Chapter 4
When I emerged from the minister’s residence, my robe bulged with a thick stack of high-value banknotes and property deeds.
Ah! This was what happiness felt like!
My family thought I had suffered terribly and wanted to stuff their entire fortune into my hands.
My sister-in-law, in particular, generously gave me all the shops along an entire street as pocket money.
It was supposedly the most popular food street in the capital!
I was so moved that I thumped my chest and declared,
“Even if the seas dry up and the world turns upside down—even if my brother is no longer my brother—you will always be my own dear sister-in-law!”
My brother’s face went livid. He picked me up and threw me out of the minister’s residence.
Tch! Who cared about him?
Food to eat, money to spend—my life had peaked!
I happily returned to my little courtyard, only for a man to stop me at the gate.
“Why are you living here?”
I looked at him as if he were insane.
“My house, my rules!”
So young and handsome, yet unfortunately a lunatic!
I lifted my foot to leave.
The man took a deep breath and struggled to remain calm.
“Do not misunderstand. I live in the residence next door.
“I have heard this house is haunted. Would you care to choose somewhere else to live?
“I would be willing to provide—”
I stopped dead.
“Haunted?
“Is that true?”
The man smiled faintly, thinking he had frightened me.
“It is. You should leave as soon as possible… Miss? Miss!”
Unfortunately for him, I had already sprinted into the courtyard, leaving only a few words fluttering in the wind.
“Haunted is wonderful! The more, the merrier!
“I wonder if there are enough ghosts for a table of mahjong!
“If we’re one player short, I’ll call you over!”
The man remained rooted to the spot, his face livid and his eyes dark.
I decided to lie low for the next three days.
I would tidy the house while waiting for the imperial decree confiscating the Qi estate.
Unexpectedly, two uninvited guests arrived early on the third morning.
They elevated the entire farce to a whole new level.
For reasons known only to themselves, Qi Sanyuan and Lan’er came swaggering over to see me.
They called it a “visit.”
Lan’er clung tightly to Qi Sanyuan’s arm, radiantly staking her claim on him with undisguised pride.
Qi Sanyuan, on the other hand, looked rather haggard, with dark circles beneath his eyes.
As I stroked my cat, I gave him a friendly reminder.
“Take it easy, young man.”
Qi Sanyuan stared blankly before realizing what I meant. His face turned livid, and he ground out,
“You seem to be living quite well.”
I glanced at the swing in the courtyard, the vast bed of begonias, the barbecue rack beneath the tree, and the plump, magnificent orange cat in my arms. I heartily agreed.
“Much better than before.”
Qi Sanyuan looked distinctly uncomfortable.
“Once you’ve made enough of a scene, come home.
“You must have vented enough by now.”
I instantly went on guard.
“Who told you I was venting?
“You already gave me the divorce letter. No taking it back now!
“Miss Lan’er, keep your man under control!”
Lan’er took the opportunity to tug coquettishly on Qi Sanyuan’s arm.
“If Sister does not wish to return, Husband, you should not force her.
“Not everyone is capable of appreciating your virtues.
“Just look at her…”
She swept her gaze around, apparently searching for some flaw.
After looking for ages, she found none. Instead, a flicker of jealousy passed through her eyes.
I had spent a fortune renovating the house and courtyard.
My one goal was to blind your nasty little eyes.
Just then, Qi Sanyuan’s manservant arrived with a report.
“General! Someone has come from the palace with an imperial decree!”
All three of us stiffened.
Lan’er’s face lit up with joy.
“Has His Majesty promoted and ennobled my husband?
“Will he grant me a noble lady’s title too?”
I kindly reminded her,
“Only a lawful wife can receive such a title.”
Lan’er merely rolled her eyes at me.
“You’re jealous! Let me tell you, you have no hope of ever marrying my husband again!”
Qi Sanyuan said nothing, but he did look faintly smug and expectant.
I was looking forward to it too.
What expressions would they wear when they received that decree?
Why only wonder when I could go and see?
Qi Sanyuan and Lan’er had barely stepped out before I followed right behind them.