Chapter 27 Chapter 27 "In that case, let's get a divorce."...
After finishing his drink and putting down his cup, Wei Ruzhuo finally realized that he had been distracted.
Wait, what was he distracted about just now? He actually thought of Zhu Yinluan.
Whether he felt guilty or had an ulterior motive, he was a little slow in his response for a moment, as if he was afraid that Zhu Yinluan would get angry.
How could Zhu Yinluan be angry? Thinking of this, he himself found it absurd and ridiculous.
Being submissive, virtuous and timid, she would definitely accept this result. What's more, Zhu Chentan was her elder sister. If we talk about first come first served, the person who should have entered the Wei family long ago should have been Zhu Chentan, and Zhu Yinluan just took advantage of the opportunity.
Thinking of this, Wei Ruzhuo felt relieved in an instant, even though he was still a little inexplicably depressed. This emotion was too unfamiliar, but he didn't take it to heart.
Mrs. Zhu asked him to eat more food, and Zhu Mingsheng poured him another glass of wine.
“…”
Wei Ruzhuo has been staying at the Zhu family these days. With Zhu Yinluan as a shield, people outside just think that he is a son-in-law going back and forth to his father-in-law's house to ask for help from the Zhu family, so it is not surprising.
But only the parties involved know the struggle best.
Zhu Yinluan looked at the clothes and shoes for Wei Ruzhuo that were brought to her by the maid beside Zhu Chentan...
There was actually the eldest sister's handkerchief hidden inside, and the scent of powder on the clothes also belonged to the eldest sister.
So, is the elder sister demonstrating to her?
"Miss, you...why don't you call your uncle back?"
After saying this, Mingya himself felt that it was unrealistic. After all, Zhu Chentan had no way of influencing Wei Ruzhuo's thoughts. What's more, Wei Ruzhuo went to the Zhu family for official business.
If Zhu Yinluan really called Wei Ruzhuo back, Pang would definitely scold her.
"Or...Miss, why don't you stay at the Zhu family for a few days?"
Jiaohui also agreed with Zhu Yinluan's proposal.
Because the adults said that the girl was stubborn, and there were some things that she had to see through thoroughly and be completely disappointed before she would sober up and withdraw.
If you go to the Zhu family, you can imagine what the situation would be like.
The more disappointed the girl is with her husband, the more opportunities the adults have, and the mission she has been dormant for so many years will be accomplished.
But Zhu Yinluan refused to go. She took out Zhu Chentan's handkerchief and asked the maid to take Wei Ruzhuo's clothes to wash, saying that she would fumigate them after washing them.
Pang Shi naturally would not pay attention to these little things, but Zhu Chentan became more and more arrogant. At first, it was just a handkerchief, a hairpin with flowers and the like, then it became jewelry, cosmetics, and on this day, it even became her stockings and undershirt.
"Miss!" Mingya said she couldn't hold back any longer. "Send these things to the Madam and ask her to discipline the young lady. How can you be so shameless? You're thinking about your brother-in-law."
Zhu Yinluan looked at the light yellow dress with a picture of mandarin ducks playing in the water embroidered on it. It was such an ironic design...
"Miss, why don't you say anything?" Mingya thought she was too angry and overreacted.
"It's okay..." Zhu Yinluan paused for a long time, "No need to say it."
Her voice was low, but she just felt that the wind she had sensed before was very likely to come?
Is it really true?
She didn't know, she felt like a person floating in the wind.
That night, it was Jiaohui's turn to keep watch. Zhu Yinluan lifted the curtain and called her over.
He softly instructed her, "You should settle my dowry in the Wei family these days and save some cash... and buy a house outside. The house doesn't need to be too big, just livable. The important thing is that it is far away from the Wei family."
Regardless of whether or not the things she fantasized about would come true, one should always take precautions in order to avoid being unprepared and without a way out.
If the wind blowing her suddenly stopped, or if the storm continued to increase in strength, she would most likely be thrown to pieces.
Although Jiaohui was very surprised, she did not ask any questions.
She nodded and was about to do whatever Zhu Yinluan instructed her to do.
"Do everything in a covert manner so that no one can find out."
"I know." Jiaohui nodded.
The reason why Zhu Yinluan handed it over to her was not only because she would not ask any questions, but also because he trusted her. More importantly, Jiaohui walked around the streets and must be very familiar with these ways, and there were people who could take advantage of them.
In order to make it easier for her to make ends meet, Zhu Yinluan gave her some silver.
Fortunately, she had not had much expenses in recent years and had always been frugal. After her shop turned over, she had a considerable amount of private savings. No one in the Wei family knew about this money.
She had been unpopular since childhood and she knew very well that it was difficult for women to make a living. If she had no more money, she really didn't know what would happen to her. No matter what time, she always had to have some money in her hand to feel confident.
I thought she wouldn't be able to sleep, but unexpectedly she fell asleep. Perhaps she had asked Jiaohui to do this secretly.
The next day, Wei Ruzhuo returned home.
He did not send anyone to convey the message in advance, but came back directly.
Zhu Yinluan saw the joy on his brows from a distance, and thought that the difficult matter of offending the Shangshu was probably resolved.
As she expected, Pang came to greet her, and Wei Ruzhuo couldn't wait to tell her that the Shangshu had sent him a letter yesterday to meet him.
Both sides gave each other a way out and the other party said a lot of things. In short, not only did they resolve their differences, he even won the favor of the Shangshu, and their relationship became closer.
Pang Shi cried with joy, and kept saying "good" all the time. She then put her hands together and bowed towards the void, saying that the ancestors of the Wei family had appeared and that they had finally survived this disaster safely.
Zhu Yinluan also smiled and said congratulations to her husband.
Wei Ruzhuo looked at her. He hadn't come back for some time and he hadn't seen Zhu Yinluan for a long time.
Why is she still so thin? Is her illness still not healed?
Realizing that her son was looking at Zhu Chentan, Madam Pang had a bad face, "Why are you blocking here? Zhuo Ge'er finally came back and solved this matter. Why don't you quickly prepare hot water for him to take a bath, and ask people to prepare wine and food to get rid of the bad luck for him?"
As in the past, Wei Ruzhuo would definitely not stay to eat.
It seems that he is in a hurry today.
Zhu Yinluan did not refute and went to prepare according to Pang Shi's words. To her surprise, Wei Ruzhuo stayed for dinner.
On the way to the kitchen, Zhu Yinluan always felt a little uneasy.
The matter had been resolved, but she couldn't say why.
I always feel like there will be other, bigger things happening.
Zhu Yinluan's uneasy mood was confirmed during the meal.
During the meal, Pang Shi kept asking about the details of the matter. Wei Ruzhuo glanced at Zhu Yinluan and said to Pang Shi, "The Zhu family has put a lot of effort into mediating for their son."
Pang Shi noticed the look he was giving her and answered, "It's all because of Chentan, right?"
This sentence was equivalent to directly denying everything about Zhu Yinluan. Even though her surname was Zhu, she was the daughter of Lord Zhu and his legally married wife. She also helped him do many things, such as taking care of Pang Shi and managing the household during these days, but no one noticed her efforts.
The most important thing is that Zhu Yinluan vaguely heard the hidden meaning of the words, and she clenched her silver chopsticks very secretly so that the person opposite her could not catch her emotion.
"Um……"
Seeing that Zhu Yinluan didn't react, Wei Ruzhuo couldn't tell what he felt.
He should be happy. See, things developed just as he expected. Zhu Yinluan accepted it submissively and said nothing.
Maybe she didn't hear it clearly? After all, Zhu Yinluan was a little stupid. He came back today not only to deliver the message, but also to talk about this matter while the iron was hot. She should also know what the Zhu family had helped him with, and this was what he should repay.
Logically, he should speak, but he looked at Zhu Yinluan's thin and pale face and her slow eating movements. Was she eating?
