Chapter 727 - 722-723: Peng Si’Er

Though initially Father Huang chose Dai Tu, matching him with his own daughter because he was a scholar with a good image, there was no coercion, and an exceedingly generous dowry was provided.

After the wedding, almost all household affairs, big and small, were handled by Huang Zhaodi. Dai Tu was simply left to focus on his studies.

At that time, Dai Tu was merely a Child Student; Huang Zhaodi could not foresee that he would later pass the provincial and national exams.

So it definitely wasn’t because she thought Dai Tu would become a high-ranking official that Huang Zhaodi put in so much effort.

She genuinely wanted to live a good life with Dai Tu.

Dai Tu had no feelings for her, but her feelings for Dai Tu were deep.

With Dai Tu’s recent words, Huang Zhaodi’s heart was completely broken, especially with her son standing nearby.

"Dai Tu, you are utterly heartless; now that you’ve climbed to high branches, you can even discard your own wife," Dai Ling also angrily scolded Dai Tu, shouting, "All the books you’ve read over the years were completely wasted."

While speaking, Dai Ling said to Huang Zhaodi, "Zhaodi, let’s go file a complaint, accuse him of abandoning his wife and child, expose his forged identity, and ruin his reputation."

Dai Ling was also filled with righteousness; seeing his nephew’s face, he was furious.

Huang Zhaodi did not move.

But Dai Tu, feeling guilty, immediately blocked the alley entrance and said, "You’re not allowed to go."

Realizing his own despicable behavior, Dai Tu tried to elevate himself, beginning to denigrate the three of them, saying:

"You settled in Cangzhou, changed your surname to Guo, traveling a long way from Cangzhou to here, wasn’t it because you thought I achieved high distinction and wanted to climb with me to wealth? To put it bluntly, you also covet vanity, hardly better than me; don’t set yourselves up so superior, looking down on others..."

Upon hearing this, Huang Zhaodi’s heart wrenched painfully; if not for him, fearing his exposure, would she have gone to Cangzhou to settle? And now he thought like this of her.

However, Dai Tu hadn’t finished, he continued, "And if I were exposed, you wouldn’t gain any benefits. Besides, Zhang Zhu is already pregnant; do you think filing a complaint will be useful? Do you know Zhang Zhu’s father’s relationship with King Wei? Do you think you can bring me down?"

The later remarks were nonsense from Dai Tu, meant to frighten the three of them, telling them that filing a complaint would be useless.

He also said, "I am a disciple of King Wei; if I resolutely deny, who do you think the Government Office would believe?"

Huang Zhaodi’s body trembled slightly.

Dai Ling’s face also darkened; although King Wei had a great reputation among the people, having witnessed bureaucratic darkness, he couldn’t guarantee that King Wei would stand for them.

Moreover, Zhang Zhu was now pregnant, and General Zhang would definitely support Dai Tu.

Would King Wei punish General Zhang for their sake?

Seeing Dai Ling and the others intimidated, Dai Tu’s tone softened, looking at Huang Zhaodi, he gently said, "Zhaodi, I know I’ve wronged you, but people pursue higher aspirations; don’t blame me. Considering our marriage, I will compensate you.

Once Zhang Zhu gives birth to a son, I will talk to him about taking a concubine, then we can properly acknowledge each other; Xiaofeng can also stand in the open, wouldn’t this be perfect for both sides?"

Tears of sorrow were about to dry up Huang Zhaodi’s eyes.

Knowing he said enough, Dai Tu then targeted the son, saying, "Zhaodi, even if not for yourself, you should think of Xiaofeng; can you endure Xiaofeng continuing to live a life of hardship with you?"

After saying this, Dai Tu took out his purse, saying, "This contains some dozen taels of broken silver and several pieces of gold leaves, worth over one hundred taels. Take it first, I’ll gradually make up the rest later."

When Dai Tu tried to give it to Huang Zhaodi, she flung it away, letting it fall to the ground, coldly saying, "I don’t want your dirty money. I’ll raise Xiaofeng myself; he won’t follow you, avoiding growing up like you."

"Uncle Ling, let’s go." Finishing this, Huang Zhaodi took Dai Feng’s hand and walked toward the alley exit.

Dai Ling followed behind.

Dai Tu thought they were refusing, a glint of ruthlessness and resentment flashed in his eyes.

Huang Zhaodi hadn’t walked far when she suddenly thought of something, releasing her son’s hand, she turned to pick up the purse from the ground. Though her previous refusal and current acceptance seemed "humiliating," they didn’t have a penny left; for her son’s sake, she had to bow her head, saying:

"From now on, we sever all ties; you take your broad road, I’ll walk my solitary path."

It was evident she agreed not to expose him.

Yet, at the corners of Dai Tu’s mouth, a cold smile appeared; inwardly, he thought, "So pretentious; in the end, it’s all about money."

However, as the matter was resolved, he also breathed a sigh of relief.

...

Huang Zhaodi and the others passed the alley entrance, not far away, Huang Zhaodi couldn’t hold back and crouched down, breaking into a head-throbbing cry.

"Mom, don’t cry, Xiaofeng will be obedient, Xiaofeng will grow up and definitely not be like Dad..." Seeing his mother like this, Dai Feng also spoke through tears.

After a while, as Huang Zhaodi’s emotions gradually eased, Dai Ling sighed and said, "Zhaodi, really not exposing him?"

"He...is still Xiaofeng’s dad." Although Dai Tu disregarded their marital bond, Huang Zhaodi still considered it, apologetically looking at Dai Ling, saying, "Uncle Ling, sorry I let you down."

"Zhaodi, what are you saying? It’s our Dai Family who let you down; I really didn’t expect that he would turn out to be such a person." Dai Ling replied.