witness
In the early morning, sunlight streams through the window, and birds chirp as they land on branches.
In Tao Jin Kingdom, newlyweds are granted a three-day wedding leave, primarily to enhance their relationship. Most newlywed couples in the capital city typically experience a tea ceremony, visiting relatives at their home, receiving blessings, and traveling outside the residence.
Unfortunately, on the first day of their marriage, Peng Xuan'an was supposed to accompany his wife to his parents' house to offer tea, but he left early to attend court.
The important task of serving tea was entrusted to Pang Linqiu alone. Both husband and wife should serve tea together to demonstrate filial piety. It was considered unfilial for only one person to serve tea, or it would indicate the husband disliked his wife. Such behavior could cause trouble and be detrimental to the extended family.
On the first day, Pang Linqiu was woken up very early.
Knowing that Peng Xuan'an had left for court early, Pang Linqiu felt at ease and did not plan to go out wearing a veil.
In the spacious and luxurious lobby, Peng's parents sat in the center, watching her with solemn expressions.
Seeing this imposing and unsettling scene, Pang Linqiu felt extremely uneasy! She bowed deeply, raised the teacup above her eyebrows with both hands to show respect, and presented the tea to Madam Peng.
Her skin was snow-white, her eyes were ethereal, and her voice was sweet and melodious: "Mother, please accept Linqiu's bow and offer tea."
Peng's mother accepted the tea with both hands, took a small sip, and then placed the teacup on the table.
Madam Peng put on a kind and gentle smile. "Linqiu, take this." She took out a jade bracelet and placed it in Linqiu's hand.
"From now on, you must live a good life with Xuan'an."
"Linqiu understands." She chuckled gracefully, her smile as beautiful as a delicate flower in full bloom.
Then she turned to take another cup of tea from the maid's red tray, and gracefully walked to Mr. Peng's side...
After the tea ceremony, Pang Linqiu sat upright in the guest seat on the right. She breathed a sigh of relief, but the atmosphere in the lobby was still rather unpleasant…
"Linqiu," Peng's mother called out.
Pang Linqiu looked at her with a kind expression, "What's wrong? Mother?"
Madam Peng gave a subtle signal to the maid beside her, who then turned to fetch a red tray and presented a neatly square piece of white cloth. Madam Peng looked puzzled, but due to her status, she could only ask in a low voice.
"Why is there no blood on this cloth? Did you not consummate your marriage with Xuan'an yesterday?"
She nodded.
"Why?" she continued to ask, but Peng's father looked at her without saying a word.
Pang Linqiu looked bewildered, raising her sleeve to cover her lips, her eyes downcast with a helpless expression of being wronged.
“Mother, unfortunately yesterday, just as I was about to consummate our marriage, my period started... so there was no bleeding…”
Madam Peng sighed and waved for the maid to take it away. "Oh, it's alright. You can do it again after the appointed time." She seemed quite regretful.
"Yes." It was worth all the reason she had thought of for so long.
Then she pretended to be clueless and looked around, asking, "Father, Mother, why is my husband nowhere to be seen?"
When this was mentioned, their expressions darkened, and they just smiled.
Peng's father tilted his head and looked at her, asking, "He went to court. You...you don't have any conflict with Xuan'an, do you?"
It would be strange if there weren't any conflicts.
She shook her head, looking like an obedient little rabbit: "No, my husband went to bed early yesterday and didn't speak to me at all."
The two elders sighed simultaneously.
“That’s just how Xuan’an is. From now on, you should be more tolerant of him as his wife,” said Peng’s mother, who was not in a good mood.
“That’s natural.” She nodded and smiled.
The three chatted for a while before parting ways.
This was exactly the result Pang Linqiu wanted! She simply wanted the blame fall on him, so she could maintain her good reputation. Then, the rumors circulating would probably be…
On his first day of marriage, the major general neglected his beautiful wife!
On their first day of marriage, the newlyweds had disagreements.
On the first day of his marriage, the Major General already harbored feelings for another, causing distress to the fourth young lady of the Pang family.
...
Just thinking about it is wonderful. She won't have to serve Peng Xuan'an anymore. She can just wait for the rumors to slowly reach the emperor's ears, and then they can get a divorce in seven days!
Kyoto, with its alleys large and small, is a hotbed of gossip.
People chat and enjoy hearing unusual gossip, but this year is truly different.
The renowned Peng Xuan'an surprisingly went to court early on his first day of marriage, without offering tea or visiting relatives...
