CHAPTER 153: CHAPTER 153 DIVORCE (4)_1

"Elder Sister-in-law, I’m sorry, I lost my composure," Li Wanying apologized.

"It doesn’t matter. If Little Sister-in-law could do such things sixteen years ago, what’s there to cry about now?" Liu Ruoling scoffed mockingly. No matter how weak and pitiable Li Wanying and Shangguan Rou pretended to be, anyone who knew about the incident from sixteen years ago wouldn’t soften their heart or feel sympathy for them. If she could do such things then, what good would it do to act weak and pitiful now? If I were Shangguan Hao, I certainly wouldn’t listen to Shangguan Zhi and would have thrown this woman out directly. But it’s sad for Young Mistress You.

"That’s right. You, Mrs. Li, could do it in the past, and your heart was cruel then. To put on this frail act now, isn’t that just disgusting? The Old Madam will never forgive you. And the Young Mistress doesn’t know now. If the Young Mistress found out, I believe that no matter how well you, Mrs. Li, treat her afterward, even if you were to hold her in the palm of your hand, it would be useless," Zhang Ma said, her voice dripping with icy sarcasm. Her repeated use of ’Mrs. Li’ made Li Wanying’s complexion even more unsightly. "If the Young Mistress knew the methods you, Mrs. Li, used to marry into the Shangguan Family, she would surely regret it completely. How could she have been so obedient back then, to hold you in such high regard—Hmph!"

"Zhang Ma, that’s enough; the matter is already in the past. Let’s not speak of it again, and don’t mention it around Young Mistress You," the Senior Madam Shangguan cut Zhang Ma off, not allowing her to continue as she looked at Li Wanying’s trembling frame and pale complexion.

"Grandmother, Mom, what exactly happened?" Shangguan Rou listened with some puzzlement to the cryptic conversation, speculating in her heart.

"It’s nothing, it’s all in the past," the Senior Madam Shangguan glared at Zhang Ma before speaking to Shangguan Rou with a smile. The previous generation’s issues are best kept from the younger ones; it’s better for them not to know. I still hope for a joyful New Year celebration with the family. If the atmosphere were to be spoiled because of this matter, that’s not what I want to see.

"Since everyone has finished eating, Zhang Ma, let’s clean up," Liu Ruoling said, looking at the mother and daughter hugging each other. She then started tidying up with Zhang Ma. It didn’t matter whether the others had finished eating or not; their presence had made the whole family lose their appetite, so there was no point in continuing the meal.

"Elder Sister-in-law, do you know how many days off Hao has for his leave this time?" Li Wanying stood up, dutifully beginning to help clean up, and asked Liu Ruoling in a soft voice.

Zhang Ma glared at Li Wanying, then gathered the items and retreated. That woman won’t give up until she hits a dead end. Over these past dozen or so years, her skin has grown thicker and thicker, practically thicker than a city wall; she’s capable of any shameless tactic. Such a woman deserves her fate.

"My younger brother didn’t say," Liu Ruoling replied indifferently and followed Zhang Ma out.

In the study, the Patriarch of the Shangguan Family sat in the main seat, with Shangguan Yu and Shangguan Hao standing before him, while Shangguan You and Shangguan Qing stood behind them.

The entire study was silent, each person bearing a grave expression. Shangguan You and Shangguan Qing exchanged confused glances, the heavy atmosphere in the study making them uneasy. Did something happen?

"Dad, I can’t take it anymore. I want to divorce Li Wanying," Shangguan Hao suddenly declared in a grim tone amidst the oppressive atmosphere. His resolute face was filled with pain. I’ve endured for sixteen years! Does the rest of my life have to be like this? Whether for the Shangguan Family, the Li Family, myself, or Shangguan You, I just can’t go on living this way.

Military life was monotonous. When he returned home, all he wanted was some peace and quiet, but Li Wanying wouldn’t even grant him that. He was truly tired of this life.

Hearing her father’s words, Shangguan You was startled. I haven’t misheard, have I? My own father wants a divorce? Considering his status—a high-ranking commander—can he just get divorced like that? Wouldn’t that tarnish his military career?

And never mind the blemish on his record, would the Li Family even allow it? Would they be willing to see their relationship with the Shangguan Family change? If Li Wanying didn’t want to keep tabs on the Shangguan Family’s affairs, why would she always have Shangguan Rou accompany her? Isn’t it precisely to gather information?

And would Li Wanying even agree to a divorce? All these complications mean it isn’t as simple as just deciding to divorce. The intricate web of relationships could cause upheavals throughout Beijing with a single move, and even unearth some severe underlying problems.

Shangguan You didn’t need anyone to tell her about these problems; she was already aware of them. But everything has been calm and peaceful for sixteen years. Why is Dad raising this issue now?

A heavy silence weighed down the study as Shangguan Zhi and Shangguan Yu looked at Shangguan Hao in disbelief, hardly able to fathom that he would make such a request.

"Shangguan Hao, do you realize what you’re saying? Do you know the uproar it would cause if others heard your thoughts? Do you know what impact it would have on the Shangguan Family? Do you understand?" Shangguan Zhi took a deep breath, questioning him loudly, his eyes somewhat red.

"Second Brother, we need to think this through thoroughly. Even if you really intend to divorce, we must discuss it carefully. You can say it here, but you absolutely must not mention it outside," Shangguan Yu said, taking a deep breath. He naturally understood Shangguan Hao’s feelings. But their marriage caused such a sensation when it happened. Now, to speak of divorce—could it really happen? Even with Li Wanying, it would undoubtedly be impossible. Asking her for a divorce would be like asking for her life, wouldn’t it? And it’s not just about Li Wanying; there’s also the issue of Shangguan Rou. Behind them is the Li Family and numerous allies who stand with them. This isn’t just a problem for the Shangguan Family; it’s a political issue for the entire establishment.

"Dad, it’s been sixteen years—sixteen whole years. Young Mistress You has turned sixteen. From when I was twenty-three to now, thirty-nine, I’ve done more than enough. How many more sixteen years do I have to waste? I’ve faced her for sixteen years, sixteen entire years." Shangguan Hao’s resolute face flickered with pain. For this family, for the clan, he had already sacrificed sixteen years.

"All right, You and Qing, leave first. Not a word about this is to leave this room, and certainly don’t mention it in front of that mother and daughter." Shangguan Zhi roared, cutting off Shangguan Hao, then glanced at Shangguan You, motioning for them to leave.