Chapter 606: Chapter 606

The divorce letter arrived quickly, and Feng Wan also heard Yuwen Yu’s curses. After being refused, Zhou Shi became hysterical, but neither Fengyu nor Feng Wan paid much attention to her antics. No matter how much Zhou Shi cried or made a scene, Fengyu’s heart wouldn’t soften again. Feng Wan was overwhelmed with tears as she received the divorce letter and knelt outside the gate to bid farewell to Yuwen Yu.

After this parting, who knows when they will meet again? Yuwen Yu’s curses gradually faded from memory, and Fengyu felt somewhat weary. She had no desire to deal with the affairs of the Yuwen Clan. If it weren’t for her elder sister, she wouldn’t have come to Qiushan at all. This time, perhaps Grandmother’s wishes would finally be fulfilled.

Ruyi now has playmates.

Feng Wan’s daughter is named Chang Huan, who is close in age to Ruyi. Her personality is lively, intelligent, and well-behaved. Her son, Yuan Ge, is still too young to speak but can understand human speech, making him particularly amusing at this stage of life. Fengyu often thought of Ruyi whenever she looked at the two children, with a trace of warmth glimmering in her eyes.

Feng Changlin and the First Madam hadn’t expected Fengyu would truly take Feng Wan and the children in. The First Madam wept tears of joy and embraced Feng Wan as they both sobbed. When facing Fengyu, there was a mix of shame and gratitude, but Fengyu didn’t bother to engage further and left the family their time to reunite. She went to explain the situation to her Grandmother.

During the evening meal, the entire family gathered in the Old Madam’s courtyard for dinner, making it a reunion of sorts. Fengyu even prepared special gifts for the two children, encouraging Ruyi to play more with Chang Huan and Yuan Ge. Ruyi, having been raised under Xie Jue’s care, grew up with strict rules despite his gentleness. Even though the household had other children of the same age, they were not allowed to approach Ruyi, leaving her without playmates. Now that she had new companions, she was overjoyed and willingly gave her favorite slingshot to Chang Huan. The two children played together harmoniously.

Although the Old Madam didn’t say much, Fengyu could see the smile on her face, which brought peace to her heart. This year, in every sense, could be called a true reunion.

After Feng Wan’s divorce, she adopted the surname Feng, and her children followed her surname. The Old Madam initially wanted to include the two children in the Feng Family’s genealogy, but since Feng Wan was a married-out daughter, such an inclusion required them to be linked under Feng Wenrong’s name. However, since the eldest son of the Feng Family already had children and would inherit the family legacy, Feng Wan didn’t want her children to compete with their older cousins. Therefore, Feng Wan decided to establish her own household. A divorced woman can establish her own household, becoming the head herself. She also owned land, dowries, and although the Yuwen family’s assets were confiscated and nationalized, her dowries remained intact, ensuring she could raise her children without issue.

Moreover, while a divorced woman can return to live at her parental home without legal hindrance, Feng Wan knew her eldest brother was kindhearted and gentle and would undoubtedly accommodate her. Yet, with her sister-in-law and nephews living there too, conflicts might inevitably arise. Feng Wan felt that since her children grew up after her marriage, settling back in the Feng Mansion as long-term guests could inevitably lead to disputes.

Establishing her own household seemed to be the best choice. During Fengyu’s time in West State, she had actively encouraged women to be self-reliant and independent. Many women in West State established their own households and no longer depended on familial support. Likewise, in the capital’s trading houses, numerous merchant women independently ran their businesses. This phenomenon wasn’t rare and gradually became a trend, with society beginning to realize that women, like men, could support themselves, achieve their ambitions, and succeed in ventures.

Fengyu wholeheartedly supported Feng Wan’s decision to establish her own household, as this would reduce many unnecessary conflicts. Feng Wan had generous dowries and income from rental properties, and the Feng Family would assist in the children’s education. Her livelihood would not pose an issue.

Once, Fengyu had purchased a three-compound courtyard for Jiang Yang and his mother, alongside an adjacent mansion she had bought. This property could be transferred to Feng Wan and her two children. Situated conveniently near the Feng Mansion, the three-compound courtyard provided ample space for the three of them to reside.