Instead, he served the emperor in the court, offering advice and strategies for the country, never once thinking of returning home.
Some say that he had no feelings for his children, and only his country was in his heart.
Some say he was a loyal minister and a good general who cared deeply for the country.
Parental love cannot outweigh the future; career achievements are paramount.
Some say he is heartless, cold-blooded, and lacks filial piety and compassion.
Inside the palace, in the royal garden.
Delicate flowers bloom in splendor, colorful butterflies flutter about, and a gentle summer breeze blows.
"Why are you accompanying me to stroll in this garden instead of accompanying your wife, my dear minister?" the emperor asked the man beside him, puzzled, as they walked, followed by a dozen or so attendants.
"People are saying you're cold-hearted and only care about your career."
He respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, we do not love each other, and I already have someone in my heart. My marriage to her is merely a request from my elders, not my own wish."
“I do not acknowledge the marriage, nor is she my wife. Therefore, I need not accompany her, nor should I let this matter interfere with state affairs.”
"Oh?" The emperor chuckled meaningfully. "Then, my dear minister, did you not know that this marriage was arranged by me? If you were unhappy with it, why didn't you tell me sooner?"
"The marriage was arranged by my parents, and I dared not disobey. Besides, His Majesty's decree has been in effect for several years. Asking His Majesty to retract it rashly might not be good for the reputation of the Fourth Miss Pang. Moreover, her father has been kind to me, and what he said to His Majesty..." He paused for a moment, "...fearing it would disregard the kindness of the Pang family head, so..."
"So that's how it is. Prime Minister Pang has done you a favor..." The emperor suddenly stopped by a flower garden, his hands behind his back. His fingers, rough from years of writing documents, were slightly calloused. He raised his hand and gently picked up a blooming pink flower, his majestic eyes looking down at it.
"Your considerations are truly thorough." He chuckled softly, "I wonder which girl you have taken a fancy to? Why don't you tell me, and I'll play matchmaker for you."
“This…” He paused, standing beside the emperor watching his actions towards the flowers. His fingertips gently caressed the petals, leaving some marks on them. The movements weren’t too rough, but they still left scars on the flowers.
Her face appeared in his mind, and he felt a little better. He smiled slightly and said, "Your Majesty, I think she doesn't seem to want Your Majesty to know that she is a very good girl."
The emperor turned to look at him and saw him smiling. He was pleased as well: "Haha, my dear minister, are you afraid that I will summon her?"
He shook his head. "No, it's not that. She is of lowly status and probably wouldn't dare to meet Your Majesty. Please forgive me for not being able to tell you who she is."
The emperor did not press further, saying, "Very well, as long as you are happy, her status is not important. You may take her as a concubine, that is not out of the question."
The emperor then plucked the ravaged flower and carelessly tossed it to the ground.
He shook his head resolutely: "No...Your Majesty..."
"?"
"Your Majesty, I do not wish to take her as a concubine..." He hesitated for a moment, "I wish to marry her as my wife and spend my life with her until we grow old."
Seeing his serious expression, the emperor smiled, his heavy lips curving into a smile: "My dear minister, now that Miss Pang is your wife, how do you intend to marry her?"
"Your Majesty, I wish to divorce Miss Pang and would like to ask Your Majesty to be my witness. I would also like to ask Your Majesty to find her a suitable husband." He pleaded with his hands clasped, his attitude firm.
He waved his hand: "I grant your request. You have rendered great service to my Taojin Kingdom, and this is what you deserve." He stood with his hands behind his back, took a few steps ahead of Peng Xuan'an, and said, "Let's continue walking together."
"Your humble servant obeys." He hurriedly followed in the footsteps of the Emperor.
Time passed by unnoticed, and the seventh day arrived.
Pang Linqiu accomplished all the tasks that the couple should have done on her own, and after a few rare days of rest, she felt much more refreshed and cheerful.
During those seven days, he rarely came back. He was basically leaving early and returning late, and they never even met when he did, which made her feel quite pleased.
However, there are also many rumors circulating outside.
They said they didn't love each other, but their parents arranged the marriage.
Peng Xuan'an already had someone he loved, but he still married someone he didn't love, causing his beloved to suffer in silence.
Xuan An could not resist his parents' wishes and was forced to marry the fourth young lady. After seven days, he was neglected like a concubine in the cold palace.
Pang Linqiu didn't bother to listen. It wasn't what she expected. Why wasn't he to blame? How could she explain it to the Emperor?
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
