The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 2)

Chapter 64 - Refusal

Previously, he had repeatedly spoken about divorcing Song Linlang. It wasn't just empty words spoken in anger; he truly meant it. He was tired of living in constant fear under the Song family's pressure and exhausted from having to consider Song Linlang's feelings every time he favored a concubine. With Song Linlang's infertility and her giving birth to what he deemed an unlucky star, his resolve only grew stronger.

But now that Song Linlang was dead, he understood that divorce was out of the question.

Divorce would mean giving up her dowry and attendants, including Nanny Wang and Nanny Zheng. Nanny Wang and Nanny Zheng had despised him for years and, if released, would undoubtedly expose the arsenic incident without relent...

After much contemplation, he swallowed his pride, forcing himself to respectfully bow to Old Lady Song and Third Master Song, suppressing his anger as he spoke. "Although I had some disagreements with Linlang, it was never to the point of seeking divorce... If Linlang were alive, she would certainly not agree with Mother-in-law's and Brother-in-law's decision..."

Old Lady Song, furious beyond words, let out a cold laugh. She felt that in her long life, she had never encountered someone so shameless. Finally recovering from the initial shock of Song Linlang's death, her mind cleared, and she asked, "Not to the point of divorce? Then what's the meaning of this letter? And what about the nonsense from the shaman about Mingzi being an unlucky star? You went so far as to consider offering your daughter's life to spare that of your illegitimate son, and you still claim Linlang had no intention of divorcing you?"

As Xiang Yunzhi tried to respond, Old Lady Song cut him off, unwilling to entertain his excuses further. "Enough! Spare me your empty words. This letter is written in Linlang's own hand. If you refuse to acknowledge it, we might as well take this divorce case to court."

Who dared go to court against the Song family? A lawsuit would publicize their irreparable conflict, making his strained relationship with the Song family known to all!

Xiang Yunzhi struggled to withstand Old Lady Song's ruthlessness and sighed, deciding to compromise. "Honored Mother-in-law, you've come a long way and must be exhausted. Why not rest for a bit... I'll bring Nanny Wang, Nanny Zheng, and the others to you tonight."

Seeing that Old Lady Song didn't immediately refute, he felt slightly more confident and continued, "You haven't met Mingzi yet... Why not rest at your quarters, and then you can meet her as well."

Old Lady Song raised her hand to stop him, her eyes still fixed on him. After a brief silence, she nodded. "You're right. I'm getting old and my eyes aren't what they used to be; I won't manage without some rest."

When she saw Xiang Yunzhi's face brighten, she gave a cold smile. "But I won't be staying here. Since we've decided on divorce, what business do I have staying in the Prefect's inner quarters? We have a house in the city, maintained regularly. Let's not drag this out; I'll send someone to pick up the attendants later, so make sure they're well looked after."

With Song Chuyi's support, Old Lady Song climbed into the carriage and collapsed onto the pillow, closing her eyes in exhaustion. But before long, she straightened up again.

Song Chuyi took the tea prepared by Yushu and handed it over to her grandmother, watching as she drank, and then softly said, "Grandmother, we must make arrangements. By evening, I fear we might not find any of Aunt's attendants left."

Old Lady Song understood the implication. Xiang Yunzhi's attitude was drastically different from usual. For someone so proud and unwilling to bow his head, to now be compliant—it would be foolish not to suspect something.

Song Chuyi reminded her, "I think Aunt's death might not be as simple as it seems..."

Old Lady Song's eyes widened, her body tensed as if it could snap at any moment, her expression unusually solemn. "What do you mean?"

She had been so immersed in grief, focused solely on seeing her daughter one last time, crying until her mind was nearly numb. Given that Song Linlang had always been frail and that Yunshang had even said she might not live much longer, she hadn't suspected anything unusual. But now, with Song Chuyi's words, a chill spread across her body—if Song Linlang's death wasn't straightforward, that meant she hadn't died of illness. Then what had happened?!

"We all know Aunt's health was poor, and she might not have lasted much longer..." Song Chuyi hesitated briefly, then continued, "But Lord Xiang insisted on removing everyone from Aunt's side and even refused to let Cousin out... The most telling thing was that I saw Uncle's reaction when we demanded the attendants—it was as if he was deeply guilty."

Old Lady Song grasped Song Chuyi's meaning immediately. Resisting her emotions, she barely waited until they reached their residence before calling the Third Master over before even stepping off the carriage. "Third son, go and find out which physician attended to Linlang before she passed."

Third Master looked at Old Lady Song in shock, not immediately processing her words. Once he understood, his heart boiled with a mixture of rage and disbelief. After a moment, he finally responded, "Yes," and went to arrange for the investigation.

Meanwhile, Lady Xiang sat at the table, her eyebrows sharply raised as she ate breakfast—her usual frugal meal, consisting only of preserved egg and lean pork congee, barley porridge, and two small dishes of vegetables. Pushing the dishes aside, her wrinkled face twisted with added bitterness as she turned to her son, Xiang Yunzhi, who sat downcast before her. "What did they say?"

Xiang Yunzhi, his voice weak, glanced at his agitated mother and repeated, "They want to be the first in Great Zhou to divorce the dead. They told me to prepare Linlang's dowry and to let them tally up the bride price..."

Lady Xiang laughed in anger. "She really thinks her daughter is gilded! As if anyone would want a dead person lying around in their home. Since that's what they want, why don't you just let them take that woman in the coffin away?! If we're going through with a divorce, why keep her here, bringing misfortune upon our household?"

"Oh, Mother!" Xiang Yunzhi grew anxious. "Your words are pointless! If I'd said that, they'd have torn me apart on the spot! They said that if I don't return Linlang's attendants, they'll take it to court. They'll accuse me of taking her dowry... I'm a government official—if I go to court over this, how will I survive?!"

Lady Xiang scowled and shot him a glare. "If you'd listened to me back then, we wouldn't have all this mess! Now you see the trouble of dealing with their power and money pressing down on us, don't you?"

Seeing Xiang Yunzhi hanging his head, she softened slightly, reaching out to poke his forehead and scolding, "You're supposed to be an official—are you a fool?! Now that Song Linlang is dead and they insist on divorce, then let it happen. But Xiang Mingzi doesn't bear the Song name; once the divorce is settled, Xiang Mingzi rightfully belongs to our family!"