I just got divorced, and this cold, ruthless, and powerful minister is begging for a third child eve

She heard that the room was completely silent.

Behind them, in the courtyard under the corridor, two old women were talking in hushed tones.

"I heard that some maids in the manor have recently been harboring designs on him. Are they truly courting death?"

"Who says otherwise? In the past few years, countless women tried to get into the Duke's bed, and they all met a horrible end!"

……

Gu Mingshuang stood there in the corridor, listening to the faint conversation coming from afar, and suddenly she understood.

At this moment, the old woman came out of the room and said gently:

"Princess Consort, you have kept us waiting. The Old Madam did not sleep well last night and only managed to doze off for a while."

Gu Mingshuang shook her head and said respectfully:

"It's alright, I'm going down the mountain soon, you can wait a bit."

Upon entering the room, Gu Mingshuang indeed saw Old Madam Qin lying on her side on the couch. She didn't seem as energetic as she had seen yesterday, and it was clear that she hadn't slept well.

She stepped forward respectfully and bowed.

"Ming Shuang greets the old lady."

Old Madam Qin stretched out her hand, gesturing for her to come over, and then took her hand.

"Girl, you were wronged last night. How are you feeling?"

Gu Mingshuang knew that the medicine came from Old Madam Qin, and she did not hide it from her.

"Thank you for the medicine, Madam. I'm much better now."

Madam Qin nodded.

"Take good care of yourself after you get back, and make sure you don't develop any chronic illness."

Then, Madam Qin continued:

"Luckily you were quick-witted last night and didn't fall into their trap, otherwise they would have been able to manipulate you even if you wanted a divorce."

"You should know that reputation is extremely important in Kyoto, no matter who it is."

Holding Gu Mingshuang's hand, Old Madam Qin said with emotion:

"I know you are a very sensible child. I will do my best to help you. If you have any grievances, just come to me."

Gu Mingshuang's heart stirred slightly as she understood Old Madam Qin's meaning; she did indeed want to consider Qin Mo's reputation.

She spoke solemnly:

"I am deeply grateful for the help I received last night from the Duke and the Madam. I will always remember the great kindness the Qin family has shown me, and I will do my best to help the Qin family in the future."

With a single sentence, she placed Qin Mo and Old Madam Qin in the position of benefactors, making it clear that she had no intention of currying favor, and her words were upright and honest.

Old Madam Qin held her hand, her eyes filled with heartache.

"Don't worry, I've already had someone take care of the divorce."

"You are a good child. Even after leaving the Ningyuan Marquis's mansion, you will surely find a good home in the future."

Gu Mingshuang stood up again to thank him and then took her leave.

"Ming Shuang will not disturb the old lady any longer."

After the person left, Old Madam Qin sighed.

"This child is extremely intelligent and quick-witted; it's truly a pity that she married Song Linyuan."

Otherwise, she might actually consider this girl.

The old woman stepped forward and advised:

"Since the old lady feels sorry for her, she can find her a good marriage in the future."

Madam Qin nodded.

"She has no parents to rely on now. If she trusts me, I will naturally stand up for her."

Soon, Gu Mingshuang descended the mountain and returned to the Marquis's residence.

At this moment, the Liang family's carriage was already parked at the door.

As soon as Meng saw the Liang family's carriage, she immediately covered her head and complained of a headache.

Song Linyuan said urgently:

"Mother, the Liang family is here. Could you please bear with us for a moment?"

Meng clutched her head, crying out in pain as she spoke:

"My mother is so weak she can barely stand. If she doesn't go back inside soon, she might not make it!"

Having no other choice, Song Linyuan had to have Meng Shi helped back to Shou'an Hall.

He looked at Gu Mingshuang beside him and said urgently:

"Mingshuang, there's really no one to manage the household right now, could you...?"

Gu Mingshuang interrupted Song Linyuan and said:

"Young Master, Mother said that Miss Cousin used to manage household affairs very well, so why don't we let her handle it?"

