"Yes!" Shen Ruoxi replied firmly.
The Emperor slightly frowned. Since ancient times, no woman has ever divorced her husband first; she dared to say it.
The Emperor said mildly, "Young General Xiao has achieved great military success in the border city, and you wish to divorce him? It will dishearten the soldiers."
Shen Ruoxi replied coldly, "Your Majesty, one must keep things separate. He broke his vow; how can military merits erase that?
The entire Shen Family is loyal and heroic. Can I not fight for a divorce paper for my own sake?
When the former Emperor was alive, he said that if the Shen Family lacked successors, I could take over, choose a husband to marry into the family, and the descendants could continue the legacy indefinitely.
But my mother disagreed; she didn't want me to go to the battlefield. She only wished for me to have a peaceful and stable life.
For my mother, I could wash my hands and cook in the Xiao family's backyard. But since he failed me, I can also return to the battlefield for the Shen Family and defend the honor of the Loyalty Marquis Mansion."
The Emperor was deeply shocked by her words. He had thought Shen Ruoxi was just a stunningly beautiful yet innocent and straightforward woman, but he didn't expect this resilient side of hers.
After a moment, the Emperor barely calmed himself and said dismissively, "After all, you're only a woman."
Shen Ruoxi wasn't pleased. She stared directly at the Emperor, and when her gaze made him slightly awkward, she firmly said, "Your Majesty just praised Ning Zhen'er for being as capable as any man.
Don't forget, my master is the Valley Master of Medicine Spirit Valley, known as Ghostly Trace Divine Hand. He is not only a martial arts master but also a renowned physician skilled in Qimen Dunjia. I wish to return to the Shen Family to serve the country and fight for my father and brothers on the battlefield."
She used the word "臣" to indicate her resolve.
"Divorce?" the thought flashed through the Emperor's mind.
Once this thought arose, it spread like wild grass.
Though filled with self-contempt, he couldn't suppress the growing obsession.
He clenched his hands tightly, his body slightly trembling from the force.
"Your Majesty?"
Noticing something amiss in the Emperor's expression, Shen Ruoxi wondered if she had said something wrong and called out to him.
The Emperor took a deep breath, trying to calm down, "Divorcing is inappropriate, but divorce by mutual consent is viable. However, you must think it through. Once you decide, there is no turning back.
And what I say, my decrees cannot be retracted."
Divorce by mutual consent? Although slightly different from her expectations, as long as it doesn't disgrace the Shen Family, it works.
"I thank Your Majesty for your great kindness. However, when will the decree be issued?"
Shen Ruoxi's meaning was clear; she needed a specific timeline.
It seemed she had made up her mind.
The Emperor, having no more concerns, said, "Wait a bit. Xiao Chengyi achieved such great merit and must first be rewarded. It won't take long."
With the Emperor's promise, Shen Ruoxi felt relieved and bowed to him, "I thank Your Majesty. I shall take my leave."
The Emperor became anxious, "Wait a moment..."
Surprised, Shen Ruoxi looked up at the Emperor and asked, "Your Majesty, is there anything else you wish to instruct me on?"
The Emperor harbored a long-standing question, and after composing himself, he asked, "Back then, I proposed to you, but your mother politely declined due to royal protocol, ultimately leading you to marry General Xiao. Do you regret it now?"
Shen Ruoxi didn't expect the Emperor to bluntly bring this up. Initially startled, she promptly responded, "Your Majesty, I was young then and hadn't thought about feelings.
When my mother was alive, she mentioned this matter. My encounters with Your Majesty were limited, only knowing of your friendship with my seventh brother, and I always regarded you as an elder brother.
When my father and brothers died for the country, my mother was deeply worried for my safety, so right after the mourning period, she arranged my marriage to Xiao Chengyi.
At that time, Xiao Chengyi's straightforward nature and sincere promise to my mother moved me, but we lacked deep affection.
As for regret, I never had any.
If life doesn't involve choices, how can one understand which path suits them?
Xiao Chengyi taught me a valuable lesson, from which I've learned greatly."
After hearing Shen Ruoxi's response, the Emperor felt both disappointment and relief, nodding slightly, "You may leave."
"I take my leave." Shen Ruoxi bowed respectfully and turned to leave.
The Emperor watched her slender figure fade away, lost in thoughts, and sighed to himself.
This girl never had him in her heart; he could only respond with a bitter smile.
Shen Ruoxi boarded the carriage, her expression calm, her gaze focused, and she remained silent.
Chuntao was anxious, uncertain about what her mistress had discussed with the Emperor in the Imperial Study Room, feeling a mix of apprehension and unease.
"Miss," Chuntao softly called.
Shen Ruoxi lifted her eyelids and inquired, "What is it?"
Chuntao bit her lip, hesitated, and eventually shook her head.
Seeing this, Shen Ruoxi slightly smiled. This girl had an impatient nature, unable to keep words unspoken. For her to hold back now was indeed rare.
"Speak freely, there's no need to hesitate."
Chuntao leaned in closer, cautiously asking, "Miss, what did the Emperor say? When can we return to the Shen Family?"
Furrowing her brows, Shen Ruoxi replied softly, "We have to wait until after the celebration feast. Although Xiao Chengyi let me down, the military achievements are rightfully his."
Thinking of that unfaithful man Xiao Chengyi filled Chuntao with anger, but she had to consider her mistress's return to the Shen Mansion.
"Miss, even when we return to the Shen Family, it may not be peaceful."
Shen Ruoxi's palms unconsciously clenched, her brows slightly furrowed.
Her father and brothers died in battle, and her mother passed just five months after her marriage, leaving only a household of weak and old women behind.
Currently, all family affairs were managed by her grandmother, Old Mrs. Xu, who wasn't her biological grandmother but a second wife her grandfather married after her real grandmother passed away.
This Old Mrs. Xu was five years younger than her mother, with outdated and stubborn views, a troublesome and unreasonable woman.
Her sisters-in-law had tragic fates: the second sister-in-law remarried, the third had a mental breakdown, and the fourth committed suicide after her husband's death.
The eldest and fifth sisters-in-law were weak, enduring Old Mrs. Xu's oppression silently every day.
The family had only three nieces left, all looking lifeless, as if the Shen Family was a pile of scattered sand.
Whenever Shen Ruoxi thought of these, guilt filled her heart. To avoid reawakening her painful memories, she hadn't visited her maternal family for a long time.
Shen Ruoxi coldly chuckled, "First of all, the Shen Family is my home. It's proper for me to return, and besides, she should know her place as a second wife."
Chuntao nodded in agreement, "Yes, we shouldn't fear her. If she acts up, we won't hold back."
Shen Ruoxi nodded, "That's right."
Upon returning to her Bamboo Pavilion, Shen Ruoxi was surprised to find Xiao Chengyu in her room.