Her cheeks were moving, but there was not much food in her bowl, and the dish in front of her had barely moved.
She must have been worried about him these days and had lost weight. He could feel that Zhu Yinluan loved him and cared about him.
Thinking of this, he felt relieved and relaxed. Since Zhu Yinluan cared about him and loved him, she would always stay by his side. Even if we don't mention this love, other than that, does she have a place to stand in the capital?
But he still didn't say anything.
Forget it, let's wait for some time and wait for the Zhu family to come and talk about it together. This way it will be serious and she won't refuse then.
When this thought came to his mind, Wei Ruzhuo was shocked himself.
reject?
How could Zhu Yinluan refuse? He had been so busy these days that he actually thought Zhu Yinluan would not allow him to marry a concubine? In other words, what would change if Zhu Yinluan did not allow him to?
Will she make a fuss?
Thinking of this, Wei Ruzhuo was quite looking forward to it. He had never seen Zhu Yinluan make a fuss. He had thought about it before, but she didn't.
Pang Shi had people keeping a close eye on the Zhu family these days, so naturally he heard the news and immediately understood what Wei Ruzhuo was trying to say.
Unexpectedly, Wei Ruzhuo didn't say anything after starting to talk.
Should he say it or not? Pangzi asked him, "Do you have anything else to say?"
Wei Ruzhuo answered irrelevantly and looked at Zhu Yinluan, "It's Spring Festival. My father-in-law and mother-in-law are coming to our house for dinner. Please prepare the feast."
"Yeah." Zhu Yinluan finally spoke.
After hearing her weak response, there was no more words.
Wei Ruzhuo didn't take his eyes away and asked, "Are you still not well?"
This was a rare show of concern. Before Zhu Yinluan could reply, Madam Pang snorted coldly, "Her body is probably broken. I don't know how many medicines she has taken and how much money the family has wasted."
Zhu Yinluan was speechless. How could she have spent the Wei family's private money? It was clearly her own money, but it was the Wei family that spent her money.
No one would believe her even if she told her, so she didn't plan to speak.
At this moment, Pang Shi no longer just disliked Zhu Yinluan, but also felt that she was an ominous sign.
Because Wei Ruzhuo had been doing well before, she was at her wits' end when she suddenly encountered this incident. She followed the advice of the official's wife, who was on good terms with her, and went to find a Taoist priest to have her fortune told.
The other party actually said that it was Zhu Yinluan's fate that was changing and bad luck was rising, so her health was getting weaker and weaker, and the people around her were also implicated.
It turns out it’s all because of Zhu Yinluan!
Yes, the more I think about it, the more likely it is. She is the one who organizes all the banquets at home. If it weren't for her, so many things wouldn't have happened.
Pang Shi wanted to tell Wei Ruzhuo about this matter, but she was afraid of confusing him. After all, he was already troubled enough because of offending the Minister of Rites. If she told him these things, he might get angry and embarrassed.
Therefore, Ponzi only spoke about it today.
Zhu Yinluan watched the maids and old women clean up the dishes and did not come over.
Wei Ruzhuo couldn't help but frown when he heard this, "Didn't mother ask someone to match our horoscopes when we first got married?"
I still remember that Taoist said Zhu Yinluan had the best fate and was a very blessed person, and he also said something like, "The Phoenix Star occupies the building, which is indescribably precious."
Pang was very happy to hear that. Even though she was not satisfied with Zhu Yinluan's background, her fortune and destiny were much smoother.
But Pang Shi kept asking whether Zhu Yinluan and Wei Ruzhuo were compatible. The Taoist pinched his fingers but had a strange look on his face. He looked at the two of them and seemed to want to say something but hesitated. Finally, he just said that the secret could not be revealed and he would not say anything no matter how much money Pang Shi gave him.
Pang Shi thought he couldn't make up any more stories, but she didn't expect that after Zhu Yinluan got married, the Wei family actually became more prosperous. In the first few days after the marriage, the family seemed to be harmonious.
He also often saw Zhu Yinluan laughing. Her smile was a little shy, but also gentle, like a blooming night-blooming cereus, rarely dazzling. Now, for some reason, he could not remember how long it had been since he had seen her laugh.
"Can the date of birth be changed?" Wei Ruzhuo frowned and murmured.
"Why not?" Pang Shi really believed in the Taoist priest she had found this time and boasted that he was extremely effective.
It is said that he has no omissions in his predictions. Many officials and noble ladies have asked him to read their fortunes. "The high-ranking Shen family has also had his fortune read."
"Some people also say..." Pang Shi lowered his voice.
"Back then, Prince Shen was destined to inherit the title while he was still in his mother's womb because this Taoist had calculated his fate."
"Did mother remember it wrongly?" Wei Ruzhuo asked, "Didn't the last Taoist priest say this?"
"The Taoist priest said that they were once fellow apprentices, and that person heard it from him."
True or false, who is telling the truth? Wei Ruzhuo did not believe in the Taoist's predictions and just sneered.
"He said that the man was talking nonsense. Who knows who paid him to say that Zhu Yinluan had a good life."
Who else could it be? Pang suspected it was Zhu Yinluan herself.
"After all, truth will come out. Now is the time to finally see the light."
"What is the purpose of the mother telling her son these things?" Pang Shi gave him an amulet, saying it could ward off evil spirits, and asked him to wear it with him.
Then he asked, "Today you mentioned the Zhu family and Mu Chunjie, why didn't you explain it clearly to Zhu Yinluan?"
"It's not the right time yet. My son will think carefully about what he does. Don't worry, mother."
Pang Shi curled her lips and was about to say a few more words to criticize Zhu Yinluan, but her attention was attracted by the box brought in by Wei Ruzhuo's followers. "What is this?"
"Oh, this is the silk and satin that Chen Tan gave to my mother..."
The mother and son were talking lively.
Zhu Yinluan was quiet. She stared at the kitchen cleaning up for a while, then went to the accounting office to check today's shopping expenses. Mingya leaned close to her ear and whispered to her when no one was around, saying that Pang Shi glared at her before leaving, and she might say something to Wei Ruzhuo, so she asked her to go and take a look.
Zhu Yinluan just shook her head. When she saw the amount on an account, she frowned, flipped forward, and recalled the dishes she saw in the kitchen today. She asked Mingya to count them.
Mingya was very worried about Pang Shi and Wei Ruzhuo. She didn't want to move at first, but Zhu Yinluan asked her to go, so she had to go.
The purchase amount was not right, but Mrs. Jiang, who was in charge of the kitchen, was always patient and steady, so Zhu Yinluan did not say anything.
She closed the account book and left the accounting office.
Around afternoon, Wei Ruzhuo had already left home and Pang was taking a nap, so Zhu Yinluan asked someone to call Mrs. Jiang over.
After the person called her over, before she even started asking questions, the other party had already pleaded that she should not abuse her power for personal gain and tamper with the accounts to take money.
She really had no choice. Her daughter was getting married, and her husband was sick, and they were unable to make ends meet. In order to give her daughter some dowry, she found some private jobs outside and helped out in restaurants at night, but she didn't make much.
She also said that she would make up the money after her daughter got married.
She originally didn't want to do this, but the dowry her family gave her daughter was not enough, and she was afraid that after she got married, her in-laws would look down on her and bully her.
Therefore, we had to take an unconventional approach.
Mrs. Jiang did not expect that Zhu Yinluan had been ill these days, and she could still find time to go to the accounting office before the day of checking the accounts. She even saw through the false accounts that Mrs. Jiang had made at a glance. Mrs. Jiang was very nervous that day.
After saying this, she kowtowed to Zhu Yinluan several times, begging her to let her go in a dignified manner if she could not show mercy.
