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A voice, neither high nor low, rang out, causing everyone present to fall silent in unison.
Fong Yang spoke calmly, turning to the Emperor and asking, "Does Your Majesty have any objections?"
Emperor Fong Gaoyun's expression was as cold as water.
As the Regent began to speak, the majesty of the Emperor seemed to dissipate, replaced by a mix of anger and embarrassment that left him feeling trapped.
Jiang Xingzhi suppressed his fury and clasped his hands, saying, "But Regent, there has never been a precedent for a woman to divorce."
Jiang Xi immediately interrupted, "Then let my mother set this precedent today!"
Jiang Xingzhi's face fell in disbelief.
After speaking, Jiang Xi turned and sat on Fong Yang's lap, playfully asking, "What do you think, my lord?"
Fong Yang indulgently nodded and replied, "I think so too."
At this moment, no one dared to speak freely.
The Regent clearly favored Madam Jiang and her daughter; if they inadvertently crossed him, a single careless word from the Regent could cost them their positions.
The Prime Minister found himself publicly divorced by his legitimate wife at his own birthday banquet, while being scolded by his eldest daughter for being ungrateful and hypocritical.
He could only curse inwardly: "That wretched Yuan dares to act so disrespectfully with the Regent backing her."
Madam Feng and her daughter were also cursing in their hearts. They thought that with the Emperor's support, Jiang Xi and her mother would have to swallow their pride today. Little did they expect that in front of so many officials, even the Emperor's face would be disregarded. They planned to ensure that Jiang Xingzhi would discipline the mother-daughter duo properly once the banquet was over.
However, she feigned humility as she approached Madam Jiang and softly said, "Sister, today's events are my fault. Please do not blame the Prime Minister; after the banquet, I will allow you to deal with me as you wish."
Madam Jiang saw right through Madam Feng's intentions. Raising an eyebrow with a smirk, she replied, "My divorce from Jiang Xingzhi has nothing to do with you. Don't overestimate your importance or think you have the right to influence my decisions. If I truly valued you even slightly, you wouldn't have had the chance to enter the Prime Minister's Residence as a concubine all those years ago. So don’t take yourself too seriously."
The words struck like a resounding slap across the face of the Feng, leaving her feeling hot and embarrassed, silencing her.
Madam Jiang shifted her gaze, surveying the room before speaking, "Since everyone has heard clearly, let this be the end of the matter regarding Jiang Xingzhi and me. Once I step through this door, Jiang Xingzhi and I will have no further ties. All my dowry will be taken with me. If Chancellor Jiang is worried that I might take other things from the estate, he may send someone trustworthy to watch over me, a lowly woman from a merchant background. Today, I voluntarily request a divorce; any future discussions about the Feng as a Secondary Wife or remarriage are no longer my concern."
After saying this, she turned to Fong Yang, her tone softening as she added, "As for my daughter Xi'er, I leave her in the care of the Regent. I hope you will look after her well."
The crowd felt that with Madam Jiang and Chancellor Jiang parting ways, it was a dream for the Regent to continue marrying Jiang Xi.
Yet in the next moment, their faces were left red and swollen.
Fong Yang replied earnestly, "Rest assured, Madam."
Emperor Fong Gaoyun's expression mirrored Han Shuang's as he seemed to be transported back to that day in the Queen's palace.
As soon as the Regent spoke, all the emperor's authority vanished. The thought of Madam Jiang taking all her dowry away made Jiang Xingzhi suppress his displeasure and respond with a hint of compromise and reassurance, "Yuan, stop causing trouble. Let’s pretend I never said anything today. I won’t bring up the matter of the Feng as a Secondary Wife again, alright?"
The Feng's expression changed drastically, and Jiang Jiao shouted out directly, "Father, that's unfair to Mother!"
Jiang Xingzhi lost his earlier gentleness and snapped impatiently, "Be quiet! Do I need your permission for what I choose to do?"
Jiang Jiao bit her lip and shot a resentful glare at Jiang Xi, her eyes filled with cold hatred.
