Second Marriage

Translator: tarararawr

Chapter 1 Part 1

Xiao Youning was holding the divorce letter. Behind her was an elegant qiangong bed1, which was covered by a crimson quilt embroidered with mandarin ducks2. Not long ago, the peanuts and dates3 spread by the matron of honor were still quietly lying on top of the bed.

She was surrounded by a festive and warm red environment. However, she felt like she had fallen into an icy hole at this moment, with a chill seeping into the cracks of her bones like spider silk floating in the air. It was so cold that her teeth were about to chatter.

“You, Li Family, are going to divorce me?”

Holding the carelessly written divorce letter in her hand, she was determined to stare at Li Qingzhi, who had even changed out his wedding clothes. She had many complex emotions in her heart, but indignation took the lead.

Xiao Youning thought she would be hoarse and exhausted under her rage. Yet, all she heard was her own cold voice when she opened her mouth.

Li Qingzhi’s eyes flashed when he heard her words. After he glanced at her, he did not dare to look at her again. He turned to look at the brightly burning dragon and phoenix candles4.

Xiao Youning unexpectedly wanted to laugh at his silence.

This son of an official, who was praised for his incomparable moral character in the past, now knew that he was a hypocrite and did not have a sense of responsibility.

“Youning, you don’t have to blame Second Eldest Son.” The madam, who stood by the side earlier, took a step forward and blocked her son halfway behind her. She said, “Your father and brother had an accident. We are all sad for you. If this was an ordinary issue, then it would be fine. But the cause of this accident was that they did not listen to the advice of the Ministry of War and still persisted in leading the army. This led to a crushing defeat by the enemy country. They had 30,000 soldiers and two-thirds died. The investigation concluded that it was a serious crime that even the Li Family are unable to help plead leniency for.”

The madam spoke while faintly sighing and looked at her with pity.

“Youning, Second Eldest Son treats you with true affection. However, I cannot let anyone ruin his future. If he had a criminal official’s daughter as his main wife, then all of his hard work in studying for more than ten years would have been wasted. If you want to blame someone, then blame me. But, I can assure you that I will take care of you in secret and will not let you, an orphan, fall onto hardship outside.”

Xiao Youning was almost sickened by these words.

“I’m a criminal official’s daughter?! Why didn’t Madam Li say that when our families decided on the engagement while Lord Li was in prison?! Did my Xiao Family at that time say Li Qingzhi was a criminal official’s son?!”

She was so angry that her eyes were red and her clenched hands trembled slightly.

Madam Li was stabbed to the spine by her words. The Li Family had forgotten their favors and violated justice5; and their ugly behavior was ruthlessly torn apart. She could not bear the humiliation and stared at her with resentment.

Xiao Youning was deeply distressed by Madam Li’s resentful gaze.

In this world, it was always easy for someone to add flowers to brocade6 and difficult to send charcoal when it snowed7. If the Li Family was cold to her as a result of her father and brother’s accident, then she could understand. But in the end, the Li Family gave her a divorce letter.

She had just been sent to the wedding room and the gongs and drums outside were still loud. But in a flash, her husband had taken off his wedding robes.

In addition, they hypocritically asked her to not ruin Li Qingzhi’s future?

For what reason?!

“Someone come. Please get Young Miss Xiao into the carriage. Send her to the villa and take good care of her.”

Madam Li suddenly raised her voice and shouted.

Since they had a bitter fall-out, there was no need to delay anymore.

Currently, it was unknown how the Xiao Family’s father and son would be convicted. She was sending Xiao Youning away first so that she could avoid having her ruin the Li Family’s reputation outside.

If the Emperor wanted to treat their family as guilty for being associated with criminals, then they would be thrown out. Whether they lived or died, that would depend on the results of her efforts!

Several sturdy pozi8 rushed in from outside and aggressively charged at Xiao Youning.

Xiao Youning looked at the incoming people and her heart felt tight. At this moment, she could clearly see the Li Family’s plan. Her clothes were soaked in cold sweat, and she could only step back in a panic.

She only took one step back and her leg hit the side of the bed.

The inner room was only so big, so where could she hide?!

From a moment ago until now, her maid had not appeared and the one who sent the news about her father and brother was a small servant girl from the Li Family. She should have been vigilant just now, but in her anxiety and heartache, she did not consider the attitude that the Li family would have towards her.

The sturdy pozi were used to subdue her. She took two steps back and her arm was grabbed.

Footnotes

千工床 (qiān gōng chuáng) – custom-made bed used during weddings and gets passed down through the generations due to the enormous resources used to make them. Source and photos. Mandarin ducks symbolizes love and harmony between husband and wife.Peanuts and dates are a part of the marriage custom for an early birth of a child.Dragon and phoenix candles are supposed to represent the couple.忘恩负义 (wàng​’ēn​fù​yì) – idiom that means being ungrateful to the benefactor.锦上添花 (jǐn​shàng​tiān​huā​) – idiom for making something good even more perfect. It’s similar to “icing on the cake”. 雪中送炭 (xuě​zhōng​sòng​tàn) – idiom for helping someone in their time of need.婆子 (pó​zi​) – old female servant