She didn't want Pang Shi and other people in the Wei family to find out, because if the Wei family spread the news, she would be disgraced, and it would definitely affect her daughter's reputation. More importantly, she wouldn't be able to work for other wealthy families, and without a livelihood, she would have no money to live on.
After hearing this, Zhu Yinluan looked at her for a while. Mrs. Jiang came to the Wei family a year before she married into the Wei family.
She was in good spirits at that time, but now she has white hair, a haggard face, a thick layer of calluses on her hands, and a hunched body.
Thinking of what she said just now, that she often dressed up as a man to help people carry goods at the dock, Zhu Yinluan couldn't bear it. She sighed and said, "...Don't do this in the future."
"I will help you make up for your deficit. I will also give your daughter a dowry. It's not much, but it should be enough to make up for it. Besides that, you should also take a good rest. Look at you... How tired you are?"
"You can't just care about your daughter and husband and ignore your own life or death." She didn't want to say it.
Mrs. Jiang was fine at first, as Zhu Yinluan let her go, was willing to give her subsidies, and even cared about her... She was originally crying for joy, but later Zhu Yinluan's words made her nose sore and her eyes hot, and she started crying.
Zhu Yinluan stood up and patted her on the back, telling her to stop crying as it would be embarrassing if others saw her.
The main concern was that the news would get to Ponzi's ears and he would ask someone to investigate.
Pang Shi had been having people keep an eye on her these days, and Zhu Yinluan was also afraid of a dispute.
"Thank you, Madam. If you are truly a living Bodhisattva, I will definitely remember your kindness today and repay you by working like a mule or a horse. I will pray to the Buddha every day to bless you with a long life and a life without worries."
Zhu Yinluan smiled and said, "Okay."
“…”
I think the person sent by Tingyu Pavilion leaked the matter to Pang Shi.
Mrs. Jiang was called over for questioning.
But because Zhu Yinluan acted in secret, Pang Shi did not find any problems.
Feeling that there was something fishy going on, she could only scold Zhu Yinluan. Since she couldn't find any fault, she let the matter go.
Time passed quickly. After Wei Ruzhuo got through to the Shangshu Mansion, he became busy again. Seeing that he was valued, people around him began to flatter him, calling him "Sir Wei" and saying that he had a bright future.
Mostly because of what happened before, Wei Ruzhuo became more cautious in doing things, and faced with compliments from others, he enjoyed it but was also humble.
He is so busy that he rarely goes home.
On the contrary, Zhu Chentan often came to the Wei family. It was unclear how the family kept it a secret, and the matter between Luo Xuan and her did not cause much commotion, but some people made vague guesses and gossiped about it.
This is mainly because the Zhu, Wei and Luo families are not considered to be truly noble families in the capital, and people are more interested in the family affairs of the famous families.
I heard that the Shen family is looking for a husband for Prince Shen again, and they often send invitations to girls from wealthy families. The noble ladies are trying their best to reach the Shen family and curry favor with the Marquis's wife and Old Lady Shen, hoping to catch their eyes, make the leap and rise to the top.
Zhu Yinluan had no reaction when she heard the news.
I just thought that I kept running into Shen Jingzhan last year, but I didn’t run into him this year.
This is normal. She and Shen Jingzhan are from two different worlds. Not to mention the clear distinction between high and low classes in the capital, she is married and he is not, so it is not easy for them to meet and talk often. But the ambergris has been left there and there is no way to return it to him.
In the blink of an eye, it is the Spring Festival in March.
When she woke up this morning, Zhu Yinluan felt her eyes twitching and dizziness for unknown reasons. She didn’t know what was wrong with her.
I always feel like something is going to happen.
Could it be that...
These days have been peaceful and she has almost forgotten what happened last time.
“…”
Wei Ruzhuo didn't come back, and she hadn't taken the disguised medicine for a few days, but her face was still pale and she didn't look well.
Pang Shi had already asked someone to watch over the kitchen while it was cooking. After Zhu Yinluan washed up, she also went over there.
Wei Ruzhuo came back earlier than Zhu's family. He took a bath and changed into new clothes.
Zhu Yinluan watched him walk over, looking at his high-spirited demeanor, and glanced at herself in the bronze mirror beside her.
Even with some makeup, it was still difficult to hide her "morbidity".
When she and Wei Ruzhuo stood together, even she felt that they were not a good match.
Wei Ruzhuo went to the door in person to welcome Lord Zhu and Madam Zhu, and Zhu Chentan also came.
She was dressed very prettily today. When Zhu Yinluan stood in the corridor and watched her and Wei Ruzhuo come to the main hall together, she felt that they were a perfect match made in heaven.
She thought again of the figure of Wei Ruzhuo walking side by side with her that she saw before she got married.
Zhu Yinluan suppressed the bitterness in her heart and felt confused for a moment, "..."
Today, not only did her family come over, but even her sister-in-law came back to visit.
Wei Mingyan is about to give birth and cannot walk. The young aunt who comes is Wei Qingsi, who does not get along with her.
Before breakfast even started, Zhu Yinluan already felt deeply uncomfortable.
Because no one spoke to her, even though she was the young lady of the family.
But no one paid any attention to her. Pang Shi always ordered her to order people to serve the food and treated her like a servant.
Wei Qingsi was enjoying the show, not to mention the people from the Zhu family. If she had responded to Pang Shi's words a little slower and not moved, her stepmother and father would have just looked at her coldly. Wei Ruzhuo seemed unaware of her embarrassment and discomfort and didn't even look at her.
The banquet was finally served. Halfway through her meal, her stepmother and father suddenly called her name.
Zhu Yinluan looked over and said, "Is the soup not good?" She had a growing bad feeling in her heart, so she could only put on a forced smile and change the subject.
"I came to eat today mainly because I have something to tell you."
Zhu Yinluan didn't speak for a long time, and everyone at the table looked at her.
The sudden attention, the malicious gazes, the scrutiny, the criticism, the contempt, made her feel very uncomfortable, "..."
"Your sister and Ruzhuo's marriage." Lord Zhu named them.
Even though she had prepared for this before, Zhu Yinluan still couldn't help but feel her blood run cold when she actually heard these words.
Why do you only mention her sister and not mention who Wei Ruzhuo is to her?
About her sister's marriage to her husband?
She sneered in her heart, lowered her eyes and said nothing.
Because Zhu Yinluan did not respond and was very disrespectful to him, Lord Zhu was dissatisfied and frowned.
Pang scolded her, "No matter how unruly you were at home in the past, why are you being so unruly in front of your father now?"
Zhu Yinluan gritted her teeth and said, "...My wife didn't mean that."
She still didn't look up, her eyes fixed on the soup in the bowl.
Even though it's March, it's still a bit cold.
The soup in her bowl had gradually turned into hard oil stains, just like her bad marriage.
Although Lord Zhu had not been with her for a long time, he was well aware of his daughter's personality. She was timid and humble, and she always couldn't hold her head up.
From this angle, the way she lowered her eyes looked somewhat similar to her mother.
What was the name of the concubine who died young? He couldn't remember it clearly, after all, many years had passed.
He only remembered that she was very beautiful, and when she smiled, she looked so delicate and timid that it was vivid. He took one glance at her and accepted her.
Her daughter is even more delicate than her...and she is also weak.
I don’t know how long she can live, or whether she will die as young as her mother.
"This marriage was originally given to you by your elder sister. You have occupied it for four years now, so you should return it to her."
occupy?
How could her father use such words to describe the few years she had been married to the Wei family?
Zhu Yinluan felt an indescribable bitterness in her heart, and she was almost unable to control her emotions.
I want to cry.
But she couldn't, she could only grit her teeth silently and hold back her emotions. After all, no one would feel sorry for her, they would only make fun of her.
"Why don't you speak?" Lord Zhu was not satisfied with her silence, and his voice gradually became stronger.
"Daughter...I don't know what to say." Her voice was already a little choked.
Mrs. Zhu said, "After all, your sister is your blood relative. If she has a child in the future, it will be your child. It's the same."
Just as she finished her words, her mother-in-law, who didn't like Yin Luan in the first place, accepted the favor and said in a tone of almsgiving and instruction, "You have been married to our Wei family for many years but have not gotten pregnant. It is a blessing for you that your sister is willing to help you have children."
The younger sister Wei Qingsi had always been on good terms with her elder sister, so naturally she stood on her side now.
Zhu Yinluan really didn't know who to ask for help.
Who else can she ask for help?
So she turned her gaze to Wei Ruzhuo, but Wei Ruzhuo didn't even look at her.
He is picking up food for his eldest sister.
His actions are enough to explain everything.
Zhu Yinluan smiled sarcastically in her heart. What on earth was she thinking? Was she actually thinking of relying on Wei Ruzhuo to save her face? He gradually gained a foothold in the court and became more and more powerful. Did he ever share his power with her in exchange for some honor?
No, the higher he moved up the ladder, no matter what others said, the people in the Wei family looked down on her more and more, saying that she was just a concubine's daughter.
But she... was still waiting hopelessly.
She originally thought that in this "encirclement and suppression" by her closest relatives, her bedmate who she spent every day with could deny this matter. However, ever since her elder sister came in today, Wei Ruzhuo's eyes always fell on her elder sister intentionally or unintentionally.
Zhu Yinluan, who was following behind the two of them, actually heard a few words.
The eldest sister asked him if he still remembered it. As she asked, she turned around and put on her beautiful dress.
Wei Ruzhuo looked at her and smiled, saying that he remembered that this was the material of the dress she wore when he first met her. At that time, she accidentally spilled tea, which got her dress dirty, and she almost cried.
He compensated her with an identical dress, and only then did she reluctantly stop making a fuss.
The eldest sister smiled and said that he still remembered it after so many years.
Wei Ruzhuo said he always remembered it.
Zhu Yinluan felt as if her heart was being torn apart. She and Wei Ruzhuo had been married for four years. Did he remember her likes and dislikes? What kind of clothes had she worn?
Not to mention the first time they met, he couldn't remember her even after she met him several times. At that time in the Zhu family, he thought she was a pretty little maid. He had heard of her, but he didn't know her at all because he didn't pay much attention to her.
The more she thought about it, the more uncomfortable she felt, and she felt like vomiting.
But even though Zhu Yinluan had recognized the truth, she was still unwilling to accept it. Since everyone had made it clear, she...
She called Wei Ruzhuo a few times, but because her voice was too soft, Mrs. Zhu and Mrs. Pang beside her continued to say bad things about her, asking her why she didn't nod. Her sister-in-law also added fuel to the fire.
Zhu Yinluan had no choice but to tug at Wei Ruzhuo's sleeve, and finally he came back to his senses.
But when he looked over, the look towards his elder sister had disappeared, and he was frowning with displeasure towards Zhu Yinluan.
Zhu Yinluan's nose felt sore. She was about to ask him what he thought about this matter and what he thought about it. Did he really want his eldest sister to come in as well?
But she hasn't said it yet.
Wei Ruzhuo also called her eldest sister by her maiden name, "Chen Tan said that she sympathized with you as her younger sister, so she didn't fight for the first wife, but only for the second wife, you see..."
Zhu Yinluan was stunned and speechless when she looked at his face.
His expression was displeased and his tone was hesitant, as if she was making things difficult for him.
How come this marriage, which was made perfect by her, has become a dilemma for her?
What has she meant in the Wei family over the past few years? She has worked so hard to do so many things, but what has she meant in the end?
She is humble, submissive, hardworking, diligent, yielding, and forbearing...
Because she wants her father to pay attention to her, she wants her stepmother to care about her, she wants her husband to love her, and she wants her mother-in-law to get along with her.
What did she do wrong? Was she too greedy?
But it has been four years, she has worked hard for four years and gained nothing. Not only did she get nothing, but even the marriage she had worked so hard for was taken away by someone else, and they still said that she was taking over someone else's home?
Until this moment, she finally understood and realized that no matter whether it was kinship or love, no matter how humble she was, she could not expect a trace of love.
Zhu Yinluan's hands, which were gripping the man's wide sleeves, loosened slightly and let them fall.
“…”
Wei Ruzhuo watched her let go of him and suddenly felt panic in his heart.
He didn't dare to look at Zhu Yinluan just now, but now seeing her so silent and hopeless, he felt a little panicked.
What is he panicking about? He doesn't know.
If it was because Zhu Yinluan was "making a fuss", shouldn't he feel novel and excited?
But she didn't make a fuss, and he didn't get excited either. He just felt so anxious that it felt like there was a void in his heart.
Zhu Yinluan was truly disheartened. All her words turned into nothingness in sorrow. She didn't even have the energy to argue or question. Madam Zhu, Mrs. Pang, and her aunt kept nagging in her ears, which gave her a headache and disgust. She felt so uncomfortable that she wanted to vomit.
After a long while, she lowered her eyes, collected her thoughts, and said softly, "If that's the case, then let's get a divorce."
After these words were spoken, everyone fell silent.
Lord Zhu, Madam Zhu, Madam Pang, and Wei Qingsi were all stunned.
What did the timid and cowardly Zhu Yinluan say?
She wants a divorce?
Among all the people present, Zhu Chentan was probably the only one who was happy, but she soon stopped laughing because she saw Wei Ruzhuo staring at Zhu Yinluan, who was not looking at him.
What's that expression on his face?
Shouldn't he be happy that Zhu Yinluan wanted to divorce? After all, he didn't like Zhu Yinluan at all, so why did he seem angry? If it was because of Zhu Yinluan's sudden "disobedience", it didn't seem like it.
Instead, he looked like someone who had been rejected and was willing to let go, revealing an angry expression.
Zhu Chentan had to speak up, "Sister, what are you saying in anger?"
"It won't be a problem for you if my sister comes in. On the contrary, she can help the Wei family better. Isn't it good for us sisters to serve each other in a friendly manner? Isn't it better than that foreign concubine?"
"Is it because you don't like me? Or do you want to monopolize Ruzhuo?" She asked several questions in a row, and then pretended to be pitiful, "I know that I was married before, and it's hard to find a husband now, but Yinluan... just consider that we are sisters and give me a way to live..."
As she spoke, she actually started crying. Zhu Yinluan looked at her tearful face.
Master Zhu was very angry, "Look at you, you made your sister cry! Apologize to your sister!"
Zhu Yinluan didn't say a word. Lord Zhu slammed the table so hard that the soup and food were about to spill, but she remained indifferent.
Pang Shi also got angry and said that she was lawless.
"Letting my sister be a concubine is unfair to her. Wouldn't it be better for her to be the first wife?" She smiled sarcastically.
No one expected that Zhu Yinluan would fight back.
But she was weak, and this was just like an egg hitting a rock.
Madam Zhu said, "Your sister felt sorry for you after living in the Wei family for a few years and was willing to let you be on equal terms with her. It would be fine if you didn't appreciate it, but you insisted on making trouble for both families, right?"
Perhaps she had really come to her senses. Zhu Yinluan wondered why she had not opened her eyes and seen through her stepmother's disgusting face before.
But now it seems that it is not too late.
But it was her first time to refute, and no one took her words seriously.
"Sister is the legitimate daughter, and it would be unfair to her to treat her as my equal. Since sister is so considerate, I should return the favor."
"So Yin Luan asked for a divorce, so that my sister can be the principal wife, and stay with Master Wei forever, live happily together, have a son soon, and have many children and grandchildren."
The words "Young Master Wei" that she blurted out made Wei Ruzhuo's already ugly expression become even uglier in an instant.
Especially when I heard the following words like "stay together forever", "live happily together forever", "have a son soon", and "have many children and grandchildren".
