"For many years, I have stayed in the General's Mansion, taking care of the old lady and my two children. I believe I have done nothing wrong to anyone, but I really don't want to continue living this life of being apart so often."

Let's stop our years of friendship here.

Qu Jingyun gave a bitter smile, her expression somber.

"I know that General Shen has made great contributions to guarding the border over the years. It seems inappropriate to propose a divorce at this time. But I have worked hard in the capital over the years, even if I have not made any great contributions."

"Regarding the last rebellion, His Majesty said he would reward his wife. Let this decree of divorce be considered a reward."

"Are you sure you want a divorce?" the Emperor asked again.

Seeing Qu Jingyun nod firmly, he couldn't help but take another look.

He sighed deeply: "You and General Shen have been loving for many years, and you are a model of a loving couple in the capital. I am sorry for the years we were separated. Now that we have finally overcome our hardships, why make things worse?"

Qu Jingyun scoffed inwardly as she listened to the Emperor's words of regret.

He still doesn't know what he's thinking.

"I requested the imperial decree for our marriage back then so that we could both be happy. Now I am asking Your Majesty for a decree for divorce, which is also for our happiness. I hope Your Majesty will grant my request."

Qu Jingyun bowed slowly, her expression showing no hesitation.

The emperor saw this and a strange feeling rose in his heart.

There was even a hint of excitement in it.

He was now eager to know what Shen Yunting's expression would be if he knew about this.

After all, the person in front of you is someone the other party went through a lot of trouble to marry.

After a long silence, he spoke: "I can grant you a decree of divorce, but there is one condition."

"Your Majesty, please speak."

"This matter must be approved by General Shen. If he insists on not divorcing, I cannot force him. After all, General Shen is a meritorious official. After guarding the border for many years, he returned only to find himself separated from his wife and children. This is truly unbearable, and it is difficult to explain to the generals and soldiers," the Emperor earnestly advised.

Qu Jingyun did not press the matter, but simply said, "Your Majesty, I understand. I will naturally obtain your consent."

The Emperor finally drafted the imperial edict for divorce and bestowed it upon Qu Jingyun.

After seeing Qu Jingyun put it away, a hesitant expression appeared on his face.

In the end, they said nothing.

Watching Qu Jingyun's departing figure, he couldn't help but ask, "These two have always been loving and have two sons and a daughter. Now that Shen Yunting has returned, it should be a time for the family to reunite. Why would she... Is there some kind of conspiracy involved?"

"Perhaps Lady Shen can no longer bear the days of separation," the senior eunuch speculated.

The Emperor nodded knowingly: "That does indeed resemble her personality."

He tapped his index finger on the table, his thoughts returning, and suddenly said, "Go and investigate whether something happened to General Shen on his way back."

A "Yes" came from the dark corner, and then there was no more sound.

The moment Qu Jingyun received the imperial decree for divorce, she felt a sense of relief for some reason.

She looked up at the plaque of the General's Mansion, gently patted the imperial edict on her chest, and stepped inside.

But then Xiao Liu rushed over in a panic: "Madam, the young master has woken up."

Upon hearing this, Qu Jingyun quickened her pace and ran towards Chen Cong's courtyard.

When she reached the door, she slowly stopped and waited until her breathing calmed before straightening her clothes and opening the door.

He looked up at the window, his expression calm.

He was nowhere near as anxious as he had been just moments before.

"Did you come here to laugh at me?" Shen Cong didn't even glance at her, just staring blankly ahead.

"You are my child. What good would it do me to laugh at you?" Qu Jingyun scoffed and retorted.

"It turns out we were wrong, you were right. You can laugh at us all you want now, isn't this what you've always wanted?" Shen Cong said through gritted teeth.

"Do you think I want to see you make a fool of yourselves?" Qu Jingyun laughed angrily.

"What kind of mother am I in your eyes? If I didn't want you to be happy, I wouldn't have given birth to you in the first place, would I?"

“But you abandoned us for five whole years.” Shen Cong finally turned his gaze to Qu Jingyun.

“I’ve already said it was an accident, not something I wanted. I had amnesia, and it took me a lot of effort to regain my memories.”

Qu Jingyun stopped talking mid-sentence and gave a self-deprecating laugh.

"Why am I saying all this? You wouldn't believe me anyway."

She looked at her son in front of her, and a dull pain inevitably welled up in her heart.

Finally, he spoke, "I've already asked about your performance in the Divine Machine Camp. Their evaluation of you is good, so you don't need to go anymore."

"Why?" Shen Cong looked at Qu Jingyun with disbelief.

"Didn't you want me to give you a good beating in the Divine Machine Camp? Are you satisfied now?"

“I’ve looked at your previous assignments, and perhaps studying literature is more suitable for you,” Qu Jingyun said patiently.

"You've seen my homework?" Shen Cong frowned.

Suddenly remembering something, he quickly asked, "Did you read my article?"

Seeing that Qu Jingyun did not deny it, he sneered: "Why do you want to read my articles? Did I ask you to?"

His face flushed, as if a secret he had kept hidden for so long had been discovered.

"Second brother, don't be angry. It was for Mother." Shen Yue pushed open the door and entered.

Looking at the person on the bed with a flustered expression, he hurriedly explained, "I can tell that you prefer reading and writing."

"So what if she likes me? Even if I have a good teacher, she won't help me." Shen Cong muttered to himself.

He had long since lost hope in himself.

Despite having the title of General Shen's son, he already had a notorious reputation in the capital.

No father or son dared to take him in anymore.

"Take a good rest for two days. Dr. Chen will come to the manor to teach you your lessons in two days," Qu Jingyun suddenly said.

Upon hearing this, Shen Cong's expression immediately changed.

He asked cautiously, "Who is this Dr. Chen you're talking about?"

“Naturally, it’s Dr. Chen Qi,” Qu Jingyun said matter-of-factly.

"How is that possible? I heard that he has been staying at home ever since he retired, and he has refused all the kind people who wanted to invite him to come out of retirement and teach." Shen Cong looked incredulous.

His eyes were filled with suspicion as he looked at Qu Jingyun.

Chen Qi had served three emperors of the previous dynasty, but he was so disappointed by the previous dynasty that he hid in the deep mountains to farm.

After the new emperor ascended the throne, he was invited back into office, but he only served in the court for a few years before retiring due to health reasons, and there was no further news of him.

He can be considered a role model for students all over the world.

Reading any article at random can greatly benefit students.

How could someone like that teach him?

Shen Cong glanced at Qu Jingyun with a questioning look and said in a low voice, "Don't lie to me, I'll take it seriously."