Chapter 23: Assistance

Chapter 23

Assistance

That night, Song Qilin came to have dinner at Lian Fang Quarters as usual. However, his steps felt heavier with each one he took. Song Qilin didn’t know how to explain the situation to her. He knew she was different from other women—sharp-tongued, with her own thoughts and opinions. Even after marrying him, she didn’t see him, her husband, as her entire world. It wasn’t strange. He had wronged her in so many ways, and before he could even make amends, he was already marrying another principal wife. How much more could he trample on her feelings?

The atmosphere in Lian Fang Quarters was noticeably somber. Although Nie Shuang didn’t seem affected, the servants in the quarters couldn’t help but feel sympathy for their mistress. They subtly cast reproachful looks at the General, and even though Xiao San and Xiao Tong already knew Nie Shuang planned to run away, they couldn’t help but feel angry. How could this family disregard their Young Furen’s feelings like this? They were glad their mistress had made up her mind—what good could come from marrying a man with so many women in his life?

Dinner passed in silence. Nie Shuang didn’t cry, didn’t complain, and showed no reaction toward him at all. She behaved as if what he did no longer concerned her. Song Qilin, however, wasn’t angry this time. Instead, he felt pained. She didn’t expect to entrust her heart to him, nor did she hope for any kindness from him. Without expectations, there was no pain.

After dinner, as he sat sipping tea as usual, he waited until she finished washing her hands and mouth, he then waved the servants away. Once they were alone, he spoke.

"Nie Shuang, I never wanted to marry Yuelan."

His seemed awkward, and he acted as if he wanted to explain himself.

"Whether you wanted to or not makes no difference. In the end, you’ll marry her anyway,"

Nie Shuang replied flatly, lifting her teacup as if the matter had no significant at all.

"Nie Shuang...believe me, I don’t want to marry her. I’ve always seen her as a sister. When I was young, my mother gave me three younger brothers, but Yuelan used to come to the manor with her father often. I wanted a sister, so we became close, that’s all."

"General, I am not a fool. Since you never loved me, it doesn’t matter if you marry ten or a hundred more women. Why should I waste my energy being upset? Since I entered this manor, I’ve seen how you treat me. I never hoped for your love. I only wish to live my life without having to endure your moods. I don’t want children with you to rely on in old age. In life, there are many things we can’t control. My father wanted you as a son-in-law without considering his status. He’s just a merchant. We should be content with what we’ve received. Whatever decisions this manor makes, there’s no need to consider saving face for me."

"Nie Shuang, I promise I will treat you better..."

"That’s unnecessary. I can take care of myself. General, let’s not speak of this anymore. From today, there’s no need for you to come here for dinner. You’ll have to prepare for your wedding before heading back to the border. I wouldn’t want to waste your time."

She cut him off coldly. He seemed to think he was the only one with pride. Even if she was a merchant, it didn’t mean she had anything to be ashamed of. Why should she lower herself to wait for his mercy? If she left him, she would surely have a better life than staying with him. Nie Shuang was confident of that.

"My father is a stubborn man who values loyalty and friendship. When Yuelan’s father came to ask for his help, he made this decision. I didn’t agree with it at all, but I couldn’t convince him otherwise. If it becomes too difficult for you, I’ll take you with me to the border and we can avoid this marriage altogether,"

He said, his voice resolute.

"I understand my own position well. You don’t need to go against your father on my behalf. I’m not upset, nor will I do anything foolish. You can simply treat me the same as before, as if I don’t exist in this manor. I won’t blame you."

Hearing her words, guilt washed over Song Qilin. He wanted to embrace her and comfort her, just as he had done when she was attacked in the throne hall. But this time, it was his own father who had hurt her.

When had he fallen for her so deeply? He longed to see her happy, to hold her close so no one could harm her. He even wished for her love... Though once, he had despised her so much. How pathetic he had become.

He had come to tell her about this marriage arrangement, but it was he who felt like crying. Seeing her emotionless expression, he knew she had not forgiven him. Any attempt at kindness now seemed far too late.

