SGEIRS -Chapter 345 The Successful Divorce

Marquis of Wu’an’s pupils suddenly shrank. Although he didn’t know what Gu Jingxi had written in the memorial, he understood very well that once it was presented to the Emperor, he would at best be reprimanded, and at worst fall out of imperial favor. No official was unafraid of losing the Emperor’s trust—once that happened, their career would be finished.

Madam Wu’an’s heart leapt into her throat.

Meanwhile, the Wu’an heir, who had been keeping his head lowered in silence, slowly raised it. The fear in his eyes was impossible to hide. At this moment, he also realized that divorce was his only option. Steadying himself, he spoke in a trembling voice—the first words he had uttered since entering Changxing Marquis’s residence:

“I… I agree to the divorce. It’s all my fault for hurting Xuanyi. My parents knew nothing about it. Even this morning, I told my mother that Xuanyi wasn’t feeling well, and she didn’t suspect anything.”

With these words, he placed all the blame on himself and completely cleared his parents of responsibility.

Seeing how sensible he was, Marquis Wu’an felt quite satisfied. If the parents could distance themselves from the matter, it would be much easier to handle.

Madam Wu’an lowered her eyes. Seeing her son reduced to this state made her heart ache. If time could be turned back, she probably wouldn’t have hidden his preference for men from her husband. Perhaps with proper guidance, he might have changed and developed an interest in women.

The divorce document had long been prepared, awaiting only the heir’s signature and seal. Since he had agreed, Gu Jingxi said nothing more and instructed him to sign and press his fingerprint.

After he did so, Gu Jingxi reviewed the document, confirmed there were no issues, and handed it to his niece.

Upon seeing the divorce letter, Gu Xuanyi burst into tears of joy. Just that morning, she had felt trapped in an abyss, struggling in despair. Now, she had been reborn. It was beyond her wildest dreams. Fortunately, her Third Uncle had supported her—otherwise, with her father’s temperament, he would never have agreed to the divorce and would even have used her to extract benefits from the Wu’an household. She would have had no choice but to endure humiliation there for the rest of her life.

Marquis Wu’an glanced at his son and said apologetically, “This matter is entirely Xiao’er’s fault, and it’s also our failure as parents. Xuanyi has suffered greatly. If she remarries in the future, we will provide a dowry according to the standards of a noblewoman from an earl’s household, as compensation.”

A trace of delight flashed across Gu Jingsheng’s face, and he was about to agree.

However, Gu Jingxi shot him a sharp look, forcing him to swallow his words.

Then Gu Jingxi said calmly, “There’s no need for compensation. Xuanyi’s surname is Gu, not Wu’an. Our Gu family can afford a respectable dowry. But your Wu’an family must give us a proper explanation. Otherwise, I’ll still submit this memorial to His Majesty and let him judge for himself.”

Marquis Wu’an hurriedly nodded. “Of course, of course. Xiao’er committed such a disgraceful act. As his parents, we’re heartbroken. When we return, we’ll punish him according to family law and deal with this bastard severely, to give Xuanyi and the Gu family an explanation.”

As he spoke, he kicked his son. “Kneel, you unfilial wretch!”

Caught off guard, the heir stumbled and nearly fell before obediently kneeling.

Gu Jingxi said nothing. He curled his fingers and lightly tapped the small tea table beside him with his knuckles, his expression calm and unreadable.

Seeing this, cold sweat poured down Marquis Wu’an’s back. He cursed his son inwardly for offending the wrong people. Gu Jingsheng might be mediocre, but he had a formidable younger brother. Someone like Gu Jingxi, who appeared gentle and approachable, was in fact the hardest to deal with.

Gritting his teeth, Marquis Wu’an revealed his worst plan: “This wretch is morally corrupt and unfit for responsibility. He even has such shameful habits. He is no longer worthy of being the heir. Tomorrow, I will submit a memorial to strip him of his heirship. Then I’ll punish him according to family law and confine him for reflection.”

As soon as he said this, the heir was shaken to the core. He raised his head abruptly and stared at his father in disbelief. On the way here, he had only expected a beating and damage to his reputation. He never imagined his father would depose him. Since childhood, he had always been favored over his brothers.

Although Madam Wu’an had already anticipated the worst outcome, she still froze when she heard it. Yet she understood that this was the only way to appease the Gu family. Otherwise, if the memorial reached the Emperor, their fate would be far worse, and her son would lose his position anyway. Fortunately, she had two sons. If the eldest was deposed, the younger could still inherit. The concubine-born sons, with their low-status mothers, were unlikely to be considered.

Gu Jingxi stopped tapping the table. Without showing approval or disapproval, he said lightly, “Marquis Wu’an, your family matters are for you to decide. We outsiders won’t comment. But when children make mistakes, they must be properly taught.”

Marquis Wu’an did not believe this was a plea for leniency. On the contrary, he knew Gu Jingxi was satisfied. His son’s position was beyond saving.

He wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and nodded repeatedly. “What Marquis Gu says is right. My son truly needs discipline. This grave mistake is also our responsibility. My wife and I failed in raising him. I apologize to everyone.”

Gu Jingxi ignored the remark and continued, “We’ll send people tomorrow morning to retrieve Xuanyi’s dowry. Will that be convenient for your household?”

Madam Wu’an quickly nodded. “Yes, it will. We’ll be waiting at home. A marriage between two families should have been a joyful event, yet it was ruined by my unfilial son.”

She turned to Gu Jingsheng and his wife with deep remorse. “In-laws, I’m truly sorry. I don’t expect your forgiveness, but I still must say it.”

Madam Zhang snorted coldly and turned her face away, ignoring her.

Madam Wu’an looked embarrassed and bitter. In the past, how would Zhang dare treat her like this? Because of her son, she had completely lost face today—never in decades had she been so humiliated.

Marquis Wu’an was about to speak again, but Gu Jingxi had already issued the dismissal: “The divorce letter has been signed. This matter is settled. Please take your leave. We won’t see you out.”

Seeing this, Marquis Wu’an dared not say more. “Then we shall take our leave. When we return, we’ll punish this unfilial son properly and give Xuanyi an explanation.”