Chapter 347: Chapter 346: Recognize Your Own Status
Back then, Young General Wei and Zhao Yuqing had an agreement to separate after three years.
However, when he was in a difficult position regarding Lan Ci, he was tricked by the other party, resulting in a failed task and punishment from the Emperor.
His marriage to Zhao Yuqing was decreed by the Emperor, and seeking separation at this moment would spell big trouble for the Wei Family.
Three years passed, and although he still harbored resentment, he had become much more restrained in his actions.
For the sake of the family, he couldn’t risk falling out of favor with the Emperor.
He could only continue to delay the matter of separation again and again.
Perhaps because he realized there was no possibility with Xie Yunling, occasionally, Young General Wei would think, perhaps it’s best to just get by.
Zhao Yuqing was perceptive enough not to cause him any trouble over these years.
Compared to those women who were insatiably greedy and vain, she was quite commendable.
Young General Wei was despondent, but still felt like he held the decision-making power.
Therefore, when facing Zhao Yuqing, he always assumed an aloof posture.
Unexpectedly, just as the Zhao Family encountered trouble, Zhao Yuqing proposed separation soon after.
Young General Wei was completely stunned.
"Your father is being exiled to the border for plotting against his wife for a concubine; proposing separation at such a time—are you out of your mind?"
Leveraging the influence of the Wei Family to avenge her mother and rendering him no chance to retaliate, Zhao Yuqing felt quite cheerful.
No matter the ridicule, it did not affect her mood.
"Young General, if you are worried about the Emperor’s wrath, we can keep it quiet for now."
The man sneered darkly, "What, having ruined the Zhao Family, you’re now targeting the Wei Family? How many heads do you have to take on the crime of deceiving the monarch?"
"I didn’t mean that."
"Then what do you mean?"
Zhao Yuqing had endured enough of his capricious temper and arrogance.
It was the Empress who chose her, marrying her off without her consent.
She admitted she overreached by marrying into the Wei Family and had used their influence for some matters.
But when you really think about it, she was an innocent party dragged into this, a sacrificial victim.
Wei Chi had his grievances, but what was the point of taking them out on her?
"Wei Chi, you take me for a pushover, so you deliberately bully me."
Hearing his name called for the first time, Wei Chi was momentarily stunned.
"Zhao Yuqing, don’t forget your status. Where do you get the courage to criticize me?"
"There’s no need for the Young General to remind me repeatedly; I know my lowly status well and that I am unworthy of you, so we are separating."
Wei Chi’s expression was derisive, "Pretending, aren’t you just confident I won’t divorce at this time?"
Zhao Yuqing didn’t see it that way.
She had achieved what she wanted and no longer wished to warm certain people’s coldness with her warmth.
Although she had no romantic feelings for Wei Chi, nominally he was her husband.
Constantly being met with his scornful remarks, even a person made of mud should have a temper.
"If you had any spine, you would fulfill the agreement rather than fear incurring the Emperor’s wrath while taking it out on me..."
No wonder Xie Yunling thinks poorly of you.
That last thought, Zhao Yuqing swallowed back down in time.
The man in front of her was unpredictable and reckless. If she provoked him, being silenced for good would be bad.
The thought made Zhao Yuqing feel a chill down her spine.
Subconsciously, she stepped back two paces, increasing the distance between her and Wei Chi.
Seeing her actions, Wei Chi laughed out of anger.
"Have I laid a finger on you in these three years?"
Zhao Yuqing shook her head.
This man was difficult to serve, but he indeed had not hit her.
"Then what are you dodging for?"
Though Wei Chi hadn’t hit her, she had no confidence in him.
After all, back then, to marry Xie Yunling, he resorted to any underhanded tactic.
Zhao Yuqing didn’t answer, but Wei Chi understood her meaning.
With a stern expression, he asked, "Are you certain about separating?"
Zhao Yuqing replied firmly, "Yes."
The capital was prosperous and wealthy, the Wei Family one of nobility, yet here she felt no sense of belonging or voice.
The roof over her head was only because the Wei Family dared not go too far out of fear of the Emperor.
She had no power or resources, no strong maternal family, nor dowry money to lend her influence.
If any changes occurred in the future, she would be very passive within the Wei Family.
Perhaps Wei Chi and Mrs. Wei would directly make her disappear.
Zhao Yuqing understood her position. Three years ago, she talked about taking half of Wei Chi’s assets upon separation.
Now she felt that leaving the Wei Family intact was already a fortunate outcome.
Seeing things clearly, she felt more at ease.
Wei Chi stared at Zhao Yuqing, trying to see through her thoughts.
But she appeared calm and not the least bit nervous or guilty.
Could it be, she really didn’t have any ulterior motives?
Tapping his fingers on the table, Wei Chi said, "Wait a little longer."
In any case, he had no feelings for Zhao Yuqing; when the situation improved, if she wanted to leave, then she could leave.
Zhao Yuqing pursued, "How long will I have to wait?"
"Are you in a hurry?"
Wei Chi’s gaze turned dangerous. Three years ago, they had agreed that he would give half his assets to Zhao Yuqing upon separation.
Upon reconsidering, Wei Chi realized he was being used by Zhao Yuqing.
From him, she borrowed the knife to kill, and in return, she could acquire inexhaustible wealth.
Conversely, he had gained nothing from Zhao Yuqing.
Even Xie Yunling and Lan Ci had become better acquainted.
This deal was a major loss for him!
Wei Chi looked ominously dark, appearing quite terrifying.
Zhao Yuqing felt a twinge of guilt, "I’m not in a rush, but one should keep their word."
If she didn’t bring up the separation, Wei Chi might think she was a materialistic woman.
She added, "I don’t need half of your assets; as a weak woman, I can’t protect them."
She wanted to leave the Wei Family and the capital.
Taking a massive fortune would likely attract thieves.
Zhao Yuqing sighed quietly to herself.
Life is truly difficult. No matter which path one takes, there are risks; perhaps following one’s heart is the best.
Wei Chi’s expression was peculiar.
He had a sense of not understanding Zhao Yuqing.
In the end, he said nothing, simply waved her away.
"Go back and wait for news. When separation is possible, I will inform you."
The ambiguity of his words left Zhao Yuqing uncertain.
If Wei Chi never finds a way to deal with the Emperor, would she have to wait indefinitely?
Exhaling, she said, "Give me a deadline."
Wei Chi’s expression grew even more sullen, "You don’t think I’ll force you to stay, do you?"
His face mocked even more, "Zhao Yuqing, recognize your own status, and don’t fantasize."
Being belittled and humiliated again and again, Zhao Yuqing lost her temper.
She retorted, "Then I hope the Young General handles matters swiftly and doesn’t drag around, lest it tarnish your standing."
Having said that, she took her maid and left the study.
Wei Chi was in a bad mood, just wanting to go out and sit with colleagues at a tavern.
Suddenly, someone from the main courtyard summoned him, "Young General, Madam wants you to make preparations to enter the palace with her."
Wei Chi’s heart surged with alarm. Could something have happened to his sister and the Crown Prince?
In recent years, the number of women in the harem had steadily increased, with children being born one after another.
With more people, open and covert strife was inevitable.
Wei Chi dared not delay, striding out of the mansion.
