Chapter 44

Chapter 44: She Wanted a Divorce

Yes – a mysterious origin. Sheng Zhi Wan had already noticed it in her previous life.

As Meng Yang revealed more and more in that life, Sheng Zhi Wan realized that Meng Yang’s ideas did not feel like the wisdom of one person. They felt more like pieces cut from many minds.

For example, those lines of poetry with wildly different styles, yet every one of them was stunning.

For example, the business tricks that Meng Yang blurted out now and then.

And for example, those bold, novel governing policies that absolutely did not suit Sheng Kingdom’s situation at all.

A farm girl – where had Meng Yang learned so much? And everything was shallow, as if she had only copied the surface while never touching the core.

So in her previous life, Sheng Zhi Wan tested Meng Yang more than once. Sheng Zhi Wan even sent people to investigate Meng Yang’s hometown.

In the end, Sheng Zhi Wan reached a conclusion that shocked her, yet she could not deny it.

Meng Yang was no longer the original Meng Yang.

There was something on Meng Yang – a Spirit Monster from some unknown place, or something else entirely.

Back then, Sheng Zhi Wan could not bring herself to believe it. But after Sheng Zhi Wan was reborn, she had no choice but to believe.

Even death could be reversed. So why would possession by a Spirit Monster be impossible?

An assembly line? The more Sheng Zhi Wan thought about it, the more ingenious it seemed. The description fit perfectly. Everyone did their own job.

It was not only useful for brewing medicine. It could work for anything.

It turned something complex into something simple. It no longer depended on a few rare talents. With a little teaching, anyone could start quickly, and the result came faster and better.

Thinking of this, Sheng Zhi Wan’s eyes brightened, almost glittering.

Ting Lan could not help asking, “Princess, you’re still smiling? Aren’t you angry?”

Sheng Zhi Wan nodded. “I should be angry. Should I go to Wen Xi Courtyard and question them?”

“That – that isn’t necessary.” Ting Lan’s face reddened.

Sheng Zhi Wan said, “Then that’s that. Don’t waste your heart on people who don’t matter.”

An Zhi finally could not hold it in anymore. “Princess, I heard the Heir Apparent went to Miss Meng’s courtyard again. I know you don’t care anymore, but since the Heir Apparent returned home, he hasn’t stayed at Ping Lan Residence even once.”

An Zhi’s voice lowered. “Not only inside the manor. Now even outside, people are spreading rumors. They say – they say you haven’t even been favored yet, and you already lost favor…”

At that moment, Qi Shu Xian stepped into Ping Lan Residence.

A maid in the courtyard was about to announce him, but he raised a hand to stop her.

He still had not decided how to explain what happened yesterday. He stood outside the door, just about to push it open, when An Zhi’s words reached him.

Qi Shu Xian’s fingers paused. He did not knock.

Sheng Zhi Wan’s smiling voice came through the door. “Isn’t that perfect? If Qi Shu Xian doesn’t come here, I don’t have to deal with him.”

“And if outsiders all know I haven’t been favored yet, then later, when I divorce and look for a new match, won’t it be even easier?”

An Zhi froze.

“Princess… you said you wanted a divorce before. Was that real?” An Zhi was not like Ting Lan. Ting Lan was simple-minded, but An Zhi, though only a few hours older, understood how hard divorce was for women.

And besides, the Princess and the Heir Apparent had been married by imperial decree. How could divorce be easy?

“Of course it’s real,” Sheng Zhi Wan said, amused. “Otherwise, why do you think I handed over the steward authority?”

“Counting my dowry is for one reason – so it’s easy to take away when I divorce.”

Before the last word even settled, the door was kicked open without warning.

Qi Shu Xian stepped in with a dark, savage expression. His eyes were so cold they seemed ready to drip water.

Every word Sheng Zhi Wan had said had entered his ears clearly, not missing a single syllable.

She wanted a divorce?

He had not even abandoned her yet for being unvirtuous and jealous, for nearly causing Meng Yang’s unborn child to miscarry. Yet she dared to think of divorcing him?

Not only did she want to divorce, she even wanted to find a new match.

What “new match” could a discarded divorced woman find?

And with her spoiled temper and jealous heart, what man besides Qi Shu Xian could tolerate her?

Qi Shu Xian’s face turned iron-blue. An Zhi and Ting Lan went pale. Sheng Zhi Wan met his stare without fear.

“Get out,” Qi Shu Xian said, his voice grim.

An Zhi and Ting Lan forced themselves to stay.

Qi Shu Xian snapped, “Or do you want to be thrown out? Someone, come in!”

Before anyone could appear, Sheng Zhi Wan said to them, “It’s fine. Go outside and wait.”

Qi Shu Xian always kept people with him, only they usually stayed hidden in the shadows. Without his order, they would not show themselves, even if he were wounded or dying.

Sheng Zhi Wan did not want An Zhi and Ting Lan to truly be thrown out.

Good maids who could fight and were willing to serve were painfully hard to find. Up to now, Shopkeeper Lin had only found a few who knew a bit of martial skill, and that was clearly not enough.

Sheng Zhi Wan’s voice turned cool. “Why isn’t the Heir Apparent keeping Miss Meng company? Miss Meng nearly miscarried last night. That’s when she needs comfort the most.”

Qi Shu Xian’s anger flared again. He stepped forward and pressed, “You want a divorce?”

“Why not?” Sheng Zhi Wan looked at Qi Shu Xian. “You hate me for being jealous and vicious, for nearly making your Miss Meng give birth early.”

“And I hate you for breaking your word and dirtying yourself. Why should we keep looking at each other with disgust?”

“I didn’t break my word!” Qi Shu Xian gritted his teeth. “Someone set me up!”

Qi Shu Xian’s voice tightened. “What do you want, exactly, before you stop making trouble?”

Qi Shu Xian knew Sheng Zhi Wan was spoiled and would not easily accept Meng Yang. So even while injured, Qi Shu Xian stood in the rain and coaxed Sheng Zhi Wan.

Sheng Zhi Wan went to His Majesty to complain, stealing the reward Qi Shu Xian should have received. Sheng Zhi Wan slapped Eldest Sister, causing Shu Lang to be punished. Sheng Zhi Wan drove Mother into coughing blood.

Even when Sheng Zhi Wan pushed Meng Yang and almost caused a miscarriage, Qi Shu Xian ordered people not to spread the news.

And now, Qi Shu Xian had even brought Silver Thread Charcoal on purpose.

Qi Shu Xian truly could not think of anyone else in the entire capital city who could endure Sheng Zhi Wan the way he did.

Yet Sheng Zhi Wan still acted aggressive and unreasonable, refusing to appreciate any of it.