Chapter 80: Chapter 31: Refusing to Admit a Wrong Choice

“Do not speak ill of the Emperor. I shall investigate this matter thoroughly,” Chengyi’s tone revealed a hint of perfunctoriness.

He truly felt very agitated.

Recalling when he first met her, every tiny detail about her deeply attracted him.

At that time, he seemed to have found the love of his life; not to mention abandoning his original wife, he was willing to risk everything for her.

However, since returning to the bustling Capital City, everything seemed to have changed quietly.

That wife who used to only stay at home and manage the household now shone so brightly that he felt like a fool in comparison.

Especially when his mother recounted all that Shen Ruoxi had done for the Xiao Mansion in the past two years, her virtues made him question whether he had truly been wrong.

And what he once considered beautiful about Ning Zhen’er now seemed glaringly flawed.

He refused to delve into these thoughts, as it would make him feel like a fool.

Therefore, he could only treat Ning Zhen’er even better, to comfort himself that he hadn’t made a wrong choice.

However, he would not give up on Shen Ruoxi, for after all, a man having multiple wives was a normal thing.

Ning Zhen’er glanced at Chengyi, aware of the flaws of a feudal society where imperial authority could not be disrespected.

She nodded, “Understood, I won’t speak of it again.”

Chengyi did not reply.

Ning Zhen’er pursed her lips; even though he had been exceptionally gentle and considerate to her recently, her woman’s intuition told her something was amiss with Chengyi.

Since Shen Ruoxi’s departure, he’s become more reserved and somewhat dazed, a feeling that stirred an inexplicable unease within her.

Yet, as someone who had time-traveled, she would never allow herself to fail in this battle of wits.

She firmly believed that time would change everything, and that her unique qualities would surely keep Chengyi firmly by her side.

“Brother Yi, rest assured, with me, our lives will be prosperous and happy.”

Just as Ning Zhen’er’s sweet voice faded, a maid came to inform them that Old Mrs. Xiao had summoned them to the front hall.

Ning Zhen’er furrowed her brows, feeling quite annoyed by these formalities.

She looked at Chengyi questioningly, “Weren’t we told not to go over?”

Chengyi knew that Shen Ruoxi’s aunt had arrived.

His heart suddenly stirred, although Shen Ruoxi always claimed there were no ties between them, every time she complained through a maid or had an elder intervene, it proved she hadn’t truly let him go.

He smiled slightly, and said to Ning Zhen’er, “Let’s go.”

Ning Zhen’er was somewhat displeased, murmuring, “Brother Yi, I really don’t want to go.”

Chengyi patiently persuaded her, “She is the mother of Consort Xian. It would not be appropriate for us not to make an appearance.”

Ning Zhen’er sulked, “Isn’t she also Shen Ruoxi’s aunt? She’s definitely not here with good intentions today.”

Chengyi chuckled faintly, “Regardless, we cannot become enemies with their family. If she truly wants to cause trouble, there’s nowhere to hide.”

Ning Zhen’er thought so too; after all, she is the Emperor’s mother-in-law. If she genuinely seeks trouble, hiding won’t help either.

Furthermore, she had a clear conscience, so she nodded, “Alright, let’s go.”

Chengyi took Ning Zhen’er’s hand, his palm slightly cool, with a hint of clammy sweat.

This caused Ning Zhen’er’s heart to tremble, and she could not help but wonder why Chengyi was so tense?

She stole a glance at him, seeing his preoccupied expression with his gaze not on her at all.

She suddenly bit her lip, overwhelmed by an indescribable emotion.

Is it that the unattainable is often cherished? Are men inherently fickle?

Since Chengyi and Shen Ruoxi’s separation, at times it seemed as if he had lost his soul, a feeling that drove Ning Zhen’er crazy.

As someone who had time-traveled, she was destined to become a leading lady—a great blessing to whomever she was with.

But Chengyi seemed unsatisfied.

She tried to calm her emotions, secretly regretting not having waited before becoming pregnant.

If she were still on the battlefield, she would have achieved great exploits by now, becoming a hero revered by all, instead of bearing children in this back courtyard.

Though filled with reluctance, Ning Zhen’er suppressed her emotions, deciding to see what Chengyi would say when faced with Shen Ruoxi’s aunt.

The atmosphere in the front hall was exceptionally awkward as Lin scrutinized the simple furnishings. She did not take a sip of the tea; the tea froth seemed so cheap to her, prompting a cold sneer in her heart; indeed, they were paupers.

Mrs. Xu’s gaze each time it flickered with disdain was like a sword stabbing into Old Mrs. Xiao’s heart.

Furthermore, it was like relentless whips, lashing at Old Mrs. Xiao’s face, making her feel utterly humiliated.

She felt regretful; if it weren’t for Shen Ruoxi’s divorce from their grandson, the Xiao Family wouldn’t be in such a state, being despised by others.

Fortunately, Chengyi and Ning Zhen’er’s arrival broke the awkward atmosphere.

At an unknown time, Chengyi had let go of Ning Zhen’er’s hand and respectfully saluted Lin, “Greetings, Aunt.”

This form of address made the atmosphere in the front hall even more bizarre.

Old Mrs. Xiao’s brows furrowed while Ning Zhen’er’s heart sank swiftly; she tightly clenched her fingers, her face pale.

Lin couldn’t help but laugh scornfully, “Young General Xiao, have you lost your mind? Who is your aunt?”

Chengyi seemed unworried about the consequences his form of address might bring, and he smiled calmly, “Aunt, Ruoxi was merely upset when she separated from me.

In my heart, she remains my wife. There are no overnight feuds between husband and wife; once her anger dissipates, she will naturally return to the Xiao Family.”

Lin’s mouth displayed a playful smile as she looked at Old Mrs. Xiao, “Old Mrs. Xiao, is this what you think too?”

Old Mrs. Xiao felt extremely embarrassed, she glared at Chengyi and awkwardly laughed, “Actually, Chengyi has always been thinking of Ruoxi.

I have also been wondering why there wasn’t any significant conflict between the two of them, yet they still ended up divorcing?

As elders, we naturally hope they could reconcile.

After all, becoming a couple is a fate accumulated over several lifetimes; let Chengyi apologize to Ruoxi, hoping she’ll come home.”

Lin’s mouth curled mockingly, “Come home? Hahaha, Old Mrs. Xiao, you’re quite the jokester. I actually came here today to bring Young General Xiao some good news.”

Chengyi’s heart suddenly pounded intensely as he darkly said, “Aunt, please speak.”

No wonder he drove Ruoxi to spit blood; his face was as thick as a city wall.

Even though he was already divorced from Ruoxi, he dared to shamelessly call her ’aunt’!

Lin’s heart was burning with anger as Shen Ruoxi was not only the jewel of the Shen Family but also the treasure of the Xu Family.

Her own father-in-law and mother-in-law cherished her greatly.

How could this minor fourth-rank official bully her to such an extent? Did he think the Xu Family was devoid of people?

Lin’s mocking laughter deepened, “Young General Xiao, you address me as ’aunt’ with such familiarity, do you intend to marry into the Shen Family?

I’m here today specifically to inform you that tomorrow the Shen Family will hold a husband-choosing ceremony.

As Ruoxi’s ex-husband, I thought you should be aware of this!”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep