Prologue: Unmarried yet already dismissed

"Seventh Sister, you are indeed from the Yihong Courtyard, how can you speak like this! You should be closer to Hongluan instead," Mrs. Wu, who had been overlooked, seized the opportunity to mock.

"Miss, you are truly beautiful! On this night of the wedding, Prince Li will surely be captivated by you," Qiao'er said sincerely as she looked at Feng Hongluan in the mirror

Hmm! Feng Hongluan nodded slightly: "Qiao'er, fortunately, you have been with me all these years."

"Isn't it just a matter of speaking? Mother, you are making too much of a fuss. The late emperor has been dead for three years, and what was said is merely the truth. Who knows if some people are illegitimate..." The daughter of the second wife, Feng Jinling, the fourth young lady of the Prime Minister's residence, spoke up. Since she entered, her gaze was filled with jealousy and resentment as she looked at the bright red wedding dress worn by Feng Hongluan. Why does she get to marry Prince Li?

The words became increasingly unbearable to hear, and Feng Hongluan's complexion turned somewhat pale. She bit her lips tightly, her hands clenched firmly in her sleeves. Over the years, they had always used this to refer to their mother, but they had never dared to be so bold with their veiled insults. Today, however, was different from the past. It seemed that her marriage to the Li King had made them envious, and they could no longer endure it.

Madam San and Madam Si had just requested to speak when Madam Er shot a sharp glance at them, causing them to immediately fall silent. As the saying goes, "Old ginger is spicier," they understood Madam Er's intention. As long as they could first stabilize Feng Hongluan, it would not be too late to release their daughter after she had entered the bridal sedan today; it was merely a matter of putting on a show. Instantly, they all felt reassured.

"Where have you ever seen a bride dressing herself in the sedan chair? If this gets out, people will think there is no one in our Prime Minister's residence!" The Third Madam, standing beside the Second Madam, swept her gaze around Feng Hongluan and fixed her eyes on her face, instantly filled with jealousy. A sharp and sarcastic voice rang out.

"Second Sister, the children acted without intention, perhaps it is better not to pursue this..." The Third Madam and the Fourth Madam immediately interceded.

At that moment, two maids entered and dragged Feng Jinling away, who was both crying and cursing. Most of her words were too unspeakable to hear. The Second Madam's expression grew darker and darker. The Fifth and Sixth Young Ladies were so frightened that they were dumbfounded. The Second Madam had never been willing to hit the Fourth Young Lady, so they did not need anyone to drag them; they obediently followed to the ancestral hall.

Mother will always be in my heart. Those things are merely transient trinkets, given and taken without a second thought. Qiao'er, from now on, do not mention it again

She has always remembered her mother's dying instructions, enduring all this time; how can she still endure now?

Soon the mist dissipated, and the sky cleared. It was immediately evident that today was a day of clear skies stretching for miles.

Little did I expect, this wait lasted a full day

It is merely a place for selling goods, what is so remarkable about Guanhua Residence? Isn't it just a place where thousands ride and tens of thousands are oppressed? The late emperor back in the day..." Lady Eight immediately snorted coldly.

Miss, are you feeling anxious in your heart? It is only the third watch of the night, and it is still early for the people from the Li Wang Mansion to come for the wedding! Why not sleep a little longer? I have heard that there will also be rituals at the ancestral temple and the tomb, which will take a whole day! I am afraid that your health may not be able to endure it

I also heard about it, and later I don't know how she ended up marrying our Lord Xiang...

Behind them were the various maids and servants from the different courtyards of the residence, numbering at least several dozen, unable to fit into the small room, all waiting in the courtyard. The maids and servants held rouge and powder in their hands

Lady Seven's face turned pale, and just as she was about to speak, Lady Six immediately interjected: "How can Sister Seven compare with Hong Luan! That one came from the prestigious Guan Hua Residence of the First Brothel in Dong Li! How can it be compared to the humble Yi Hong Courtyard? I heard that even the late Emperor used to visit there!"

I hope the King of Li will treat the young lady well, for she is the kindest and best person in this world, Qiao'er said with a choked voice

"Alright, you rest for now. When the bridal sedan chair arrives, I will call for you." The Second Madam had originally intended to give Feng Hongluan a good scolding today, but unexpectedly, watching the play revealed a problem. Now, her daughter's secrets were firmly in someone else's hands. If they were to be exposed, not even ten lives could be saved. With no recourse, she naturally dared not cause any more trouble and smiled at Feng Hongluan.

