Master of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 14: Public Humiliation

When Meng Tianchu turned around, he saw Feiyan walk over to the table where the three diners were seated in one of the private alcoves. She pulled a small piece of silver from her pocket and placed it on the table. "I’d like to trouble you to give up this seat. This is for your meal. We’ll cover the cost. How about it?"

The three looked at the piece of silver, which was about five qian, and their faces lit up with joy. Quickly bowing in thanks, they grabbed the silver and cheerfully vacated the alcove. Feiyan called over the waiter to clean up.

Seeing her generosity, the waiter became even more attentive and swiftly tidied the alcove until it was spotless.

Feiyan guided Xiahou Fengyi into the private room. Watching this, Meng Tianchu thought, This Xiahou girl really knows how to throw money around. But considering her father is a senior official in the Ministry of Works, which oversees construction—one of the most lucrative sectors—it’s not surprising the Xia family has money.

Meng Tianchu smiled awkwardly and stepped toward the alcove to sit down, but Feiyan stopped him. "Apologies, young master. Our young mistress prefers to eat alone in peace. You and Old Hetou can eat in the main hall."

Furious, Meng Tianchu turned to Xiahou Fengyi. "Is this true?"

Xiahou Fengyi looked up coldly and replied, "Yes, it’s true. Oh, I forgot to mention—before leaving, I should have brought Haitang along to keep you company. Why don’t you send Old Hetou back to fetch her?"

Slamming his hand on the table, Meng Tianchu growled, "Xiahou Fengyi, don’t push it too far!"

"Push it too far?" Xiahou Fengyi sneered. "And what about you sneaking off to fool around with a maid on our wedding night? Does that not count as too far?"

"I didn’t—" Meng Tianchu wanted to tell her that he wasn’t the same Meng Tianchu, that the original one had already been replaced. But saying such a thing would make him sound insane—or like someone making a poor excuse. Resigned, he sighed and lowered his voice. "Fine, it was my fault. Can you be magnanimous and give me a chance to turn over a new leaf?"

Feiyan scoffed. "How many times have you made that promise before? Did you ever change? A leopard can’t change its spots, and you’re no exception!"

Enraged, Meng Tianchu pointed at Feiyan and shouted at Xiahou Fengyi, "Did you hear that? This is how your maid talks to me!"

"She’s telling the truth," Xiahou Fengyi said indifferently, looking out the window. "I told you last night—I don’t believe you can change, nor do I care. To preserve my father’s honor, I married you and agreed to stay for one year as your nominal wife. After a year, I expect you to keep your promise and give me a divorce. If you don’t, I’ll leave anyway. During this year, do whatever you want—it has nothing to do with me."

Humiliated in front of everyone, Meng Tianchu burst into laughter out of anger. "A nominal wife for a year? Fine! No need to wait a year. I’ll write you a divorce letter right now, and you can go back!" He shouted, "Waiter, bring me paper and ink!"

Xiahou Fengyi replied calmly, "You’ve just married me and already want a divorce? Without valid grounds, it wouldn’t stand up in court. I’ll still follow you."

In a nearby alcove, the flirtatious madam overheard their argument about divorce and found it amusing. Her enchanting gaze swept over Meng Tianchu as if sizing him up.

At this moment, Meng Tianchu had no time to flirt. Xiahou Fengyi’s statement left him momentarily stunned. "Grounds for divorce? What grounds?"

The madam chimed in sweetly, "Oh, young master, surely you know the seven grounds for divorce: no children, a******y, disobedience to in-laws, jealousy, theft, slander, or illness. Aren’t those the tools you men use to assert your dominance? How could you forget? Hehe."

Feiyan glared at the madam. "Mind your own business!"

The madam chuckled, her eyes still fixed on Meng Tianchu. "I’m speaking to this fine gentleman. How does it concern a lowly maid like you?"

Feiyan was about to retort when Xiahou Fengyi waved her off, ignoring the madam. Turning to Meng Tianchu, she said coldly, "You heard her. The seven grounds for divorce—I meet none of them. How do you plan to divorce me?"

Only then did Meng Tianchu recall that in ancient times, a man needed one of the "seven grounds" to divorce his wife. Without valid reasons, it was impossible.

Xiahou Fengyi continued icily, "I’ll remain your nominal wife for one year. After that, you can use my inability to bear children as grounds to divorce me. We’ll be done. Now, please leave—I can’t eat with you here."

Furious to the core, Meng Tianchu pointed at her and yelled, "Fine! One year it is. But during this year, don’t expect any pretense of marriage from me. You go your way, and I’ll go mine! Keep your money—I’d rather starve than spend a coin of yours!"

Storming out, he turned to Old Hetou and said, "Buy a few buns. We’re leaving!"

Luckily, Old Hetou still had some coins left. He quickly bought a few buns and followed Meng Tianchu out.

At the inn’s entrance, Feiyan sneered, "Young master, if you’re so capable, don’t ride this carriage either—it belongs to our young mistress’s family!"

Meng Tianchu nearly exploded with rage. Turning to glare at Feiyan, he spat, "Fine! Your Xia family’s carriage? I don’t need it! Old Hetou, let’s go!" Lifting his robes, he marched out of the courtyard.

Feiyan called after him coldly, "Oh, by the way, your position as a document advisor? That was arranged by our master. If you’re so capable, don’t take that job either!"

Blinded by anger, Meng Tianchu pulled the letter from his pocket, tore it into pieces, and threw it on the ground. "Satisfied now?"

Feiyan looked slightly surprised but quickly smirked disdainfully. "What about the clothes on your back? Those belong to our Xia family too!"

This was the final straw. Feeling utterly humiliated, Meng Tianchu turned to Old Hetou and asked, "How much money do we have left?"

"Just over a hundred copper coins..."

"Give it to me!"

Old Hetou hesitated but handed over the money, stammering, "Young master, this is all we have left..."

"I’d rather beg than endure their insults!" Meng Tianchu declared.