He couldn't help but stand up and said, "Zhu Yinluan, are you crazy?"
Facing the man's questioning, she seemed particularly silent, and did not quarrel with him, but said, "I just want a divorce."
This was not the result Wei Ruzhuo had expected. She would just be angry for a few days, but she would not really challenge him. But why would Zhu Yinluan want a divorce?
Is this still the Zhu Yinluan in his impression who was so quiet and gentle, yet extremely timid, lying on the bed and not even daring to make a sound?
She actually proposed a divorce, and seemed very determined.
Where will she go after the divorce?
Where else can she go?
Thinking of this, Wei Ruzhuo finally relaxed his doubts. He was sure that there was no place for her in the capital because the Zhu family would not tolerate her.
"It's enough to say those angry words once. Only a wise person can stop when it's enough." Wei Ruzhuo said coldly, "You should know that if I nod, I will not let you stay with me even if you come back crying." He threatened.
Zhu Yinluan hummed, "I know everything."
She slowly stood up, her petite body straightened, looking directly at him, her eyes as calm as ever, yet filled with sadness, even a little tired, making her look hollow.
"So... please, Master Wei, for the sake of our friendship over the years, give me a letter of divorce." She said softly.
"Are you really determined to get a divorce?" Wei Ruzhuo asked again.
He knew better than to ask.
After all, he has said it several times. If he continues to ask, Zhu Yinluan will definitely think that he can't bear to part with her, and will be fearless then. What if the divorce she talked about was just a bluff?
"Once you leave this door, you can never go back."
"I know everything." She added, "Please give me the divorce papers."
First it was Master Wei, and now it’s you. I won’t even call you husband.
Good, she is really going to make a scene.
She should also suffer a little. Wei Ruzhuo asked someone to bring pen, ink, paper and inkstone on the spot. He wanted to make her understand that once the arrow is shot, there is no turning back. A little fuss will be enough.
Everyone was still in shock. Who knew that Zhu Yinluan wanted to divorce? Who knew that Wei Ruzhuo asked someone to bring pen, ink, paper and inkstone on the spot?
Mrs. Zhu was frightened. She looked at the two men who were on the verge of a tense situation, pulled Lord Zhu, and gave him a look.
If they divorced, Zhu Yinluan would leave the Wei family, which would be good, but how would others view her?
Even if we want to divorce, we can't do it at this juncture.
Lord Zhu realized that he had to stop it, and took the lead in pointing the finger at Zhu Yinluan, "If you divorce, don't even think about living at home. We can't afford to lose this person."
Zhu Yinluan heard this and smiled bitterly and sarcastically, "My daughter knows." She nodded, "I will never go home."
"When my daughter got married, her father said that once a daughter is married, it is impossible to take back the water that has been spilled. My daughter understands this."
When the eldest sister got married, her father and stepmother cried with joy and congratulated her on her well-being and all the best. But for her, everything was over.
Seeing that she was determined as if she had been weighed down by a weight, Lord Zhu suspected that she had been under a spell.
Then he threatened, "If you insist on doing this, I will no longer have you as my daughter!"
Zhu Yinluan was silent for a moment. She looked up at Lord Zhu, and mist slowly gathered in her beautiful eyes.
In addition to her eyebrows and eyes being like her mother, she was also somewhat similar to him, and Lord Zhu couldn't help but think when he looked at her.
When I saw that she was about to cry, I thought she was scared and changed her mind.
But who knew that when she blinked, tears rolled down, and she cried and laughed, "...Okay."
Mr. Zhu was speechless, "..."
The pen, ink, paper and inkstone were quickly brought.
Having come to this point, under Pang's urging, Wei Ruzhuo actually started writing the divorce letter.
Halfway through writing, he looked at the silent woman next to him and inexplicably couldn't continue writing.
The feeling of emptiness and discomfort actually slowly turned into suffocation. He thought about when Zhu Yinluan had just married into his family. So many years had passed, and even though she had no credit, she had worked hard.
So he paused and said, "Zhu Yinluan, I'll give you one last chance. Do you really want to divorce?"
She remained silent for a long time, not because she was thinking, but because she had nothing to say to him.
Don't want to talk to him anymore?
Wei Ruzhuo was so angry that he laughed, "Okay! Okay!"
He tore up the divorce papers.
Zhu Chentan thought that he was not going to divorce, and was about to say something, but he saw Wei Ruzhuo took out another piece of rice paper and started writing again.
In just a few strokes, the smooth and flowing handwriting appeared on the paper.
But Wei Qingsi, who came closer to take a look, couldn't help but be surprised, because what he wrote was not a letter of divorce, but a letter of divorce.
Although she was surprised, Wei Qingsi couldn't help laughing.
With this divorce letter, who would dare to marry Zhu Yinluan? She would never be able to gain a foothold in the capital in her life.
Wei Qingsi just felt happy.
After Zhu Yinluan got married, she only liked the younger sister Wei Mingyan, and was more attentive when helping her choose a husband. Now the younger sister's husband has been promoted, and her brother in the family is also thriving.
Among three siblings, she is the last one.
Wei Qingsi certainly hated Zhu Yinluan.
She is just a concubine's daughter, why should she be her sister-in-law? She lives such a good life.
After Wei Ruzhuo finished writing, Wei Qingsi gave it to Zhu Yinluan on his behalf.
When she saw the eye-catching words "divorce", her heart was shaken, but she also felt that it was expected.
Wei Ruzhuo said in the divorce letter that she had been childless for four years, was unwilling to give in to others in matters of all sizes, was extremely jealous, contradicted her mother-in-law, and was not on good terms with her sisters-in-law. He had wanted to marry her and spend his life with her to have children, but it backfired. Because she was stubborn and arrogant, and could not tolerate trivial matters, she made the whole family restless, so he hereby divorced her and sent her out to her parents' house to decide...
In short, she was denounced as worthless.
She didn't want to cry, but she couldn't help shedding tears, but she wiped them away quickly.
He put away the divorce letter, bowed to everyone present, and left with Mingya and Jiaohui.
Wei Ruzhuo looked at her back and felt extremely panicked. He felt that she would never come back once she left the door.
He and Zhu Yinluan will no longer have any connection in this life.
He couldn't control himself and chased outside. Zhu Chentan, Pang Shi and others didn't respond when they called him.
It was just a step slower, but Zhu Yinluan actually walked so fast.
Fortunately, when he arrived in the yard, she was packing clothes, and it looked like it would take a while.
Wei Ruzhuo watched her putting away her clothes. She noticed that he was not looking at her and completely ignored her.
Wei Ruzhuo couldn't help but get angry.
But he still controlled his temper and asked the maids around him to leave first.
Mingya and Jiaohui refused to leave and blocked Zhu Yinluan's way.
Wei Ruzhuo looked at the two of them coldly. He repeatedly wanted to kill people, but Jiaohui was not afraid at all. She narrowed her eyes slightly, and murderous intent gradually appeared on her face with a birthmark.
Mingya, who was standing next to Jiaohui, was afraid but did not move away.
Seeing that Wei Ruzhuo was about to ask people to take action, Zhu Yinluan put down the dress she was tidying up and asked the two men to go down first.
"Miss...I am worried about you." Mingya protected her.
"It's okay." She shook her head at the two of them.
Wei Ruzhuo just watched her persuade the little maid to leave.
After a while, there were only two people left.
Wei Ruzhuo didn't say anything. He thought Zhu Yinluan would speak first. After all, she had already sent everyone away before he opened his mouth. He never expected that she didn't intend to speak and continued to tidy up her dress.
Wei Ruzhuo looked at her and asked, "Why, you are reluctant to give up your wealth and glory and want to take away the silk and satin from home?"
Zhu Yinluan paused slightly, and her gaze finally moved from the annoying group of clothing boxes to him.
