back, holding only a divorce letter and the news of being assigned as County Magistrate in Suzhou.

Mrs. Qiao was utterly shocked, "How did it come to this?"

Tang Yuan moved his parched lips, "It’s what I owe her."

"Second Young Master, how could you agree to divorce?" Mrs. Qiao scolded loudly, "Do you know that without your father-in-law’s support, you..."

"Mother, don’t say more." Tang Yuan wished not to dwell on matters related to Western Marquis Mansion. Regret, nobody regretted more than him, but if regret was effective, he wouldn’t have returned with just a divorce letter.

In the afternoon, Tang Wenji opened the ancestral hall, gathered the clan, and explained the misunderstanding regarding Tang Yuan’s "taking a concubine".

Though Tang Yuan claimed it was a misunderstanding, this incident damaged the Tang Family’s reputation, affecting many’s interests. The clan’s resentment towards him only grew.

Tang Yuan, seeing the clan’s fierce eyes, couldn’t help but smile bitterly.

Perhaps going to Suzhou really was a suitable choice.

Taking two days to rest, Tang Yuan made arrangements through connections, visiting Jiang Qingyu in Shuntian Prefecture prison alone.