Chapter 92
Chapter 92
Once Madam Zhang had left, Old Madam Gu beckoned Ji Hanyi over to sit beside her on the daybed.
After Ji Hanyi sat down, Old Madam Gu studied her expression. She had remained silent earlier, but upon closer inspection, there was a faint redness at the corners of her eyes. Old Madam Gu gently consoled her, “Your aunt has always been straightforward and quick to speak. Don’t take her words to heart.”
“This match with the Xie Family was never a good one. I think the sooner you divorce, the better.”
“Xie Yuheng protects a young cousin to such an extent. I know exactly what his intentions are. There’s no need for you to remain with the Xie Family and endure such humiliation.”
“Even if Xie Yuheng comes groveling now, it’s nothing but an act. He didn’t come once in three years. Who is he putting on this show for now?”
“The Gu Family isn’t some stray cat or dog that can be won over with a few treats. If a couple of empty words from Xie Yuheng were enough to coax you into going back with him, that would truly invite contempt.”
Ji Hanyi had always believed that her divorce was her business alone. She did not need anyone else to understand.
She had heard everything her aunt said on the way back. Though the words had stung, they had not broken her heart.
Only she knew what her own life had been like. Her aunt had never experienced what she had and could not empathize with her, so it was only natural that she did not understand. Ji Hanyi did not blame her in the slightest.
But her grandmother understood her. She had never wavered, even now. She told Ji Hanyi that her choice had not been wrong and that Xie Yuheng had long since ceased to be a man worthy of entrusting her life to.
Ji Hanyi had been overjoyed when she first saw the Divorce Agreement, but once that initial burst of joy passed, she had not been entirely free of uncertainty.
Thankfully, her grandmother was still there, and that made Ji Hanyi feel at peace.
Moisture gathered in her eyes, and the redness at their corners slowly spread. Lowering her head, she leaned against Old Madam Gu’s shoulder. Her fair fingertips clasped Old Madam Gu’s aged hands as she said hoarsely, “I don’t care. I don’t care at all.”
“Grandmother, I’m so happy now.”
As she spoke, Ji Hanyi raised her head to look at Old Madam Gu. Her limpid eyes shimmered with tears, and she looked so lovely and moving that Old Madam Gu’s heart ached for her.
Unable to resist, Old Madam Gu reached out and stroked Ji Hanyi’s fair cheek. The skin beneath her palm was soft and firm. There was not a single flaw to be found in such a delicate beauty. When Ji Hanyi was little, Old Madam Gu had loved holding her. She had been so soft and plump in her arms. Yet now, in the prime of her youth, she had suffered such a misfortune.
Old Madam Gu lowered her eyes with a sigh. “Girl Yi, as long as you’re happy.”
“If you’re happy, then Grandmother is happy too.”
She gently dabbed away the tears in Ji Hanyi’s eyes with her handkerchief and said softly, “From now on, stay here at the Gu Residence. Once some time has passed, I’ll find a way to arrange another match for you.”
“You have both a wonderful temperament and beautiful looks. Now that Xie Yuheng is behind you, someone better will come along.”
Ji Hanyi hurriedly shook her head. “I don’t plan to marry again.”
Old Madam Gu smiled and patted her hand. “Girl Yi, some things are best not said too soon.”
Ji Hanyi opened her mouth, wanting to say that she truly had no intention of marrying again. She had already experienced marriage once and no longer held any expectations for it.
Besides, she doubted she would ever meet someone who was truly sincere toward her, someone who would be devoted to her and her alone.
Even if she did, perhaps she would never be able to trust so easily again.
Xie Yuheng had once enjoyed such a sterling reputation, but it was only after living by his side that she learned what kind of man he truly was.
She did not dare entrust her entire life to anyone again.
But before Ji Hanyi could voice her thoughts, Old Madam Gu spoke first. “Girl Yi, don’t be too quick to make declarations about anything. Who can see what the future holds?”
With that, Old Madam Gu gently patted Ji Hanyi’s hand. “It’s late. You should get some rest.”
By the time Ji Hanyi left her grandmother’s quarters, it was already past eleven. The cold wind cut through her on the way back, and the night was so thick that even the lantern light could not reach far ahead.
When she returned to Yichun Courtyard, no one was around. The maids who had been assigned to her had long since gone to bed. Inside, the room was bitterly cold, and the charcoal brazier had already gone out.
Ji Hanyi stood before the brazier, quietly gazing down at the dead coals. She thought she really should not remain at the Xie Residence much longer.
She walked over to the small table. She had only just begun the painting lying upon it. Once it was finished and she had exchanged it for some silver, it would be time for her to leave. It should only take another few days.
Early the next morning, Rongchun asked if she should request more charcoal from the steward. Ji Hanyi did not want to trouble anyone, so she told Rongchun to offer the gatekeepers a gratuity and ask them to purchase some instead.
Rongchun also understood that, as guests living under another family’s roof, it was best not to impose more than necessary. She acknowledged the order and hurried away.
After breakfast, Ji Hanyi went to see her grandmother and brought up her intention to tell her mother about the divorce.
Now that she had obtained the Divorce Agreement, she could no longer keep it from her mother.
Old Madam Gu nodded after hearing her out, then looked at Ji Hanyi. “The matter has already been settled, and there is no turning back now. Explain it properly to your mother. Even if she blames you, there is nothing she can do to change it. She will understand eventually.”
Ji Hanyi nodded. Just as she was about to leave, Madam Zhang came in from outside to discuss a visit to the Shen Residence with Old Madam Gu.
Madam Zhang presented a perfectly reasonable argument. “Marquis Shen did Hanyi a great service last night. No matter what, we ought to visit the Shen Residence and express our gratitude.”
Naturally, Madam Zhang had her own calculations. There had been no further word since they returned from the banquet at the Shen Residence. Her daughter had finally been given a chance to marry into such an illustrious family. How could she simply stand by and watch the opportunity slip away?
Moreover, during their last visit, even Her Majesty the Empress had kept her daughter by her side and spoken with her. Of all the noble young ladies from prominent families present that day, her daughter alone had been permitted to stand beside Her Majesty the Empress. What greater honor could there be? Even Old Madam Shen had spoken several sentences to her.
Her daughter had also been kept until the very end that day. Although she had not met Marquis Shen, as long as Her Majesty the Empress and Old Madam Shen approved of her, the marriage would be all but assured.
Yet the Shen Residence had offered neither word nor any indication of their intentions. Her daughter was already of marriageable age, so waiting indefinitely was not an option. Madam Zhang therefore intended to use this incident as an opportunity to visit the Shen Residence again.
After listening to Madam Zhang and observing her expression, Old Madam Gu understood the true meaning behind her words.
In any case, Madam Zhang’s intentions were understandable. Who would not want to forge ties with the Shen Residence? Old Madam Gu also hoped her other granddaughter might be blessed with such good fortune. Besides, the reason for the visit was entirely proper, so Madam Zhang’s plan was sound.
Old Madam Gu pondered for a moment, then turned to Ji Hanyi. “Your aunt has a point. No matter how one looks at it, things would not have gone so smoothly last night if Marquis Shen had not been there.”
“Since the purpose of the visit is to thank him, it would hardly be appropriate for you not to go. Go with your aunt and Wanyun.”