After saying that, Gu Mingshuang turned and left.

Having no other choice, Song Linyuan had to send someone to invite Xie Lanyu.

Xie Lanyu was monitoring the progress of the observation tower when she learned of this incident, and her face turned grim.

Her birthday is just around the corner, but the Song family has actually caused such a scandal!

She frowned, looked at Song Linyuan, and said:

"Cousin, this kind of matter should be handled by my cousin's wife, the mistress of the house. It would be improper for me to go..."

Song Linyuan lowered his eyes with a troubled expression.

"Ayu, it is indeed unfair to you, but since Mingshuang is unwilling to show up, only you can go."

Xie Lanyu gritted her teeth and cursed Meng Shi in her heart.

It's understandable that Gu Mingshuang would find an excuse not to get involved, but why is the Meng family avoiding it?

The one who got into trouble was her eldest daughter, whom she was so proud of and who had married into a wealthy family!

But now, things have turned out differently. Meng has shrunk his neck and become a turtle with its head locked!

She lowered her eyes, her voice clear and cold, and began to speak:

"Don't worry, cousin, I'll go right away."

At this moment, Madam Liang and Liang Jin were already waiting in the flower hall.

As soon as Xie Lanyu stepped into the flower hall, she was met with Madam Shangliang's disdainful face.

"Your Song family truly has excellent upbringing! How could you raise such a daughter! Doing this kind of thing in the quiet Buddhist hall has utterly disgraced the Liang family!"

Xie Lanyu quickly stepped forward and said:

"My elder sister has always been very virtuous; she must have been deceived to do such a thing!"

With a loud bang, Liang Jin slammed the letter of divorce onto the table.

"There's nothing more to say, this is a letter of divorce! She committed such a crime; not drowning her is already an extra act of mercy!"

Song Linyuan said urgently:

"A letter of divorce? Is my brother-in-law really going to divorce my eldest sister?"

Liang Jin said angrily:

"The letter of divorce is right here! How could it be fake?"

Madam Liang nodded.

"Indeed, this is the rule set by our ancestors, and we cannot disrespect it."

"The person will remain in your Marquis's residence, and will have nothing to do with our Liang family from now on!"

Xie Lanyu frowned and asked urgently:

"What about my eldest sister's dowry? When are we going to move it?"

The Liang family scoffed.

"Committing such a heinous crime, and still wanting to take the dowry? How laughable!"

Afterwards, the Liang family left directly.

Song Linyuan, who was standing still, almost lost his footing.

He only now realized the helplessness he felt when his dowry was withheld.

Unfortunately, Song Lanfang made a grave mistake, and he simply didn't have the confidence to argue anymore.

Xie Lanyu stood there, frowning and complaining:

"Why didn't my cousin say anything just now? How could he let the Liang family do whatever they wanted?"

Song Linyuan frowned and said:

"What they said is not wrong. It was the eldest sister who ruined her reputation first. Our Song family is in the wrong. How can we compete for the dowry? If word gets out, we will lose all our dignity."

Xie Lanyu choked.

None of the members of the Song family are particularly capable, yet they are all extremely concerned about their reputation!

With just a few words, Song Linyuan was able to sign an IOU for six thousand taels of silver. Song Lanfang, on the other hand, ruined her own marriage and lost all her dowry!

In the end, what could this Marquis's mansion rely on to survive? Only her!

The thought of supporting such a group of people made her face turn ugly.

Xie Lanyu frowned. She had transmigrated to this era to build a career, but she was frustrated at every turn!

Seeing Xie Lanyu's pale face, Song Linyuan quickly asked:

"Ayu, why do you look so pale? Are you feeling unwell?"

He quickly helped Xie Lanyu up and looked at her with concern.

"Are you feeling better? Should I go find a doctor to take a look at you?"

Xie Lanyu took a half step back without making a sound.

