When he was still the Crown Prince, he once asked for her hand in marriage but was gently refused by her mother.
Madam Shen said, "The Royal Family is sacred, Ruoxi grew up in the wilderness and doesn't understand etiquette. As long as I have breath in me, she will never enter the palace. I hope the Crown Prince understands."
Later, he heard that Madam Shen was worried he had too many beauties in his harem and that Ruoxi would suffer grievances, so she chose a small family like the Xiao Family.
Thinking about it now, it truly is ironic. Ruoxi waited alone for two years, yet Xiao Chengyi of the small Xiao Family brought back a pregnant woman, causing her endless sorrow.
Even if he had a hundred women in his harem, she has always been the one in his heart, how could he let her suffer any grievance?
Madam Shen ultimately misjudged. The man she thought would care for her daughter for a lifetime pushed her cherished daughter into the storm, causing her to be subjected to public criticism and ridicule.
"Your Majesty, I have something to report," Qi Lin's cautious voice came from the door.
The Emperor, feeling vexed, replied sharply, "You better have something important to report, or go to the Service Room for a beating."
Qi Lin's chest thumped in fear, and he hurriedly said, "It is the Young General Xiao's wife seeking an audience with Your Majesty."
The Emperor was stunned for a moment before coming to his senses. She is here? He basically guessed what she would ask for.
He raised his hand and pressed his forehead in hesitation, pondering whether to see her or not.
The victory at Pingyang Pass holds indescribable significance, not only reclaiming lost lands but also dealing a heavy blow to Beichang Country.
Although the primary credit went to Xiao Chengyi, the soldiers who followed him all said that none of it would have been possible without Ning Zhen's contributions.
It was her design of crossbows that defeated the Yuncang Country's army, causing them to flee in disarray, even his usually stringent cousin Prince Zhan acknowledged her.
However, she did not seek credit or rewards; she only wished to be with Xiao Chengyi.
This is why he couldn't make the decision for Shen Ruoxi.
But she is the daughter of the Shen Family, a descendant of the loyal Shen Clan, and the woman he holds dear in his heart.
Right now, she should be more concerned about her reputation, yet he is powerless, what could he say to her?
The Imperial Study Room remained silent for a long time, Qi Lin felt that the Emperor probably did not want to see her, yet could not bring himself to say so.
He whispered, "Young Madam Xiao, His Majesty has been particularly busy lately, maybe you should return now and... "
Before he could finish saying "summon," the Emperor's clear voice came, "Let Young Madam Xiao in."
Qi Lin shuddered in fright, feeling relieved his words were not completed, he awkwardly smiled, "Young General Xiao's wife, please."
Shen Ruoxi had not held much hope, given she was not familiar with the Emperor.
At fourteen, she finally returned home, only to soon hear the news of her father and brothers sacrificing themselves on the battlefield.
After three years of mourning, her mother forced her into marriage hastily.
Soon after marrying Xiao Chengyi, her mother died of depression.
She never understood why the Emperor insisted on marrying her when he was the Crown Prince.
Her memories of him were only from several brief encounters, knowing only that her seventh brother was a reading companion to the Emperor, and both shared a deep friendship.
Additionally, she heard that when she married, the Emperor fell ill over it, although the Royal Family covered it up, she heard of it and often felt she owed him something, despite the Emperor's inexplicable affection for her.
She originally planned to return home first and then decide, but hadn't expected the Emperor would be willing to see her.
She silently sighed in relief as she was about to leave.
Hearing the Emperor summon her, an inexplicable nervousness arose within.
Seeing her dazed, Qi Lin gently reminded, "Young General Xiao's wife, His Majesty summoned you!"
Shen Ruoxi came to her senses, giving him a slight smile, politely saying, "Thank you, sir."
"Please." Qi Lin opened the door of the Imperial Study Room, gesturing for her to enter, clearly not intending to accompany her inside.
Shen Ruoxi took a deep breath, stepping into the Imperial Study Room.
The Emperor, head lowered, was reading memorials without looking at her.
She obediently kneeled, saluting, "I greet Your Majesty."
The Emperor paused, laid aside the memorial, and looked up at her.
Her attire was plain, since her parents and brothers passed away, she hadn't worn brightly colored clothes.
Now she knelt properly, head slightly bowed, her hair ornaments simple, adorned with a delicate pearl hairpin, gently swaying.
Though hidden from her appearance, her fair and smooth nape was exposed, causing the Emperor momentarily distracted.
Shen Ruoxi knelt there, sensing a bold gaze was audaciously scrutinizing her.
She lightly frowned but found the Emperor silent for so long, and softly reminded, "Your Majesty."
The Emperor snapped back to reality, a bitter taste filling his mouth.
He couldn't help asking himself, why is he inadequate?
Being Crown Prince, destined to be supreme, why did the Shen Family, including Shen Ruoxi, disregard him?
An unspeakable shame and anger grew within him, more so a self-reproach; Shen Ruoxi had been married for two years, yet he couldn't let go of her!
With a cold tone, the Emperor said, "Young Madam Xiao, return! I know what you're here to say, but there's no possibility. Am I supposed to meddle in my subjects' wives and concubines affairs? The path was your choice; it's all destiny!"
The path wasn't her choice; she forced herself onto it but not well, bringing disgrace to her parents and brothers.
She lifted her head, mixed emotions rising, tears welled up.
"Why, why are you crying?"
Alarmed, the Emperor hurried to her, asking nervously.
Shen Ruoxi didn't want to cry, but thinking of her family, uncontrollably; witnessing the Shen Family reduced to weak women and children overnight, deeply saddened.
She puffed her cheeks, chokingly said, "My seventh brother watches from heaven, seeing Your Majesty bully his sister, can he rest in peace?"
"When, when did I bully you?" The Emperor refuted with a darkened face.
Shen Ruoxi murmured, "I'm still kneeling!"
A rush of panic overcame the Emperor, extending his hand to help her, then suddenly withdrawing as if scalded.
Annoyed, he returned to his throne, stubbornly saying, "Stand up!"
Sniffling, Shen Ruoxi rose, puffing her cheeks in irritation.
The Emperor, angry at being swayed by her words and actions, yet softening seeing her sentenced expression, sighed helplessly, "It's not that I can't decide for you; your husband achieved great merit, the battle report sent by Marshal Prince Zhan highly praised him.
Also, Ning Zhen, courageous like a man, her impressive crossbows greatly reduced soldiers' casualties and assisted Xiao Chengyi in capturing Pingyang Pass.
With Pingyang Pass secured, the other three cities won't be far; am I to interfere with a subject's marriage?"
Shen Ruoxi raised her head, directly addressing the Emperor, stating each word clearly, "How does Your Majesty know my visit isn't to stop Young General Xiao from marrying a secondary wife?"
The Emperor startled, "Then why visit Consort Xian, then me, what's your purpose?"
Shen Ruoxi took a deep breath, declaring, "When Young General Xiao proposed, he promised my mother he would always treat me well, never taking concubines!
This vow still rings true, yet he's broken it, hence I choose to divorce!"
The Emperor froze, shocked, "Divorce, divorce?"