The four young women were led by palace maids to two adjacent side rooms, each already prepared with tea by the palace maids.

As for who was assigned to which room, it turned out to be quite simple: the Princess of Jing shared a room with Dong Gong Ruoshu, while Yin Tingxue shared a room with Lin Wanxiao.

Yin Tingxue held the teacup in her hands and studied the slightly reserved Lin Family Young Lady before her, silently pondering:

Isn't this wife pairing with wife, and concubine pairing with concubine?

Though Chen Yi had mentioned wanting to take her as his wife back then, the little fox sometimes fantasized about being the mistress of the house, but deep down, she never truly believed she would become a proper wife.

Even though being a "wife of equal standing" sounded much better, with a status significantly higher, compared to a proper wife, it was essentially just another form of concubine.

Yin Tingxue had always been someone who disliked conflict or competition, and after spending so many years with Chen Yi, she no longer aspired to be anyone's proper wife.

She knew she lacked the ability to command respect, to win loyalty, or to handle disputes in messy situations like a battlefield. Without those qualities, how could she ever possibly become the primary wife?

Besides, Yin Tingxue knew she was soft-hearted by nature. Being soft-hearted had its advantages, such as influencing Chen Yi through gentle persuasion during pillow talk. But it also had its disadvantages, like being outmatched in disputes, with no capacity for aggression, only able to mediate peacefully when conflict arose.

Now, as she shared a room with Lin Wanxiao, Yin Tingxue's impression of her was rather positive.

Perhaps it was because both of them were equally gentle-natured.

Not because neither of them had much of a chest.

After the palace maid finished preparing the tea, Yin Tingxue personally carried a cup over to her. Lin Wanxiao accepted it with a soft thanks.

The young lady's eyes reflected the image of a youthful girl—rosy complexion, smooth forehead, and a hint of baby fat. It even seemed like she'd gained a little weight since their last meeting.

Lowering her gaze, Lin Wanxiao saw her own pallid face in the tea, her cheeks as white as paper, her cheekbones slightly protruding, and the joints of her fingers clearly defined as she held the tea bowl.

Widowhood truly wore a person down…

Hearing Lin Wanxiao's sense of melancholy, Yin Tingxue spoke up: "Lady Lin, why are you so despondent?"

Lin Wanxiao lifted her face, instinctively replied: "Oh, it's nothing… just trivial worries of a woman left alone in her chamber."

Taking a sip of tea, she continued: "You… you are so beautiful. Even more beautiful than before."

Being praised for her beauty, especially by someone who herself was quite radiant, filled Yin Tingxue with a happy warmth within:

"I eat well at home, and I… I sleep decently too. When we met at the poetry gathering before, I was full of worries and consumed by anxiety, always hunting for clues and feeling utterly uneasy."

The time the girl referred to was before the political upheaval at the Lin residence, during the poetry gathering.

Back then, Lin Wanxiao had yet to enter widowhood.

The girl had just lost her beloved flower on that occasion.

As time passed, their situations seemed to have reversed; Yin Tingxue now rarely had worries, while Lin Wanxiao was weighed down by many troubles.

Lin Wanxiao took her words to heart, and now, as the girl was in the first blush of youth, Lin Wanxiao could hardly call herself old—she was only nineteen. Both should have been in the prime of their lives, yet this comparison made her feel as though fate had played a cruel trick on her. Sorrow welled up within her, sparking deep reflection. No wonder so many widows renounced the world to become nuns; survey the familial sisters, and only she seemed like… the unattractive one.

The north wind rattled the doors and windows, its anguished howl jolting her awake. Her complexion darkened: a widow she was, bound to this fate. How could she concern herself with outward appearances any longer?

"Lady Lin, what's the matter now?" Yin Tingxue asked at the right moment.

Lin Wanxiao came to her senses and sighed: "I am a widow, yet my thoughts stray to comparing myself with your beauty. How shameful—I should focus on my widowhood instead of dwelling on such superficial things!"

Yin Tingxue reflected aloud: "Women adorn themselves to please those who admire them, after all."

Lin Wanxiao shuddered: "I haven't been defiled yet, don't twist my words into undue meaning!"

Yin Tingxue: "…"

She had merely made an observation, yet Lin Family Young Lady had unexpectedly veered into talk of chastity.

Lin Wanxiao realized she had misspoken and flushed red, murmuring:

"The drink must have gone to my head earlier; please excuse my foolish words."

Yin Tingxue stifled her amusement. The soft yet not overly pliable nature of Lin Family Young Lady's personality made her exactly the type that Chen Yi would easily manipulate. He was remarkably adept at dealing with such individuals. The only problem later might be how frail the young lady's physique was, not suited to endurance under stress.

However, Chen Yi had improved quite a bit now, and there did seem to be some mutual affection between him and Lin Wanxiao. To continue as a widow was such a waste.

The little fox swirled her eyes and gently suggested:

"Lady Lin's complexion looks pale, and continuing on like this is no solution.

Do you recall Zhuo Wenjun remarrying Sima Xiangru? It became the celebrated tale of 'Phoenix Seeking Its Mate.' What do you think of such a story?

Chen Yi… he's doing so well now, worthy as a decent husband. Welcoming you into his home could work—I'm sure the Cui family would also consent…"

"…I don't wish for that," Lin Wanxiao said deliberately, one word at a time. "Lady, you should not speak of such matters before a mere widow."

Yin Tingxue pondered quietly for a long while.

After Lin Wanxiao calmed herself and slowly sipped her tea, Yin Tingxue said:

"If you don't wish for it, then so be it. Chen Yi has improved now; he won't behave recklessly. He has grown into something of a gentleman. If there's no mutual love between you two, he certainly wouldn't force the matter. Moreover, he's well-mannered. I'll speak to him later and persuade him to sever ties with you completely, sparing your reputation from harm."

Lin Wanxiao blinked in surprise. Reputation being preserved should have brought relief, yet for some inexplicable reason, it left her feeling unsettled inside.

Yin Tingxue continued earnestly:

"Besides, your family background is fairly modest, and though you're considered attractive, years of widowhood have taken a toll on your beauty. He's the kind of man who likely wouldn't be interested in you…"

Her words, neither overly harsh nor too lenient, fell with a subtle sting, leaving Lin Wanxiao frozen in place.

Even though every statement from Yin Tingxue was logical and considerate of her reputation, it felt as though each one was like a needle probing deeply into her heart.

Lin Wanxiao's face stiffened, unsure how to respond or refute.

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