The news that General Song would marry another principal wife quickly spread. The people in the manor were still waiting to see how things would play out. Young Furen Nie Shuang was not someone who could be easily dismissed, but if a new Young Furen with strong backing came in, it could be a different story. They had known Young Miss Chen since she was a child. As the daughter of an official, close to the Hou, and now soon to be an equal status as a principal wife, she undoubtedly had a better position than the merchant’s daughter. Having lived in a noble manor for so long, the servants were used to such changes. They weren’t in a rush to act and were ready to switch their loyalties if needed.

Outside the manor, the rumors flew. Fair-minded people criticized General Song, wondering what wrong the Young Furen had committed. She had barely been married, and now General Song was taking another principal wife. Those who supported the General argued that his first marriage had been out of duty, to keep his word, and since he didn’t love her, there was nothing wrong with marrying someone he did care for.

Princess An Le summoned Nie Shuang to the palace. Even though she was in the palace, she had heard about these rumors. When they met, the princess immediately asked in frustration.

"Sister Nie Shuang, what’s going on with the General? Why is he marrying this Young Miss Chen?"

Nie Shuang, far from being tearful as the princess had expected, simply laughed and explained the situation calmly.

"That’s just how it is. He’s a filial son and can’t go against his father’s wishes."

Princess An Le looked displeased.

"How can you stay so calm, Sister Nie? This is so unfair! I’ll speak to my father about this. He has to make things right for you!"

Nie Shuang quickly stopped her.

"I appreciate your kindness, Your Highness, but truly, I don’t mind. To be honest, I no longer care for the General. I’ve already been thinking of leaving."

Princess An Le’s eyes lit up upon hearing Nie Shuang’s plan. She had always had a penchant for these unconventional stories. She listened eagerly, then slapped her knee in excitement, abandoning all sense of royal decorum.

"Wonderful! Simply wonderful!"

She exclaimed with delight.

"I knew you were no ordinary woman, Sister Nie. Escaping from the General’s manor and roaming the world—how fantastic. I wish I could go with you."

Nie Shuang quickly stopped her. She wasn’t even sure if her plan would succeed on her own, let alone if a princess got involved. If something went wrong, they might not even keep their heads.

"If there’s anything I can do to help, don’t hesitate to ask, Sister Nie."

Hearing this, Nie Shuang recalled something.

"I still need to write a letter of divorce, but I don’t know how to word it properly. If it’s not too much trouble, could you find someone to draft it for me? I don’t know anyone else I could ask."

"No problem!"

Princess An Le immediately agreed and called upon her attendant. With just a few words, a eunuch brought a scroll of paper. The princess opened it and, after checking the content, handed it to Nie Shuang. The divorce letter was complete, stating that Nie Shuang could not accept a marriage with two principal wives and was thus requesting the separation. It only needed a date and signature to be finalized. Nie Shuang folded the document and tucked it into her robe with satisfaction.

"By the way, that man who attacked me has died. That night, someone snuck into the prison and poisoned him. His body dissolved into a bloody mess, making it impossible to identify him, and we can’t trace who was behind it."

Though Princess An Le shared this troubling news, Nie Shuang, knowing she would soon leave, felt unconcerned. She had no intention of staying entangled with the General’s manor. The princess asked about her plan, and Nie Shuang gave her a brief explanation, asking her to keep it secret.

Princess An Le, though only fourteen, harbored many dreams, one of which was to adventure the world. She knew, however, that her status would never allow it. So, she eagerly supported Nie Shuang’s endeavor.

"I’ve never lived outside, but I know it’s dangerous out there. While I can’t accompany you, I’ll give you someone to assist you and two messenger pigeons. If you find yourself in trouble, don’t forget me."Nie Shuang gratefully accepted the offer. Despite the many people who had looked down on her, this young princess offered her genuine help. It was, indeed, a stroke of good fortune amidst her hardships.