Chapter 868: A Turning Point

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation  Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Huangfu Ruiling remained indifferent. “Li Yi is no longer part of the Li generation. Though not formally expelled from the Huangfu family, he’s practically marginalized. Yet, such a person can be manipulated by Li Yiran.”

Ye Leng’an sighed, feeling somewhat regretful. “Li Yi’s cultivation is decent, and his talent isn’t bad. It’s surprising to see him so blindly in love. He’s probably under Li Yiran’s tight grip now!”

Indeed, a classic case of valuing beauty over prospects. However, it was someone else’s affair and didn’t concern her much, just evoking a sense of pity.

Huangfu Ruiling chuckled, then remarked, “Li Yiran’s petty tricks are well-known. It’s just that everyone’s discontent with Huangfu Ruixiang’s wife, Zhong Yating, is being exploited. Even if Li Yi could help her dig up those matters, he couldn’t secure her position as Huangfu Ruixiang’s wife.”

Ye Leng’an nodded in agreement. “It’s clear your parents aren’t pleased with Zhong Yating. But even if she steps down, Li Yiran isn’t guaranteed to succeed. Especially after Zhong Yating’s scandal, they’ll be more cautious in selecting a wife for Huangfu Ruixiang!”

Clearly, Li Yiran hadn’t grasped this point, thinking that disposing of Zhong Yating would pave her way to marry Huangfu Ruixiang. That was a mere pipe dream. Before Zhong Yating emerged, Li Yiran wasn’t even recognized as a potential mother due to her son’s status. What made her think she could ascend now?

After pondering, Ye Leng’an suddenly asked, “By the way, Huangfu Ruixiang hasn’t made a decision yet, has he?”

Huangfu Ruiling nodded, adding a touch of sarcasm. “With Huangfu Ruixiang’s indecisive nature, he won’t rush to decide.”

“In that case, Zhong Yating’s chances of staying are quite high,” Ye Leng’an quipped, flashing a grin. “She’s always been cunning. If Huangfu Ruixiang were to promptly decide on a divorce, she might not stand a chance. But if he hesitates, Zhong Yating will surely find a way to stay. Especially now, with a crucial card in her hand – her unborn child.”

Meanwhile, in the ancestral mansion of the Huangfu family…

In a lavishly adorned room, a woman lay on the bed, alone in the room.

As the room grew unusually quiet, the woman opened her eyes suddenly, clear-eyed and alert. It was Zhong Yating. She had contemplated this moment earlier but refrained from facing others or formulating a plan, fearing a forced divorce.

Only when she ensured everyone had departed did she dare to open her eyes, exhaling a sigh of relief.

Yet, memories of recent events left her restless. She had strived relentlessly, even wagering her life, to wed into the Huangfu family. Now, she was being coerced into divorcing Huangfu Ruixiang.

Divorcing him meant losing everything. All her efforts would be in vain, a bitter joke.

This fueled Zhong Yating’s deep-seated hatred towards Li Yiran. If not for Li Yiran’s public exposure, she wouldn’t be in this predicament. Regardless, she vowed not to spare Li Yiran.

Even if she eventually divorced Huangfu Ruixiang, she’d never allow Li Yiran to marry him. Li Yiran’s actions were driven by a desire to wed Huangfu Ruixiang, right? Then she’d ensure Li Yiran never married Huangfu Ruiling, forever relegated to a shadowy mistress. Li Yiran’s child would forever be deemed illegitimate, barred from the Huangfu family’s family tree.

These thoughts stirred a ruthless glint in Zhong Yating’s eyes.

Once the surging hatred subsided, Zhong Yating contemplated her next move.

Huangfu Ruixiang and his parents knew all she had done. They’d undoubtedly push for a divorce.

Yet, she couldn’t afford to divorce. It’d spell the end of her stay. Even returning to the Hidden World wouldn’t salvage her life. After all, she was just a minor outer sect disciple of the Huangfu family, lacking any status or wealth.

If she hadn’t tasted luxury or envy from others, perhaps she’d accept a simpler life. But her current status barred a return to mundane, impoverished days.

Thankfully, though her actions had been exposed, she still held a crucial card.

This realization led Zhong Yating to caress her belly.

Previously, she’d wished for a child to secure her position. She hadn’t anticipated it would come now. It offered a glimmer of hope.

While Huangfu Ruixiang and his parents might not forgive her for this child, it provided her a lifeline. Perhaps, she could buy time and strategize.

Meanwhile, in the study, Huangfu Jingzhang and Zhongyu Liuying sat on the sofa, facing Huangfu Ruixiang, his conflicted expression evident.

Though they were all present, silence reigned until Huangfu Jingzhang broke it. “Ruixiang, what are you truly thinking? Surely you don’t intend to persist with Zhong Yating! You’re well aware of her character now!”

“I…” Before Huangfu Ruixiang could respond, his words were cut short.