He blamed Lanyin for being cold-hearted, blamed her for not considering his situation. Yet, today, if he truly had to choose, he would only choose Lanyin.
Lanyin was his wife, the only person he wished to spend his life with.
He would still protect Gu Qing as he had promised, but he had finally come to understand who was primary and who was secondary. He would tell Lanyin everything that had happened in Lin’an and discuss it with her properly. He believed that, with Lanyin’s gentleness and understanding, she would surely be able to forgive him.
Thinking back on their three years of marriage, every misunderstanding between them had stemmed from their lack of communication.
They had each taken for granted that they were making the best choice, never stopping to consider whether the other person could accept that choice.
“Make sure she is well taken care of,” Xiao Ye finally instructed Steward Xu. “If she needs anything, try to fulfill it as much as possible.”
Beyond that, he said nothing more.
On the day of his appointment with Lanyin, Xiao Ye woke up early. He carefully washed and dressed, even changing into Lanyin’s favorite color—purple. Usually, he wore fitted martial attire due to his training, but today, in a round-collared long robe with a jade belt at his waist and a scented sachet hanging from his side, he exuded a gentleness rarely seen on him.
He intended to head to Qingfeng Tower early to wait for Lanyin. Just as he was about to leave, a visitor arrived.
It was Lu Boting’s personal attendant, Lu Sheng.
Over the past few days, Xiao Ye’s spirits had been entirely different from before. Hearing that someone from the Lu family had come, he was in a good enough mood to invite them in. Sitting in a chair, one hand resting on the table’s edge and the other hanging at his side, he waited until the visitor finished his greetings before smiling and asking, “Did Uncle Lu send you with any instructions?”
At these words, Lu Sheng glanced at the black-clad attendants behind Xiao Ye, hesitation flickering across his face. However, Xiao Ye merely said, “It’s fine.”
“Yes, sir.”
Lu Sheng no longer hesitated and spoke directly, “The master was unwell a few days ago and only learned of the matter at the Ministry of Revenue today. Three days ago…” He wasn’t sure how to address Lanyin, so after considering Xiao Ye’s attitude, he settled on calling her the heir’s wife.
“The heir’s wife sent a servant to inquire at the Ministry of Revenue, asking for a receipt of the divorce document. Though the officials, following the master’s instructions, ignored the request, it’s unlikely that the heir’s wife will simply give up.”
By the time he finished speaking, he could already sense the shift in atmosphere. The previously warm and lighthearted mood in the room froze instantly, and he noticed the man before him suddenly turning cold. A trace of panic stirred in his heart, and he lowered his head even further. Yet, he had no choice but to continue. Forcing himself to press on, he added, “The master sent me here today to inform you that the heir’s wife is determined to divorce you. For the sake of your reputation, you should resolve this matter as soon as possible. If it drags on, it will not end well for anyone.”
This was also the last opportunity Lu Boting was willing to extend to Xiao Ye.
If he still refused to deliver the divorce document, the next time someone was sent, it would be an official from the Ministry of Revenue. By then, it wouldn’t just be Xiao Ye’s reputation on the line—the entire Earl Manor would be implicated.
Silence.
Xiao Ye lowered his head. The warmth and smile he had carried moments ago had vanished entirely the moment Lu Sheng spoke those words. Now, his expression was dark, his head bowed, and the hand resting on the table clenched so tightly that the knuckles protruded starkly.
He tried to reach for the teacup on the table, but his fingers trembled. Not only did he fail to grasp it, but he even knocked it over.
Tea spilled across the table, soaking the fine robes he had so carefully selected for today. The sleeves darkened as the liquid seeped in, yet he seemed entirely unaware.
Lu Sheng, with his head bowed, did not notice.
But Zhou An, standing behind Xiao Ye, saw everything. He saw the heir clenching his jaw, his black eyes brewing a storm. Quickly, Zhou An stepped forward and addressed Lu Sheng, “We understand the matter. Thank you for making the trip. You may return now. Rest assured, we will handle this properly and ensure that Master Lu is not troubled by it.”
