Demoted to Concubine? She Hurled the Divorce Papers

Su Ran, the eldest daughter of the Marquis of Yong’an, spent four years managing the General’s Manor while her husband, Shen Que, fought at the frontier. She supported the household financially with her dowry, cared for her mother-in-law, and raised her sister-in-law, all while waiting for Shen Que’s return. When he finally came back victorious, he brought with him Nan Le Xi, a princess of Xilong Kingdom, and their three-year-old son. Shen Que informed Su Ran that Le Xi would be the principal wife and Su Ran would be demoted to secondary wife, claiming that Le Xi had saved his life and that they shared a true love. Su Ran refused to accept this demotion, reminding him of his wedding vows and her four years of devotion.

The confrontation escalated when Su Ran discovered that her mother-in-law had known about Le Xi and the child all along but kept the secret to continue benefiting from Su Ran’s dowry. Enraged by the deception and ingratitude, Su Ran struck Shen Que when he attempted to discipline her maid, Chun Xing, after the child kicked her. She declared that the General’s Manor was not worthy of her and that she would never be a concubine. Despite Shen Que’s assertion that the Emperor had already decreed Le Xi as the principal wife, Su Ran remained resolute in her refusal.

Following the argument, Su Ran retreated to her courtyard and began preparing for a life independent of the Shen family. She retrieved her dowry accounts and land deeds, realizing that the General’s Manor had consumed sixteen thousand taels of her silver over four years. When confronted by Madam Shen and her daughter Shen Shuxue, who demanded she continue funding their lifestyle, Su Ran refused and presented them with an account book demanding repayment. The family reacted with hostility, revealing their true nature and threatening her with social ruin if she attempted a divorce.

Shen Que, initially dismissive of Su Ran’s threats, found himself confronted with her determination. Su Ran submitted a Letter of Separation, but Shen Que tore it up, believing that as a woman without family backing, she could not survive outside the marriage. He and his mother plotted to consummate the marriage to bind Su Ran to them, hoping that a child would force her submission. Meanwhile, Shen Zhao, the concubine-born younger brother who had been supported by Su Ran’s kindness, defended her honor against his brother’s accusations of impropriety.

As tensions rose, Su Ran recognized the danger posed by Nan Le Xi’s entourage and the Shen family’s willingness to harm her. She began making plans to protect herself, including a scheme to intercept Shen Que on his return to duty. The story follows Su Ran’s transformation from a submissive wife to a woman willing to fight for her dignity, as she navigates the political and social pressures of the capital while preparing to sever ties with the family that exploited her for four years.