In just a moment, a group of women entered the room, and a strong scent of cosmetics wafted in. The first to walk in was a plump woman adorned with a head full of red hairpins, dressed in a bright red embroidered robe. She appeared to be in her thirties, not exceptionally beautiful, but exuded a certain shrewdness and feminine charm. The combination of these two qualities was not jarring; rather, it was quite pleasing to the eye

As the sun was about to set, instead of waiting for the bridal sedan of the Glass King, a letter of divorce arrived.

"Feng Hongluan, your mother is shameless. I didn't expect you to be so heartless. You actually dared to tell father. Father won't take your side either. What I say is the truth. Who knows if you are the illegitimate child of your mother and some man..." Feng Jinling began to scold.

Feng Hongluan fell silent. She recalled the only time she had met Jun Zili, which was four years ago, behind the ancient temple on the green mountain, where peach blossoms danced in the air. The man stood there in a crescent white robe, facing the peach blossoms. He was indeed more beautiful than the flowers. That fleeting moment of elegance was something she could never forget.

"Silence! You are truly lawless!" The Second Madam slapped her, knocking Feng Jinling to the ground, and shouted, "Someone! Restrain the Fourth Miss!"

Come here! The Fourth Miss, Fifth Miss, and Sixth Miss are to go to the ancestral hall and kneel for three days! They are only allowed to drink water and are not permitted to eat! The Second Madam looked at Feng Hongluan and, with keen insight, realized that this time it had gone too far; she was furious. She immediately shouted angrily at those behind her.

Behind them are several beautiful and charming young ladies, referred to as the Fourth Miss, Fifth Miss, Sixth Miss, Seventh Miss, and Eighth Miss of the Prime Minister's residence... In total, there are nine young ladies.

Jun Zili, this name has been remembered by her since she was three years old. Now she is sixteen. She is well aware of every detail about him. Today, she is finally going to marry him; how can her heart not be filled with joy

This woman is the Second Madam of the Prime Minister's residence, Mu Wanqing. Since the passing of the main lady of the house, she has held significant power within the household. Although she has not been formally recognized by the Prime Minister, she is evidently the most influential woman in the inner quarters of the current Prime Minister's residence.

"Second Mother, please don’t! We know we were wrong..." Feng Qingling and Feng Yinling immediately pleaded with the Second Madam

Feng Hongluan recalled the Fengming Qin and the Bixue Xiao that had accompanied her since childhood, now belonging to someone else, and her heart ached. Yet, she still comforted Qiao'er. Qiao'er had been with her from childhood to adulthood; without Qiao'er, she might have died several times. If her mother knew, she would not blame her.

Press down! Strictly supervise! The second lady was instantly enraged and spoke up

She sat gracefully in front of a somewhat damaged ancient mirror, adorned in a phoenix crown and a flowing gown, which did not diminish her delicate beauty. Her hair was styled in a flying phoenix bun by her only maid, Qiao'er, and she wore a phoenix crown, with strands of red and jade cascading down, radiating a splendid brilliance. Her attire was a bright red wedding dress with vibrant red ribbons, equally adorned with pearls and emeralds, shimmering with brilliance.

After the sound of the drum at the third watch, a line of bright light suddenly split the sky, revealing a veil of brightness that had been hidden by the night of rain and mist.

This matter still depends on Hongluan. After all, the second lady has her own daughter and will pass the difficult problem to Feng Hongluan

Upon hearing the term "wild breed," Feng Hongluan's hand in her sleeve tightened even more. It felt jarring.

"It all depends on the decisions of the Second Mistress." Feng Hongluan felt an intense hatred for today, speaking in a subdued manner

Qiao'er said, "Miss, it is said that Prince Li is exceptionally handsome and possesses both literary and martial talents of the highest order. He is a rare and elegant young gentleman in the world, having been granted the title of prince at the tender age of twenty. None of the young masters in the capital can compare to him. He is hailed as the number one young master of Dongli and is also one of the three young masters in the world. How many noble young ladies dream of having him as their husband! The madam truly found a good match for you back then. Miss, are you aware that several young ladies in our household are infatuated with Prince Li?"

Moreover, Miss Five and Miss Six are even more detestable. Yesterday, they actually took away the Phoenix Mingqin and the Bi Xue Xiao that Madam left for you. Those were the only items Madam left for you. How could you bear to give them to them!

Is this the person she has been longing for day and night for over ten years? Is this the good match her mother chose for her? A good match! Without her mother, she could still look forward to her husband, but without her husband, what else can she hope for now? Without hope, what meaning can life hold?

"Miss, Qiao'er will always be by your side, but Qiao'er has failed Madam's instructions and has not been able to take good care of you." Qiao'er bit her lip, holding back tears as she said, "A few days ago, I even caused you to be whipped by the Fourth Miss. I am useless."