The Xiao and Lu families had been close for generations. Lu Sheng had not come today to force an immediate response, and hearing these words, he did not push further. After offering a bow to Xiao Ye, he turned to leave.
Yet, just as he reached the doorway, he heard the sharp sound of porcelain shattering behind him.
His brow twitched.
He did not turn back. Lowering his head, he quickened his steps and left.
Inside the room, Zhou An looked at Xiao Ye, who had just flung the teacup, his hands gripping the table as he gasped for breath. A sudden ache welled in Zhou An’s chest.
He had served Xiao Ye for many years and knew full well how happy the heir had been upon receiving the invitation from the madam.
Just last night, the heir had kept him back, asking him what women liked.
He had also heard that the kitchen lights had stayed on all night. Curious, he had gone to check and found the usually composed and dignified heir standing before the stove, an absolute mess. When he asked about it, Xiao Ye had simply smiled and said, “The Dragon Boat Festival is coming soon. Lanyin used to love zongzi. I wanted to practice making them in advance so I could surprise her on the day.”
The heir had looked forward to meeting his wife with such anticipation.
But he never imagined that she had not invited him to rekindle old feelings, nor to return to him.
She had come… to finalize their divorce.
She was determined not to return, not even giving the heir a chance to make amends.
“Your Highness…”
Zhou An called out softly.
But Xiao Ye didn’t hear him. It was as if he had sunk into his own world, his handsome face shrouded in gloom, his eyes bloodshot. Suddenly, he stood up and swung his arm, sweeping the tea set off the table. The sharp sound of shattering porcelain rang through the room, unable to mask the rage in his voice—
“Does she want to leave me that badly?!”
Like an enraged lion, his fury was filled with an unbearable sorrow and despair.
“Why…” Xiao Ye braced himself against the table, his head lowered, his voice hoarse beyond measure. “Why won’t she give me another chance? Why… I’ve already changed.”
“I am changing.”
He couldn’t understand. He didn’t know why.
They had been married for three years, known each other for over a decade—how could Lanyin be so resolute, cutting ties without hesitation?
Had she ever loved him at all?
Before, Xiao Ye had never doubted Lanyin’s love for him. Even with what happened with Lady Xu, he had always believed that Lanyin had feelings for him. If she didn’t, she wouldn’t have treated him so well. But now, he wasn’t so sure.
If she had truly loved him, how could she do this to him?
The thought that Lanyin might never have loved him sent Xiao Ye into an uncontrollable storm of anger and pain.
His head remained bowed, so Zhou An couldn’t see his expression. He could only ask cautiously, “Your Highness, should we still go today?”
He had thought Xiao Ye wouldn’t answer. But unexpectedly, the man responded—
“Go?”
“Go for what? To follow her to the Ministry of Revenue and sign the divorce papers? She dreams!”
Xiao Ye’s face was dark with rage. As he spoke, he suddenly wiped his face and stood up. His sleeves were still damp, and water dripped onto the ground, quickly forming a wet stain at his feet. Yet, he seemed completely unaware, his face remaining cold as he ordered—
“Go tell her—if she wants a divorce, she’ll have to wait until I’m dead!”
“In the Xiao family, there is no divorce. Only widows!”
Without waiting to see Zhou An’s reaction, he turned and strode out.
“Your Highness!”
Zhou An hurried after him, but he was too late. Standing in place, he watched Xiao Ye’s departing figure, then raised a hand to press against his temple, feeling a headache coming on.
Soon after, Steward Xu sent someone to ask when they would be leaving. Zhou An sighed, realizing that Xiao Ye wouldn’t be going. Left with no choice, he mounted a horse and rode to Qingfeng Tower alone.
—
Outside Qingfeng Tower.
