Even if she could be open-minded and live a peaceful life in the South Tower, she was still married off to a distant place, gossiped about by the servants, neglected by her elders, and had to pay her respects every day without fail, only to be met with indifference. Who could feel good about that? Ultimately, it was because the Wei family was weak and she had nowhere else to go. In order to live a peaceful life, she could only deal with Fu Yu cautiously and seek a foothold.
Fortunately, my husband was willing to take care of me later, so let's not talk about those things anymore.
Grandma Xu nodded and said, "Yes, the general is indeed much better than when he first arrived. I remember you said that the general agreed to help with the hot pot restaurant matter?"
"Yes, I was surprised too. Even the answer of divorce was unexpected."
Granny Xu smiled and gently brushed away her stray hairs. "It's truly rare for a man like the General to go to such lengths. Actually..." She paused, carefully putting away the divorce papers, and said softly, "Madam is far away in the capital and can't interfere in this matter, but I do want to advise you to stay. Although the General is cold and aloof, he treats you well. Now that things are like this, what will happen when your relationship deepens? Are you afraid you won't have a place to stand? Even if the Old Madam is strict, with the General backing you up, what is there to fear?"
With Fu Yu backing them up, of course there's nothing to be afraid of.
But the Fu family is plotting to seize power, and Fu Yu carries a heavy burden on his shoulders, with many matters outside requiring his careful attention. His willingness to help and care for her is out of kindness, so how can she possibly bother him with a clear conscience?
Even with Fu Yu's support, the old lady's temperament meant she would definitely dislike her frequent trips to open shops, leading to constant friction and estrangement.
Although the unrest in the south has subsided, there's no guarantee that trouble won't arise again. With the royal family weakened, Fu Yu could don his armor and ride into battle at any moment, not returning home for months or even half a year. That's a matter of risking one's life; how can he be distracted by such trivial matters concerning women?
Especially now that the Shen family has come into the picture, there are even more entanglements within the inner quarters. The further things go, the more sensitive areas of the Fu family will be touched, and the Shen family will not be able to compromise easily.
You Tong's roots in the Fu family were too shallow. She knew she couldn't compete with the Shen family, which had been entrenched for twenty years, and she was unwilling to be dragged into the mire by the Shen family.
If a dispute arises involving elders, and the old lady cannot be relied upon, will she again resort to Fu Yu and his son to resolve it, as before? A man like him, with great talent and ambition, is proud and arrogant. His skills should be used to deal with enemies and court affairs, but he is repeatedly embarrassed and troubled by matters concerning women. It pains her to see him like this.
It would be better to withdraw as soon as possible and leave the old lady to take care of Madam Shen.
With peace and tranquility restored in the inner quarters, the Fu father and son could have fewer worries.
But these words involve the Fu family's deepest secret, so of course they can't be explained to Granny Xu.
You Tong finally sighed and leaned on Granny Xu's shoulder. "Given Xu Chaozong's example, I can't put all my hopes on men."
From initial attraction to a lifelong commitment, mountains and seas separate us.
She did not want to be like she was when she first entered the Fu family, completely dependent on others, with nowhere to go and no way out when she felt wronged.
Chapter 79 Final Sound
The couple had already agreed on the divorce; all that remained was to inform their elders.
Fu Deqing intended to use this incident to warn Shen Shi, so he took advantage of Fu Deming's free time to gather all the members of the Fu family at Shou'an Hall. Apart from the two young great-grandchildren of the eldest branch who were too young to cause trouble, Fu Deming and his wife, Fu Hui and his brother, the three daughters-in-law of the eldest branch, and the siblings You Tong, Fu Yu, and Fu Lanyin were all present.
The Shou'an Hall was packed with people. The servants served tea and fruit and then left as instructed.
Such a scene was quite rare, with everyone in the room sitting upright.
Once the door closed and all was quiet, Fu Deqing stood up, bowed to the old lady and his elder brother, and then said, "As everyone knows, my sister-in-law took several nieces and Wei Shi to a banquet a while ago. That day, Wei Shi encountered an accident on the road and almost lost her life—" He paused here, his gaze intentionally or unintentionally glancing towards the eldest branch of the family.
Fu Deming sipped his tea with a furrowed brow, his expression unreadable. Shen lowered her head and made a gesture as if to flick her sleeve.