She had just cried, and although she had calmed down, her face looked pale and her eyes were red and swollen.
I thought she would beg him, but I didn't expect her to say, "Master Wei, would you like to take a closer look at these things? Are they my dowry? Or are they owned by the Wei family?"
Zhu Yinluan really didn't want to talk to him, but Wei Ruzhuo was really going too far. Not only did he humiliate her with a letter of divorce, he also deducted money from her money.
When she first married into the Wei family, wasn't she the one who supported the family's business?
Even the most good-tempered person couldn't help it, so Zhu Yinluan fought back.
But the words were not too harsh.
Because she knew very well that if she angered Wei Ruzhuo, her situation would become very bad while she was still in the Wei family.
After her reminder, Wei Ruzhuo finally lowered his proud head and reluctantly looked at it.
It seemed that these dresses were really brought with her when she first got married.
In the past few years, Zhu Yinluan has not made any good clothes? Didn't he give her the fabric? Mother also said that she gave her all the best brocade in the warehouse.
Where did she put all these things?
Watching her packing up faster and faster, it seemed as if she couldn't wait to leave the Wei family.
It made him furious.
Wei Ruzhuo stepped forward and asked a question, "Zhu Yinluan, you are so eager to get rid of me, is there someone else outside?"
Hearing this, Zhu Yinluan looked up as if she was looking at a monster.
Judging from her expression, Wei Ruzhuo knew the answer: no.
That’s right, who would want Zhu Yinluan?
She was young and had no vitality, let alone any understanding of love and joy. Even though she was well-behaved, virtuous and beautiful, she always looked dull and rigid in his eyes.
Every man would like a bright and generous girl like Zhu Chentan.
Zhu Yinluan is not likable.
"I came here to talk to you alone."
She ignored him.
Wei Ruzhuo was a little impatient, "Are you listening to me?"
He was really annoyed, so he pulled her up by her wrist.
Although she didn't use much strength, she struggled violently, "Let me go, you're pinching me."
I haven't touched Zhu Yinluan for a long time. Her wrists are so soft that they seem to have no bones, even smooth and tender.
He didn't want to let go for a moment, especially looking at her face and her eyes up close.
"Why? Are you so impatient to go out and suffer?"
"We have already parted ways. Lord Wei, please respect yourself. Besides, if the eldest sister sees you, she will definitely make trouble with you."
The first half of her words was annoying, but the second half was inexplicably pleasing.
Therefore, Zhu Yinluan still has him in her heart, otherwise she would not have mentioned her elder sister. After all, she still feels jealous.
Thinking of this, Wei Ruzhuo felt refreshed, and more importantly, he was not so panicked anymore.
He tried to tell her, "Your sister was only a co-wife when she entered the family, and she is on an equal footing with you. What on earth are you dissatisfied with?"
Zhu Yinluan didn't say anything.
Wei Ruzhuo's gaze stayed on her. She felt extremely nauseous and turned her face slightly to avoid him.
He thought she was thinking and feeling wronged, so he called her name in a soft voice, "Yinluan, you should be more sensible."
"Lord Shangshu is in a difficult situation. Besides, I still need to be promoted. I need the support of the Zhu family and your sister, so you need to understand me and forgive me."
She was as silent as ever.
She stopped struggling, and Wei Ruzhuo thought she had been completely persuaded.
So I said to her, "Don't worry, I haven't forgotten what I said to you when you first came in. I will always respect you, love you, and protect you. Isn't that how I have been all these years? Did I ever scold you for not being able to have a child? Why can't you understand me?"
Zhu Yinluan really couldn't bear to listen anymore and she wanted to laugh.
Wei Ruzhuo did need the Zhu family, his elder sister, and many people, but he didn’t need her.
Now it’s good, she doesn’t need Wei Ruzhuo anymore.
Why has he been like this all these years? He had already forgotten all about it.
He didn't respect her, love her or protect her at all.
"Master Wei, have you finished speaking?" she said coldly.
"I haven't packed my things yet. There's no point in tangling with me here. Let me go."
Wei Ruzhuo's expression, which had just improved, turned extremely ugly at this moment. Because she had let him down, he suddenly shook off Zhu Yinluan's wrist and said, "Okay!"
"Since you are leaving, don't come back crying and beg me later!"
"You are a broken flower, who do you think will want you?"
Zhu Yinluan was too patient. She knew that arguing would only tire herself out, so she didn't say a word.
Wei Ruzhuo looked at her for a while, said hello several times, and finally left.
As soon as the person left, Jiaohui and Mingya came in quickly.
Ask her if she is okay?
Zhu Yinluan shook her head, "Pack your things quickly and let's leave."
Fortunately, she didn't have many valuables, and she had made preparations beforehand, so she packed everything quickly.
Jiaohui had already called for a carriage, and Pangshi ordered no one to help, so the master and his servants moved the things out through the back corner door together.
There aren’t a lot of things, so three people can take them, but they’ll have to make several trips.
Zhu Yinluan used to be kind to the servants, and many maids and old women secretly helped her without Pang Shi's knowledge. Some even said they couldn't bear to part with Zhu Yinluan. Some even secretly scolded Wei Ruzhuo, but were stopped by the old woman in charge and didn't continue talking.
After getting on the carriage, Zhu Yinluan felt relieved.
She couldn't cry anymore, but Mingya kept sobbing and scolding the people from the Wei and Zhu families, worrying about what Zhu Yinluan would do in the future.
"Let's take it one step at a time. The world is so big that it's impossible for us to have no place to stand."
She can do a lot of things. More importantly, she has a shop, so it should be enough for her to make a living from the shop.
"Don't cry." She comforted Mingya.
The carriage ran for a long time and finally arrived at a house. This place was located in the southwest foot of the capital, far away from the Wei family. Not only was it far away from the Wei family, it was also quite far away from the Zhu family.
"Miss, I remember that several high-ranking families are here!"
How many high-ranking families are there?
She subconsciously thought of the Shen family, a marquisate, but she didn't expect Ming Ya to mention it.
"The Shen family is here too?" Zhu Yinluan looked at Jiaohui.
The other party nodded, "Yes, there are many noble families here, and the patrols by soldiers are better than other places in the capital. I think that as a girl, you should find a better place."
That's true. If she's here, people from the Wei family and the Zhu family would have to think twice before causing trouble.
The courtyard has a quiet environment, and it seems to be a different world once you go inside. It looks narrow from the outside, but it is well-arranged inside, with rockery, lotus pond, green plants and flowers arranged very beautifully.
It is indeed very suitable for girls to live in.
Apart from the main hall for receiving guests, passing the small flower hall is the courtyard where she rests, with an ear room, a small storehouse and a kitchen next to it.
Zhu Yinluan looked at it and although she was satisfied, she was also worried, "The price here..."
Jiao Hui said, "Miss, this house is not expensive."
"Not expensive?" She thought that unlikely.
This house is located near a noble family. Needless to say, the location is great. The decoration here is so elegant, how could it not be expensive?
Zhu Yinluan frowned.
Jiaohui quickly explained that there had been a murder in this house before, but it was actually not a big deal. A wealthy family had kept a mistress here, and the first wife came to make trouble, and the pregnant mistress fell to her death, resulting in two deaths, so the house had been vacant for a long time.
The higher-ranking the nobles were, the more they cared about good fortune and luck, so no one dared to buy it.
After waiting for a long time, she finally got someone to ask, and that person readily gave a price. In addition, she was eloquent and good at counter-offering, and she managed to coax the other party into paying a much lower price, and finally she got the deal.
After hearing this, Zhu Yinluan said, "I see."
Ming Ya said it was not very good, "Miss, you finally got away from the Wei family, why don't you find a place with good feng shui?"
Jiao Hui pursed her lips and asked Zhu Yinluan if she wanted to change houses. But she still had to choose, and she might have to live in a restaurant for the next few days.
