Good white jade pen and inkstone, carved agarwood incense burner, authentic poetry and paintings by famous artists...

All these things in Gu Lin's study are my gifts.

Back then, when I first fell in love, my mind was clouded by affection, and I blindly observed my husband's preferences, making great efforts to find the best things to give him.

"Ah Yue, thank you so much. I'm truly delighted. What more could a husband ask for when he has such a wife?"

Just a few frivolous words of sweet nothings, not even worth a penny, made foolish me ecstatic and disoriented.

What's even more hateful is that while he gladly accepted my gifts, he gradually suppressed me.

He said the Gu family has always been upright for generations, and now that he has just entered the officialdom, he needs to be cautious. He asked me to be diligent and frugal, and to avoid being ostentatious in my actions.

So, after three years of marriage, every time I went out, I dressed very modestly and low-key. I even had to hide my favorite flowing celestial dress and wear it secretly in the house.

Thinking about this, I can't help but feel aggrieved and even want to curse myself.

Isn't it just falling in love with a man? How did I become so foolish and lose my mind?

I stomped my foot and urged the attendants to speed up.

Damn it, I really don't want to stay in this crappy place for another moment.

"Zhao Xinyue, you... you will regret it. Dare to oppose the Gu family, even if you establish your own household, I won't let you off..."

Bound tightly, Gu Lin struggled desperately and glared at me with resentment, threatening me.

I chuckled softly and lowered my hand to caress his cheek.

"In our dynasty's laws, after a divorce, the woman has the right to take back her dowry. Even if we bring this matter to court, I'm not afraid. Moreover, as far as I know, isn't your father at a crucial moment of promotion?"

I paused and smiled.

"Countless eyes are watching. After the divorce, I kindly ask the honorable gentleman to take care of me. If anything happens to me, the good reputation of the honorable gentleman, who privately keeps a mistress and destroys his wife, will immediately spread throughout the streets and alleys. That wouldn't be good, would it?"

With a disdainful smile, I finished packing up and confidently walked out the door.

"Ayue, how did you become like this?"

He sighed deeply from behind, and I turned my head, revealing a mocking smile.

"I treated you so well back then, all because I loved you. Now you're not worth my love anymore. You and your annoying family are worthless in my eyes. Farewell, Gu Lin, from now on, we're completely done."

Stepping out of Gu Manor's gate, I took a deep breath of the evening air, feeling a great sense of relief.

A spacious and exquisite sedan chair was waiting by the side, purchased by my messenger yesterday, much more comfortable than Gu Manor's shabby carriage.

I nestled in the sedan chair, leisurely eating pastries, waiting for Xu Qingwan to arrive.

This time, has she truly made up her mind?

I still had some doubts in my heart.

Fortunately, thank goodness, just as the evening bell tolled, the carriage curtain was carefully lifted.

Xu Qingwan stood in the night, carrying only a small bundle, with a swollen right cheek and redness around her eyes.

It was obvious what had happened.

"Did you get the divorce letter?"

She nodded quickly, then stammered.

"Sister-in-law, I'm not as wealthy as you, and I don't even have a penny to my name. I'm timid and weak. Are you really willing to take me away with you?"

I smiled and nodded, pulling her into the sedan chair.

"You've shown enough courage by coming to meet me today. Also, don't call me sister-in-law anymore, just call me Ayue. Qingwan, congratulations. From this moment on, we've finally taken back our own lives."