Thus, the arrangement was finalized, and Feng Wan’s mind was at ease, accepting the support and assistance of her family. Her post-divorce life wouldn’t be overly challenging.

If Feng Wan wished to learn skills for earning a livelihood, the Su Family’s trading house offered numerous opportunities for her to gradually acquire knowledge. All in all, her life wouldn’t be too difficult, and her children wouldn’t live as dependents on others.

The First Madam, to tell the truth, was quite unwilling to see Feng Wan establish her own household. What she wanted was for Feng Wan and her children to stay and live with the family. To the First Madam, her grandchildren were far less important than Feng Wan. Her favoritism leaned heavily towards Feng Wan. Yet Feng Wan understood the intricacies of the situation better than the First Madam. Once her brother married and had children, her presence, along with her own children, might inevitably strain the resources and family inheritance of the Feng Family. Such strain might cause resentment in her sister-in-law, which in turn could lead to friction with her brother. Setting up their own household early was better for everyone involved.

After convincing the First Madam following the Mid-Autumn Festival, Fengyu helped Feng Wan move house. Both the Old Madam and the First Madam divided assets from their dowries to grant to Feng Wan. Fengyu also allocated three profitable shops to Chang Huan as gifts, which would later serve as her dowry.

Interestingly, while Fengyu assisted Feng Wan with the move, she noticed Zhou Xuejia was also looking for a property to move into. The courtyard in question had been empty for some time, and recently someone had inquired about purchasing it. The buyer turned out to be Zhou Xuejia.

Since the Marchioness’s birthday banquet, Fengyu hadn’t probed into the affairs of Marquis An Yuan Mansion or the Li Family. Now, seeing Zhou Xuejia searching for housing, she couldn’t help being curious.

If only Junjun were here—she had a knack for gathering every bit of information.

Fengyu herself remained oblivious, but Feng Ling was well aware that the rising fortunes of the Feng Family had elevated her own status in the circle of noblewomen in the capital. Events previously unattainable were now sending her invitations. Feng Ling, who loved her status, adored showing off and relished making a public splash, particularly at gatherings. As such, her access to information was significant.

Feng Ling shared, "After the new dynasty took power, the Li Family has been trying to mend relations with the Fang Family, hoping to reestablish ties with Mrs. Fang. They know the scandal between Li Si and Zhou Xuejia stains their reputation, so they’re expelling Zhou Xuejia from the Li Family as a gesture of sincerity. Although Li Si tried to resist, he couldn’t overrule the family elders’ decision, so he is now helping her find a residence outside."

As the sisters sat sipping tea and chatting in the courtyard, servants bustled about arranging and tidying belongings. Fengyu raised an eyebrow, saying, "Isn’t she nothing more than a mistress?"

"Exactly. Zhou Xuejia has truly chosen the path of degradation for herself," Feng Ling sneered, expressing clear disdain. "She ruined a great hand of cards. Back when Princess Xue Lan had just been reunited with her family, both the Marquis and the Marchioness doted on Zhou Xuejia, fearing she might feel unsettled. They tirelessly shielded her and treated her exceptionally well. Even then, Zhou Xuejia refused to get along with Princess Xue Lan. Instead, she constantly vied for favor, alienating Princess Xue Lan, and even instigated animosity between the Marquis’s sons and Princess Xue Lan. Only then did the Marchioness decide to expel her. She was nothing but a cuckoo occupying the nest, masquerading as a phoenix. If she had lowered herself and peacefully coexisted with Princess Xue Lan, the Marquis Mansion would have treated her as Second Miss and ensured her a comfortable life. But she insisted on competing against Princess Xue Lan, and ultimately, blood ties won out. The Marchioness couldn’t stand seeing her daughter suffer, so she expelled the adopted girl. Even afterward, they provided Zhou Xuejia with ample assets and wealth. With her own independent household, she could have lived in the lap of luxury. Moreover, the Marquis’s sons still defended her staunchly. Yet, she chose to entangle herself with Li Si, degrading herself to the level of being someone’s mistress, even bearing two children out of wedlock. Truly a story of wasted opportunities."

