noffsinger Chapter 181: Love the new and hate the old
Chapter 181: Love the new and hate the old
Princess Wan'er endured countless hardships and finally gave birth to a lovely son. However, her figure underwent a dramatic change after childbirth. Her once slender and graceful figure became slightly bloated. Her enviable waistline disappeared, replaced by a slightly protruding belly and rounded arms.
Despite her changed appearance, Princess Wan'er's heart was already filled with her infant son. Her eyes were only for his innocent smile and babbling, and she wanted to be by his side every single moment. Thus, all her energy and time were devoted to raising her child, and she gradually neglected the daily life of her husband.
All of this naturally did not escape the Empress Dowager's notice. Seeing the once beautiful and charming Princess Wan'er in such a state, the Empress Dowager couldn't help but feel a surge of displeasure. Finally, one day, the Empress Dowager decided to summon Wan'er to her for a serious talk.
When Wan'er arrived before the Empress Dowager, she saw the Empress Dowager sitting upright, her expression serious yet tinged with concern. The Empress Dowager sighed softly, then said earnestly to Wan'er, "Wan'er, you must know that although you are a princess of noble birth, with an incomparably high status, you must never forget that you are also a wife! Look at you now, disheveled and unkempt, neglecting your appearance, focusing all your attention on caring for the children, completely disregarding your husband's feelings. How can this continue? Aren't you worried that your husband will grow weary of you or even develop feelings for you?"
Upon hearing this, Princess Wan'er merely smiled slightly, a hint of indifference in her expression. She parted her lips and slowly replied, "Oh, Mother, you're overthinking it! What's the big deal? Putting aside everything else, even the position of the驸马 (imperial son-in-law) was personally arranged for him by my brother! Even if he had the audacity of a lion, he would never dare to act recklessly or improperly. Even if he had ten times the courage of a bear and a leopard, I doubt he would dare to disrespect me or do anything out of line."
Seeing Wan'er's stubbornness, the Empress Dowager knew further words would be futile. She could only sigh, shake her head helplessly, and turn to leave. As she walked, she muttered to herself, "So be it, so be it. This child is truly stubborn! Whatever happens to her in the future, let her be..."
Although Princess Wan'er outwardly seemed unimpressed by her husband's diligence, she had actually noticed it deep down. Finally, one day, unable to suppress her curiosity, she decided to secretly go to the place where her husband usually worked to find out.
As she tiptoed into the room, the scene before her moved her deeply. The驸马 (the驸马) sat upright at his desk, completely absorbed in dealing with a mountain of official documents; the thick stacks of paper almost engulfed him. Wan'er stood quietly to the side, watching the驸马's focused expression, secretly delighted: "I never imagined the驸马 was such a diligent person!"
Just then, an accident occurred. A servant nearby, in a moment of carelessness, accidentally knocked over his teacup, the scalding tea instantly splashing onto the official documents on the table. Wan'er's heart tightened, expecting the prince consort to be furious. However, to her surprise, the prince consort did not get angry. Instead, he gently comforted the panicked servant, saying softly, "It's alright, don't panic, just prepare another one."
Wan'er stood quietly to the side, her gaze fixed on the busy figure of the驸马 (the驸马, the驸马). She watched as he tirelessly handled various affairs, treating everyone with kindness and gentleness, his face always radiating a warm smile. Wan'er was deeply moved by the scene before her, and thought to herself, "So the驸马 is not only diligent and hardworking, but also has such a kind heart, so generous and compassionate towards others!"
As night fell, Wan'er dragged her slightly weary body back to her palace. Sitting before the bronze mirror, she gazed at her reflection, her thoughts drifting away. Reflecting on her past actions and behaviors, Wan'er suddenly realized that there were many areas where she needed to improve. Therefore, she secretly resolved to make some changes to become a better woman.
From that day on, every morning when the first rays of sunlight streamed into her bedchamber, Wan'er would rise early. She would carefully wash and dress, meticulously selecting the hair ornaments that best complemented her beautiful face, and then diligently combing her long, cascading hair. Next, she would open her wardrobe, comparing the many gorgeous and exquisite garments before finally choosing the most fitting and stunning outfit to wear. Having done all this, Wan'er would smile contentedly at herself in the mirror, turn, and leave the bedchamber to embrace a new day.
Every night, after the children had drifted off to sleep in the warm atmosphere, Wan'er would gently put down her needlework and rise to walk towards her husband. Sometimes they would stroll side by side in the courtyard, admiring the flowers blooming under the moonlight; other times they would sit facing each other, discussing their ideals and the ways of the world. At first, the husband was indeed quite surprised and puzzled by Wan'er's sudden change. However, as the days passed, he gradually felt the genuine affection in Wan'er's words and actions. Faced with Wan'er's devoted efforts, the husband's heart was filled with joy, and his love for her deepened day by day.
And so, time flew by. Their daily interactions deepened their affection, making them as inseparable as glue. Whether in public or alone, they were always close, caring for each other tenderly, their eyes seeing only one another. This beautiful love story became a legend both inside and outside the palace, inspiring envy in countless people.
The Empress Dowager, who had been watching over Wan'er closely, smiled with relief upon learning of her transformation. After all, for members of the royal family to be able to live in harmony and mutual respect was truly a cause for celebration. Later, the prince consort was promoted for his outstanding political achievements, and the family enjoyed a happy and harmonious life together. Princess Wan'er understood that a marriage is not only about external constraints but also about nurturing one's relationship with care, and from then on, she cherished her marriage even more.
