After sending off Doctor Dan, Song Xixi returned to Wenxi Residence. Half an hour later, Zhan Beiwang brought Yi Fang to Wenxi Residence to find her.
She was in the small study sorting through the household accounts for the month. Seeing them enter, her gaze fixed on their interlocked fingers. The small golden incense burner emitted the calming scent of agarwood. She took a deep breath and thought, fine, let's lay it all out.
After letting Baozhu leave the room, she said, "Please have a seat."
Yi Fang had changed into women's clothing, a crimson pleated skirt embroidered with golden butterflies. As she sat down, the butterflies on her skirt seemed to remain still.
Yi Fang wasn't particularly beautiful, but she exuded a commanding presence.
"Madam Song," she began, staring directly at Song Xixi. Having spent time in the military and fought enemies, she believed her imposing aura would intimidate Song Xixi. But Song Xixi's clear, unwavering eyes did not dodge her gaze, which slightly surprised her.
"If the General has something to say, please go ahead," said Song Xixi.
"I heard you wanted to see me, so I came. I only have one question: Are you willing to coexist peacefully with me?" Yi Fang asked assertively, her attitude fierce. "I hope you speak the truth and not put on a pitiful act. Such tactics might work on men but not on me."
Song Xixi looked at her and said, "The Empress Dowager once praised General Yi Fang as a role model for all women. So, General Yi Fang, please answer me honestly: besides coexisting peacefully with you, do I have any other options?"
Yi Fang sternly replied, "Other options are your business. Don't twist my words."
Song Xixi smiled, a breathtaking smile that made Yi Fang feel uncomfortable.
Song Xixi looked at them and said, "Of course, I am willing to coexist peacefully with you."
After the divorce, they would have no more ties, no more hatred. She was willing to coexist peacefully. However, there would no longer be any opportunity for peaceful coexistence.
Yi Fang was displeased, "I told you, don't lie to me. I can tell if you're being honest or not. Otherwise, why would you go to the palace to petition the Emperor to retract the decree? You think acting pitiful can deceive even the Emperor?"
Song Xixi's expression turned cold, "General Yi Fang, watch your words!"
Yi Fang was momentarily taken aback by Song Xixi's sudden sternness.
Song Xixi's exquisite face was now stern, "Not everyone has the courage and ability to ride into battle like the General. Does that mean those who don't are merely putting on a show?"
She turned to Zhan Beiwang, her voice neither high nor low, "As for you, when you came to marry me, you promised my mother it would be just me and no other wives. Now you break your promise, and yet it seems as if I'm the one obstructing you two?"
Yi Fang chuckled, looking at Zhan Beiwang, "So, you told her that? In that case, I'm the one standing between you two, the extra person here."
Holding Yi Fang's hand, Zhan Beiwang looked at Song Xixi, somewhat annoyed. "I did say that to you back then. I didn't know what love was until I met Yi Fang. It was wrong of me to make promises I couldn't keep. But now, Yi Fang is the only one in my heart. We never intended to hurt you. You are still the General's wife. Since Yi Fang and I will spend most of our time in the military, our children can be raised by you, which will also solidify your position."
Song Xixi's expression changed, "What did you say? I have to raise your children?"
Zhan Beiwang replied, "If you want your own children, I can give you a son or daughter, but after that..."
Knowing how hurtful his words were, he nonetheless continued, "Once you conceive, you and I will no longer share a bed."
Song Xixi looked at Yi Fang and asked, "What about you? Do you agree with this?"