Zhan Beiwang was stunned, "But how can I take her dowry? I am a dignified fourth-ranked general, a man, how can I use the dowry of a discarded wife?"
Yi Fang thought for a moment, then turned to look at him, her eyes gentle as water, "Your mother needs long-term medication, and I imagine the medicine isn't cheap. We have earned the right to marry through our merits, but there won't be other rewards. Though we are both fourth-ranked generals, our annual salary is limited. Even if we allocate all of it to household expenses, it might not cover everything."
She paused, feeling a bit embarrassed to say it, but quickly added, "Even if we continue to accumulate military merits, it won't happen overnight. Life as a soldier is tough, and we can't let your mother's illness worsen. So, either you return all the dowry, or you bear the label of being unfilial."
Zhan Beiwang hadn't expected her to say this. He couldn't tell if he felt disappointed or helpless, but after thinking it over, he realized Yi Fang's words made sense and were for his own good. She was concerned that he might be accused of being unfilial, which could harm his career if the censors latched onto it.
Feeling a warmth in his heart, he said, "Yi Fang, don't worry. I'll handle it."
Yi Fang was looking out for him, and he couldn't let her suffer any consequences because of him.
Hearing his words, Yi Fang didn't press further, "Whatever you decide, I will support you."
Her words gave Zhan Beiwang great strength, and he couldn't help but hold her in his arms, "Yi Fang, don't worry, I won't let you suffer."
Yi Fang rested her head on his shoulder and sighed almost inaudibly. From his words, it seemed he had agreed to keep Song Xixi's dowry. It wasn't that she coveted Song Xixi's dowry, but Song Xixi had resorted to despicable means, using Zhan Beiwang's mother's illness as leverage. Even in the martial world, one speaks of honor and retribution. Song Xixi's actions deserved some form of punishment, to teach her a lesson so that she wouldn't be so vile in the future.
The next morning, the General's Mansion began the formal process of divorce. Since their marriage had followed the proper rites, the divorce had to follow proper procedures as well, with witnesses and proof of the wife's transgressions.
Both the General's Mansion and the Marquis of Zhenbei's household were prominent families, so a simple divorce letter wouldn't suffice. Someone of high standing in the Song family had to be present. The Marquis of Zhenbei's direct lineage had been decimated in recent years, leaving only Song Xixi. The extended family, led by a high-ranking elder, was now responsible for the family's affairs.
The elder, Old Master Song, was invited to witness the divorce. Despite being ninety years old, he insisted on coming with his grandson, Song Shi'an, who was already in his fifties. The Song family had mixed feelings about the situation; some were angry on behalf of Song Xixi, while others saw it as a spectacle, given the once-glorious but now diminished status of the Marquis of Zhenbei's household.
When Old Master Song was brought to the General's Mansion, he was furious. Despite Zhan Beiwang's new status as a favored official, the old man coldly declared, "Men have been faithless throughout history, it's nothing new. But to divorce a wife for a new bride is rare. If the General's Mansion doesn't give us a satisfactory explanation, I will take this matter to the Emperor. I am an old man with one foot in the grave, I fear nothing. But as long as I live, I will not let anyone bully a member of the Song family."