Where there is joy, there is also sorrow; such is often the way of the world, where it is difficult to have it all. Like that Chestnut Girl, who has been plagued by worries lately, her brow constantly furrowed, her once lustrous black hair seemingly turning white with sorrow. The reason, it turns out, is that her beloved grandmother has unfortunately passed away, and the children in the family have reached the age to go to school, suddenly placing the entire burden of life on her shoulders.
So, Miss Chestnut thought about finding herself a job to supplement her family's income. To this end, she tirelessly traveled throughout the capital to inquire, but disappointingly, even after searching every street and alley and asking every kind of person, she still couldn't find a satisfactory job. Not only that, but as the saying goes, misfortunes never come singly. Just when she was hitting walls and feeling disheartened, she happened to witness a scene that broke her heart—she saw Gu Wanfeng and a young, beautiful woman sitting intimately together, having lunch, chatting and laughing happily!
Although Chestnut Girl suppressed her anger and didn't lash out on the spot, her pent-up emotions finally erupted like a volcano when she dragged her tired body home. She angrily confronted Gu Wanfeng: "Gu Wanfeng, Gu Wanfeng, you've gone too far! We already have a wife and children in this family, yet you still have the leisure to flirt with other women outside! What are you trying to do? Have you completely disregarded our marital relationship and our responsibilities to our family?"
Gu Wanfeng sneered, his face full of indifference. He replied casually, "Hmph! Look at this capital city. Which man with any status or position doesn't have a harem of wives and concubines? With your appearance, old and faded, and such a terrible temper, why should I bother to hang around you like a lackey all day?"
These words were like a sharp dagger, piercing straight into Chestnut Girl's heart. Her eyes widened, her face filled with disbelief, and her body trembled uncontrollably. Tears welled up in her eyes, as if they were about to spill over at any moment.
The girl named Chestnut was furious. She pointed her finger at Gu Wanfeng and cursed, "You heartless bastard! Back then, if it weren't for my help and support, would you have such a glorious status today?" However, in the face of the girl's accusation, Gu Wanfeng just snorted coldly, then flicked his sleeves and walked away without looking back.
Watching Gu Wanfeng's receding figure, Chestnut felt her heart breaking, overwhelmed with grief. She knew that this once beautiful marriage had come to an end, with no chance of redemption. However, Chestnut did not succumb to despair. On the contrary, she secretly resolved that from now on, she would never rely on any man again, but would instead strive to create her own success through her own efforts.
Suddenly, images of learning embroidery from her grandmother as a child flashed through Chestnut Girl's mind. Although she hadn't practiced for many years, the basic techniques were still deeply etched in her memory. Thinking of this, Chestnut Girl's eyes lit up, as if she saw a glimmer of hope.
Without hesitation, Chestnut Girl immediately began preparing the materials and tools needed for embroidery. At first, due to a long period of inactivity, her technique was slightly rusty, but as time went on, that long-lost familiarity gradually returned. After a period of diligent practice, Chestnut Girl's embroidery skills became increasingly exquisite, and the things she embroidered were lifelike, drawing admiration from all.
Gradually, Chestnut Girl's reputation spread. Many high-ranking officials and nobles, having heard of her skillful hands, came to her to commission various exquisite embroidery pieces. With her outstanding craftsmanship and good reputation, Chestnut Girl earned a considerable income.
With this money, Chestnut Girl decisively rented a small shop and carefully decorated it. From then on, she officially embarked on her entrepreneurial journey, and her business grew bigger and bigger, becoming more and more prosperous.
Now, Gu Wanfeng was completely infatuated with that young and beautiful woman, ignoring everyone's advice and resolutely getting together with her. But who could have imagined? This woman actually harbored ulterior motives, only coveting Gu Wanfeng's vast wealth!
Since getting together with that woman, Gu Wanfeng had been completely obedient to her and doted on her, allowing her to squander the wealth he had accumulated over the years. However, when the woman had exhausted Gu Wanfeng's money, she abandoned him without hesitation, disappearing without a trace as if she had vanished into thin air.
At this point, Gu Wanfeng was penniless and destitute. With nowhere else to turn, he remembered Chestnut, the girl who had once deeply loved him. Back then, Chestnut had been devoted to him, never abandoning him despite all the hardships and suffering. So, Gu Wanfeng swallowed his pride and went back to find Chestnut, hoping to gain her forgiveness and acceptance.
But times have changed. The Chestnut Girl is no longer the weak and helpless girl who was bullied by everyone! Through the trials of time and her own unremitting efforts, the Chestnut Girl has successfully transformed herself. She not only possesses abundant material wealth, but also, with her strong will and outstanding abilities, has become an independent woman who is highly respected in the town.
Faced with Gu Wanfeng's plea for reconciliation, Chestnut Girl showed no mercy or pity. On the contrary, she ruthlessly rebuked Gu Wanfeng for his heartlessness: "I was devoted to you back then, but you abandoned me. Now you've ended up like this and want to come looking for me? You're just dreaming!" Chestnut Girl's words were like a sharp sword, piercing Gu Wanfeng's heart.
Upon hearing this, the onlookers gave Chestnut Girl a thumbs-up, praising her courage and perseverance. At the same time, they expressed disdain and ridicule for Gu Wanfeng's plight, believing he had only himself to blame. In this way, Chestnut Girl proved to the world through her actions that happiness earned through one's own hard work is the most reliable and lasting!