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Princess Rui stood up in anger, scolding, "Jiang Xi, you are being too outrageous."
Jiang Jiao feigned understanding and added fuel to the fire, "Sister, everyone here is of royal blood and our elders. How can you speak like that?"
Consort Rui looked at Jiang Xi and her mother with a cold snort. "It’s clear that a mother’s upbringing reflects on her daughter. Just look at Jiang Jiao, and then look at you. No wonder you are not favored by Chancellor Jiang."
Jiang Xi smiled faintly and replied, "Consort Rui, your words seem to insult everyone present. They say people gather in groups and things come together by nature. All of you esteemed Clan Relatives here are considered matriarchs, yet you happily associate with a concubine like Feng and even praise a daughter born out of wedlock. Such demeanor truly impresses me. I heard that the Prince of Rui has just taken a new consort who has overshadowed you as the head matron. With your temperament, I’m sure you’ll get along splendidly with him."
Consort Rui felt the sting of those words deeply, sensing an offense and humiliation wash over her. She shouted, "Jiang Xi, you are too outrageous!"
Jiang Xi gave a slight bow and said, "Since everyone enjoys the company of concubines so much, my mother and I will not disturb you any longer. I wish you all a pleasant time!"
With that, she took Madam Jiang's arm and prepared to leave.
Behind them, Feng gritted her teeth and shouted angrily, "After today, who is the wife and who is the concubine is still uncertain! Jiang Xi, don’t get too smug too soon."
Jiang Xi turned back with a faint smile and said, "Is that so? Then I’ll preemptively wish Feng Concubine all her desires come true."
The mother-daughter duo headed towards Ink Splash Pavilion. Madam Jiang spoke softly, "Xi'er, I’ve thought it over carefully. Once today’s events conclude, I plan to return to Tianqi."
Jiang Xi immediately insisted on accompanying her mother.
Madam Jiang shook her head and said, "No need for that. I can manage on my own. Don’t underestimate your mother’s abilities; I can take care of myself. They won’t be able to harm me. Besides, Tianqi has the Regent's influence; you can rest assured."
Jiang Xi was taken aback and asked, "Fong Yang has influence in Tianqi too?"
Madam Jiang smiled and replied, "Fong Yang is far more capable than you realize. So leaving you in his care is quite reassuring."
The thought of Fong Yang's other identity made Jiang Xi ponder deeply. How did he manage to gather such influence at such a young age? Had he been secretly plotting since childhood?
The Ink Splash Pavilion was bustling with a mix of excitement and tension, as both the Emperor and the Regent were present. The guests exchanged toasts and offered their congratulations to the birthday celebrant, all while remaining on edge, fearful that a single word or phrase might touch upon a sensitive topic and lead to dire consequences.
It wasn't until someone announced, "The Madam has arrived," that the guests could finally relax their taut nerves. They turned to look at Madam Jiang, their expressions shifting to surprise.
Outsiders often spoke of Madam Jiang's merchant background, assuming she would be uncouth; today’s encounter revealed the truth was quite the opposite—words could indeed mislead!
Madam Jiang walked calmly to the main seat, where the former Emperor and Regent Fong Yang bowed in greeting. The Emperor's gaze fell upon Jiang Xi, and he quickly remarked, "Madam, there is no need for excessive formalities with Lady Jiang."
Madam Jiang then turned her attention to Jiang Xingzhi, slightly bowing as she softly congratulated him, "Prime Minister, on your birthday, I wish you many more years like today and countless mornings like this one."
Jiang Xingzhi responded with a brief "Mm," indicating she should take her seat. Just as she settled down, the voice of the Feng cut through the air provocatively: "Sister merely offers empty words of blessing. We Jiao Jiao have personally crafted a robe for the Prime Minister’s birthday. This act of filial piety moves me deeply; after all, it is something that money cannot buy. Wouldn’t you agree, Sister?"
Jiang Jiao sweetly chimed in, "Father, happy birthday!" Jiang Xingzhi appeared quite pleased with this display and felt even more resolute about introducing his Secondary Wife.
Madam Jiang chuckled lightly and said, "I have also prepared a special gift for the Prime Minister, but allow me to keep it a secret for now; I will reveal it later."
The Feng sneered, "Sister certainly knows how to keep people in suspense."
"Jiao Jiao's thoughtfulness truly touches me; thank you for your hard work. Now please sit down!"
Upon hearing this, the guests began to murmur among themselves: "How does the Prime Minister manage his household? How can concubines and daughters openly present themselves? It seems Chancellor Jiang indeed favors his concubines while neglecting his Legal Wife."
