RWNEFE -Chapter 585 The Shen Family Daughters Demand Divorce

“Enough. I’ll keep the people you brought. You may go back,” Zhou Ruyuan said, suppressing his impatience.

Wang Xiangyi had no intention of flattering him with false warmth. Once she heard he would accept the women, she only wanted to hurry back to the Princess Manor to seek her mother’s forgiveness.

“Your Majesty must take care of your health no matter how busy state affairs are. I won’t disturb you further.”

Zhou Ruyuan nodded lightly. After she left, his gaze fell on the six women.

Judging from their clothes and bearing, they were certainly not daughters of prominent families. With Wang Xiangyi’s temperament, she would never tolerate such women in her own circle.

At present, he had no interest in expanding the harem. Women were merely tools for producing heirs.

“Take them away,” he ordered.

“Yes,” the attendants replied.

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After Shen An was taken in and cared for by Shen Yuantang, his health gradually improved. Three to five days later, by the time Shen Lanxi heard the news again, Shen An had already recovered completely.

During this period, many other incidents occurred. One after another, the daughters of the Shen family began clamoring for divorces.

If it had been only one or two cases, the elders could have mediated. But if all of them demanded divorce, outsiders would surely say the Shen family was snobbish—rising to power and then turning their backs on their in-laws.

Shen Congwen had been suppressing the matter, hoping to resolve it internally within the Shen family.

Unfortunately, things did not go as he wished. Shen Yuanhe’s in-laws came directly to the Shen family gates to make a scene.

As if afraid the people of the capital wouldn’t hear about it, they blocked the entrance and shouted loudly, demanding an explanation from the Shen family.

“Eldest son, what happened to your head?” Old Madam Shen had just come out of the Buddhist hall when she noticed the bandage on her son’s forehead, stained with blood.

With such a commotion outside, it was impossible to hide the truth any longer.

Shen Congwen explained Shen Yuanhe’s situation, then angrily ordered the servants to bring her in.

“That wretched girl—if I don’t deal with her harshly today, I won’t be able to keep the other girls in this family under control.”

Every one of them had grown rebellious, all wanting to imitate that woman who meddled in affairs beyond her station.

They learned nothing good, only the worst.

After hearing the full story, Old Madam Shen no longer tried to stop him. If these girls weren’t restrained, they would truly become unmanageable.

Since ancient times, women were meant to assist their husbands, raise children, serve their parents-in-law, and remain faithful to one man for life.

Now they were all making such a spectacle.

“Eldest son, you must discipline them properly. They’ve become lawless.”

“I understand, Mother.”

After a moment’s thought, Old Madam Shen added, “This matter should be handled together with the Princess Consort. You two now manage the household.”

Shen Congwen was startled, then immediately sent someone to summon Zhou Xinrou.

“I’m old and lack the energy now. You handle it well, and just let me know when it’s settled.”

With that, the old madam turned to leave. Shen Congwen tried to support her, but she waved him off.

“No need. Just deal with the family matters. The nannies will assist me.”

Soon Shen Yuanhe was brought in.

“Father!”

“Kneel!” Shen Congwen barked.

Startled, Shen Yuanhe immediately dropped to her knees.

“Father, when Sister Yuanxin divorced, so many people in the family helped her. Why is it that when I seek a divorce, everyone tries to stop me?”

From her tone alone, Shen Congwen knew she felt no remorse.

“Yuanxin divorced for a reason. What about you?”

“You and your husband were living well. He treated you with care, and your parents-in-law managed the household fairly and never mistreated you. You’ve truly lost your senses.”

Shen Yuanhe thought to herself: Wang Hualin had indeed treated her well, and the Wang family had not been unkind. But the life she wanted was something the Wang family could never provide.

Wang Hualin was timid and lacked initiative. Though he had passed the imperial examinations, he neither flattered nor sought patronage, and even now had not been given a proper official post. She was a daughter of the Shen family—by old reckoning, she was practically related to the imperial family.

She considered herself a princess. Even if she were born to a concubine, so what?

Among the royal clan, were all princesses born of the empress?

Did anyone dare call those born to consorts illegitimate daughters?

She believed she now held the status of a princess, yet she had to live in a remote, impoverished place with the Wang family. How could she accept that?

Her former companions wore gold and silver, enjoying wealth and honor in the capital, feared by none.

If they could live like that, why couldn’t she?

“Father, I was married so far away. At midnight, I often dream of the capital—of you and the family.”

“I miss home. I dream of returning every night.”

“Father, please allow me to stay by your side and fulfill my filial duty.”

Hearing this, Shen Congwen’s anger softened somewhat.

Shen Yuanhe secretly felt pleased. If she admitted she simply looked down on the Wang family, her father would never agree. But speaking of homesickness was far more persuasive to these stubborn elders.

“Even so, you cannot demand a divorce like this. Do you know what this is called?”

“This is called abandoning your husband and child for wealth and status.”

Shen Congwen felt a headache coming on. Not one of them gave him any peace of mind.

“Father, if I divorce, I want to bring my child back with me. But the Wang family refuses.”

“That is the Wang family’s bloodline. Why should they give the child to you?” Shen Congwen snapped.

“Moreover, the Wang family has done no wrong. You are the one being unreasonable. If you still have any sense of propriety or shame, go back with them!”

Since relations had already broken down, how could Shen Yuanhe possibly return?

“Father, if they cared about my reputation, they wouldn’t have caused a scene at our gate. By making such a commotion, they’re trying to pin charges on me and disrespect our Shen family.”

Shen Congwen was so angry his hands began to tremble.

“You commit such disgraceful acts and still argue with twisted reasoning. You are beyond teaching.”

Shen Yuanhe’s tone grew firmer.

“Father, I am also a daughter of the Shen family. For them to dare make such a disturbance shows they have no regard for us at all.”

Originally she had planned to part amicably—take the divorce letter and remarry separately. With the Shen family’s current power, she believed the Wang family would not dare cause trouble.

She had not expected them to be so tactless.

At that moment, Zhou Xinrou arrived.

“Mother,” Shen Congwen greeted, somewhat embarrassed at her cold expression.

“Princess Consort.”

Zhou Xinrou had no desire to meddle in the Shen family’s mess, but since the matter had already reached the gates—and she bore the title of the Shen family’s matriarch—failing to act would make her appear incompetent.

“Shen Yuanhe, if this matter grows larger, do you understand the consequences?” Zhou Xinrou demanded.

If it had been Shen Lanxi speaking, Shen Yuanhe might have felt some fear. But facing Zhou Xinrou, she felt none.

“Mother, it’s the Wang family who have gone too far. We already agreed to divorce and remarry separately. I no longer wish to live with them—I truly don’t know what they’re still making such a fuss about.”

“You can’t force a cow to drink water. No matter how they make trouble, I will not change my mind.”

Zhou Xinrou sneered.

All these years she had stayed out of Shen family affairs—had they begun to think she was easy to bully?

A mere concubine-born daughter dared to speak to her in such a disrespectful tone?