CHAPTER 330: CHAPTER 330: DECISIVE DIVORCE

"Happy as it is, one wonders how much more suffering she will endure. She was never valued in the Prince Mansion, and now that she has openly embarrassed Prince Zhan with her daughter, I fear there will be more turmoil ahead. I have long advised her to divorce, yet she can’t bear to leave her children in hardship at the Prince Mansion, so she stays. But over the years, she gains nothing good, only suffers greatly."

"Embarrassed Prince Zhan? What happened?"

Lin Wanyi was quite puzzled.

The Fourth Princess Consort then recounted the incident of Yu Wenjie taking Princess Consort Zhan and the children to the Empress Dowager’s Dowry Villa.

"It’s all about returning to the Prince Zhan Mansion. Prince Zhan has longed for their return, naturally intending for Prince Sang Deng, a good son-in-law, to visit the mansion. But unexpectedly, Jie’er grew quite resolute and took the children and Wanying straight to the Empress Dowager’s villa without knowing how long they will stay."

"Prince Zhan is embarrassed. Do you think he will treat Wanying well?"

The Fourth Princess Consort showed a look of disdain.

After hearing the whole story, Lin Wanyi finally understood.

Wasn’t it said before that the Princess of Heqin had the most gentle and forbearing temperament?

How could such an occurrence happen upon her return?

Those unaware outsiders naturally think that she just returned to Shengjing City with her husband and children, so she should visit the Prince Mansion.

Meet old friends, and incidentally fulfill filial duties.

But who would have thought that at this time, the mother and daughter would leave the Capital City? Isn’t it clearly preferring to stay outside rather than return to the Prince Mansion?

But now relying on the Empress Dowager’s influence, Prince Zhan naturally dares not say anything.

What happens after they return, after the Western Di Envoy leaves?

These hardships will still be borne by Princess Consort Zhan alone in the inner residence.

Unless she has long planned to break ties with Prince Zhan, leaving no room for emotion.

Thinking of this, Lin Wanyi couldn’t help but wonder.

"It’s really strange. Prince Zhan and the Princess Consort don’t seem like husband and wife but rather adversaries. Even with their legitimate children, it’s as if they are enemies. What has happened here? Could it be like my family, where things are unfairly skewed?"

Lin Wanyi, having suffered such, naturally understood the bitterness contained within.

Yet even when their main branch separated, they had to cover up family scandals to the outside world.

But this Second Princess Consort seems to leave no room for emotion.

She even wishes everyone knows that she and Prince Zhan are in opposition.

Such an attitude forces Lin Wanyi to think more deeply.

Even if she did not ask, the Fourth Princess Consort would have spoken.

Therefore, the entire old story was told.

Thus, Lin Wanyi learned about the past affairs concerning Princess Rongkang.

It truly stunned her.

"Humph, isn’t it all still Princess Rongkang’s fault? The matter back then wasn’t significant. The legitimate son of the Rongchang Marquis Mansion was never mixed up with the concubine; he was merely dizzy and sought to rest, who knew she happened upon the moment the concubine was undressing him, which made it a public spectacle."

"Let scandal be but the Rongchang Marquis Mansion did err. Before the wife was brought home, the concubine was promoted, naturally inciting Old Prince Zhan’s anger. The Rongchang Marquis Mansion thus fell from grace, and the Shunyi Earl Mansion was dragged down as well."

"The most wretched was Wanying, whose life was thus ruined in the tiger’s den of Prince Zhan Mansion."

Saying this, the Fourth Princess Consort shed a few tears for her sorrowful sister.

Lin Wanyi quickly consoled her upon seeing this.

"Godmother, don’t grieve. What we should be concerned about now isn’t just Princess Consort Zhan’s future days but whether Princess Sangden has hidden reasons for resolutely breaking ties with Prince Zhan."

Her words woke the Fourth Princess Consort.

Though she wasn’t intimately aware of court matters, she understood the interconnected nature of things.

Being prompted by Lin Wanyi, her worried expression immediately replaced her sadness.

"I’ve heard from Prince that the celebration was initially meant for the Crown Prince of Western Di to come, but for unknown reasons, Prince Sang Deng was sent last-minute, bringing the Princess Consort and two children along. Could there be insider news unknown to us?"

Lin Wanyi silently considered, pondering.

Changing personnel at the last minute is akin to switching generals before battle.

Such decisions aren’t made unless absolutely necessary.

So, perhaps something has happened in Western Di, prompting such actions.

Thinking of this, Lin Wanyi felt the urgency to remind the Emperor.

But upon reconsideration, whatever she could think of, the Emperor is likely aware of.

Thus she said, "It’s probably best to approach Princess Consort Zhan, as mothers and daughters are connected at heart. If Princess Sangden knows insider details, she would likely share them with her mother."

The Fourth Princess Consort nodded. This trip, it would likely take ten days or half a month.

She would have to wait for Princess Consort Zhan’s return before seizing the chance to inquire.

The two speculated here, while Princess Consort Zhan and Yu Wenjie sat in the carriage, not idling.

Their hands had not released each other since getting in the carriage.

As for Bu Rao and Haji, they sat in the rear carriage with Yu Wen Jia.

Yu Wen Jia was known as a notorious good-for-nothing, yet he managed to charm the two children quickly with his skills, having them circle around him.

Just hours ago, they had never met.

It shows his adeptness!

Princess Consort Zhan, sighing deeply, worriedly said.

"Indeed, there’s no need to hurry, lest it gives your father leverage against you? You’ve only returned a few days; why rush?"

"Humph, mother, don’t defend such unworthy people anymore. Prince Zhan Mansion is Prince Zhan Mansion; we are us. Daughter returned partially for work and partly for you."

"For me?"

"Yes, mother. You and brother should accompany me to Western Di, and formally divorce Prince Zhan. It’s better than lingering here, seeing how you’ve suffered makes your daughter heartache."

Princess Consort Zhan was truly taken aback by her daughter’s words.

Regarding divorce, it was something she had pondered.

But having endured year upon year, it was all for the children.

Now, ecstatic for Yu Wenjie’s bright future, Princess Consort Zhan felt genuine joy.

But Yu Wen Jia remains unsettled.

With his current reputation, if he loses the status of Prince Zhan Mansion’s legitimate son, good families may be even less willing to marry their daughters to him.

He cannot remain a bachelor for life?

Considering this, Princess Consort Zhan decisively shook her head.

She then spoke.