TSWRLM -Chapter 359 He Was Only Doing What Was Right

In the meditation hall, Madam Yu was carefully recounting her past to Chun Xi.

These memories had been replayed countless times in her mind; now, speaking of them again, her expression was calm—neither sorrowful nor joyful.

Poisoned and weakened from three miscarriages, Madam Yu was thin and haggard, yet time had not defeated her beauty. Between her brows and eyes, traces of her former radiant charm still remained.

After hearing the full story, Chun Xi asked gently, “What do you wish to do now?”

Madam Yu knelt, her eyes red. “He redeemed me back then. With all these injuries and lingering poison, even if I remain a commoner, I have already repaid his kindness. I only wish to divorce him, take half of his estate, and live my life in peace. I do not wish to see him again in this lifetime.”

Unlike other victims, Madam Yu was decisive and composed.

Her feelings for Yu Zhao had long been exhausted, and she knew clearly what she wanted.

Chun Xi said nothing, internally considering the feasibility of dividing the estate.

According to Zhaoling law, a woman who divorces may take her dowry, but Madam Yu had once fallen into prostitution, a status looked down upon. Moreover, the miscarriages had happened long ago, and there was currently no evidence to prove Yu Zhao had given her abortive medicine. The situation was highly unfavorable for Madam Yu.

Madam Yu felt tense at Chun Xi’s silence. She could not help but say, “Although I once fell into the world of pleasure, my beauty, skill at the pipa, and dazzling dance drew countless visitors. I also saved a considerable amount of money myself.”

“After marrying Yu Zhao, I contributed this money to his business. With it, his enterprise quickly rose to a new level. Over the years, I helped him cultivate dancers and expand his network. Today, Yu Zhao’s wealth inherently includes half of what I contributed. Madam Shen, please judge rightly!”

Madam Yu then bowed deeply.

The dull sound of her head striking the stone floor made Chun Xi’s heart skip a beat, though she kept her expression calm.

“From what you’ve said, it is indeed fair that you claim half of his estate. But for now, the most important thing is to produce evidence,” Chun Xi said gently.

Madam Yu slumped, a look of despair on her face. “The brothel mistress never allowed me to hide money. I secretly saved it bit by bit, but I have no evidence. Yu Zhao won’t allow me to appear publicly. Whatever I want to do, I always told him directly. He surely wouldn’t admit it now…”

Her voice grew quieter as she spoke, her face pale.

Years of love and effort seemed wasted, unbearable for anyone.

The situation was indeed tricky, but Chun Xi reassured her: “Everything in this world leaves a trace. Don’t rush. Think carefully when you return. I’ll also try to arrange people to help gather evidence. Right now, the most important thing is to restore your health so you can endure until the day the truth comes to light.”

She handed Madam Yu a bottle of medicine. “This is an antidote prepared by the imperial physician. Take one pill every three days—it will effectively suppress the poison in your body.”

Chun Xi remained calm, and Madam Yu gradually settled, grateful. “Madam Shen, thank you. Without you, I might not have survived.”

“Don’t think like that. Nothing is more important than being alive.”

Madam Yu could not stay long and left soon after.

After she left, Xiao Qinghe entered the meditation hall, worried: “Yu Zhao has been in business for years. He’s very shrewd. It will be almost impossible for Madam Yu to recover what belongs to her.”

Yu Zhao’s actions were meticulous. Whether it was causing the miscarriages or poisoning Madam Yu, there was no substantial evidence yet—not to mention proof that half his wealth belonged to her.

Chun Xi, however, was not worried. “The truth cannot remain hidden. As long as Madam Yu speaks honestly, there will eventually be clues.”

Xiao Qinghe found Chun Xi’s attitude unusual. After a moment, she cautiously asked, “Does Madam Shen doubt Madam Yu is lying?”

With no outsiders present, Chun Xi spoke freely. “I just think that Madam Yu has survived a harsh life in the pleasure quarters, with business acumen rivaling Yu Zhao’s. She also shared a bed with him for many years. She is more likely than us to discover Yu Zhao’s weaknesses.”

Indeed, no one is perfect. Yu Zhao could not have done everything flawlessly.

Xiao Qinghe felt reassured. Together with Chun Xi, she listened to the monk’s sermon and shared the vegetarian meal before returning home.

Xiao Yecheng also had the meal. When he saw them coming out, he hurried to meet them, only to be interrupted by a soft, childlike voice: “Cousin Auntie.”

Xiao Qinghe turned, but saw no one—until her legs were suddenly hugged. Xie Huaiyin had clung to her.

Xiao Qinghe immediately smiled. “Huaiyin, you haven’t gone home yet?”

The little girl handed her a handkerchief. “Cousin Auntie left this here. Yin Yin waited specifically to return it to you.”

A handkerchief is a personal item. Since Xiao Qinghe was divorced, the little girl holding it could easily cause misunderstandings if seen.

Xiao Qinghe took the handkerchief, liking the child even more. She bent down and said, “Thank you, Yin Yin.”

“No need. Daddy is still waiting. I must go. Cousin Auntie, see you next time.”

Xie Huaiyin released her, waved, and left with the nanny.

Xiao Qinghe watched her leave, then turned to Chun Xi. “This child is really clever and sensible. It’s just a pity she lost her mother so young—so unfortunate.”

“She is indeed unfortunate,” Chun Xi nodded.

Xiao Yecheng clenched his fists silently.

Xie Zhang had acted quickly—first approaching He’er through Madam Yu, and now sending his daughter to garner sympathy.

As he thought this, he heard Chun Xi say, “I heard that Sir Xie is here today to mourn his late wife. He must have loved her deeply. After seeing so many faithless men in the past two years, someone as devoted as him is rare.”

Chun Xi’s words were full of praise. Xiao Yecheng gritted his teeth. “Being married means life and death together. When a wife dies, a man is expected to remain faithful. Mourning one’s deceased wife is simply doing what is right. There is no reason to praise it.”

Hearing the implication, Chun Xi’s eyes twinkled. She nodded. “General Xiao, you are correct. I forgot—General Xiao is also devoted, secretly admiring the one he loves for years without changing his feelings. If one day you get your wish, you will surely devote yourself wholeheartedly to your wife, unwavering in this lifetime.”

Chun Xi’s words carried a teasing undertone.

Xiao Yecheng quickly glanced at Xiao Qinghe and said solemnly, “As long as she lives freely and happily, whether I get what I wish for is unimportant.”