Lanyin had arranged to meet at Xu hour (around 7-9 PM), but she arrived a quarter-hour early. She had never been one to keep others waiting, and this applied to Xiao Ye as well.
“Mistress, we have arrived,” Ting Yun said as the carriage came to a stop in front of the teahouse.
Lanyin responded with a soft “Mm” and allowed Ting Yun to help her put on a veiled hat, though her lips carried a smile. “It doesn’t matter if I don’t wear it.”
She was no longer an unwed maiden—being seen by others was of no concern to her.
But Ting Yun insisted.
Rumors had been spreading throughout the city lately, and Qingfeng Tower was one of the most renowned teahouses in town. Although this hour was relatively quiet, there was no guarantee that they wouldn’t run into an acquaintance. Ting Yun didn’t want anyone scrutinizing her mistress. Only after carefully securing the veiled hat to ensure not even a glimpse of her face could be seen did she finally assist Lanyin in stepping down from the carriage.
Song Yue had already arranged a private room.
Lanyin didn’t let him follow and instead ascended the stairs with only Ting Yun accompanying her.
The private room was located on the side overlooking the Bian River, where there were no vendors or bustling shops, making it a very peaceful spot. Lanyin sat in a chair by the window, gazing at the scenery outside, while Ting Yun busied herself preparing tea.
However, unlike her mistress’s calm and composed demeanor, Ting Yun seemed somewhat distracted. It wasn’t until the water reached a rolling boil that she snapped back to reality. The sound of bubbling water pulled her thoughts back, and she hurriedly collected herself. After steeping the Wuyi tea, she carefully set a tea cup before Lanyin. Watching her mistress still looking out at the view outside, Ting Yun hesitated for a moment before softly asking, “Will the heir come?”
Lanyin did not answer immediately.
In the past, she would have confidently said yes.
But now… she truly couldn’t read Xiao Ye anymore.
So, she answered honestly, “I don’t know.”
Holding the tea cup in both hands, she inhaled the rich fragrance of the tea, her tone light and indifferent. “But whether he comes or not doesn’t matter. I only need him to understand where I stand.”
It would be best if things ended amicably.
If not… she didn’t mind making a scene.
She just didn’t want others to be caught in the crossfire.
That was the one outcome Lanyin didn’t wish to see.
“Mistress.”
Ting Yun suddenly called her softly.
“Hm?”
Lanyin didn’t look up, still savoring the tea’s aroma with her eyes half-closed.
Ting Yun bit her lip and hesitated before asking, “If… if the heir were to drive Second Miss away and wholeheartedly devote himself to you from now on, would you reconsider?”
Lanyin paused for a brief moment.
But it lasted no more than a single breath. She then smiled and shook her head. “No.”
If she still loved Xiao Ye, perhaps she would reconsider.
But now, she no longer had even the slightest feelings for him. Whether Gu Qing stayed or left would not change her decision.
Hearing this, Ting Yun inexplicably felt a sense of relief.
She had not asked this to persuade her mistress to reconsider. She had only been afraid that one day, Lanyin might regret her choice. Now that she was certain of her mistress’s resolve, she felt reassured.
“It’s time.”
Lanyin spoke.
At that moment, footsteps sounded from outside the door, followed by a man’s voice—
“Madam.”
“It’s Zhou An.”
Ting Yun recognized the voice.
Lanyin gave a soft “Mm” and said, “Invite him in.” Setting down her tea cup, she smoothed the fabric of her dress, waiting for the visitor to enter.
“Yes.”
Ting Yun acknowledged the order and walked to the door. However, upon opening it, she saw only Zhou An standing outside. Glancing beyond him, she saw no sign of anyone else.
Her brows furrowed.
“Guard Zhou, where is the heir?”
Ting Yun greeted Zhou An, but upon hearing her question, he hesitated, looking troubled. “The heir….” He trailed off, seemingly wary of speaking too openly in front of others. Instead, he lowered his voice and asked, “Is Madam inside?”