In a dilapidated small courtyard at the northwest corner of the Prime Minister's residence in the Eastern Li Kingdom, the voices of two individuals could be heard. It was evident from their tones that one was a master and the other a servant

Qiao'er nodded, thinking that the young lady was about to marry the Li Wang, and she would be the legitimate wife of the Li Wang. Today was a significant day, and they dared not act recklessly anymore. Although she was clearly afraid, she still stepped out from behind Feng Hongluan to protect the young lady. Better safe than sorry; today, under no circumstances could they allow her to be harmed.

Mother?" Miss Si exclaimed

Behind her followed a group of elegantly dressed women, known as the Third Madam, Fourth Madam, Fifth Madam, Sixth Madam, Seventh Madam, Eighth Madam, Ninth Madam... In total, there were twelve Madams

Just as Qiao Er was about to say something, countless footsteps suddenly approached from outside the small courtyard, accompanied by the sounds of jewels and ornaments clashing, as well as the noisy chatter of young women. In an instant, the tranquil courtyard became lively.

In the blink of an eye, the lively courtyard that was bustling just a moment ago has quieted down

The year 432 of the Apocalypse, summer of the 116th year of the Eastern Li.

"Hongluan, do you think this is an appropriate way for Second Madam to handle things?" Second Madam immediately put on a gloomy face, then smiled at Feng Hongluan.

This attire of phoenix crown and flowing robes adds an extra three parts of beauty and seven parts of charm to her overall appearance. Her slightly yellow complexion is meticulously concealed by makeup, and from any angle, she is truly a stunning beauty that could captivate a nation.

Those things are dead, and can exchange for a clever life; even mother in heaven would be comforted. It has all passed, do not take it to heart. In the future, when we arrive at the Li Wang Mansion, we will find something better

"Do not be afraid! It is the blessings sent by the aunts and sisters." Feng Hongluan felt a tightness in her heart, and immediately comforted Qiao'er. She stood up from her seated position and protected Qiao'er behind her

Feng Hongluan reached out to hold Qiao'er, looking at the several concubines across from her, and slowly spoke: "If the words of you concubines were to reach the ears of the current Emperor, our family might... Moreover, if father were to hear it, who knows what would happen?"

"Miss, on this joyous occasion, I should not mention the lady, and I have caused you sorrow." Qiao'er noticed that Feng Hongluan's eyes were red, and she could not help but feel her own eyes welling up with tears as she desperately suppressed them and advised her.

Feng Hongluan bit her lip tightly, noticing that the second madam was watching the scene without speaking further. She slowly began to speak: "If the several concubines and sisters do not understand, you may ask father later; I believe father will certainly tell you. Or if you find it troublesome, Hongluan can help you inquire."

Both the master and the servant remained silent as time entered a countdown, waiting, waiting, and waiting some more. As long as Prince Li's bridal sedan chair arrived, they would see hope.

A calm and unhurried sentence instantly silenced the noisy and boisterous women. Except for the second madam, each of them looked pale as they stared at Feng Hongluan. It seemed as if they had uttered words of great rebellion.

This is the only writing instrument he has personally handed to her over the years, yet this sole writing instrument is a divorce decree. To be divorced before marriage. How absurd is that? Feng Hongluan looked at the divorce decree in her hand and laughed until she cried

"Isn't that so! If the master finds out, he might think we are bullying you for being motherless!" The fourth lady also looked at Feng Hongluan's face, and with each glance, she felt like tearing it apart.

Regardless of the chaos that had already erupted in the Prime Minister's residence, and the turmoil caused by the concubines and sisters, it was of no concern. Nor did it matter that her already tarnished reputation was further sullied by rumors from outside. Holding the divorce decree, Feng Hongluan sat by the lotus pond in the Feng residence for an entire night. At dawn, she jumped into the lotus pond wearing the bright red wedding dress from the previous day.

Indeed, both sisters are correct. There is no smoke without fire; who knows if the third sister is truly our third sister... Miss Liu, Feng Yinling, also spoke up. Her mother is the fourth lady of the residence, and the fourth lady is the legitimate niece of the Grand General. In the Xiang residence, both the fourth lady and Miss Liu have more confidence in their words compared to the other young ladies, due to their higher status

Indeed, the late emperor once... I heard that the mother of Hongluan was also a guest of the late emperor... The twelfth consort immediately took over the conversation

Since she was young, she knew that the person she was to marry was the King of Glass.

Feng Hongluan's body went limp, and she was about to fall to the ground. Qiao'er exclaimed in surprise and quickly supported her, weeping, "Miss, you must hold on. It will be fine once Prince Li's bridal sedan chair arrives"

"Yes, Miss, I dare to speak in your presence. A person as beautiful as you, the Prince of Li will surely cherish you as if you were a precious treasure," Qiao'er immediately replied.