The Fu brothers must have known the inside story, and remained silent, while the three daughters-in-law all looked surprised and glanced at You Tong.
At the head of the table, the old lady sat with her eyebrows lowered, letting out a soft sigh.
Fu Deqing continued, "When I married Wei, I promised the Wei family that I would take good care of her and not let her suffer any grievances in the mansion. Now, however, I have broken my promise. Not only is she not living a peaceful life in the mansion, but her life is in danger. Xiuping and Wei have already discussed it and decided to divorce. The reason I invited everyone to gather here with my mother today is for this matter."
These words astonished everyone in the room, except for the person involved.
Fu Deming almost jumped to his feet. "You really want a divorce?"
“I’ve thought it through carefully, and I’ve also asked around.” Fu Deqing went over and patted his arm reassuringly, “Brother, don’t rush.”
How could Fu Deming not be anxious? Wei Shi had been married into the household for a year without any wrongdoing, and judging from Fu Yu's care for her, their relationship was quite good. Just a few days ago, the incident of Shen Shi's viciousness and harming others occurred, and now she wants a divorce. Do I need to explain the reasons behind this? Earlier, when Han Shi moved out of the household, he owed the second wife a debt, but out of consideration for their marital relationship and their children, he didn't pursue it further. This time, however, he was furious because of Shen Shi's harming others, and he punished her by making her kneel in the ancestral hall.
Who would have thought that Shen's evil deeds would lead things to this point?
His expression changed slightly in shock, and he stared at Madam Shen.
Shen also looked surprised, glanced at You Tong, and quickly shrank back when she met her husband's sharp gaze.
Although the old lady at the head of the table knew of Shen's evil deeds, she was unaware of this matter. Upon hearing this, she was shocked and looked at You Tong.
At that moment, You Tong was holding Fu Lanyin's hand, their fingers slightly interlocked. As soon as Fu Deqing finished speaking, Fu Lanyin, who was sitting next to her, immediately turned around, her face full of disbelief. If it weren't for the serious atmosphere and the presence of the elders at the head of the table, she probably would have pounced on You Tong and demanded that she deny it. You Tong also knew that this matter had come suddenly, so she didn't dare to interrupt and could only hold her sister-in-law's hand and gently comfort her.
The people in the room were astonished, but no one dared to utter a sound.
Fu Deqing continued, “Everyone has seen how well Wei has behaved since marrying into the family. She is respectful and courteous to her elders, never overstepping her bounds in front of her grandmother and sister-in-law, and treating her sisters-in-law with kindness. As for how she treats Lanyin, needless to say, even if I raised another daughter, the relationship between sisters would not be any better. Last time I was injured, she served me diligently, providing me with three meals a day for two months without the slightest mistake. She also took care of Xiuping in the South Tower, and the relationship between mistress and servant was harmonious and peaceful. She has done nothing wrong in marrying into the family, and now that she wants a divorce, it is because the Fu family owes her something.”
This is like a final verdict, stating that the divorce was not You Tong's fault.
Although the old lady felt that the rumors of a divorce would damage the Fu family's reputation, she didn't say much for the time being after hearing her son's defense and knowing that Shen's methods were indeed despicable.
Fu Yu then stood up, his sharp gaze sweeping over the people opposite him.
In stark contrast to Fu Deqing's seemingly harmonious attitude as brothers and uncles, his gaze was quite sharp.
"You Tong has done nothing wrong in the household. This divorce is the Fu family's fault," Fu Yu reiterated, his voice firm. "Even if she is no longer in the household, she was still my lawfully wedded wife. If anyone harbors ill intentions, I will investigate thoroughly!"
Its sound is like metal and stone, resounding when struck.
You Tong looked up at him. His tall, slender profile, sharply defined features, high nose bridge, and clear, bright eyes, combined with his broad shoulders and slender waist, made him appear dignified and noble. Beneath the wide sleeves embroidered with subtle dark gold patterns, his hand was slightly clenched. For someone as proud and invincible as him, agreeing to a divorce was no easy feat.
You Tong also knew that she wasn't as good as Fu Yu and his son made her out to be. After marrying into the Fu family, she was respectful and polite to her elders, but she never made any effort to get close to them. As for Fu Yu, although she took care of his daily needs, she was far from being gentle and considerate.
Her eyes and nose stung terribly, so she closed them and tried her best to force the stinging sensation back.
...
