Yi Fang thought it over, weighing the pros and cons in her mind. Divorcing his wife would have more drawbacks than benefits. While she didn't completely disregard the position of the first wife, divorcing now could hinder their future prospects. Her own future was also very important.
However, this was Song Xixi. When she met her that day, seeing her nation-toppling smile, Yi Fang felt a certain discomfort in her heart. This kind of enchantingly seductive appearance was bound to captivate Zhan Beiwang again someday.
If Song Xixi was divorced, she herself would become the first wife. Her father's discontent stemmed from the fact that even as a concubine, a wife by marriage was still a concubine. But as the first wife, her father would have no reason to be unhappy. Moreover, who wouldn't want to be the first wife? She had agreed before because she had no choice, as their relationship developed after he was already married. Fortunately, they hadn't consummated the marriage.
Besides, a delicate and weak noble lady like Song Xixi would be easy to handle. Being the head wife was just about managing household affairs and taking care of the family. These were her previous thoughts, but that day, she saw how aggressive Song Xixi could be. Handling her wouldn't be easy. Given this, it was better to have her divorced.
She nodded, "Such maliciousness cannot be tolerated. Let's proceed as you said. As for the dowry..." She thought for a moment, "According to our laws, a wife being divorced cannot take her dowry with her. If you let her take it, it's your kindness. If not, the law supports you. But I have no opinion on this matter."
"I don't want her dowry," Zhan Beiwang reiterated.
Yi Fang looked at him with admiration, "I know you are noble and disdain to use her dowry. Besides, does the grand General's Mansion need her dowry?"
Hearing his beloved say this, Zhan Beiwang was overjoyed and said, "Not only will I refuse her dowry, but I will also return everything she has contributed to the General's Mansion this year."
Yi Fang's expression froze, "Contributions? Has she been using her dowry to support the General's Mansion this past year?"
Zhan Beiwang looked embarrassed, "Mother has been taking Doctor Dan's medicine for a long time. It's very expensive. The General's Mansion has been running a deficit, so she contributed some after she married in."
Yi Fang was shocked, "The General's Mansion needed her to support it? How could the General's Mansion be in deficit? I heard from my father that when your grandfather was granted the General's Mansion, he was also given many fertile lands and shops."
"That's true, but they were poorly managed and sold off."
Yi Fang stared at him in disbelief, feeling as if a basin of cold water had been poured over her heart. "So... the General's Mansion is now just an empty shell?"
Zhan Beiwang said, "Yes, but it's alright. We're on the rise. In the future, our salaries and rewards will be plenty."
He was focused on building a future with Yi Fang, believing they could get through temporary difficulties together. He was confident Yi Fang would be willing to endure these hardships with him.
Yi Fang's heart grew conflicted. She hadn't realized the once-glorious General's Mansion had declined so much. It made sense upon reflection; Zhan Beiwang's father and uncle did not hold significant positions, and his elder brother was mediocre. The General's Mansion had been struggling to maintain its standing based on his former military achievements.
When he married Song Xixi, the ceremony was grand and widely known, with a ten-mile procession of red bridal gifts delivered to the General's Mansion. Back then, she had watched in astonishment, assuming their families were well-matched. Now she realized that splendor must have been supported by the Marquis of Zhenbei.
If that was the case, Song Xixi's dowry must be very substantial. A slight change occurred in her heart. After a moment's hesitation, she said, "If you return the entire dowry, won't people think you're admitting fault?"
Zhan Beiwang was a bit surprised, "You mean...?"
Yi Fang turned her face away, her voice a bit muffled, "I just think returning part of the dowry is already showing your benevolence."