"You all..." Qiao'er looked at her young lady, her eyes filled with anger and turning red, glaring at those women. How could they speak of the madam like this in front of the young lady?

Today, I am going to marry him. Time has passed so slowly

Several ladies just participated in discussing the late emperor, and now it seems that the second lady has also yielded, no longer daring to cause trouble, and they all reluctantly withdrew from the courtyard

Indeed, Second Lady, you are making a mountain out of a molehill. Fourth Sister is right; it is simply a fact... Fifth Miss Feng Qingling is the daughter of the Third Madam. Usually, she spends a lot of time with Fourth Miss Feng Jinling and has picked up some of her domineering ways.

Qiao Er's small face immediately tensed as she looked towards the door. Hearing such a commotion, she knew it must be those people. Her small body shivered slightly: "Miss..."

Feng Hongluan smiled faintly without speaking

"Hmm, mother in the heavens is also comforted!" The woman's voice was soft and gentle, extremely pleasant to hear. She was Feng Hongluan, the third daughter of the Prime Minister's residence in the Eastern Li Kingdom, and also the most beautiful woman in the Eastern Li Kingdom

Recalling her mother who had passed away many years ago, Feng Hongluan's eyes involuntarily turned red. If her mother were still alive, how happy she would be to know that she had finally married that man!

Feng Hongluan, with her charming red face, felt a wave of emotions flowing as the water rippled. Upon hearing Qiao'er’s words, she immediately shyly retorted: "You little girl with a sharp tongue! If you ever find yourself at the Li Wangfu, you must not speak like this in public, or it will be rumored that you are frivolous, which would annoy the Li Wang."

Silence! The Second Lady, upon seeing her daughter, shouted in anger once more. Other matters may be discussed, but the taboos of the late Emperor must not be mentioned. Speaking of them could lead to execution.

Feng Hongluan looked at them with a calm gaze. It did not matter if they insulted her, but they must not insult her mother. There is a limit to patience. Today is her day of great joy, and her mother is watching from above

"Qiao'er, do not blame yourself; that matter was not your fault. We just need to endure a little longer, and it will pass," Feng Hongluan advised. She thought about the whip scars on her body that had just healed and worried that her new husband might find them unappealing. Yet, she also considered that he was exceptionally talented and not a superficial person, so he would surely not hold that against her

Feng Hongluan looked at Qiao'er protecting her in front, and her heart instantly warmed.

Oh! Look at our Third Miss, who can hardly wait and has already dressed herself. The Second Madam, who just walked in, looked at the fully adorned Feng Hongluan and let out a delicate laugh, though this laugh carried a hint of coldness and was somewhat jarring. Before Feng Hongluan could speak, she took the lead in addressing the situation

Hmm! Feng Hongluan, with tears in her eyes, responded softly with her eyes closed, her body weakly leaning against Qiao'er.

"Second Lady..." The Fifth Miss and Sixth Miss immediately felt their bodies go weak

Hmm! I know. Feng Hongluan smiled gently at her reflection in the mirror, a dimple appearing on her cheek, and as she thought of the person she was to marry today, a wave of sweetness filled her heart

Upon hearing a single sentence, the Second Madam's expression changed, and the other Madams turned pale as well, while the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Young Ladies also turned ashen.

"Indeed, it is the demeanor of a petty person, resembling a naturally beguiling vixen," Lady Qi remarked.

"It is of no concern, I can endure it," Feng Hongluan said softly, shaking her head.

Miss, it is all because of Qiao'er. If it weren't for Qiao'er, you would not have given them the late lady's belongings. Tears finally streamed down Qiao'er's face as she recalled how she was nearly beaten to death by the Fifth and Sixth Young Ladies. If it weren't for you taking out the late lady's guqin and xiao, they would not have let her go.

"Miss, if Madam were still here, she would surely be delighted to see that you have finally come into your own today." Through the dilapidated and old laundry lattice window, one could see a twelve or thirteen-year-old, emaciated little maid standing behind a woman adorned in a phoenix crown and colorful robes, whose complexion was similarly sallow, speaking softly.

A pond of koi was startled in the lotus pond

"Hong Luan is right! If you discuss the late emperor in this manner, do you wish for the entire minister's residence to be buried alongside him?" The second lady cast a sharp glance at Hong Luan and shouted angrily at the crowd behind her. The crowd immediately fell silent.

The two large characters "Divorce" caught my eye, and the signature bore the name she had remembered in her heart for over a decade. The strokes flowed like a dragon and a snake, graceful and charming, indicating how extraordinary and remarkable the person holding the brush must be

"Er Niang handled it well. Hong Luan is tired and wants to rest for a while," Feng Hong Luan said softly