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

When Song Linyuan found Xie Lanyu at Xiaoxiang Pavilion, he saw her directing her maid to pack her luggage.

Xie Lanyu, dressed in a pale yellow cloud-patterned silk dress, was both beautiful and noble, and gave the order:

"Be careful, those writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones are all of the highest quality; don't bump or knock them!"

Seeing the bustling activity inside, Song Linyuan frowned slightly and stepped forward to ask:

"Ayu! What are you doing?"

Upon hearing Song Linyuan's voice, Xie Lanyu slowly raised her eyes and glanced at him.

"Cousin, the selection process for the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion is in two days. It's a very important matter, so I plan to go back to the pavilion and stay for a few days."

Looking at Song Linyuan now, she had almost lost all patience.

She originally thought Song Linyuan was a loyal dog who was absolutely devoted to her, but this time Song Linyuan almost lost his mind for Gu Mingshuang. If she continued to devote her energy to him, she would lose even more.

She wrote several letters and even invoked the name of the Princess of Zhennan before she finally persuaded Qi Huan to add her name to the list of candidates.

Even if she can't get the position of head architect for the construction of Duke Anguo's garden, she should at least be a respected architect with influence within it.

Xie Lanyu and Song Linyuan's expressions froze for a moment.

"How can you leave now that the Marquis's mansion is in such a mess? Didn't I hand over the management of the household to you? How can you let debt collectors surround the gate? What face does the Marquis's mansion have left?"

Xie Lanyu looked at Song Linyuan, gently covered her forehead with her fingers, and frowned as she spoke:

"My cousin once said that the job of a housekeeper was too demanding and would wear down my talents, and now I know it's true."

"With so many household chores to attend to, how can I possibly find the time to write? My cousin always seemed to care about me, but now he's willing to let me toil away until my talent is completely stifled?"

These were indeed the words he had said before. That was what he had thought at the time. He could accompany Xie Lanyu to make a name for herself in the capital, and then leave the household affairs to Gu Mingshuang to manage for them.

Looking into Xie Lanyu's eyes, Song Linyuan's face flushed, but all he could do now was offer words of advice:

"Ayu, I know I've wronged you. Now that Mother is confined by Grandmother and my elder sister has been sent to a nunnery, you're the only one I trust in the household. Could you please..."

Xie Lanyu, holding the selection invitation in her hand, interrupted Song Linyuan and said:

"I also want to share my cousin's burdens, but Princess Zhennan thinks highly of me when she learns about the selection process, and she tells me not to be distracted by family matters."

Upon hearing the name of the Princess Consort of Zhennan, Song Linyuan's expression froze for a moment, and he had no choice but to swallow the words he wanted to say.

"Since the Princess Consort values ​​it, you should naturally prioritize the selection. However, the debt collectors are blocking the door, which is really detrimental to our Marquis's residence. Ayu, could you sell another set of blueprints...?"

Xie Lanyu suppressed a roll of her eyes, interrupted Song Linyuan, and said:

"Cousin, I also want to get more money for you, but now I have to draw a portrait for the princess and prepare for the selection, so I really can't draw anymore."

Song Linyuan's face turned even redder.

When he was still the adopted son of the Gu family, his life was smooth and carefree. But now that he is the heir apparent, he is often in such an embarrassing situation.

Upon returning to the capital, his mother earnestly advised him that a noblewoman like Xie Lanyu was a perfect match for him as the heir apparent, capable of managing the vast Marquis's mansion and standing shoulder to shoulder with him.

After hearing it for a while, he believed it and thought that Gu Mingshuang was petty and couldn't support the reputation of the Marquis's mansion.

But now he finds it somewhat laughable.

In the past, no matter how difficult things were or how much money he lacked, Ming Shuang would always make things happen for him.

However, Xie Lanyu only maintained the arrogance of a noble lady and subtly distanced herself from the relationship.

Song Linyuan frowned and said:

"Ayu, your mother has prepared a dowry for you. You will be entering the Marquis's mansion sooner or later. Could you take some out of the dowry first?"

Xie Lanyu's eyes darkened.

"Cousin, the Marquis's mansion didn't even give Gu Mingshuang the position of principal wife, yet they took her dowry. This matter has been widely discussed. Now, my marriage with you hasn't even been finalized, and you're already asking me to hand over my dowry?"

She almost couldn't help but ask, "Is the Song family addicted to exploiting those who have no descendants? Do they think she's dumber than Gu Mingshuang?"

Song Linyuan's face flushed red, and he frowned as he said:

"Ayu, I know I've made you suffer. I'll make it up to you properly after you marry into the family."

Xie Lanyu could no longer maintain her aloof and noble demeanor, and her voice turned cold as well.

"Cousin, you've said these words to Gu Mingshuang many times, haven't you? But in the end, it's nothing more than this. I can't compare to ten years of affection, and I dare not ask my cousin to compensate me for anything."

Song Linyuan's face stiffened, as if his deepest wound had been touched.

He never expected Xie Lanyu to say such a thing.

"How could you...how could you think that?"

Xie Lanyu glanced at Ruhua, who had finished packing her things, and lost all patience. She turned and walked out, leaving behind a remark.

"Cousin, even a traitor like Gu Mingshuang managed to turn the tables and kill him. You're not going to make me take the fall for her, are you? I'm not that cheap!"

After saying that, Xie Lanyu left with her people.

Song Linyuan stood there, his heart filled with shame, anger, and regret.

If he hadn't wavered back then and had steadfastly chosen Ming Shuang, wouldn't he have avoided ending up like this?

He stumbled and only managed to avoid falling by leaning against a pillar.

Thinking of Gu Mingshuang's cold, distant, and utterly devoid of warmth in her eyes, he felt a sharp pain in his heart.

The procession continued until the large group "escorted" Xie Lanyu and her servants back.

"The old lady said that my cousin is of marriageable age and it's not appropriate for her to appear in public!"

Xie Lanyu was cornered in the courtyard, where she was constantly cursing and smashing countless flowerpots and shelves.

She tugged at Song Linyuan's sleeve.

"Tell them to let me go!"