Jiang Yin's actions were not hidden; it was simply that no one had thought to look into them before. A little investigation revealed everything.
"Why? Why on earth would you do this?" Kong Jialiang looked at her, incredulous. In his impression, his wife was dignified and magnanimous, and he never imagined she would resort to such underhanded tactics.
"I regretted giving her the things. I only sent something poisonous the first time, and never again. I originally wanted to get the harmful item back, but I never had the chance," Jiang Yin lowered her head, feigning a pitiful appearance. In reality, while her husband was looking for Zhou Shaoqiu, she had been strategizing in her room. After much thought, she could only prostrate herself and act subservient.
"How could you be so foolish? I told you I would live well with you, so why did you still disturb their lives? I heard you sent someone to deliver something again today, what's your explanation?" Kong Jialiang didn't entirely believe her words and looked at her with a scrutinizing gaze.
"Isn't this atonement for my past mistakes? I sent a small gift to compensate them, but they misunderstood. I won't do it again. Please forgive me this once."
Kong Jialiang sighed. Having been married to Jiang Yin for so long, he knew she was a kind woman, and perhaps she had indeed acted foolishly out of confusion. Nevertheless, he couldn't help but warn her, "They are them, and we are us. From now on, let's live our own lives earnestly and don't bother with them. Also, you need to be prepared; what she said this morning will surely spread throughout Wu Hu."
"What can be done? I am the prefect. My reputation cannot be damaged. Zhou Shaoqiu acts too rashly. Even if I did something wrong, she could have brought it up in person instead of exposing it to everyone." Even at this point, Jiang Yin couldn't help but sow discord in front of Kong Jialiang.
"You two are two of a kind. You made the first mistake, and her exposing it to the outside world shows she disregards the bigger picture. So, let's pretend this never happened. Let them gossip. After a while, other things will happen, and this will be overshadowed. Who will remember what happened then?" Kong Jialiang didn't know how to handle it either, so he could only let it run its course. In reality, Zhou Shaoqiu suffered the greatest loss; being targeted was not a good thing for a married woman.
Seeing that he clearly didn't want to get involved, Jiang Yin stamped her foot fiercely and secretly pouted. She had lost to her opponent this time, but she would definitely find a way to retaliate next time.
In the afternoon, as soon as Meng Changqing went out, he overheard people discussing. He was so angry he almost fainted. His wife's crazy actions were truly speechless. Blood rushed to his throat. If he hadn't been outside, he would have spat it out.
"Don't be angry. I didn't realize it before, but after this incident, I've found we're not on the same path. Let's go our separate ways from now on," Wu Caiwei said calmly, looking at his furious expression.
"What do you mean by that? We are husband and wife. Your damaged reputation also affects me, so how can you say it has nothing to do with me? Besides, how can we go our separate ways? You are my wife." Meng Changqing didn't understand her meaning at all, thinking she meant he shouldn't interfere with her affairs anymore.
He suddenly felt his wife had changed. In the past, when facing such a situation, she would have carefully admitted her mistake to him. Now, she spoke so righteously that anyone would think he was the one who had done something wrong.
"Don't you think I'm dragging down your reputation? Divorce me directly. With your qualifications, you can find another woman from a suitable family to marry and live a peaceful life," Wu Caiwei was waiting for someone else and couldn't spend her life with him. She decided to make things clear now to give everyone some time to adjust. When his illness improved, it would be her time to leave.
"Are you still thinking of him? Is it possible that the prefect isn't just infatuated? He already has a wife. If you go, you'll only be a concubine." When Meng Changqing heard this, he became furious, feeling she was too disrespectful of herself.
"It's not what you think. He and I will never be together. I've just realized I have no feelings for you, and the old madam and the Meng family relatives have a strong opinion of me. I don't want to be confined to the inner quarters; I want to see the outside world and achieve something," Wu Caiwei looked yearningly out the window, as if she were a bird in a cage.
At this moment, Meng Changqing realized he didn't understand her at all. She yearned for freedom, but for a woman to travel alone, her personal safety would not be guaranteed. She might even meet her end before reaching her destination.
Wu Caiwei saw his hesitant expression and knew what he wanted to say. She called him to the backyard and, in front of him, drew a sword from under the bed. She performed a set of sword techniques, dazzling Meng Changqing, who was speechless for a long time.
"Let's divorce," Wu Caiwei looked at him with sincere eyes this time, smiling.
Meng Changqing then became certain that she wasn't acting on impulse or joking, but truly meant it. He suddenly felt a sense of sadness. They had been married for so long, and he thought he knew her well, only to discover he knew just the tip of the iceberg. Of course, he had always preferred gentle women. If his wife were constantly fighting and killing, he wouldn't be able to accept it. Moreover, with her current reputation, divorce was the best way to salvage his own reputation.
"Think carefully. The Zhou family is in its current state and cannot be your backup. There's no turning back once the arrow is shot." If Meng Changqing had had genuine feelings for her before, the prefect's wife's frequent gifts had gradually weakened their affection.
Furthermore, he had two concubines, and the feeling of being flattered daily caused his affection for her to plummet. His anger before was due to his reputation being implicated. Now, he suddenly felt indifferent. Since she wanted to leave so badly, he would fulfill her wish.
"I've thought about it for a long time. However, you need to give me a few days. We'll register at the yamen in five days." After saying this, Wu Caiwei turned around without any lingering affection, leaving Meng Changqing somewhat speechless. He thought he was cold-hearted, but he didn't expect her to be even more resolute.
During these five days, Wu Caiwei did not allow the wet nurse to touch her son, saying she wanted to cherish the last moments to nurture her bond with him. Those who heard this sneered, thinking that five days were not enough to cultivate any feelings. Besides, the child was so young; he might look for his mother initially, but eventually, he would forget all about her.
The old madam received the news and sighed. Not only did she not intend to keep Wu Caiwei, but she also began secretly searching for a daughter-in-law. This time, she would thoroughly investigate whether the prospective bride had any past history.