It stands to reason that since Pei Yuxuan was a Commandery Princess appointed by the late Emperor, when she was preparing for a marriage dissolution, Xie Wanqing, as the Empress, should intervene.
However, she was in an awkward position, so she could only pretend to be ignorant of it.
Nevertheless, the matter of a Commandery Princess dissolving her marriage is not trivial, and bits of news inevitably reached her ears.
For example, not long after the Lantern Festival, Pei Yuxuan returned alone to Duke Pei Mansion.
After Lu Ziyuan ascended the throne, the influence of Princess Duan Yang’s status plummeted, and many feared being associated with the Pei Family, fearing retribution from the new Emperor.
The Zhao family also kept their distance.
After four years of marriage without bearing any children, the Zhao family had long been discontent with their eldest daughter-in-law. Now seeing Pei Yuxuan returning to her parental home, demanding a divorce, they were likely pleased with the turn of events.
She stayed for half a month, during which her husband never visited once.
After half a month, not only the Pei Family, but every major family in the Capital City could understand the intentions of the Zhao family.
Pei Yuxuan naturally could not endure such grievances, nor could she possibly return in humiliation.
Even if she were willing, her parents and brother would not allow their cherished jewel to be so insulted.
Several days later, the Princely Heir of Duke Pei Mansion personally visited the Zhao family to request a divorce letter from his brother-in-law.
At the same time, he accounted for and took back all of Princess Pingning’s dowry.
This marriage, which lasted more than four years, came to a complete end.
Fortunately, there were no children, so this could be considered peaceful.
By the time Xie Wanqing heard of it, the matter had already settled.
Reflecting on the Beast Fighting Arena’s groom selection back then, which eligible young gentleman in the Capital didn’t want to marry the Eldest Princess’s daughter?
Who could have predicted that such a proud and radiant Little Princess would return home, divorced, a few years later?
When the Pei Family was in favor, the Zhao family earnestly pursued the marriage.
Now facing an awkward situation, they hurried to draw a clear line.
Xie Wanqing felt a deep regret, feeling both sympathy for Pei Yuxuan and anger towards the Zhao family.
Her position was awkward; she could not openly reprimand the Zhao family, nor could she summon Pei Yuxuan to the palace for comfort, which only left her feeling more stifled.
When Lu Ziyuan returned, he noticed her dispirited demeanor and couldn’t help but express some concern.
Xie Wanqing felt incredibly languid and hardly wished to speak.
Seeing her ignore him, Lu Ziyuan sat beside her and pulled her into his embrace, "Are you tired? Many matters don’t require your personal involvement; you can promote a few trusted aides to handle them..."
"I’m not tired," she interrupted before he could finish, full of impatience, "I’m just very annoyed, so don’t bother me."
"..." Lu Ziyuan paused, lifted her chin, and looked at her face, "How about summoning the Imperial Physician to check your pulse? From what I’ve seen lately, your temper seems to have grown."
In the initial days returning to the Capital, whether out of guilt or to make amends, she treated him exceptionally well.
Gradually, her small arrogant temper could no longer be hidden.
Now, she completely disregarded him.
Whenever, wherever, she would show her displeasure.
Lu Ziyuan was somewhat displeased, lowered his head to steal a kiss from her lips, "Wanwan, you should treat me better, you know!"
Xie Wanqing: "..."
She raised her eyelids and seriously regarded him for a while, suddenly asking, "Do you value Zhao Rui highly?"
Zhao Rui was Pei Yuxuan’s ex-husband, now young and already an Assistant Minister in the Ministry of War, holding a fourth-rank official position.
His future seemed promising.
Zhao Rui was a military general, and he was not one of Lu Ziyuan’s trusted aides.
Moreover, Lu Ziyuan himself came from a military background; his command didn’t lack leaders, nor did the Great Khan lack generals.