Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons

The emerald green tea soup shimmered in the white cup like a deep lake. The face of Yin Kaishan, the Duke of Yun, was as deep as amber, and it was impossible to tell whether he was happy or angry.

Chen Guangrui always prided himself on his knowledge, but now he was panicking in front of his father-in-law. No matter how confident he was, he knew that his secret plans could not be seen in public, not to mention that the party being plotted had the power to crush him into dust. From the beginning to the end, he relied only on his control over Yin Wenjiao's temperament.

When he entered the mansion just now, Chen Guangrui asked the guard at the gate, but the other party gave a vague answer and could not tell whether Yin Wenjiao had returned to her parents' home. Looking at Yin Kaishan's calm expression at this moment, he could not tell the reason. Thinking about it, Chen Guangrui tried to probe: "Since I returned to Chang'an, I haven't invited my father-in-law and mother-in-law to come to my house. Yesterday, Mantangjiao discussed with me that we should prepare a small banquet for watching the moon at home and invite the two adults to gather. I don't know..."

"Mantangjiao has always been the most prudent in doing things." Yin Kaishan smiled, "She has been the lifeblood of my husband and me since she was a child. Even her brother has to step back. No wonder we love her. My dear son-in-law doesn't know that among the noble ladies in Chang'an back then, in terms of character, appearance, temperament and behavior, if my Mantangjiao is second, no one dares to claim to be first."

From the tone, there was no sign of anger. Yin Wenjiao should not have come to the Prime Minister's residence to complain, so where did she go? Chen Guangrui breathed a sigh of relief. Hearing Yin Kaishan praising his daughter non-stop, he felt that he had underestimated Yin Wenjiao's position in the Prime Minister's heart. How about treating her better after returning?

But she had cuckolded herself after all...

Chen Guangrui was torn between his conscience and his desires, but he was polite all the time: "My father-in-law was willing to marry Mantang Jiao to me. I am so lucky and grateful."

"My dear son-in-law, you are too modest. If I hadn't been impressed by your vast knowledge and brilliant ideas, even if Mantangjiao had thrown seventeen or eighteen embroidered bouquets at you, I would not have agreed to marry her to you." Yin Kaishan said sincerely.

Chen Guangrui smiled, and his heart was finally at ease. He was more and more certain that Yin Wenjiao had not come, and thought to himself: I wonder where Yin Wenjiao ran off to? I must find her back quickly to avoid trouble. Although the family of the girl from the Yin family's side branch is good, it is not as prominent as Yin Kaishan, who is now the prime minister. For the sake of his father-in-law, he will temporarily keep Yin Wenjiao for a few years. When Ah Man gives birth to a child, it will be registered under Yin Wenjiao's name. I hope she can understand his painstaking efforts and not be so rebellious as today in the future...

Just as he was thinking about it, he heard Yin Kaishan change the subject lightly and said in a casual tone: "So, my dear son-in-law, how do you think about writing this divorce letter?"

It was as if ten gongs were clanging in his ears. Chen Guangrui's eyes went dark and he tried to smile: "I don't understand what my father-in-law means."

"You understand." Yin Kaishan said with a pleasant face, turning around and ordering, "Spread the paper, grind the ink, and moisten the brush for Chen Xueshi."

Soon, the pen, ink, paper and inkstone were ready. Yin Kaishan personally handed the pen to Chen Guangrui and said, "Write the letter to your wife."

Chen Guangrui's palms were sweaty and slippery, making it almost difficult for him to hold a pen: "Father-in-law, is there any misunderstanding..."

Yin Kaishan had no intention of arguing with him, and said to himself: "My daughter is gentle and virtuous. After she gets married, she will take care of the household affairs, take care of her mother-in-law, and give birth to a child for you. She is indeed a good wife. Does Scholar Chen have any objection?"

"No, no." Chen Guangrui stammered. Since Yin Wenjiao was perfect in Yin Xiang's eyes and had no problems, the only problem was him, a husband who didn't know how to appreciate her. It seemed that Yin Wenjiao not only went back to her parents' home before him, but also complained bitterly to his parents.

No matter how much he defended himself, Chen Guangrui knew that based on what he had done, Yin Kaishan deserved no retaliation. If they could end up in a peaceful divorce, it would be a decent ending. He knew that Yin Kaishan still had high hopes for him and could not bear to destroy his talent.

With shaking hands, he wrote: It is said that the bond between husband and wife is a deep and important one. The cause of being together is the oath of long-lasting love. For the cause of being husband and wife, they were connected three years in the previous life and then became husband and wife in this life. If the bond is not compatible, they are like enemies, so they come to face each other. Since our hearts are different, it is difficult to reach a consensus. Let us quickly meet our relatives and return to our original path...

"My wife is busy choosing a new husband for Mantangjiao. She is only 33 years old. Most of the girls of the same age are married, so it is not easy to find an unmarried man. Fortunately, my family knows a few people and has screened out a few suitable talents. Mr. Chen, can you give me some advice when you are free?" Yin Kaishan was very amiable.

Another talented man, this is a hint for him, the daughter of the Yin family has no shortage of talented sons-in-law. Chen Guangrui's cold sweat soaked his clothes on his back, and he smiled weakly: "I dare not." He wrote in accordance with Yin Kaishan's meaning: I hope that after we part, my lady will comb her hair again, brush her eyebrows beautifully, show off her graceful figure, and choose a high-ranking official as her husband...

"Although my daughter is delicate, she has been a wife of the Chen family for a long time. Even if she has no merits, she has worked hard. Now that she is sent out, shouldn't Mr. Chen also express his gratitude for my face? Otherwise, if people tell others, it will be as if my daughter is an abandoned woman, and I will lose face." Yin Kaishan said again.

Chen Guangrui knew that he couldn't settle the matter with just a piece of paper! How much money would he have to spend to be worthy of the "face" of a prime minister?

His heart was bleeding, but he put on a considerate smile and replied, "Of course I have a valuable gift for you." Then he wrote: Let's resolve our grievances and stop hating each other. Let's part ways and live happily. Three years of food and clothing, and then I will offer you my gentle gifts. I wish my lady a long life.

Just after he finished writing, the waiter brought the ink. After Chen Guangrui pressed his hand, he saw that the waiter had no intention of giving him a towel to wipe his hands, so he had to take out his own handkerchief and wipe his hands reluctantly. It was not easy to wipe the scarlet hands, and after a quick wipe, there were still mottled scarlet left. Yin Kaishan seemed not to notice his embarrassment, and looked at the divorce letter with satisfaction. After a while, he seemed to realize that he was still standing there, and stroked his long beard: "Master Chen, do you want to stay for dinner?"

Even if Chen Guangrui had the guts to do so, he didn't dare to stay for dinner, for he was afraid of being poisoned.

Yin Kaishan watched him leave in disgrace. He tripped over the threshold as he was about to leave. His warm face slowly turned cold. He glanced at the divorce letter on the table with the ink just dried, folded it and stuffed it into his sleeve: "Where's Yuan?"

He was talking about his son, Yin Wenjiao's younger brother, Yin Yuan.

The servant standing by the side lowered his hands and answered, "The prince received the letter that the young lady had returned to her parents' home, and he has rushed back from the Imperial College. He is now talking to the lady."