They then noticed that the Regent remained indifferent at the head table, holding his wine cup as if he were entirely unconcerned by the unfolding scene.
With everyone gathered, Jiang Xingzhi spoke directly: "Your Majesty, since the Feng is present today, I would like to take this opportunity during the Birthday Banquet to request a favor from you."
The Emperor was in good spirits and encouraged him to speak freely.
Jiang Xingzhi gently held the Feng's hand and said, "Your Majesty, my concubine the Feng comes from a prestigious family. I feel that making her a mere concubine is truly unfair to her, so I wish to propose the Feng as Secondary Wife and seek your approval."
As soon as these words were spoken, the colleagues present were shocked and bewildered. Was Chancellor Jiang really suggesting that his Legal Wife make way for his concubine?
To propose the concubine as Secondary Wife in front of the original wife was nothing short of slapping Madam Jiang and the Eldest Daughter in the face.
The Emperor finally spoke, "Jiang Qing has worked hard and achieved much. I have been considering how to reward you. Since you have brought this up today, how could I refuse? If Madam Jiang also agrees to promote the Feng as Secondary Wife, I shall make it so today."
Everyone turned to Madam Jiang; they understood what the Emperor meant. Now that he had opened his mouth, who would dare to oppose him? Even if Madam Jiang was unwilling in her heart, would she dare to voice her disagreement?
The Feng stood aside, a glimmer of triumph flashing in her eyes as she thought, "Hmph, now that the Emperor has spoken, does my sister dare to resist?"
Jiang Jiao looked at Jiang Xi, silently provoking her: After today, I will also be the Eldest Daughter of the Prime Minister's Residence.
Jiang Xi sneered inwardly and said, "Make a decision? Has the Emperor forgotten that Regent Fong Yang is also present? I do not agree."
Madam Jiang spoke calmly, leaving everyone stunned.
The Emperor Fong Gaoyun's face darkened immediately.
Jiang Xingzhi's pupils contracted, while the Feng was both shocked and furious, unable to believe that Madam Jiang would dare to disregard even the Emperor's authority—was she seeking death?
Jiang Jiao also withdrew her challenging gaze from Jiang Xi and stared at Madam Jiang in shock.
Jiang Xingzhi's anger boiled over; he vowed to give her a Divorce Letter once the banquet was over and shouted angrily, "The Yuan, are you out of your mind?"
Madam Jiang smiled faintly and replied, "I am not mad." She slowly stood up and said, "To be honest, the grand gift I intend to present to the Prime Minister today is related to this matter." With that, she pulled out an envelope from her sleeve.
"Everyone knows I come from a merchant background, coarse and vulgar, with the stench of copper about me. So today, I will not emulate those noble ladies who flaunt their literary talents. Instead, I will simply inform you all of one thing: starting today, I, along with Jiang Xingzhi, will sever our marital ties. All that has passed will be swept away by the wind; from now on, we shall each pursue our own paths in life. This is my Divorce Letter to Jiang Xingzhi, and also a birthday gift for him. I ask you all to bear witness."
As her words fell, the fury on Jiang Xingzhi's face froze completely.
Emperor Fong Gaoyun looked thoughtfully at Madam Jiang, pondering: Had she prepared this Divorce Letter in advance as a form of protest, or had she always intended to cut ties with Jiang Xingzhi?
Seizing the opportunity to lash out, Jiang Xingzhi regained his composure and furiously pointed at Madam Jiang, saying, "Only men can write Divorce Letters for their wives; how can a woman initiate a divorce? You are utterly unreasonable. Someone, take her away; my wife is unwell today and needs to rest."
Upon hearing Jiang Xingzhi's command, a servant immediately stepped in to escort Madam Jiang away.
Jiang Xi suddenly stepped forward and shouted, "Stop right there! Anyone who dares to lay a hand on my mother will face my wrath!"
The atmosphere grew even more tense as Jiang Xingzhi glared at Jiang Xi like a blade and asked, "What do you intend to do?"
With mockery in his eyes, Jiang Xi replied, "Father, do you remember when you were destitute? It was my mother who stood by you through thick and thin, providing for your studies and paving the way for your success. Now that you have achieved fame and fortune and hold power in your hands, you dare say my mother has been wronged by Feng and wish to take her as a Secondary Wife?"
"Have you ever considered how much my mother has endured over the years? Others say she comes from merchants and is unworthy of you, yet you never defend her. Truly heartless and ungrateful! You preach righteousness while harboring hypocrisy; it’s utterly despicable." Jiang Xingzhi's face flushed red with embarrassment and discomfort.
"Shut your mouth, wretched girl."
"I find Madam Jiang's proposal for divorce quite reasonable," said the prince.
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