Chapter 9 If It Were a Divorce…

Chapter 9 If It Came to Divorce...

How could such a thought even cross her mind? Zhu Yinluan herself was startled by the realization.

From the small quarters of the Zhu family’s side courtyard, she had unquestioningly married into the Wei household, following her family’s arrangements—so many years had passed since then.

She had worked tirelessly to secure the stability she now had. How could she consider running away? If she left the Wei family, where would she go? Would she even have a place in the capital?

Though this household was cold, it was still her home.

Yet she couldn’t understand—if this was her home, why was her elder sister here, sitting in the seat that should have been hers?

That was *her* place. Before Zhu Chentan had taken it, had her mother-in-law or Wei Ruzuo said a word to suggest it was inappropriate?

Probably not. After all, Pang Shi had treated Zhu Chentan with such warmth—something she had never shown Zhu Yinluan...

"Madam, you’ve finally returned. Today, Mrs. Luo came to visit the mistress and mentioned it was your birthday, bringing gifts for you. The kitchen had long prepared the meal, but since you didn’t return, and the mistress couldn’t delay her medicine and mealtime, they started without waiting for you."

Seeing her expression fall, Yun Mama stepped forward to explain and console her, while a maid nearby brought a chair and place setting.

Because her usual seat had been taken by Zhu Chentan—who showed no intention of vacating it—Zhu Yinluan could say nothing in front of Wei Ruzuo and Pang Shi. After curtsying, she had no choice but to take a seat for guests.

It was supposed to be *her* birthday, yet no one had waited for her. She hadn’t returned late—in fact, she was early.

They simply hadn’t cared enough to wait.

"Sister, you look unwell. What’s the matter?" Zhu Chentan feigned concern.

But her words only fueled Pang Shi’s anger toward Zhu Yinluan. Before she could respond, Pang Shi began scolding her in front of Zhu Chentan.

"Lucky it’s your elder sister. If it were any other guest, how would they view our Wei family with you sulking like this?"

"Mother-in-law is right to reprimand me. I merely feel unwell and hold no resentment or disrespect toward my elder sister." By the time Yun Mama spoke, she had already hidden her disappointment perfectly, her manners impeccable.

But why had her elder sister said that? Just to provoke Pang Shi into scolding her?

Zhu Yinluan instinctively glanced at Wei Ruzuo, but he remained silent, merely observing the scene.

This made her feel even worse. What had she even expected? In all these years, had Wei Ruzuo ever defended her in front of Pang Shi? Never.

The weight of dejection pressed upon her, yet she forced herself to keep up appearances and continue the meal.

"I’m glad Sister isn’t upset. I feared you might resent me for coming uninvited!" Zhu Chentan smiled brightly.

"Elder Sister came with kind intentions to visit Mother-in-law. How could I possibly blame you?" Zhu Yinluan managed a weak smile before lowering her head to eat.

Pang Shi grew more annoyed at her silence.

Compared to Zhu Chentan’s eloquence, Zhu Yinluan’s awkwardness was painfully obvious.

Throughout the meal, Pang Shi and Zhu Chentan did most of the talking, with Wei Ruzuo occasionally speaking up. Zhu Yinluan stayed silent.

After dinner, Zhu Chentan soon got ready to leave.

Zhu Yinluan rose to see her off alongside Wei Ruzuo, but Pang Shi stopped her, leaving her to watch as Wei Ruzuo and her elder sister walked out together.

Their figures standing side by side were a sight she had seen often back in the Zhu family—they looked good together. Even now, years later, they still looked... right together.

Pang Shi’s harsh voice snapped her back. "It’s been days since you last done your duties properly. Where have your manners gone?"

Zhu Yinluan had no idea what had displeased Pang Shi this time and remained silent.

Yun Mama, noticing her distress and knowing it was her birthday, wanted to speak up—but how could a servant intervene when the mistress was furious?

"Zhuo Geer has been home these past days. Instead of trying to please your husband, you mope around like a dead thing. What exactly do you want?" Pang Shi demanded.

Zhu Yinluan truly didn’t understand. She had only been out for a day—what had she done to deserve this scolding? If it was about earlier, was it really worth such anger?

Though the impulse to talk back flickered within her, years of obedience kept her quiet.

Besides, arguing would only escalate things.

"Speak!" Pang Shi’s voice rose sharply.

Zhu Yinluan lifted her gaze and quietly admitted, "I am at fault."

"Saying you're wrong isn't enough if you don’t change!"

Pang Shi’s dissatisfaction grew. Both were daughters of the Zhu family—even if not born of the same mother, Zhu Yinluan was still Lord Zhu’s blood, raised under Lady Zhu’s care. How had she ended up so... timid and useless?

Rumors said Zhuo Geer had been back for days, yet their bedroom had never requested water—didn’t that mean they hadn’t consummated?

And that pale appearance of hers—hadn’t the imperial physician declared her fine?

Seeing her chance, Yun Mama served Pang Shi tea, easing the tension slightly.

After sipping, Pang Shi’s tone became slightly gentler, though her arrogance remained. "I heard you moved that maid Fang Zhongyue into the inner chambers and raised her wages?"

"Yes." Zhu Yinluan replied succinctly.

Pang Shi studied her but saw no sign of her true feelings.

"Does Zhuo Geer mind having her there?"

Since Pang Shi already knew Fang Zhongyue had been moved inside, she surely knew Wei Ruzuo’s stance.

She was being tested—trying to read her intentions through her words.

After years in the Zhu and Wei households, she recognized such tactics.

"Husband is often overwhelmed with work and suffers headaches. She massages his soreness for relief."

"And the raise was on his orders."

"Oh?" Pang Shi asked for more details.

"Husband heard of Fang Zhongyue’s family’s difficulties and asked me to increase her wages as aid."

"Hm." Pang Shi’s acknowledgment showed she approved of her response.

"If Zhuo Geer doesn’t reject her, he likely intends to make her a concubine. Since he trusts your judgment, you’ll handle it."

Handle what exactly?

For her to prepare their first night together?

Wei Ruzuo cares for her? Over the past six months, they’d barely exchanged words. She couldn’t feel even the slightest hint of his regard.

How could Pang Shi claim Wei Ruzuo cared for her? Zhu Yinluan had to restrain herself to keep her emotions from showing.

“What, you’re unwilling?” Pang Shi didn’t receive an eager response and snapped.

“No, you’re overthinking it, Mother.” Her voice was very soft.

Pang Shi snorted coldly. “If you agree, then handle this matter properly. I know you’re unhappy inside. Every wife wants her husband’s undivided attention. But how many years have you been in our Wei family? Count it yourself. After all this time, you’ve shown no sign of pregnancy. If this drags on, when will it ever happen?”

“Even your two younger sisters-in-law have given birth, while you’ve produced nothing.”

Zhu Yinluan couldn’t speak, only thinking inwardly: The royal physicians and healers all said that conceiving an heir is a matter for both husband and wife. If her body was sound, why didn’t they have her husband examined?

But she didn’t dare say it. If she did, Pang Shi would surely reprimand her harshly.

She was drained—worrying why Wei Ruzuo took so long escorting her elder sister out and not returning, while also having to deal with Pang Shi.

“This daughter-in-law understands.”

Pang Shi spoke a few more words before letting her leave.

She happened to meet Wei Ruzuo on his return. He glanced at her.

It was just a passing glance.

Yet, for some reason, Wei Ruzuo caught a flash of hurt and sadness in her eyes, and it unsettled him.

“Did Mother give you trouble?” he asked.

Zhu Yinluan wouldn’t complain behind others’ backs—that would only make things hard for Wei Ruzuo.

She shook her head. “Mother-in-law just gave me some instructions. She didn’t scold me.”

Wei Ruzuo had just seen her distress. Earlier, while escorting Zhu Chentan out, she’d been weeping and whispered that they were never meant to be, urging him to treat her younger sister well.

Strangely, when he looked at Zhu Chentan, in the moment she lowered her head to dry her tears, he’d seen a ghost of Zhu Yinluan.

But Zhu Yinluan wasn’t like this—she rarely cried.

Lost in this reflection, he had lingered under the corridor after seeing Zhu Chentan off, waiting for Zhu Yinluan. After all, today was her birthday. Waiting a bit longer was nothing; it wouldn’t take much time.