The Fu family had stood strong in Qizhou for decades, and the women were mostly gentle and obedient, never causing any trouble with divorce.
This incident was too abrupt. Because Fu Yu's eyes were fixed on Madam Shen while he spoke, others could roughly guess what was going on. Although they offered words of advice, they were all ineffective. Even the old lady, who initially disliked You Tong, saw Fu Yu and his son protecting each other so fiercely in front of everyone and didn't say much, only sighing repeatedly.
When the second wife was arguing for a divorce, Fu Deming was the one with the worst expression.
The couple sat together, his eyes sharp and piercing, almost turning Shen into a sieve. He hated her for her rash and malicious actions, which had caused such a huge mess. He harbored a bellyful of anger, but it was not advisable to unleash it now. He would wait until they returned to the East Courtyard to give her a good scolding and then punish her.
After discussing the divorce, Fu Deming suppressed his anger towards his wife and his guilt and embarrassment towards his brothers and nephews, and said to Fu Deqing, "I have made up my mind about what we discussed before. Since we can't keep Wei, what should we do?"
“The Han family has been away for several years, it’s time for them to move back.” Fu Deqing said meaningfully.
Mentioning Han, the old lady sighed, "She lives alone outside, it's quite pitiful."
In her early years, Madam Shen managed the affairs of the inner quarters for her, and she had some disagreements with Madam Han. Caught in the middle, she liked Madam Han's temperament and also appreciated Madam Shen's sweet talk and thoughtfulness. Considering that Madam Shen was, after all, an elder, and seeing that she couldn't mediate, she simply let Madam Han go. Now, the eldest branch is still relatively reunited, with two grandsons. The eldest son of the second branch died young, Madam Han moved out, and although Fu Yu married, they divorced after only a year, leaving no children behind. Once Fu Lanyin gets married, won't it be even more desolate?
Madam Fu's face was tightly wrinkled, and she felt annoyed when she looked at You Tong, and even more disgusted when she looked at Madam Shen.
Seeing that the two brothers had reached an agreement, he said, "Tomorrow I will send someone to Jing'an Temple to bring her back."
Fu Deqing nodded, "It is certainly appropriate for Mother to send someone over. However, she has been away from the manor for a long time and is probably unfamiliar with many things, so Mother will have to take good care of her."
“Of course. You and Xiuping are always out fighting, and the West Courtyard is deserted. How can I not take care of it?” Knowing that the transfer of power in the inner quarters would be troublesome, she might not be able to control the increasingly arrogant Shen Shi. In front of her children and grandchildren, she said to Fu Deming, “I am getting old and there are bound to be times when I am not doing my best. You two live in the mansion and should help me out more.”
Knowing he was in the wrong, Fu Deming bowed and agreed.
Shen's face flushed red, and she stood up to agree.
The divorce was thus agreed upon.
...
Even with Fu Yu by her side, Fu Lanyin clung to You Tong after leaving Shou'an Hall.
The young woman, in the prime of her life, had no sisters in the household, but she was fortunate to have a sister-in-law with similar interests. Over the past year, they had sampled countless delicacies at the South Tower, and the two sisters-in-law got along well. The incident with Qin Taoyu had become an unspoken secret. Suddenly, they went from being close sisters-in-law to being two separate families, and so abruptly at that—how could she easily accept it?
You Tong then accompanied her to the west building, and then strolled around the back garden of the mansion, slowly comforting her.
After that, he wrote a letter home to return to the capital, comforted the Wei family, and then packed his belongings to find another place to stay.
Qizhou was the location of the Jiedushi's office and was considered the most prosperous area within hundreds of miles. The city was bustling with markets and crisscrossing streets and alleys, attracting many merchants and travelers seeking a living. There were also many shops and courtyards available for rent.
You Tong's hot pot restaurant mainly serves fish, meat, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Ordinary people don't have the spare money to eat there, so it needs to be located in an area frequented by the ladies of wealthy families. As for her residence, although she has servants, maids, and stewards, it's not as heavily guarded as the Fu family's. After careful consideration, she bought a courtyard next to the city patrol garrison office.
Although it's a bit expensive, the Military Command is responsible for patrolling and maintaining the stability inside and outside Qizhou City. There are people on duty day and night, so it's reassuring to live there.
As things outside were gradually arranged, there were also many things to be packed up in the South Building.