These tales were ones Fengyu had heard until she was numb, her ears endlessly bombarded. Yet today brought a new twist to the gossip as Feng Ling continued, saying, "This bit came from someone else. Back when Zhou Xuejia’s identity was exposed and she fought for favor with Princess Xue Lan, it still wasn’t quite enough to breach the Marchioness’s limits. What truly prompted the Marchioness to expel her was..."

Feng Ling lowered her voice, blushing slightly. "The Marquis’s two sons truly doted on Zhou Xuejia. After discovering they weren’t related by blood, she sought to seduce the Princely Heir, plotting to become the Marquis Mansion young madam. That scandal completely enraged the Marchioness. Treating Zhou Xuejia as her own daughter while growing up, she never expected her to commit such shameless acts. For years, Marquis An Yuan had publicly declared her the Mansion’s Second Miss. If rumors of incest surfaced, it would tarnish the mansion’s centuries-old legacy—a humiliation of unimaginable depth. Thus, the Marchioness buried the incident with all her might. Having failed to win over the Princely Heir, Zhou Xuejia later connected with Li Si instead. Once Princess Xue Lan’s cousin overheard, the secret spilled out, triggering laughter from all over. Zhou Xuejia used to rank among the most prominent noblewomen in the capital, even intimidating Lin Yu Yan. Now look where she’s fallen."

Fengyu pondered silently. That’s her due punishment for willful self-degradation!

"Zhou Xuejia’s character is reprehensible, and the Li Family is hardly virtuous either. When they want children, they claim Zhou Xuejia alongside her offspring. Now, in the wake of the dynasty’s shifts, the Grand Marshal and Fang Chuning earn favor and trust as prominent figures, while the influence of noble clans weakens. The Li Family wants to attach themselves to the Fang Family, intending to discredit Zhou Xuejia while retaining her children. Worse, they audaciously hope Junjun might marry into their household as a stepmother to care for their progeny. What sheer delusion!" Fengyu remarked coldly. Neither the Grand Marshal nor Fang Chuning would agree to such folly, and she herself certainly wouldn’t permit it. The Li Family’s crafty schemes are doomed to fail.

"Mrs. Fang and the Li Family’s grievances are beyond reconcilement. These days, if Mrs. Fang graces a noble lady’s gathering, the Li Family’s daughters are categorically unwelcome," Feng Ling replied. "Three years ago, the rivalry wasn’t as deep because the Grand Marshal’s sister was married to one of the Li Family’s second branch members, maintaining a cordial relationship between the families. But curiously, Mrs. Fang always avoided associating with the Li Family’s main branch, while showing only minimal connections with its second branch. Some sort of obscure elder-generation vendetta seems to be the root cause, though younger products of those families dare share little detail. What I know isn’t complete."

Fengyu was well aware of the familial conflicts, feeling considerable sympathy for the toll they’d extracted on lives like the Grand Marshal and Mrs. Fang—areas of bitterness spanning two decades and wasting entire lifetimes.

Fengyu summoned Chunlu, instructing her to investigate the location of Zhou Xuejia’s newly purchased property and disseminate the information afterward.

The more someone strives to veil disgraceful affairs, the greater Fengyu’s resolve to publicize them thoroughly.

"Do you bear a grudge against her?" Feng Ling asked with excitement.

Zhou Xuejia’s grudges against Xue Lan and Junjun naturally implied enmity with Fengyu. For origınal chapters go to novel(ꜰ)ire.net

"Then she’s in trouble now." Feng Ling blurted out, recalling firsthand the spine-chilling prowess Fengyu displayed in revenge tactics. As long as she wasn’t the one being struck back, Feng Ling was eagerly anticipating the drama.

Coincidentally, Zhou Xuejia’s newly acquired courtyard turned out to be separated by only one street from Feng Wan’s residence. From the backyard exit, the distance between them spanned fewer than a hundred meters.

"How unlucky!" Feng Ling pouted. "Why did she move here?"

Fengyu furrowed her brows. Indeed, how unfortunate!