Chapter 8: Let's Just Divorce

"Stop right there!"

As Aunt Wei reached the doorway, she heard the sharp command and hurriedly halted her steps.

"What exactly does Your Highness intend?"

Ning Junruo’s rounded cheeks tightened slightly, her willow-like brows arching as if shadowed by distant mountains.

No matter what her grandfather said, he had been his mentor, yet he schemed to bring ruin upon the mentor’s entire family.

What a cruel heart—how had she failed to see it before?

Recalling the sufferings of her past life, the loved ones fallen in pools of blood...

Ning Junruo’s body trembled subtly, her eyes bright like stars yet filled with fury and helplessness, evoking a profound sense of oppression and pain. Still, she maintained her usual grace and reserve.

Before today, adhering to the custom of mutual respect, Ning Junruo had never truly looked at this man’s face.

But today, she fixed her gaze on Zhao Shenxing. Upon closer inspection, though he had inherited the splendid appearance of the Grand Dowager Consort, his eyes revealed a venomous nature, tinged with a seductive gleam—clearly the mark of a dissipated libertine given to wine and women.

Men with such features often find that the unattainable woman is the most desirable, with wildflowers outside always seeming more fragrant than those at home.

Moreover, his finely tapered eyebrows and the subtle bluish hue beneath his dragons’ veins and phoenix pools suggested misfortune for his wife and children; the dark aura swirling beneath his eyes was particularly ominous. For a man with such a face to have a son—truly a blessing from his ancestors.

And yet, he dared to stare at her so brazenly!

The thought of her once demure, respectful demeanor made Zhao Shenxing’s anger surge uncontrollably.

“This is your fault. Why should you demand restitution in my name?”

Lord Xiao was always a man of moderation. Though his political achievements were unremarkable, he was adept at managing affairs and had long held a seat in the cabinet.

Knowing Xiao’s nature, if he found out Zhao Shenxing was behind this demand, it could cause all sorts of trouble.

He was no fool; he wouldn’t dare offend the Xiao clan.

But if he didn’t reclaim it, Lady Changyu would suffer as well!

The more Zhao Shenxing thought, the angrier he became. “This is all your doing! As long as it doesn’t implicate me, no matter what means you use, you must retrieve it for me!”

“Retrieve what?”

Ning Junruo glanced coldly at his greasy face, marred by indulgence. “With such constant changing of orders, how can one ever establish a foothold? If Your Highness truly wishes to gift Sister Chang again, simply have someone procure a new set.”

Was she made of bears’ hearts and leopards’ guts?

She dared to speak to him like this!

“Easy for you to say, as if these southern pearl and kingfisher feather ornaments were found on every street corner!”

Zhao Shenxing had indeed thought of buying another set, but such craftsmanship was exceedingly rare, only found in the capital.

Not to mention that gathering the finest kingfisher feathers took time, and the journey alone could take two months.

Lady Changyu needed the jewelry for the child’s full-month banquet; it was impossible to arrange in time now.

If he failed to retrieve it today, she would undoubtedly weep and wail again, and this thought made Zhao Shenxing inexplicably restless.

“Unless it’s in Your Highness’s name, I absolutely refuse to demand it,” Ning Junruo said stubbornly. “Even if I were a steward, I must consider my own dignity.”

Zhao Shenxing snapped, “Such concern for your dignity! So this is how the proud Princess of Liang manages the household?”

Just over a set of jewelry, and he was already doubting her competence?

Ning Junruo, already simmering with anger, smoothed her skirt and rose slowly. “So Your Highness means to say I am no longer fit to manage the household?”

“No arrangements have been made at Lady Changyu’s place yet. I think you’re simply unworthy!” Zhao Shenxing shot her a spiteful glare.

Unworthy to manage the household!

Ning Junruo forced down her fury. In these five years, even if she had no great achievements, she had endured hardships. Yet with one remark, he dismissed it all.

Clenching the handkerchief tightly, she cursed silently, “This heartless wretch knows nothing of conscience!”

Her heart felt as if a sharp knife had cruelly slashed it.

“Since Your Highness thinks I manage poorly, let whoever wishes manage the household!”

Unable to contain her anger any longer, she grabbed the warehouse key from the table and threw it at Zhao Shenxing.

“You must be rebelling against heaven!” Zhao Shenxing caught the key in disbelief and raised his palm to strike her.

Aunt Wei hastily stepped forward, standing before Ning Junruo. “Does Your Highness intend to strike her?”

With such a fierce expression, as if ready to devour her, Zhao Shenxing was speechless and reluctantly withdrew his hand.

Still, this woman was truly asking for a beating!

Ning Junruo glared at him, and Zhao Shenxing shouted angrily, “Good, very good! I really underestimated you just now. Even your servants dare to defy me. Ning Junruo, you really have some spirit!”

Having prepared for the worst, what was there left to fear?

At this moment, Ning Junruo had no retreat, only the courage to charge forward.

Only then did her expression soften slightly.

“I was busy with the accounts when Your Highness barged in without a word, kicking open the door. After all these years of painstakingly managing the household, Your Highness cannot see it, but because of a mistaken set of jewelry, you’re so enraged you want to resort to violence. In five years, this is your first time stepping foot into Yilan Residence, and your first words are to accuse me of incompetence. Pray tell, where is Your Highness’s own cultivation?”

How dare she talk back!

Zhao Shenxing was so angered he spoke without caution, “From your tone, it seems I am the one at fault?”

“Isn’t that so?”

Ning Junruo shot him a disdainful glance. “The key has been returned. If Your Highness has no further business, please leave.”

Only now did Zhao Shenxing realize what the key symbolized—he had foolishly taken it before.

He slammed the hot potato onto the table. “You were appointed by the Imperial Grandmother herself. Even if you are incompetent, this household must still be managed by you. But never forget who holds the true authority here!”

Incompetent?

From his tone, it sounded as if marrying him was a great favor she was doing.

Little did he know, she didn’t care at all.

Ning Junruo chuckled softly. “Since neither of us holds the other in esteem, it’s best we part ways. I never coveted the title of Princess of Liang. If not for the Empress Dowager’s arranged marriage, do you think I would have…”

What!

She wanted a divorce!

Zhao Shenxing turned sharply, struck as if struck by thunder, frozen in place.

He was the dashing Prince of Liang. Many women in the capital dreamed of becoming his princess.

And yet, she took the advantage and still refused to play along, scorning the title of Princess of Liang!

If not for the Imperial Tutor’s influence, someone like her would never have been worthy to marry into the royal family—it was simply a fool’s dream!

Wait—Zhao Shenxing’s eyes glimmered with sudden realization.

His gaze darkened ominously. “What do you mean by ‘neither of us holds the other in esteem’? And what did you just say you would have…? Ning Junruo! If you do not clarify yourself today, I will have no choice but to divorce you!”