The Aloof Lord's Mysterious Wife
Chapter 344: Can’t Release Ming Ying

Chapter 344: Can’t Release Ming Ying

Luckily, Chong Jiu happened to pass by and used talismanic arts to recover the stolen goods for Yuan Liang, thoroughly defeating the bandits. Later, Chong Jiu helped him with several minor matters, so Yuan Liang was always deferential to Chong Jiu.

"Remember, this jar must be placed in your wife’s bedchamber. Your daughter will grow up with the strength and fortune comparable to a son," Chong Jiu repeatedly emphasized.

The jar had to be placed securely, and only Yuan Liang was allowed to handle it to avoid defiling the divine spirit within. Yuan Liang nodded attentively, eager to secure his position as head of the family against the lurking threats.

Despite this, Yuan Liang still felt uneasy and asked, "Chong Jiu, am I truly destined never to have a son?"

"No," Chong Jiu stated firmly, his gaze sharp. "Moreover, there’s a change in your marital fate. It seems your wife may turn against you."

"She dares? She would presume to do that?" Yuan Liang retorted angrily. With multiple daughters, he had not yet confronted her, and now she would challenge him?

Chong Jiu grew irritated. If the couple became estranged or divorced, his meticulous plans would be ruined. How could his master be reborn then? The only matches for his master’s destiny were these two unborn children. Since Xiao Wanyi’s son was out of reach, he had reluctantly turned to this alternative. Yet, even here, obstacles abounded.

Chong Jiu’s pale face grew more ominous, almost frightening, as he said, "Yuan Liang, if you divorce your wife, you will lose everything you have and be abandoned by your clan, reduced to the status of a beggar on the streets."

A chill ran down Yuan Liang’s spine as he realized the gravity of Chong Jiu’s words. "Is it really that serious...?"

"Indeed. Your fortune is mediocre, bolstered only by your wife’s prosperity," Chong Jiu said bluntly.

Yuan Liang’s face fell, his pride as a man taking a hit. Though he wanted to argue, he couldn’t deny that his businesses had consistently failed without Ming Ying’s involvement, while those she helped always thrived.

Reflecting on this, he grudgingly asked, "What should I do now?"

Chong Jiu, thoroughly exasperated, found it ironic that his path of Daoist cultivation led to coaxing a man to appease his wife. His eyes glinted coldly. "Resolve whatever issues she has."

Yuan Liang, reluctant, said, "She mentioned it before, but with Rong carrying my child, how can I send her to suffer on the estate?" Just taking another concubine had caused Ming Ying to sulk. He was the head of the family; how could Ming Ying dictate his actions?

Chong Jiu, nearly boiling with rage, already knew Rong’s identity from investigating the Yuan family. Having wasted enough time, he grabbed his sword, exuding a chilling aura like a demon in the night.

"Then I’ll kill her for you," he declared, "so you won’t keep muddling things."

Yuan Liang was alarmed and quickly stopped him. "Is that really necessary? Maybe... maybe she’s carrying a son!"

He still clung to a shred of hope. Chong Jiu snorted. "I’ll say this one last time: you’re destined to be a father-in-law, never a father of sons. If that maid’s child is a boy, it isn’t your blood."

Yuan Liang, dazed, took a long moment to accept the truth. Resigned to never having a son, he realized that having a prosperous wife and daughters wasn’t such a bad deal.

Clenching his fists, he resolved firmly, "Don’t worry, Chong Jiu. I understand what needs to be done."

Chong Jiu, seeing Yuan Liang’s determined expression, felt a weight lift from his shoulders. "This is as much as I can help you."

His body, once breached, could no longer suppress the malevolent black mist. His days were numbered, so he had to prepare ahead. He gambled that Yuan Liang, for his own future, would fulfill his part.

Seeing Chong Jiu’s pale face, Yuan Liang asked, "What’s wrong with you?"

The malevolent mist gnawed at Chong Jiu’s internal organs, causing searing pain. He barely held himself upright. Shaking his head gently, he said, "I have urgent matters and will leave the capital for a while. Take care of your wife and daughters well, and you will live peacefully and prosper."

Tired of Chong Jiu’s repeated warnings, Yuan Liang chuckled, patting Chong Jiu’s shoulder. "Rest assured! With your constant advice, how could I not listen?"

Chong Jiu handed him another item, encased in a glowing glass bottle adorned with talismanic symbols, either nourishing or suppressing its contents.

"Keep this with the other. When your child is born, place it beside her. She will then enjoy lasting fortune," Chong Jiu instructed.

Yuan Liang, eyeing the bottle, entertained a selfish thought: if it brought fortune, wouldn’t he benefit most? Pocketing it, he eagerly agreed, "I’ll remember!"

Seeing through Yuan Liang’s intentions, Chong Jiu didn’t mind. If his master could be reborn and reclaim the Golden Elixir, let Yuan Liang enjoy his temporary gain.

After ensuring Yuan Liang understood, Chong Jiu departed. Yuan Liang, pleased with his secure position, soon realized he needed to deal with Rong. Summoning a servant, he issued instructions.

The servant hesitated, "Master, must we really do this? It’s too cruel."

"She and her bastard child are nothing! Just do it," Yuan Liang snapped.

The servant, lips pressed tight, departed. Just then, a pregnant Ming Ying entered, leading a group of loyal family retainers from Jiaodong.

"Yuan Liang, we need to settle this tonight," Ming Ying said, her face calm. "If you want to divorce me, return my dowry. If not, we’ll separate."

Her steadfast family had come to support her after she informed them of her husband’s affair with her maid. Emboldened by her family’s presence, Yuan Liang hadn’t dared to directly divorce her.

Yuan Liang’s heart sank, recognizing Chong Jiu’s prediction. Admiring Chong Jiu’s insight, he resolved that he couldn’t let Ming Ying go; he still needed her and their daughter.