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Chapter 840: The Marriage System
Chapter 840: The Marriage System
Chapter 840: The Marriage System
Editor: Henyee Translations
Xu’s father and Xu’s mother quickly stepped forward to help their son up, feeling angry but not daring to express it. With so many people around, they felt it was unfair that their small family was being bullied.
After lifting Xu Changfu up, Xu’s mother caught sight of Xu’s wife sitting on the chair and became furious, rushing towards her.
“You wretched woman! You failed to protect your child and even tattled, losing
all our family’s face!”
Seeing Xu’s mother approaching in such a manner, Xu’s wife reflexively became scared, her body trembling, her face pale, and she curled up.
Xia Zongxian, standing aside, drew his sword to block Xu’s mother, shouting sternly, “How dare you!”
Xu’s mother was startled, her impulsive anger fading, leaving only fear behind.
Xu’s father was also frightened, quickly stepping forward to pull Xu’s mother back, realizing that if they continued this way, not only would they not be able to save their son, they might also end up in trouble themselves.
Seeing the two retreat, Qin Yuming stepped forward, his face cold, asking, “Xu Changfu, do you realize your mistake?”
Xu Changfu, with his waist bent and neck stiff, stubbornly said, “I don’t see any wrongdoing.”
Qin Yuming, expressionless, thought to himself that some people never realize
their faults until it’s too late. “Is Xu’s wife your spouse?”
Xu Changfu nodded, “Yes.”
Qin Yuming continued, “She was three months pregnant and lost the baby due to your beating an hour ago. Do you admit your mistake?”
Xu Changfu argued, “I don’t think I’m in the wrong. First, it’s natural for me to discipline my wife. Secondly, I only punched her in the stomach; it must have been her fault for not protecting the child properly. She’s stirring up trouble to turn you against me.”
“And lastly, she has an affair with Xu Weichun from our village. She must have wanted to use this as an excuse to get rid of the child and be with that man.”
His explanation was clear and well-structured, showing no sign of confusion.
Xu’s wife, trembling with anger, said, “He’s slandering me! My relationship with Brother Weichun is pure. There’s nothing of what he describes!”
She grabbed Chu Qingzhi’s sleeve, pleading, “Sister Qingzhi, I did nothing wrong. I’m innocent, I haven’t done anything to wrong Xu Changfu.”
Chu Qingzhi patted Xu’s wife’s shoulder, reassuring her, “I believe you. Don’t be agitated; your health is more important.”
She then turned to Xu Changfu, her gaze intimidating, “Firstly, it’s wrong to hit anyone, be it your parents or your spouse and child. There’s nothing righteous about it.”
“Secondly, the child died from a severe blow, not because she didn’t protect it.
On the contrary, she sought medical attention immediately when she felt unwell, showing her intent to save the child.”
“Lastly, catch the thief red-handed; did you see them being intimate?” Xu Changfu was left speechless, unable to defend himself, his lips tightly sealed but his face showing defiance.
Chu Qingzhi signaled Qin Yuming.
Qin Yuming nodded slightly, then said to Xu Changfu, “Speak now if you have anything to say. Everyone is here, you won’t be wronged.”
Xu’s mother stepped forward, “Affairs are conducted in secret. How could anyone see?”
Qin Yuming countered, “If no one saw it, how did you come to know about it?”
Xu’s mother aggressively replied, “Truth can’t be hidden.”
Qin Yuming concluded, “So you’ve decided they had an affair?
Xu’s mother firmly said, “Yes.”
Qin Yuming looked up, asking loudly, “Is anyone here from Xu’s village?”
“Yes.” Xu Weichun, along with about a dozen villagers, stepped forward, Sir, we all are from Xu’s village.”
Xu Weichun’s wife also spoke up, “Sir, Madam Chu, Xu’s mother is slandering them. My husband and Xu’s wife are innocent. Whenever they met, I was present. Would they dare to do such things in front of me?”
With Xu Weichun’s wife’s testimony, everyone believed in their innocence. After all, no wife would tolerate her husband being unfaithful right in front of her.
“The truth is now clear.” Qin Yuming glanced at Xu Changfu, then asked Xu’s wife, “What do you wish to do?”
Xu’s wife, resolute, said, “I want a divorce.”
Xu’s mother was provoked again, screaming, “I won’t agree to a divorce, only
to disown her!”
Divorce and disownment were seen differently.
A divorce did not significantly harm a woman’s reputation, allowing her the possibility of remarriage. It implied she was innocent.
Disownment suggested the woman had committed a serious offense, such as infidelity or failing to care for her in-laws, which could devastate her reputation, making remarriage almost impossible and subjecting her to societal scorn. Even women from noble families couldn’t escape condemnation if disowned.
Xu Changfu roared, “Right, I’ll never agree to a divorce, only disownment!”
The situation became tense…
Chu Qingzhi suddenly said, “If he doesn’t agree to a divorce, then disown the husband!”
This suggestion shocked all the men present!
Since ancient times, there had never been a case of disowning a husband. What was Chu Qingzhi planning?
What indeed?
In her territory, she planned to enforce an equal marital system.
In the village, monogamy was the norm, simplifying the implementation of such a system.
“Listen up, from today, if a married couple wishes to separate, they may apply for a divorce through official channels.”
“Firstly, if it’s a mutual agreement, assets are divided equally, though one party may voluntarily relinquish their share.”
“Secondly, regarding child custody, children under three will stay with their mother by default. For children aged three to seven, custody will be negotiated; those older can choose whom to live with.”
“Thirdly, in cases of misconduct, assets will be divided accordingly, even possibly not at all.”
“Fourthly, those in dire financial straits post-divorce may seek assistance.”
“Fifthly…”
Chu Qingzhi’s voice, amplified by her spiritual energy, reached everyone clearly.
Men began to worry, while women felt relieved; all these provisions favored them.
For a long time, women had been oppressed and treated unfairly. What Chu Qingzhi proposed was merely fairness, yet it felt revolutionary to them.
“Is everything clear?” Chu Qingzhi asked firmly.
No one objected.
Xu Changfu, desperate, shouted, “I agree to a divorce, but you can’t take anything!”
Xu’s wife immediately responded, “I want nothing but the divorce.
Chu Qingzhi signaled to Qin Yuming, who drafted a divorce agreement, had both parties imprint their handprints, and then archived it, effectively dissolving their marriage.
“Shameless woman, see who would want you after this!” Xu Changfu cursed Xu’s wife, then pushed through the crowd and left.
Xu’s father and Xu’s mother dared not say anything more. With Chu Qingzhi supporting Xu’s wife, they knew they would be at a disadvantage. Watching their son run away, they too left the scene, grumbling and complaining as they went.