The Princess Who Divorced Her Husband - Chapter 1.2

Late at night.

Zuo Shengxing lay in bed, thinking about the things his father had told him.

“A man having three wives and four concubines is normal. I believe Yanmei has a generous heart. She won’t mind a little Xue.”

“If you feel guilty, then treat Yanmei even better.”

“Son, the future of our Zuo family depends on you!”

“Yes, of course it depends on me,” Zuo Shengxing said to himself with a bitter laugh.

He knew his father too well. To get promoted and secure his position in the court, his father was willing to do anything—including using his only son’s happiness as a bargaining chip to secure this marriage with Prince Yongjun.

And who could blame him? Prince Yongjun was one of the founding heroes of the Yuan Dynasty and held real power at court. Governor Zuo Wende truly needed him to climb even higher in his career.

Since ancient times, a child’s marriage has always been decided by the parents. Of course, Zuo Shengxing was no exception. But when he learned that he was to marry Yan Mei, he strongly opposed it. It wasn’t because of Yan Mei specifically—he would have opposed it no matter who the bride was, because… he couldn’t betray Xiaoxue.

Xiaoxue was his personal maid. She had been by his side since she was ten years old, and now it had been seven years.

Xiaoxue was smart, sweet, and understanding. Zuo Shengxing liked her very much. He had always seen her as his little sister and often forgot that she was just a maid. His feelings for Xiaoxue had never been romantic. If not for what happened a year ago, she would still be like a dear sister to him.

That time, when he was drunk and not fully aware, he ended up taking Xiaoxue’s body. From that day on, their relationship changed.

Xiaoxue was a pure and kind girl. She believed that since she gave him her body, she belonged to him. Zuo Shengxing knew he must not let her down. He had been waiting for the right time to tell his father, Zuo Wende, and hoped he would approve of their relationship. But six months later, he was suddenly told that he had to marry Yan Mei…

No matter how much he opposed it, his father wouldn’t change his mind. Zuo Wende believed that Yan Mei would surely get along with Xiaoxue. Besides, which man in the world didn’t have women? He himself had three concubines, and even Prince Yongjun had some. He assumed that Yan Mei would be understanding too.

But Zuo Shengxing didn’t think so. Yan Mei was a noble lady. If she found out that her husband already had another woman before the wedding, how would she feel? She would surely be hurt. And if Yan Mei couldn’t accept Xiaoxue, what would happen to innocent Xiaoxue?

“Yan Mei…” he softly whispered her name, and a blurry image came to mind from long ago. Yes, he still remembered the little Yan Mei. She was only six years old, but already cute and beautiful. He remembered her clinging to him all afternoon, talking endlessly…

“I wonder how she looks now?” Even before meeting Yan Mei, his heart was full of guilt. He truly wished time could go back. If only his marriage to Yan Mei had been arranged six months earlier, he wouldn’t have made that mistake, and he wouldn’t have hurt Xiaoxue. Now, he wanted to protect Xiaoxue but didn’t want to hurt Yan Mei either. It left him stuck in the middle.

“Young Master, why aren’t you sleeping yet?” Xiaoxue walked slowly from the inner room to his side.

“You’re not sleeping either.”

“Young Master, is something troubling you?”

“It’s nothing…”

“Young Master, I’m sorry. It’s all my fault.” Xiaoxue’s big bright eyes quickly filled with tears as she lowered her head and cried. “I know you and the master had a fight because of me…”

“Silly girl.” Zuo Shengxing reached out to wipe her tears and smiled. “You’re overthinking. It’s nothing serious.”

He gently held her delicate face and said apologetically, “It’s you who’s been wronged.”

Xiaoxue sniffled and shook her head hard. “I don’t feel wronged at all, really! As long as I can stay by your side, serve you, and take care of you for the rest of my life, then I will have no regrets, even if I die!”

“You silly girl, don’t talk about dying at such a young age.” Zuo Shengxing sighed deeply. “Ah… What have I done to deserve both you and her…”

Xiaoxue was stunned. Of course, she knew who “her” meant. Her heart was filled with jealousy.

If Zuo Shengxing was going to marry the daughter of a wealthy family or a nobleman, she would have accepted it. But Yan Mei was a princess, the daughter of a prince! Her status was so high. Compared to the noble Yan Mei, she was just a servant girl—how could she compete with her?

Even though she had been with Zuo Shengxing for seven years, something Yan Mei couldn’t match, she still knew clearly how Zuo Shengxing truly felt about her.

If she hadn’t tricked Zuo Shengxing into getting drunk and then seduced him a year ago, he would probably still treat her with respect and nothing more. It had taken so much effort for her to make him see her differently. She would never allow anyone to ruin that. To be honest, the rumor of how stunningly beautiful Yan Mei was terrified her. If Yan Mei really was that beautiful, what if Zuo Shengxing fell in love with her? She knew she couldn’t match Yan Mei in any way. If she lost his love because of that, then…

No! That must never happen! The Young Master belongs to me! To Xiaoxue alone!

“Huh? Xiaoxue, what’s wrong?” Zuo Shengxing noticed her strange expression.

“N-Nothing.” Xiaoxue quickly smiled. She would never let Zuo Shengxing know her true thoughts.

“Xiaoxue, I’ve decided to tell Princess Yan Mei about us on the wedding day.”

“What?” Xiaoxue was shocked. She thought he would hide it at first and wait for the right time later… “Young Master, why did you change your mind? Don’t you think that’s too reckless?”

“I know the timing might not be perfect, but…” Zuo Shengxing said heavily, “I don’t want to lie to Yan Mei. The longer I hide our relationship, the more it will hurt her…”

“The princess will surely hate me. She won’t forgive me,” Xiaoxue said with a trembling voice.

“She won’t. She won’t.” Seeing Xiaoxue so worried made Zuo Shengxing feel awful. He gently comforted her, “We don’t know how Yan Mei will react, but please believe me—no matter what, I will find a way to help her accept you. Don’t worry too much, okay?”

“Young Master…” Xiaoxue’s eyes filled with tears.

“Don’t worry, Xiaoxue.” Zuo Shengxing smiled at her. “You’re so gentle, thoughtful, and kind. Yan Mei will definitely like you.”

“Even if she doesn’t like me, it’s okay,” Xiaoxue said sincerely. “No matter what, I’ll behave properly, try to make her happy, and never do anything to upset her. I’ll serve both you and the princess with all my heart.”

Zuo Shengxing felt deep sympathy for her. “Don’t put yourself down. In my heart, you and Yan Mei are equal. Understand?”

“Young Master…” Xiaoxue threw herself into Zuo Shengxing’s arms and held him tightly. “Young Master, I really, really love you!” She looked up at him, her eyes shining with tears. “Thank you for not giving up on me. If you ever did, I don’t think I could go on living…”

“You’re so silly!” Zuo Shengxing touched her red nose and laughed gently. “How many times do I have to say it? No matter what happens, I will never abandon you.”

Although Zuo Shengxing didn’t have strong romantic feelings for Xiaoxue, she was like family to him. Just like how he could never leave his father, Zuo Wende. He had a strong sense of duty and loyalty—he would never abandon Xiaoxue, unless she chose to leave or did something unforgivable. Otherwise, he would always stay with her.

“Young Master, thank you.” Xiaoxue leaned happily in Zuo Shengxing’s arms. His embrace was warm, his arms strong, and the scent of him comforting. Everything about him belonged to her—and she would never let another woman take any of it.