Thirty-Six Stratagems for Divorcing a Wife (GL) - Chapter 15

Ever since Lu Jianshou had left her sight, Nian Nianshi was a little absent-minded and couldn’t even chat freely with Qiu Yingluo.

How could Qiu Yingluo not notice? She deliberately dragged out their conversation for a while, then finally said:
“Lord Consort didn’t look too happy when she left just now. If you’re worried, you should go and find her. You and I, master and disciple, still have plenty of time to catch up.”

Nian Nianshi looked torn.
“Master rarely comes to the capital. I ought to keep you company.”

Qiu Yingluo smiled.
“These years of wandering the jianghu have left me weary, so this time I’ll be staying for a long while. If you miss me, just ask your mother-in-law where to find me. But that consort of yours didn’t look very comfortable… I’d say she was jealous. To have a husband who truly loves you—it’s a blessing.”

“Really…?” Nian Nianshi couldn’t bring herself to believe it. Jealous? Impossible. This was the very same Lu Jianshou who, just the other day, had been forcing her to sign divorce papers!
“If only it were really as Master says…”

Seeing her disciple’s sadness, Qiu Yingluo furrowed her brows.
“What’s wrong? That brat treats you poorly? I know a bit of face-reading, and she struck me as careless and faithless. I thought perhaps I’d misjudged her.”

“No… she treats me very well…” Nian Nianshi wanted to confide, but family shame shouldn’t be aired in public. If Lu Jianshou heard, it would be bad. So she covered for her instead:
“It’s my fault—I was the one with a one-sided obsession. Everything that’s happened is of my own making.”

Huadu Pavilion was a newly opened and already famous brothel, funded by none other than the scheming Young Prince Nian.

Inside, the girls came in all types—any taste could be satisfied.

Usually, only men of rank and influence could enjoy themselves here. The court turned a blind eye. First, because brothels were indeed part of the economy. Second, because the prince’s businesses paid hefty taxes and bribes. And third, because the women here were of such high quality that even the emperor himself would occasionally sneak out in disguise for a bit of fun.

So it had become one of the capital’s worst-kept secrets. But for Lu Jianshou, it was her very first visit.

Seeing the normally proper men and women inside cuddling and whispering sweet nothings, her face went scarlet like a tomato.
“These people… how can they be so shameless?!”

Nian Ye, assuming his “brother-in-law” was just an uptight scholar, laughed heartily.
“Brother-in-law, in this place shame doesn’t exist!”

Poor Lu Jianshou could only hurry after him, her little “tail” following along, trying not to look at all the “indecent” things happening around her—she nearly wanted to gouge her eyes out.

When they reached a private room, Nian Ye mocked her again.
“Brother-in-law, you’re hardly an innocent maiden untouched by the world. Why are you acting so prissy? Like some delicate little woman—shameful!”

Lu Jianshou wanted to scream: But I really AM a woman, how can you expect more of me?!

She didn’t have time to retort before she realized the man inside waiting was none other than Xiao Sheng.
“Xiao Sheng??”

“How are you not dead yet?” she blurted out before she could stop herself.

Xiao Sheng’s expression darkened.
“Lu, what kind of words are those? Did you really think a single impeachment against me in court would kill me?”

Lu Jianshou had thought exactly that, and could only give a weak laugh. Secretly she cursed Nian Ye—what kind of brother-in-law throws his sister’s husband straight into a tiger’s den?

Sensing her nervousness, Xiao Sheng explained his purpose.
“Don’t worry, I’m not the type to hold grudges. You were demoted to the frontier and even lost your sister over that incident. Compared to you, my punishment was nothing more than a slap on the wrist. So I’m here today to make peace.”

This makes no sense!!! Lu Jianshou fumed. Didn’t the Great Qian’s laws clearly say ‘death without pardon’ for collusion between officials and merchants?!

Nian Ye chimed in:
“Brother-in-law, since he doesn’t blame you, don’t hold a grudge either. After all, you were the one in the wrong first. Stirring up trouble everyone already knew about—it’s better to have one less enemy and one more friend!”

How am I the one in the wrong?! Lu Jianshou nearly coughed bl00d. I caught the bad guys for the court, and somehow I’m the villain now?! You corrupt fools are all in this together!!

But outwardly, she only forced a smile.
“My brother acted rashly back then, misled by my sister’s slander. Xiao, don’t take it to heart.”

Xiao Sheng chuckled.
“You were young then. I won’t blame you. But surely you’ll drink a few cups tonight to show your sincerity?”

Lu Jianshou froze. She had never drunk alcohol before. She had only seen her father and brother drink the clear liquid and laugh that it could “ease all worries.” It didn’t seem dangerous.

So she took the cup—and gulped it down like water.

Immediately, the burn knocked her senseless. She sputtered and spat it all out.
“Quick, bring me tea!!”

Xiao Sheng roared with laughter.
“The great Young Master Lu, brought down by a single sip of liquor? You can’t even handle a drop?”

Lu Jianshou: “…_!)#(($#$#$”*

Nian Ye ordered tea for her and then turned to the attendants.
“Didn’t I hear we had new girls? Young Master Xiao’s been waiting—why haven’t you entertained him yet? Do I have to teach you everything?”