"Cousin, I'm fine. There are many things to do in the manor right now, and Mother and my elder sister can't handle them. You also have things to do, so there's no need to worry about my health."

Song Linyuan's eyes were moved. Sure enough, only Ayu in this mansion was sensible and obedient, which was why he was willing to listen to his mother.

Marrying Ayu into the household would bring a talented noblewoman to uphold the family's prestige, and my mother would also have someone to take care of her, which would indeed make the household much more stable.

His eyes grew even more gentle.

"Alright, I'll take care of things at the manor first. These past few days you've been focusing all your energy on that little building, so please take care of yourself."

Watching Song Linyuan's departing figure, the smile that had just been on Xie Lanyu's face vanished instantly.

On the way back to Xiaoxiang Pavilion, the man dressed as a craftsman followed beside Xie Lanyu and said casually:

"What? Miss Song, you're still not satisfied? Now that the Marquis's mansion has put you in charge, they're practically treating you like royalty. Why aren't you happy?"

Xie Lanyu glanced coldly at Chen Shuo.

"This Marquis's mansion is nothing but an empty shell, something even Gu Mingshuang doesn't want. Do you think I care?"

Chen Shuo pursed his lips.

"The Song family has always doted on you, especially Song Linyuan."

Xie Lanyu curled her lips in disdain.

"So what? My reputation cannot be confined by this small marquis's mansion."

Chen Shuo pursed his lips.

"Ultimately, you didn't draw those blueprints yourself..."

Before he could finish speaking, Xie Lanyu reached out and grabbed his collar.

"If you dare to talk nonsense again, don't blame me for being impolite."

The two left quickly.

From their secluded spot, Gu Mingshuang and Lingxiang slowly emerged.

Lingxiang's eyes widened, and she lowered her voice to say:

"Miss, what was that young lady just saying? Does she really think that way about the Marquis's mansion?!"

Gu Mingshuang was also somewhat surprised, and frowned as she said:

"It seems she has other plans."

Lingxiang thought of the small building in front and said urgently:

"The young lady's birthday banquet is in two days. With Lord Qi's help, that little building will definitely be a success!"

Gu Mingshuang whispered:

"That's not up to her."

However, with Qi Huan around, it was indeed difficult for her to make a move.

We need to find a way to get Qi Huan away.

Just then, the butler rushed over, as if he had been searching for a long time.

"Princess Consort! We've finally found you!"

Gu Mingshuang frowned and blurted out:

"If there's anything, steward, go directly to the young master or his wife. I no longer concern myself with matters of the household."

The butler quickly said:

"The young master is attending to his ailing wife in her courtyard, and now that the Duke of Anguo has arrived, there is no one to greet him!"

Gu Mingshuang was stunned for a moment.

"What? The Duke of Anguo?"

The butler nodded repeatedly.

"Yes! Duke Anguo is in the front yard right now! He even said he wants the Crown Princess to come over!"

No wonder the housekeeper came to her instead of Song Linyuan. Gu Mingshuang frowned, unsure of Qin Mo's intentions, and had no choice but to head towards the front yard.

Upon entering the flower hall, Gu Mingshuang saw Qin Mo standing by the window.

She bowed respectfully.

"Your Excellency, the Duke, have graced us with your presence; we are deeply sorry for not welcoming you properly."

Qin Mo turned around and said calmly:

"Your people from the Ningyuan Marquis's residence smashed up the warm pavilion of the Anguo Duke's residence, and now I am very unhappy living here. I wonder if the Ningyuan Marquis's residence is willing to take responsibility?"

Gu Mingshuang looked up in surprise, not expecting him to bring this up.

"Of course I'd like to..."

Qin Mo nodded.

"Then I will trouble the Crown Princess to arrange a courtyard for me to stay for two days."

Gu Mingshuang's eyes widened.

"What?"

What kind of talk is that!

He, the Duke of Anguo, came to stay at the Marquis of Ningyuan's residence for two days.