The more powerful and influential people gather in a place, the more expensive the food is. Although she was not short of money, she did not dare to spend it recklessly, so Zhu Yinluan said it was not necessary.
“It’s nice here too.”
"Hurry up and move the things in."
Ming Ya could only nod.
Jiaohui secretly breathed a sigh of relief and made up some nonsense. Fortunately, Zhu Yinluan did not suspect anything.
This house was renovated by the adults for a long time, waiting for the young lady to come. It is not a haunted house at all, but no matter what, it was just a perfunctory treatment.
To celebrate, Zhu Yinluan asked Mingya to prepare a table full of delicious food and asked the two little maids to sit down and accompany her.
It had been a long time since she had such a quiet and leisurely time, and Zhu Yinluan ate a lot of food.
After dinner, she walked around the small flower hall.
She was not sleepy at night, so Jiaohui lit a calming incense and gradually fell into a deep sleep.
It was late at night and Mingya fell into a coma.
A man climbed over the wall and came in. When Jiaohui saw this person, she stepped forward to greet him and then pushed open the door.
The other party nodded and stepped in.
His footsteps were so light that Zhu Yinluan could not hear them even if she was awake, let alone she was in a deep sleep.
The man sat down on the edge of the bed.
Lifting the curtain, I saw the girl lying flat on her back. Even in her sleep, her brows were still slightly furrowed.
I think I'm very tired these days.
Her eyes were still swollen, and the people who followed her said that she did cry today, although not too badly.
I haven't seen her for some time, and she has lost a lot of weight compared to before.
Shen Jingzhan took out a small porcelain bottle from his sleeve, opened it, dipped his fingertips in the ointment, leaned over and gently rubbed it around her eyes.
The sleeping girl didn't notice him approaching.
I don't know if anyone came close to her and applied medicine to her.
The handsome man's gaze stayed on her, focused, deep and somewhat dark. If he hadn't lowered his eyelashes to cover his gaze, it would have seemed dangerous to be seen.
There was a faint smile on his thin lips.
The medicine had been applied, but he had not yet withdrawn his hand, and was still groping her eyebrows with his fingertips.
Very light and very slow.
The faint fragrance from her body gradually came over here and lingered around his nose.
His vision became darker and darker. He had clearly been looking at her for a long time, but still felt it was not enough. He didn't know if it was because she was too beautiful or because he was too greedy.
He kept looking at her without looking away.
It swept across her eyebrows, to the tip of her upturned nose, and landed on her lips that were a light cherry pink.
I don't know how long he looked, but he gradually leaned over and got closer and closer.
If Zhu Yinluan opened her eyes, she would see an enlarged, slightly cold handsome face.
He closed his eyes and slowly moved his thin lips closer.
I originally wanted to restrain myself, and I knew that kissing secretly like this was not a good thing.
But I haven't seen her for a long time, and I haven't smelled her scent for a long time.
He really had no intention of doing anything at first, but her scent was light, fresh, and addictive.
While she was thinking, the man's thin lips had already fallen on her lips.
He originally just wanted to get away.
But her lips were so fragrant and soft, so soft that he didn't know what to say.
He stayed there for a while, then somehow moved and kissed a few more times.
The man closed his eyes and tilted his face slightly, rubbing his nose against hers. He gently sucked her fragrant lips and tried to pry her lips open.
But the touch of a place that no one has touched for a long time is still very obvious.
The eyebrows of the person who was sleeping moved slightly.
The man's secret kiss stopped at this moment and he looked up.
I found that she was not awake, but her eyebrows were touched and her eyelashes trembled.
As he stopped, she stopped responding and fell back into a deep sleep.
Seeing this, the man lowered his eyes, kissed her again, and then slowly stood up.
He didn't use much force, but it still left marks on her lips - which were much redder than before. He wondered if she would notice anything if she woke up.
If they found out, I'm afraid they wouldn't think about it.
He reached out and touched the side of her face again, groping her lips with the ball of his thumb.
"Luan'er..." the man whispered softly.
That night, Shen Jingzhan stayed for a long time before leaving.
The next day, the red spots on Zhu Yinluan's lips that were kissed had long returned to normal.
But when she sat up, she always felt a faint, fresh breath in the curtain.
I don’t know if it was her illusion.
In an instant, she thought of someone.
Shen Jingzhan.
Because the first few times he rescued her, they were very close and she had briefly smelled his scent, that's it.
But thinking about this person, how could he appear here, especially in her curtain?
Zhu Yinluan didn't think about it anymore and put the idea out of her mind.
The weather was very good today, so she rested at home and did not go anywhere.
Mingya and Jiaohui followed her quietly. Knowing that she didn't want to listen, they didn't mention anything about the Wei and Zhu families.
About four days later, she wanted to go to the shop to check and replace some staff if necessary.
In order to support the Wei family, according to what Pang Shi said, many people around her were placed in the shop.
The divorce was too hasty and this group of people have not been replaced yet.
Zhu Yinluan thought that no matter what, these people must be replaced as soon as possible.
She's going to go take a look today.
But unexpectedly, the people from the Wei family were not replaced, but all her people were replaced, no, they were driven away.
The manager of the shop didn't recognize her, saying that since she was not a member of the Wei family, she would not be allowed in unless she came to buy goods.
Ming Ya was so angry that she put her hands on her hips and asked them if they knew who had the business and land deeds of the shop? How dare they talk to the boss like that!
The other party didn't buy it at all and became more and more rampant.
They also said that there is only one boss, and that is the Lord of the Wei family, the old lady of the Wei family!
As for Zhu Yinluan, she has already divorced, so she is no longer the boss here.
"These are all my dowry." Zhu Yinluan said solemnly.
"Yes, this is our girl's dowry. Even if we get divorced, it will be our young lady who takes it away and it belongs to our young lady."
"The Lord of the Wei Family sent his followers to tell you that you and him were not divorced, but you were abandoned. Therefore, you cannot take this dowry with you. It all belongs to the Wei Family."
The shopkeeper was really ruthless. The other party came prepared. Zhu Yinluan couldn't find a solution for a while. More and more people were watching. If the situation got out of hand, it would not be good for her.
She could only take Mingya and Jiaohui to inspect another shop.
But unexpectedly, the same thing happened to this shop. All her people were replaced and disappeared. All those who were brought up were those who had been put in by Ponzi before, with mercenary and cruel faces.
The same thing happened with the second shop, the third, the fourth, the fifth... There was no need to look at the rest, as Zhu Yinluan already knew the result.
“Miss, the other party is so bold that they don’t even care about the land deed and the business contract. Let’s report to the police!”
Zhu Yinluan stood by the carriage and pondered, "I'm afraid it's no use reporting to the authorities..."
The replacement of the shop staff could be done by Pang Shi, Wei Ruzhuo, or her younger sister, her elder sister, her stepmother... one of these people did it.
But no matter who did it, Zhu Yinluan knew very well that the government must have been involved.
The people from the Wei family and the Zhu family wanted to push her into a desperate situation.
She has no one to rely on now, so it may be difficult for her to return to the shop.
"Miss, what should we do now?"
Zhu Yinluan thought for a moment and said, "Bring the business contract and official contract with us, and let's go take a look."
Even if there is a dead end ahead, she will still give it a try.
After all, it belonged to her and she had built up the shop with her own hands. The people of the Wei family were just sitting back and enjoying the fruits of their labor, being greedy and she didn't want to give it up again and again.
"But as for the government... Aren't you afraid that even if you report it, it will be useless?"
"We have to try." After all, this is the capital city, under the feet of the emperor. The Wei family is not a top-notch family and it is impossible for them to cover the sky with one hand. What's more, Wei Ruzhuo is now attracting much attention, so he will definitely be restrained in what he does.
Apart from the government, she had no other options.