Sure enough, she emerged, walking slowly with her maid.

“If she didn’t scold you, why do you look so wronged?”

“I’m not wronged. I’m just not fully recovered from my illness, so I’m tired and unwell.”

Why was he suddenly concerned about her? Had he said something to her elder sister that would make him feel guilty? Zhu Yinluan’s thoughts spiraled chaotically.

She wanted to suppress such notions but couldn’t control her emotions.

“If you’re ill, you should go out less,” he said.

Zhu Yinluan didn’t respond.

Thinking of the opera she had watched earlier and the bowl of longevity noodles she had eaten, her heavy heart lightened slightly.

“This is your elder sister’s birthday gift for you.” Wei Ruzuo handed it to her.

“Did you thank her on my behalf?” she asked.

“I did.”

Zhu Yinluan accepted the gift.

“My court duties have kept me occupied lately and I forgot today was your birthday. I’ll arrange for gifts to be sent later. What would you like?” Wei Ruzuo asked.

He spoke flatly, and Zhu Yinluan’s response was even more so.

Her thoughts drifted far away. On her first birthday after marriage, Wei Ruzuo had remembered—he gifted her a pearl hairpin. In their second year, when they’d grown closer, he carved a hair ornament for her himself. She cherished it too much to wear often. In the third year, he forgot. And this year…

He had forgotten again.

Perhaps because he had forgotten last year, or because she had already braced herself, hearing him admit it now didn’t hurt as much as she expected.

She realized she’d stopped expecting anything.

“Why aren’t you speaking?” Wei Ruzuo frowned.

Zhu Yinluan had always been quiet, but today, her quiet was unnerving.

“Are you resentful?”

Zhu Yinluan shook her head. “I was only reflecting on birthdays. It’s no different from any other day. Your government work takes precedence. As for gifts… there’s no need.”

“Why?” Wei Ruzuo was even more puzzled.

Did Zhu Yinluan not want a birthday gift from him? She had clearly been hopeful before.

Just like when she first entered the household—her gaze had sought him out first. How could Wei Ruzuo not sense her expectations and dependence on him?

That was why her words now confused him.

Zhu Yinluan said softly, “Though the shops have been doing better these years, the family coffers aren’t overflowing. With the dowries given to your two younger sisters upon their marriages, and the higher your official rank rises, the more expenses there will be—keeping up with noble circles costs dearly. I want for nothing. I still have clothes and jewelry. There’s no need to trouble yourself with purchases.”

“So that’s the reason.” Wei Ruzuo knew Zhu Yinluan was frugal.

Though he appreciated it, he still frowned and said, “However strained our finances may be, don’t pinch pennies till we become laughingstocks.”

Zhu Yinluan understood his meaning—was he saying she was cheap?

If she didn’t economize, Pang Shi scolded her. If she did, he accused her of being petty.

She was at her wit’s end.

Seeing her downcast face and sickly pallor, Wei Ruzuo, remembering it was her birthday, decided not to press further.

But then Zhu Yinluan spoke first—with something utterly unexpected.

“Do you like that servant girl?”

Wei Ruzuo froze, staring at her calm, silent profile. “What did you say?”

This bluntness wasn’t like Zhu Yinluan.

“Do you like Fang Zhongyue?” she repeated, this time specifying the girl.

“What do you mean by that?” He studied her face—it was still Zhu Yinluan’s, yet her meaning eluded him.

Zhu Yinluan held his gaze briefly before looking away. "I've been married into the Wei family for years without getting pregnant. Today, my mother-in-law asked me to stay behind and inquired whether you objected to that young maid. If not, she wanted me to arrange everything—to bring her into the household as your concubine."

"So you're upset because of what Mother said?"

Was she jealous?

It was rare for Zhu Yinluan to show such emotion. Previously, whenever his mother suggested taking in a concubine, she had been excessively obedient, always agreed without question, and even passing along Madam Pang's words to him.

Wei Ruzuo had usually refused these suggestions before, but this time...

Had she become jealous because he showed some closeness?

A woman's jealousy was unattractive, and besides, his mother was right—she hadn't gotten pregnant for years, which was indeed problematic.

Yet, seeing Zhu Yinluan's despondent expression, he felt strangely happy.