The surprise of Zhou Gu and all the maids and servants in the courtyard upon learning that the general and his young mistress wanted to divorce goes without saying.
Although the Fu family had strict rules, You Tong was approachable. Despite the distinction between master and servant, they often worked together to prepare meals and tend the courtyard. Over time, they developed feelings for each other, and the maids and servants couldn't bear to part with her.
Especially Aunt Zhou, who had served You Tong since the day she entered the mansion and had developed a fondness for her. Furthermore, under orders from Fu Deqing and Fu Yu, she intentionally cared for You Tong, showing even more affection. Over the course of the year, she watched the couple go from initial indifference to sharing a bed, joking around, and secretly kissing. She watched Fu Yu grow up, and thinking of her deceased mistress, she felt a sense of comfort.
Now that I suddenly hear the news of the divorce, how can I not feel regret?
With You Tong gone, Chun Cao, Yan Bo, and Granny Xu also left. The South Tower, which had been bustling for a while, was likely to return to its initial desolation. Although Zhou Gu maintained the dignity of a head servant in front of outsiders, she secretly wiped away tears when no one was around.
But since things had come to this point, they had no choice but to obey orders and do their best.
When You Tong came, she brought a lot of dowry, and many of the things were useful in the new home, so they were gradually transported there and placed there.
Everything else was fine, but this small kitchen was the real problem—since moving into the Fu family, You Tong hadn't been idle for a year. The kitchen was fully equipped with all sorts of cooking utensils, spice cabinets, bowls, cups, plates, and even hot pots and the earthenware pots she had bought earlier, all kinds of things that were used daily in the kitchen. In addition, Aunt Xia and Du Shuangxi had also made all sorts of sauces and hot pot bases, all stored in jars and pots, filling half of the high shelf.
These things were all purchased with her dowry, and it would be a waste to leave them in the South Building. So You Tong moved the utensils out and set aside some sauces, sesame paste, and sesame oil for cold dishes for Fu Lanyin to enjoy in an emergency.
After a few days of delay, Fu Lanyin gradually accepted the fact and said with a roguish look that she would often come to her place to freeload food.
You Tong readily agreed.
The day was clear and bright, after everything was packed up and they moved out of the Fu family's house.
In mid-autumn, the vegetation was still lush and verdant, with layers of creeping violets growing densely on the fence. The ginkgo trees on the north slope rustled in the wind, contrasting beautifully with the dark walls and green tiles. You Tong had slept lightly last night and woke up early this morning, unable to fall back asleep. She stood at Wangyun Tower for the time it takes to burn two incense sticks. After returning and dressing, just as she was about to have her meal, she saw Fu Yu striding towards her, his fine armor still on.
Chapter 80 Farewell
As the sun rises, the courtyard is bathed in bright light, and the faint fragrance of early-blooming osmanthus blossoms wafts through the air.
Fu Yu had been busy with military affairs these past two days, leaving home at the crack of dawn and returning exhausted under the moonlight in the evening. He looked somewhat thinner, with stubble sprouting on his chin. Yet, his eyes showed no signs of weariness; they were still bright and sharp as ever. His long, strong legs strode forward with a majestic and imposing gait.
Upon entering the courtyard, he saw You Tong standing blankly at the door of the side room, staring at him, so he stopped in his tracks.
Most of her personal belongings, jewelry, and clothing had already been moved to the new courtyard. The remaining few trunks could be moved with her, leaving only the items for her dressing today. She was dressed simply today, wearing a warm pink satin half-sleeved top, a gauze dress covering her arms, revealing the coral beaded bracelet on her wrist, a palace sash fluttering at her waist, and a jade-white ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) embroidered with delicate jasmine, which fluttered slightly in the morning breeze.
Compared to when she first married into the Fu family, she had grown taller and more graceful, like a lotus bud treading on the water.
Beneath her dark, cloud-like hair, she was adorned only with twin pearl flowers and a single floral hairpin. Her eyes and brows were beautiful, like distant mountains shrouded in mist or a clear spring pool. A pair of pearls hung by her ears. Though simple, they accentuated her graceful demeanor and natural beauty.
A morning breeze swept through the courtyard, causing palace sashes to flutter and stray hairs to brush against faces.
Such a scene evoked a sense of longing, and Fu Yu unconsciously moved over, asking, "Have you had breakfast?"
"Not yet. General... shall we use it together?"