Chapter 5 — At the Royal Banquet, I Apologize to My Husband

I laughed coldly. "What the old lady said is wrong. I clearly used my dowry to buy these things into the Ta residence. The records are clear, how did they become your Ta family's belongings?" The merchant's daughter has one strong point - the books have never been wrong. "Nonsense! This was bought by my son using his allowance! Don't expect to take it away!" I held a painting that had just been delivered from the study room. "This famous master's painting is worth thousands of taels. Could Ta Tu Khanh's salary be able to buy it? If he really bought it himself, I will immediately report it to Dai Ly Tu to see where the money came from." Lady Ta trembled. Everyone knows that Ta Tu Khanh comes from a poor background, not from a wealthy family. He is respected for his talent and integrity. The Emperor trusted him because he was not involved with royal power. If charged with embezzlement, his career will be over. Mrs. Ta didn't dare to speak anymore, she could only scream and scold her. Ta Tu Khanh looked at me, his face full of disappointment. "Minh Suong, why do you have to go to this extent? I know you want to use this method to force me to hold on, but you've really gone too far." Tran Uyen Quan quickly followed: "That's right, sister Minh Suong. For Tu Khanh, money is just an external thing, only you take these things seriously. Tu Khanh is a reader, has high self-esteem, you doing that only makes him hate him even more." "Moreover, you should also think about the two children. If your mother has the reputation of being a concubine, after the separation, she also cleans up the Royal Palace, the children's reputation will also be affected." I glared around, speechless. While he wanted me to leave behind his wealth, he also showed contempt for money. Disdainful, right? I walked in front of Tran Uyen Quan. One hand pulled down the precious Hoa Dien jade brooch on her head. This is one of my dowries. When she first entered the palace, she dressed very simply, without a single piece of jewelry. When she met me, she smiled gently: "Your sister-in-law's jewelry is too gorgeous, unlike me. Your father was a minor official, the family was poor, and had never worn good clothes before." At that time I didn't think anything of it, I just thought it was polite. Who would have thought that the next day, the brooch that was originally in my chest was pinned on her head. Not only that brooch, but also many other pieces of jewelry also disappeared. Tran Uyen Quan smiled: "Tu Khanh saw that you were dressed too simply, so I took advantage of the lady's name to give you a few things." I was so angry that I was shaking, so I went to find Ta Tu Khanh and asked him why. He frowned, looking impatient: "She's dressed too simply. I'm afraid outsiders will say the Thai Deputy's palace is unkind. It's just a few things, please be more tolerant." I could barely hold back my tears. Those jewelry pieces were all specially made by my father, the materials were exquisite, and the designs were unique. Yet he conveniently gave it to someone. At that time, for his dignity, I endured. Now, we don't need to be patient anymore. I immediately pulled down the brooch on Tran Uyen Quan's head. Her hair fell down, she screamed, struggling extremely. “You said those things are external objects, so give them back to me.” 13 “Don't forget the things in Miss Tran's room.” I turned around to warn Mr. Dao. Tran Uyen Quan's room has more than just jade brooches. Pear flower table, brocade blanket, antiques, nothing is missing. For many years now, she has been in the Royal Palace, and Ta Tu Khanh borrowed my name to give it to her She has many precious things. Hearing that, Tran Uyen Quan, regardless of his disheveled appearance, glared and shouted: "Giang Minh Suong! Don't be too much!" Ta Tu Khanh and his two children also looked at me angrily. In their eyes, there was initially some regret, but now there is only anger. “From now on, you will never come back again!” Ta Hien shouted. I just coldly looked at him. "Don't worry, even if you ask me to come back, I will never return." My belongings are many. It took a whole day to clean up. During that time, Mrs. Ta was scolded until she fainted. Ta Tu Khanh and everyone rushed to find the doctor. And I sat down on a chair in the yard. While comparing books, sipping tea and cakes. When the inventory was finished, I took out a box and gave it to Ta Tu Khanh who was rushing back. "These are the house papers and contracts of the servants, I leave them to the two children. You keep them for now, it's up to you how to handle them." Ta Tu Khanh looked at me decisively, his expression complicated, his voice dry: "Do you really not need the children anymore?" “Yes, since they accepted someone else as their mother, I no longer need them.” I said calmly, turned around and left. Behind him I heard his voice again: "What about me? You don't need me anymore?" I pretended not to hear. The footsteps did not slow down. 14 With my resources, buying a new house is not difficult. I deliberately chose a place far away from the Royal Palace. The Thai Deputy's Palace is in the East City, so we choose the West City. Cut yourself off from all unnecessary ties. I won't tell anyone the new home address. Yet when we returned, we saw guests. “Third prince!” I was surprised and quickly decided to bow. The third prince had already waddled forward. “No need to worry, I just came to visit you for a bit.” Of course the Third Prince did not go alone. Following behind is Cong Cong To - a person close to the emperor. To Cong Cong smiled and explained: "After the third prince fell into the water, he was frightened and always remembered his wife. Now that his body is healthy again, he insisted on coming here. His Majesty also agreed." I quickly waved my hand and told my servants to treat me well. The third prince is the emperor's biological son and is also the most favored person. This year I just turned eight years old. The queen's mother passed away when the prince was only five years old. The Emperor did not entrust his children to any concubine to take care of, but raised them himself. That pampering doesn't need to be said much. The fact that the Third Prince fell into the water at the palace banquet that day was just an accident. At that time, I just intended to use that opportunity to catch the emperor's eye, and then beg for separation with Ta Tu Khanh. If it doesn't work out, then wait for another party.