After Marrying the Heirless Crown Prince, I Gave Birth to Three Children - Chapter 19

Chapter 19: The Ex-Husband Loses Face

After Xiao Ji left, Xie Yao bathed and washed up, then leaned against the soft couch with a medical book in hand.

It was her first time delving into such studies, and much was unfamiliar, so her progress was slow. She was still on the very first volume. Yet as she turned the pages, she noticed one with a folded corner. She was just about to examine it carefully when Zhuqing entered, looking indignant. “Crown Princess, something has happened.”

“What is it?” Xie Yao asked.

“Yingtao entered His Highness’s study without permission. He scolded her, and she ran out crying.”

Though Yingtao had been reprimanded, her behavior inevitably made people suspicious. And Xie Yao certainly had not ordered it!

Xie Yao thought for a moment, and then understood the subtlety. “She’s been in the prince’s household for years. After being scolded, of course she’ll feel wronged. If you have time, go and comfort her a little.”

Zhuqing’s eyes widened. “Crown Princess! She clearly has ill intentions. Now she’s brought this upon herself, I don’t want to comfort her!”

Xie Yao gave a helpless smile. “Whatever her intentions, all you need to know is that His Highness’s heart will not change.” If Xiao Ji were so easily “seduced,” would she and he still be in this nominal, unconsummated marriage?

“Go on,” she said, patting Zhuqing’s hand.

“Yes, Crown Princess,” Zhuqing finally answered before leaving.

Once alone again, Xie Yao returned to the medical book. On the folded page was a section describing various illnesses. This particular page… was about sterility.

…

The next day.

Half the noble households of the capital were in a bustle. The Xie family was no exception.

Early in the morning, their carriage went to fetch Song Wenbo and Xie Yujiao. With great pomp, the four of them set out for the Cui residence, bringing along a cartload of gifts.

Inside the carriage, Master Xie stroked his beard and instructed Song Wenbo, “Wenbo, remember that learning has no end. Master Qingshan is erudite and most favors humility. As his disciple, you must conduct yourself with humility.”

Though Song Wenbo privately wondered why the Cui residence still had not sent word for him, he took his father-in-law’s words as guidance and quickly replied with respectful warmth, “I will obey, Father-in-law.”

When their carriage arrived at the Cui residence, Song Wenbo had barely stepped down before voices of flattery greeted him, “Brother Song, congratulations!”

“Brother Song, truly a fine figure, no wonder you’re chosen as Master Qingshan’s final disciple!”

Song Wenbo was instantly buoyed by the praise of his peers, practically floating. Surrounded like a star among moons, he entered the Cui residence.

The crowd was large, and soon most of the young men clustered around him, while Xie Yujiao naturally became the center of the women. Her eyes swept over the guests, already eager to spot Xie Yao. If only Xie Yao had been reborn, then today would be even more of a spectacle!

“The Crown Prince and Crown Princess have arrived!” The herald’s cry rang from the gate, and all heads turned.

Xie Yao was dressed to the nines today. After all, this was the day she would sever Song Wenbo’s path to glory, so she had come to witness it personally.

Everyone bowed deeply. “Greetings to the Crown Prince and Crown Princess.”

In that moment, Xie Yujiao, still standing, was especially conspicuous. Realizing belatedly, she reluctantly bent to offer her salute.

In her past life, at nearly every gathering, she had been the one standing while others bowed. Now she had to salute Xie Yao? Xie Yao was worthy of this?

And worse, at Xie Yao’s side stood the dignified, noble, radiant Crown Prince. Why did he treat Xie Yao so differently from her?

“Rise,” Xiao Ji’s voice rang, and the crowd straightened.

“Today is Master Qingshan’s Apprenticeship Ceremony,” Xie Yao said evenly. “Everyone, be at ease.”

By then the time was nearly upon them. Cui residence’s steward stepped forward: “The auspicious hour has arrived. Please, honored guests, observe the ceremony.”

The once-bustling courtyard fell silent as all eyes turned to the main hall.

Under the gaze of the crowd, the venerable Master Qingshan slowly emerged, accompanied by a boy of about seven or eight. But everyone’s attention remained fixed on the master.

Though from a noble family, Master Qingshan wore a simple green robe, his temples touched with white. Standing beneath the eaves, he declared in a deep voice, “Years ago, I vowed to take only three disciples in my lifetime. I thought that vow would remain unfulfilled. Yet to my delight, I have now received the most satisfactory disciple of my life. Though still young, he possesses extraordinary talent, and he is earnest and diligent; a rare gem indeed!”

As he spoke of this disciple, Master Qingshan’s face shone with joy. He even openly praised his final disciple before the whole assembly.

The lavish praise made some grind their teeth, but envy prevailed. Countless eyes, filled with jealousy and longing, landed on Song Wenbo.

Song Wenbo himself grew bashful from such acclaim. Those around him urged softly, “Congratulations, Brother Song, to have found such a teacher.”

“Master Qingshan truly values you, Brother Song.”

At last, Master Qingshan finished speaking and concluded, “Cui Family thanks you all for coming today to witness this.”

Song Wenbo cleared his throat, adjusted his robes, and strode proudly to the center. Bowing deeply to Master Qingshan, he said, “Student Song Wenbo greets his teacher.”

The scene froze in silence.

Everyone stared. But then confusion rippled through the crowd. Why… was Master Qingshan frowning?

“When did I ever accept you as my student? I know nothing of this!”

Song Wenbo’s face darkened. He looked up sharply. “Master, are you not taking me as your final disciple today?”

Hadn’t the master just spoken so glowingly? How could he say such a thing now? It was outrageous!

“Heh.” Master Qingshan let out a cold laugh, his gaze sweeping up and down Song Wenbo. “Ignorant fool!”

The audience instantly sensed something amiss and murmured to one another in hushed tones.

Song Wenbo too realized something was wrong. He turned abruptly toward the Xie family. Hadn’t they told him that he was the one Master Qingshan intended to take?

Xie Yujiao’s face went pale. She muttered under her breath, “Impossible… impossible…” Wasn’t her husband supposed to be the one?

The steward of the Cui residence whispered something to Master Qingshan. His expression grew even colder.

“Lately there have been rumors that this Song candidate is to become my final disciple. Let me set the record straight, there’s no such thing!”

Song Wenbo’s face drained of color. He felt every gaze on him was filled with scorn and ridicule. He could not utter a word in defense, only glared bitterly toward the Xie family.

“No! This can’t be!” Xie Yujiao cried aloud. The guests who had been flattering her now edged discreetly away. She stepped forward, insisting, “The one you’re taking is my husband, it has to be him!”

Master Qingshan frowned, disgust plain in his eyes. “Steward, escort these two out.”

With that command, Song Wenbo could no longer endure the humiliation. He flung his sleeve and stormed off. Never in his life had he suffered such disgrace.