Although Yi Fang felt a twinge of jealousy in her heart, she said, "I'm not the type to be jealous or petty. And thinking for your sake, having your own child would provide future security for you. As for whether he visits your chamber after you've become pregnant, that's not my concern."
Her last sentence was evident of her growing anger.
Zhan Beiwang quickly assured her, "Don't worry. Once she's pregnant, I will never touch her again."
"No need to guarantee. I'm not that petty," Yi Fang turned away, her face clearly showing displeasure.
Looking at the two of them, Song Xixi felt an overwhelming sense of absurdity. She stood up and said sternly to Yi Fang, "Life is already very tough for women. Why do you have to degrade women even more? You are a woman too. Just because you've been on the battlefield and fought enemies doesn't mean you can look down on other women. Do you think, in your eyes, Song Xixi can only survive on the offspring of the Zhan family? Do you believe I have nothing of my own to pursue, no life of my own that I want to live? Am I doomed to live as a supporting role in your lives, struggling in the inner chambers? What do you take me for?"
Yi Fang was taken aback, and then she frowned, "You're making a big deal out of this."
Song Xixi replied coldly, "Let's get a divorce. There's no point in saying anything else; tearing our relationship apart is undignified."
"Divorce? This isn't a threat, is it?" Yi Fang sneered, "But I am not someone who can be easily threatened by the likes of you. Make as much noise as you want. If it gets big, it will only damage your own reputation."
She knew that noblewomen in the capital prized their reputations highly, and someone like Song Xixi, who came from a marquis' household, would value it even more. Zhan Beiwang also said, "Xixi, I won't divorce you. We're saying this for your own good."
"No need!" Song Xixi collected herself, her demeanor commanding, "You're just afraid of being called unfeeling and fickle, seeking new love. You do everything for yourselves and claim it's for my good. Isn't that hypocrisy disgusting?"
Zhan Beiwang became anxious, "I didn't mean that. Don't misunderstand."
Yi Fang, however, laughed coldly, shaking her head, "You're truly like a summer insect that cannot discuss ice. Even now, you're pretending to hold onto the so-called dignity of an aristocratic lady. You're so pretentious. I originally meant to speak plainly with you, but you're full of overthinking and false accusations, as if we're scheming against you. We're only thinking about your well-being. After the divorce, you'll be like an abandoned woman. Life would be harder outside than in the General's residence. Why torture yourself over this? Since you don't appreciate my goodwill, I won't say more. Do whatever you want. I'm deeply in love with him, and I make no secret of it. Let others talk; I accept it."
Song Xixi replied, "Since you don't fear others' criticisms, there's no need to come here."
Yi Fang stepped forward and said coldly, "I fear some people might use the guise of divorce to act pitiful in front of others, obstructing my marriage with Beiwang. Our marriage is earned through our military achievements and cannot be destroyed by you."
Song Xixi shook her head, finding it laughable, "You can leave now. This conversation is meaningless. You are generals who have contributed to the nation. I don't wish to speak ill of you."
Her father and brothers were warriors who died on the battlefield. In her heart, military officers who defended the nation held the highest respect. She didn't want to be entangled with them further and say hurtful words.
"Baozhu, see the guests out!" she called, lowering her eyes to hide the coldness.
Baozhu, who had been listening outside, couldn't stand it anymore. Upon hearing her miss call her, she immediately entered and coldly said, "Generals, your mutual affection is your business. Please stop degrading my miss and using your military achievements to pressure her."
"How dare you!" Yi Fang shouted in anger, "A lowly maid dares to speak insolently to this General?"