She had no power, no money, and therefore not enough manpower.
These shops would allow her to have no worries about food and clothing for a long time, so she couldn't just let them go. Besides, she had already left behind everything that should remain in the Wei family.
"I'll go to the government office tomorrow." She wanted to prepare the complaint in advance.
Zhu Yinluan almost did not sleep all night. The next day, after she washed up, had a light breakfast, put on her cloak and veil, and went to the government office.
But who would have known that as soon as she got there, she would be turned away. The gatekeeper saw that she was a weak woman and refused to let her in, saying that after she got married, her husband's family would have to come.
After Zhu Yinluan left the Wei family, she let her hair down and styled it into a girl's bun. The other party directly called her a woman and drove her away without asking any questions. He must have heard some rumor, but there is no need to say more about what the rumor was.
Zhu Yinluan patiently explained, "I am not a married woman."
"Since she is not a married woman, then she is an unmarried girl?"
"Why would an unmarried girl want to show up in public? If you have a complaint, ask your family members to come!" The government official said this impatiently and let her go.
He said that if she didn't leave, he would drive them out, and then he showed his sword to the three masters and servants.
Jiaohui immediately stood in front of the two of them.
Mingya hugs Zhu Yinluan.
"Hurry up! Don't waste time coming here!"
Zhu Yinluan looked at the other person for a while. She suppressed her anger and handed the silver money she had prepared to the other person, "Sir, I am just a weak woman. Please be lenient..."
Zhu Yinluan looked delicate and frail. The gatekeeper weighed the silver in his hand, took it, and said only one thing to her, "This is what the higher-ups said. Miss, please don't make things difficult for us young ones."
Sure enough, someone was causing trouble.
Zhu Yinluan bit her lip, "..."
She handed the gatekeeper another bag of silver, which contained even more money than before.
The yamen runner took the money in a hurry, and his expression became much better, but his tone was not relaxed, "Miss, you gave me a lot of money, and I can't just take your money. I'll give you a definite answer. The Zhu and Wei families have already taken care of it."
"Your thin arms are no match for your thighs, so you'd better not go against your family."
Both families are involved. Are they going to force her into a desperate situation?
Zhu Yinluan was stunned.
Seeing that she was in a state of despair but had not given up, the other party advised her a few more words, "It would be useless even if you saw the adults, because they would not accept your complaint or handle the case, so go back quickly."
After saying this, he waved his hand and told Zhu Yinluan to leave quickly.
But she didn't leave, and just said, "What if I insist on suing?"
There was a drum for reporting news placed next to it, and Zhu Yinluan looked over there.
The other party said, "If you watch the drum for hearing the news, you will be the first to be beaten with thirty sticks in the court."
"Girl, you look so weak, can you withstand this killing stick?"
"I can take the punishment for our young lady!" Jiaohui stood up and said that she was thick-skinned and not afraid of being beaten.
"That won't do. Our imperial law specifically states that whoever beats the drum for reporting will be punished with a cane. This cannot be changed."
"Miss……"
Ming Ya hesitated and pulled Zhu Yinluan, fearing that she would really go and knock on the drum to report the incident. If she was beaten with thirty sticks in the court, how could Zhu Yinluan withstand it? She would be disabled if not dead. How would she live in the future?
The government office ignored it, and there was no way to get any closer to the higher court.
Because of the clear class divisions in the capital, ordinary people had to go through the courts one by one to file a complaint. If the case at the lower level could not be resolved, they could go up to the higher level. If they filed a complaint beyond the level of the officials, they would be punished, and the punishment would be more severe than thirty strokes of the cane in court.
Zhu Yinluan couldn't even withstand thirty strokes of the cane, let alone those punishments, and she knew it very well.
But she couldn't swallow this.
In addition, she also knew that if she gave in this time, the Wei family and her mother's family would probably bully her even further.
The shop matters are ahead, and who knows what else may happen in the future.
If she is not forced out of the capital, she will definitely be forced to go back and kneel down to admit her mistake.
Thinking about the past four years of suffocation, the grievance and anger of being surrounded and bullied a few days ago, and the tears I shed at night...
Zhu Yinluan was also annoyed, and she didn't get enough rest last night. She walked to the side, made up her mind, and actually ran to the side, picked up the drumstick, and beat the Dengwen drum.
The gatekeepers were all stunned.
It has been a long time since anyone has beaten the drum to report news in the capital city. Unexpectedly, it was a beautiful and delicate girl.
The hood of her cloak fell off, revealing her fair face. Her petite body looked weak, but her hands were very strong. She beat the Dengwen drum very loudly, and the sound of the drum echoed in the streets on this side of the capital, quickly attracting many people.
The bailiffs came forward to drive her away, saying that she was a lunatic, and also drove away the people who were watching nearby.
Zhu Yinluan kept knocking, and Mingya kept shouting, "Once the drum for hearing the case is struck, a court session will be held to receive the complaint and redress the grievance. This is the rule of our dynasty. The officials in the government offices are not following the law. Do they not respect the emperor?!"
Mingya's voice was so loud that the people who were watching the fun couldn't be driven away.
Only one yamen runner could go in to deliver a message. When Lord Xing from the Yamen heard the commotion outside, he could only ask someone to bring Zhu Yinluan in first and then resolve the issue.
But the onlookers refused to leave. There were so many of them that they almost blocked off the area.
He sent many people to block the door, and only then did he get some peace and quiet.
When the complaint was handed over, the other party pretended to glance at it, and finally asked her name and who she was suing.
Zhu Yinluan answered them one by one without being humble or arrogant.
Lord Xing stroked his beard and said, "Well, I know everything. Everything should be done according to the rules. I see that you are clear about the situation and are not a muddleheaded person. You should know what to do first after beating the drum for reporting, right?"
Thirty strokes of the cane in court.
Zhu Yinluan bit her lip and nodded, saying she understood.
"Okay, send him to the rack!"
Jiaohui and Mingya threw themselves on Zhu Yinluan, refusing to let the soldiers take her away, and knelt on the ground begging to be beaten in her place.
But Lord Xing on the seat didn't care at all. His original intention was to knock Zhu Yinluan unconscious and throw her out.
Naturally, this case cannot be tried. After all, he accepted benefits from the Wei family. Wei Ruzhuo is a rookie with a promising future and he cannot be offended.
Therefore, even though Lord Xing knew that Zhu Yinluan was wronged, he had to pretend that she was not wronged.
This abandoned woman who is hated by her natal family is just beautiful and cannot be of any use to him. There is no need to cause trouble for such a common woman.
We can only blame her bad luck. She had no choice but to go through the door of death instead of taking the door of life.
Mingya was quickly subdued, and Jiaohui was no match for four hands with her two fists, and was also quickly taken down.
Zhu Yinluan lay down on the bench.
She gritted her teeth and waited for the punishment to come. She looked up at Lord Xing above her. Her gaze continued upwards and she saw the ironic words "fairness and integrity" and sneered in her heart.
Even if you are under the emperor's feet, if you have no power, you are just like an ant, being squeezed and beaten by others.
It would be good if she was lucky enough to survive this.
If you can’t…
Lord Xing slammed the table and ordered, "Beat him!"
"Miss!"
As the cane was about to fall, Zhu Yinluan tensed up and closed her eyes tightly. In panic and fear, she wondered if it was really worth it to endure this and fight for her dignity. If she really couldn't make it, would she regret it?
But the horrible pain she had imagined did not come.
A gust of wind blew by her side, and she seemed to hear the sound of something being crushed and thrown away? It seemed to be a court stick?
Then she heard the screams of the people next to her. She opened her eyes a little and saw Lord Xing wiping the sweat from his forehead as if facing a great enemy. He stood up and trotted down in panic.
He nodded and bowed, smiling and asking in a flattering manner, "Master, Master?!"
"You...you...how did you get here?"
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