Madam Jiang glanced indifferently at Jiang Xingzhi and said, "Don't misunderstand; even without today's events, I would have divorced you. Don't say I lack qualifications; over the years I've spent enough silver on you to buy your estate and that of the Chancellor. Your embarrassment today is entirely self-inflicted. However, I don't wish to say more; everyone continue enjoying your meal and drink without letting me spoil your mood."
After saying this, she walked towards Jiang Xi and said, "Xi'er, I'm leaving now. You should return to the Regent's Palace tonight; with Fong Yang protecting you, I can rest easy."
Jiang Xi responded with a soft "Mm," saying, "Mother, please be careful on your way."
She gently embraced Madam Jiang and whispered in her ear, "Are you really going to leave like this?"
Madam Jiang understood her meaning and softly replied, "You still need to stay in Da Zhou for now. Revealing my identity would only harm you at this point. But don’t worry; one day your father will know my true identity. Choose an auspicious day for your marriage with Fong Yang soon; it will give him a name and peace of mind."
Jiang Xi smiled lightly and said, "Don't worry, Mother, I understand."
The mother and daughter deliberately lowered their voices, ensuring that others couldn't hear them, but it didn't escape Fong Yang's notice.
He walked over and gave Madam Jiang a reassuring look, letting her know he would protect Jiang Xi.
Madam Jiang nodded in satisfaction, then turned to the crowd and gave a slight bow. "I apologize for disturbing everyone today due to my matters. I hope you can forgive me. I will take my leave now."
With that, she stepped gracefully out of the hall, her posture tall and dignified, exuding an air of elegance.
In the vast hall, countless eyes silently watched her departure.
To dismiss a high-ranking official in front of the emperor like this was shocking; they expected the emperor to intervene. However, Madam Jiang completely vanished from sight without the emperor saying a word, as the Regent sat beside him.
After a moment of silence, Emperor Fong Gaoyun coldly looked at Jiang Xi and said, "As a child, Lady Jiang should wish for her parents' harmony. Why would you intentionally push for their separation?"
Jiang Xi calmly turned back and replied, "This matter has nothing to do with who they are. Even if they were not my parents, I still cannot forgive my father for betraying my mother."
Emperor Fong Gaoyun insisted, "It is normal for men to have multiple wives."
Jiang Xi responded lightly, "It may be normal; I don't see anything wrong with it. However, my father's actions are nothing but ungratefulness."
She turned to Fong Yang, a gentle smile gracing her lips as she asked, "If the Regent were to abandon me in the future, I would not hesitate to dismiss him. Do you agree with what I said?"
"I agree."
Fong Yang reached out and ruffled her hair. "However, I will not abandon you. I will not take concubines or keep mistresses or do anything you dislike. Therefore, you have no reason to dismiss me."
The officials were caught off guard by this display of affection and were even more surprised by Fong Yang's attitude.
Was this still the aloof and proud Regent known for his ruthlessness?
"No, this must be a fake Regent."
Jiang Xi nestled in Fong Yang's arms and said, "I don't want to stay here listening to their nonsense. Your Highness, I want to go see my mother."
Fong Yang held her hand and replied, "I will go with you."
The two of them walked out hand in hand, completely oblivious to their surroundings, demonstrating their disregard for anyone else.
Inside the hall, no one dared to speak, as the Emperor's expression was beyond description.
Jiang Xingzhi remained as still as a statue until Jiang Jiao called out "Father," wanting to ask if the matter of the Secondary Wife still counted.
Only then did Jiang Xingzhi come back to his senses in panic, kneeling down and saying, "Your Majesty, I have failed in managing my household. Please punish me."
Because of Jiang Xingzhi's mention of the Secondary Wife, the Emperor's face had lost all dignity once again.
The Emperor glanced at Jiang Xingzhi, silently stood up, his body radiating suppressed fury, and said, "Return to the palace."
Everyone present was in a state of panic, kneeling anxiously to send him off. Many ministers regretted attending this Birthday Banquet.
Fong Gaoyun's eyes were filled with intense killing intent as he secretly thought, "Damnable Regent, in this Great Zhou Kingdom, is it I who sits on the throne or him?"
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