Volume 1 Chapter 8: Divorce

“Gone out? Where has she gone? So early in the morning, she doesn’t even come to pay respects to her mother-in-law. Her own husband is injured, and she doesn’t bother to take care of him personally, yet she has the leisure to run about outside?” Shen Nanyue’s face was filled with disbelief as she questioned sharply.

Madam Shen’s expression darkened even further upon hearing this. She slammed her teacup down on the table with a loud clang, causing the tea to splash out.

“She clearly doesn’t regard me, her mother-in-law, at all. What use is such a daughter-in-law to the Shen family!”

Bin’er, sensing the tense atmosphere, cautiously added, “The servants in the courtyard were asked, and none of them knew where she went, but they said the young madam took quite a few gifts with her when she left.”

Shen Nanyue’s fury flared uncontrollably, a flicker of anger flashing in her eyes.

“Gifts? Hmph! Where is she planning to send these gifts? She ignores her mother-in-law and husband but only knows how to send away the Shen family’s possessions.”

Meanwhile, Jiang Jinshu, who had left early and caused such distress to the mother and daughter, was happily chatting with the Princess Dowager.

The Princess Dowager looked at Jiang Jinshu with eyes full of affection.

“You child, at last you’ve come to visit the princess’s residence.”

Jiang Jinshu smiled apologetically.

“It’s my fault for not visiting Your Highness for a while. From now on, I will make more frequent visits to the princess’s residence. I hope Your Highness won’t mind my presence.”

The Princess Dowager replied warmly, “I love you so much, how could I ever mind? I told you, when no one else is around, just call me Auntie. Calling me ‘Your Highness’ sounds so formal and distant.”

Her love was genuine and profound. Jiang Jinshu hurried to respond.

“Yes, Auntie, I understand.”

Then she continued, “Auntie, today when I opened the storeroom, I found a set of hair ornaments and several bolts of shimmering brocade in colors that suit you very well, so I brought them for you. Please don’t dislike them.”

The Princess Dowager playfully scolded her, “You child, why do you bring me things when you come to visit? I am just happy that you came to keep me company.”

Caoyue, along with two maids, brought forward the hair ornaments and shimmering brocade.

Jiang Jinshu smiled and said, “This is just a little filial token from me. If you don’t accept it, I’ll be disappointed.”

The Princess Dowager laughed and said, “Alright, I’ll accept it. You’re truly thoughtful.”

She then gave a subtle glance to the attendant, and Madame Xue stepped forward to carefully store the gifts away.

The Princess Dowager looked at Jiang Jinshu, as if seeing through her little scheme.

“Those hair ornaments and shimmering brocade were part of the dowry your mother prepared for you. Especially that set of hair ornaments — they were bought at a high price. And yet you’re willing to give them to me? Tell me, has Shen Nanxing troubled you again? I’ll have Madame Xue accompany you back and give Shen Nanxing a piece of my mind.”

Jiang Jinshu smiled, rose, and bowed deeply, her face full of gratitude.

“Because they were prepared by my mother, I wanted to give them to you. I understand the bond between you and my mother. Over the years, you have treasured whatever my mother left you and have always stood up for me. I’ve made you worry too much.”

The Princess Dowager gestured for her to sit.

“Why are you still so polite to Auntie? Sit down and talk. I’ve already ordered the dishes you like. Stay and have lunch with me.”

But instead of sitting, Jiang Jinshu knelt down.

“Auntie, I have something important to ask you today.”

The Princess Dowager frowned.

“Get up first. What kind of matter requires you to kneel?”

Jiang Jinshu bowed her head and spoke earnestly.

“Auntie, I want to divorce Shen Nanxing. As you know, both my parents have passed. The dowry my mother left me is the foundation of my future life. I want to take it with me when I leave the Shen family and start my own independent household. I need you to help me make this decision.”

Upon hearing this, the Princess Dowager’s face instantly grew stern. She hurried to help Jiang Jinshu up, her eyes full of pain and confusion.

“Jinshu, how did it come to this? Did something happen after you returned yesterday? Did the Shen family force you?”

Jiang Jinshu replied, “Auntie, I will no longer endure being bullied. Over the years, I have devoted myself to the Shen family without a single complaint. But the matters between Shen Nanxing and Su Yunyan have been going on for a long time. Yesterday, I tested the waters, and even Madam Shen knows about them…”

“You know what happened yesterday. Shen Nanxing made me take the blame to protect Su Yunyan. If it weren’t for your protection, Auntie, I don’t know what kind of suffering I would have endured.”

The Princess Dowager fell into deep thought.

“Jinshu, I understand your grievances, but it’s very difficult for a woman to remarry after divorce. Although Shen Nanxing is reckless, you are still his lawful wife. After such a scandal caused by a foster sister, no one could ever replace you. With me backing you, the Shen family cannot neglect you in the future.”

Jiang Jinshu’s gaze was resolute as she looked at the Princess Dowager.

“Auntie, I know you only want what’s best for me, and I know you will always protect me. But in marriage, if both hearts are not united, living each day on edge is no happiness. Shen Nanxing’s heart is no longer here. Forcing the relationship only brings sorrow.”

The Princess Dowager looked at Jiang Jinshu with pity.

“Jinshu, you’ve suffered, child.”

Jiang Jinshu continued.

“The Shen family has calculated against my dowry. Over the years, I have supported their household expenses. Now they even want me to take the blame for Su Yunyan. If I hadn’t saved the young master’s life, and if you hadn’t stood up for me, Auntie, I would probably be locked away in a prison cell by now.”

The Princess Dowager had already ordered a thorough investigation into the banquet incident. Hearing Jiang Jinshu’s account stirred her anger.

“I will find a way to settle accounts with Shen Yunchuan. But Jinshu, your parents are gone. If you divorce, how will you live from now on?”

Jiang Jinshu’s voice carried unusual firmness.

“Auntie, in the years ahead, I will rely on the shops my mother left me as dowry to earn a good living and find peace of mind.”

“In my free time, I will stroll through the mountains, sit leisurely by the streams, swing a golf club, cast a fishing line, or play chess and games. These refined pleasures will soothe my heart, and life will be content and serene.”

“Why should I remain in the Shen family’s den of wolves, striving to please others, chasing vanity and fame, and toiling myself into exhaustion and bitterness? To sacrifice my whole life for that is truly not worth it.”