Chapter 2

I walked out of the room, smearing a little water over my face as I went.

When acting failed, props would have to do!

“Husband, you…

“I stayed home, serving your parents and managing the household.

“And you bring a new love home to stab me in the heart… Boo-hoo…”

In truth, Qi Sanyuan barely knew Hua Yan.

They had only just married when the emperor sent him to war overnight. He had not even had time to lift her bridal veil.

He was gone for three years.

He probably never imagined that the wife whose face he had never seen would be so deeply in love with him. For a moment, he stood frozen.

To Lan’er, it looked as if my beauty had shaken Qi Sanyuan’s resolve.

Alarm bells immediately rang in her head.

“Third Brother… I’m the one who doesn’t belong here.

“Let these three years of devotion at your side be nothing more than a dream…”

Oh-ho! She really did have some skill. What a relief!

Qi Sanyuan was instantly soothed by the gentle, yielding Lan’er. His face hardened as he said,

“Jealousy is a grave offense.

“What man does not have both a wife and concubines?

“Besides, I am now a general of the fourth rank. His Majesty’s reward may arrive at any moment, and I may soon be promoted again.

“And you still make such a fuss over my taking one concubine? What kind of disgraceful behavior is this?”

I raised my head, tears trembling in my eyes.

“Do you truly intend to bring Miss Lan’er into this household?”

Qi Sanyuan answered without hesitation.

“My mind is made up.”

Lan’er nestled against his chest as though she could not survive without a man.

“Third Brother…”

“Lan’er…”

Tears of emotion filled my eyes. I rushed forward, seized his “true love” by the hand, and refused to let go.

“You two are a match made in heaven!

“I’m so moved I’m crying!

“How could I possibly let your true love settle for being a concubine? She can have my place as your lawful wife!

“And you know what? There is no day like today. Let’s get the whole thing done at once!

“Divorce for me, wedding for you—a one-stop affair!”

Qi Sanyuan and Lan’er both stared at me in shock.

They could not understand how a woman who had been hopelessly in love a moment ago had changed her tune so quickly.

Qi Sanyuan smacked his lips.

“There is no need to go that far. Your place as my lawful wife is still yours. You have my word.”

I immediately grew anxious.

“That won’t do!

“Divorce! Absolutely!

“How could Miss Lan’er possibly be made a concubine?!”

Qi Sanyuan was beginning to understand. He narrowed his eyes at me.

“Do you truly want a divorce? You will not regret it?

“Once we divorce, even if you wish to marry me again, you will never be my lawful wife.”

My face was the picture of sincerity.

“May you share a century of happiness and be blessed with children soon.

“Please hurry up with the divorce letter. Thank you.”

Qi Sanyuan was too proud to ask me to stay, and Lan’er was watching him with open expectation.

In the end, he furiously wrote out a divorce letter and flung it at me.

Clutching it, I struggled to keep the corners of my mouth from rising. I could not let myself burst out laughing on the spot.

Qi Sanyuan swept his sleeves around and turned away.

I hurriedly called after him.

“Wait!”

He turned back with a sneer.

“Regretting it already?

“If you beg me, I might consider—”

Lan’er’s expression instantly turned hostile.

I hastened to reassure her.

“Don’t worry, don’t worry. I have professional standards.

“Once I’ve thrown out the trash, whoever picks it up can keep it! No one will fight you for it!”

Then I turned to the furious Qi Sanyuan.

“This contract… I mean, this divorce letter isn’t clear enough!

“Here, let’s add one more clause: the wife’s dowry remains the wife’s property!”

What a joke!

I could moonlight as legal counsel if I had to!

Why should you profit from my enormous dowry?