Ye Caiping was taken aback, then instantly understood.
At that time, the Shen family held immense power. The elder brother had military authority, and the eldest sister was the empress. Their power in the capital was second to none.
If Shen Zhiyan were to return to the court as an official, the two brothers, one a scholar and the other a warrior, would wield immense power and influence.
In this way, the Shen family will only become a thorn in the emperor's side.
To reduce the emperor's suspicion, Shen Zhiyan was destined not to serve as an official in the court.
Having mastered both literary and martial arts, they were offered to the emperor.
Young top scholars, at the prime of their lives, are full of ambition; who wouldn't want to make a name for themselves?
However, for the sake of his family, he had to give up his ambitions and settle for second best, becoming an instructor at the Imperial Academy.
Shen Zhiyan said, "Now it seems that we made the right move."
"When I was eighteen, I got married under my mother's arrangement, and Manman was born a year later."
“Manman’s mother came from a prestigious family and was a well-known talented woman in the capital. We were a good match. Our relationship was okay after marriage, but after a while, we found that we couldn’t talk to each other. She liked poetry, songs, music, chess, calligraphy and painting.”
Ye Caiping was stunned: "Isn't that perfect? You two are a talented man and a talented woman, a perfect match. How come you can't get along?"
Shen Zhiyan frowned: "Talent, there are many kinds of talent. She is the kind who is romantic and sentimental. Although I understand that, I don't like it. I like to do academic research."
Ye Caiping understood.
In doing scholarship, one is actually discussing the times and the politics of the court, but it is about teaching one's own students.
He's a pragmatist, while his ex-wife is a romantic dreamer.
"Is this why you're getting a divorce?"
"What are you thinking? How could that be?" Shen Zhiyan looked at her with a disbelief.
"Harmony between husband and wife is a matter of fate, and there's nothing that can be done if they're not. Respecting each other isn't difficult either. If you can't talk to each other, then talk less and see each other less. Anyway, there's plenty of space at home."
Ye Caiping asked, "Then why divorce?"
She actually guessed a little; when she measured the furniture for Shen Zhiyan last time, Shen Zhiyan had briefly mentioned it to Wang Shuantou and his son. She had heard it all.
Shen Zhiyan said, "My elder sister had two sons. The eldest son was named the crown prince at birth, but unfortunately, he died of illness six years ago. The second son was born to my elder sister after she turned thirty, risking her life."
"Because the Crown Prince has passed away and the second son has just been born, the situation of my elder sister and our Shen family is becoming increasingly difficult and perilous."
"Just then, the Third Prince was suddenly poisoned. All the evidence points to my eldest sister and our Shen family."
"The late emperor was furious. Although no crime had been committed yet, he ordered a large army to surround our Shen family."
“My wife, Lin Yaxian, yes, her name is Lin Yaxian. But now she wants to divorce me and sever ties with our Shen family.”
After speaking, Shen Zhiyan paused for a moment: "I don't blame her for wanting to live. But Manman... is the person I cherish most. I told her that a divorce is possible, but she must take Manman with her and give Manman a way to live."
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