Lu Jianshou sipped her tea, only to see a row of scantily clad women file in—each one beautiful in her own unique way.

Xiao Sheng picked out a few, while Nian Ye smirked at her.
“Brother-in-law, weren’t you here to relieve some loneliness? Why so frozen now? Don’t like these girls?”

Lu Jianshou thought of everything she’d seen on the way here, then looked at Xiao Sheng already with beauties on both arms. She finally realized Nian Ye’s “hint.”

But… two girls touching each other—that’d just be weird, wouldn’t it??

While she wrestled with that thought, Nian Ye misread her hesitation.
“No need to be so stiff in this land of tenderness. And if you just sit and watch, we can’t enjoy ourselves either.”

His meaning was clear: You’ve already betrayed once, don’t think you can sit out now—we’re all in this together.

Lu Jianshou quickly diverted.
“You pick first… I don’t like these ones.”

Immediately, she felt one of the “unique personality” girls glare daggers at her, as if offended.

Nian Ye chuckled.
“Then I’ll choose first.”

At his clap, several handsome young men rushed in, greeting him familiarly:
“Young Prince, we’ve missed you so much!” and promptly embraced him.

Lu Jianshou nearly choked.

She’d long heard of two famous degenerates in court. One was Eunuch Wang’s so-called adopted son—really just his male pet—Xiao Sheng. Though judging by his behavior, he might just be a greedy straight man stringing the eunuch along.

The other was none other than Nian Ye himself. And now it was confirmed beyond doubt.

Having stumbled upon such explosive secrets, she realized she couldn’t just refuse anymore. So, gritting her teeth, she went through the motions—rejecting girl after girl for every conceivable reason:
“This one’s nose is crooked.”
“That one’s figure is bad.”
“She’s too plump.”
“Her eyes aren’t right.”
“Not my type.”

Nian Ye finally lost patience and pulled out his trump card.
“Well, of course. After all, your brother married my sister—the most beautiful woman under heaven. Naturally, ordinary goods won’t satisfy your eye. Bring in our top courtesan, let the Lord Consort have a look!”

This “Courtesan Li Ji” was so precious that even he was reluctant to touch her.

But when no one arrived, Nian Ye scowled.
“What, does she dare play diva in front of her boss?”

The madam quickly excused herself.
“Your Highness… Courtesan Li Ji is receiving a guest. She said she mustn’t be disturbed by anyone…”

“Oh? Then I must see who could possibly outrank me.” Nian Ye sneered and pushed his way to the room.

Inside, guzheng music floated through the air. When the door opened, Li Ji immediately put down her instrument and knelt.

The man opposite her also dropped to his knees.
“May Your Highness live a thousand, ten thousand years.”

“You two sure know how to put on airs. I’m no immortal…” Nian Ye sat, eyeing the painting on the table. Li Ji hurried to serve tea.

Xiao Sheng leaned in to sneer.
“What a fine ‘Kiln Scene’ painting. You scholars really know how to amuse yourselves!”

Lu Jianshou glanced at it too, itching to correct him—the middle character was pronounced fǒu, not yáo. But she bit her tongue.

Still, Xiao Sheng wasn’t wrong. These two definitely looked like they had something going on.

“Your Highness, forgive me,” Li Ji quickly explained. “I didn’t know you were coming. I only invited a friend to play music and paint. Had I known, I would have greeted you first.”

Nian Ye smirked.
“Was it really music you were playing—or feelings you were confessing?”

Li Ji blinked, feigning innocence.
“I don’t understand Your Highness’s meaning. Playing music is just playing music. How could there be two kinds?”

Lu Jianshou screamed inwardly: You fool! Even I get that he’s making a pun! The author spelled it out so clearly!!

Nian Ye, smiling like a tiger, continued:
“Yes, and ‘confessing feelings’ is often followed by ‘confessing love,’ isn’t it?”

“Your Highness is too perceptive. Li Ji has never done anything improper!” she protested pitifully.

Nian Ye scoffed.
“Doors closed, I barged in at the wrong time. If you had been doing something indecent, I wouldn’t have proof, would I?”

Terrified, Li Ji dropped to her knees again.
“Please spare me, Your Highness! It was only music and painting. Heaven and moon bear witness to our innocence!”

Lu Jianshou, finding Nian Ye unreasonably harsh, stepped in.
“Second Brother-in-law, it’s obvious these two are just ordinary friends. You’re being too suspicious…”

“Oh? Ordinary friends?” Nian Ye burst into laughter.
“Brother-in-law, are you naive or just stupid? Do you really think there are pure friendships between men and women? That kind of thinking is what’s truly pure! Fine, I’ll believe you this once. But don’t forget why we came tonight. This Li Ji—is she to your taste? If even our top courtesan isn’t good enough for you, you’re really making me lose face.”

Lu Jianshou knew there was no escaping tonight.
“…Mm, my brother likes Lady Li.”

“Then the rest of us nobodies will take our leave. Enjoy yourself, brother-in-law!”

He threw the last words like knives—directed squarely at the man opposite.