Even so, Wei Ruzuo kept his feelings hidden.

Instead, he asked, "How did you respond to Mother?"

"What?" This time, it was Zhu Yinluan who was confused.

"How did you answer Mother? Did you say I objected or not?"

Zhu Yinluan did not conceal much, recounting her earlier conversation with Pang Shi.

Her reply was perfectly proper, yet Wei Ruzuo disliked it.

"So, you mean to obey Mother's words?"

Zhu Yinluan was baffled and could only look up at him.

Had she answered wrongly?

Meeting his angry expression, she instinctively averted her eyes after a moment.

Seeing this, Wei Ruzuo found her even more timid and dull.

Without another word, he stormed out with his servants.

Leaving Zhu Yinluan to watch his disappearing back alone.

Back in her courtyard, after her evening ablutions, Wei Ruzuo did not return—apparently for the night. The young maids had all left, and Ming Ya, who was on night watch, couldn't help but complain to her.

She spoke ill of Wei Ruzuo, complaining bitterly on Zhu Yinluan's behalf.

As she went on, she couldn't resist adding, "If not for that incident with the eldest young lady, why would you have to put up with this in the Wei household?"

"If you hadn't married into the Wei family, you'd be much happier."

"Really?" Zhu Yinluan murmured, sleepless.

"Of course! In my eyes, you are the best person—the best lady there is!"

Gentle in nature and good at managing things.

Jiao Hui, who had just entered with bedding, overheard and nodded in agreement with Ming Ya. "I also think you're wonderful, miss."

She even changed how she referred to him, saying, "Young Master Wei isn't worthy of you."

Hearing this, Zhu Yinluan couldn't help but laugh. "I'm not that wonderful."

If she were truly so good, why did no one care for or love her?

Her birth mother had passed early, her father ignored her, and her stepmother and elder siblings—well, they were kind enough not to bully her.

"Miss... have you considered divorce?" Jiao Hui suddenly asked.

Zhu Yinluan froze, and Ming Ya fell silent.

"The Wei family treats you poorly, always making you unhappy. Why don't you consider divorce?"

"You have successful businesses and know how to manage a business. With money, you could support yourself. So why rely on the Wei family, putting up with this treatment for nothing in this miserable situation?" Jiao Hui said frankly.

Ming Ya didn't mention divorce but praised, "Jiao Hui is strong and speaks her mind."

"Miss... I think what she says has merit, but..." Ming Ya hesitated.

Zhu Yinluan remained silent.

She completed Ming Ya's unspoken words in her mind—but if she divorced, where could she go? Would society still accept her? Would her father and stepmother leave her in peace?

Yet, if she truly followed Jiao Hui's suggestion and divorced, she could escape the Wei family, free from all this...

At this thought, she felt not fear, but a strange feeling of freedom?

"I shouldn't have said that. Please don't be angry, miss." Seeing her silence and distressed look, Jiao Hui quickly apologized.

Zhu Yinluan shook her head. "It's fine."

"My feelings are the same as Ming Ya's—I think you're wonderful, worthy of the best matches in the capital, not the Wei family, who don't appreciate you."

Ming Ya laughed. "The finest gentleman in the capital would have to be Heir Shen of the Marquis's household. By your words, is our lady good enough for him?"

Jiao Hui, however, said seriously. "She is."

Ming Ya grinned and agreed. "Yes, she is."

Zhu Yinluan brushed it off, telling them to get some sleep and not to talk foolishness.

"..."

When the messenger pigeon arrived at the inner courtyard of the Marquis Shen's residence, an attendant entered the study and reported to the handsome man working at his desk.

After listening, Shen Jingzhan responded with a noncommittal hum.

The attendant couldn't help but ask, "Lady Zhu is sharp. For the eldest young master to suggest divorce..."

And even bring up those points—"Aren't you afraid she might suspect something?"

If she grew suspicious, wouldn't all our planning be for nothing?

Between the opera troupe and the longevity noodles earlier, and now this matter at night—the timing was dangerous.

Shen Jingzhan paused, his lips quirked slightly. His expression showed no trace of worry, only a quiet amusement.

"Then let's see if she actually grows suspicious..."