The army returned victorious from the great war, and the whole realm celebrated. The entire Capital was steeped in joy, and the Xie Residence was busy celebrating the occasion as well.
Xie Jinzhao could not change his nature and took yet another concubine into his household.
Holding her son, Li Duoduo came to their bridal chamber and sat quietly beside the couch, her expression as calm as still water.
"Leave us for now, Xin'er," Xie Jinzhao told his concubine. She left with a face full of delight.
Once she was gone, Xie Jinzhao asked impatiently:
"What is it now? Let me tell you, no matter what happens today, I'm sharing Xin'er's bed. You're my lawful wife, and the Xie Residence has never treated you poorly. You have no worries about food or drink and no shortage of money. Don't be so ungrateful."
Li Duoduo did not look at him. She merely lowered her head and gently stroked her son's cheek.
"Xie Jinzhao, let's divorce."
Xie Jinzhao froze. He looked at Li Duoduo in disbelief. "Have you gone mad? I made you the Mistress of the Household, and your entire Li Family lives off my businesses! And you want to divorce me?"
"Yes, I want to divorce you!" Li Duoduo's voice remained utterly resolute.
She slowly began recounting the past.
"When I was fifteen, my aunt brought me from the Li Family to the Marquis's Residence. Everyone hoped she would find me an excellent marriage and use it to send the Li Family soaring to wealth and success."
"Back then, I fell for Liu Shi at first sight. As a young man, he was spirited and radiant. But you? You knew I loved him, yet you deliberately sought me out and offered to arrange our marriage. Your condition, however, was..."
"That