Lin Yuwei swallowed back the words that had reached her lips. In her eyes, Chu Chenyi had long since changed his heart.
The moment she became pregnant, Chu Chenyi couldn't wait to get involved with those messy women outside. It was better to see Chu Chenyi's true colors sooner and wake herself up earlier, rather than to fall deeply in love with him, only to realize what kind of person he was later.
At the very least, by seeing Chu Chenyi's true face now, she would no longer harbor any unrealistic fantasies.
Perhaps this outcome was the best for her. At least she had a child to keep her company, which was better than having nothing.
"Sister Feng Jin, I understand what you're saying, but... but I don't want to trust Chu Chenyi again and again, to continue having illusions about him, and to have them shattered repeatedly. In the end, it's myself who gets hurt. It's better for me and the child if I see clearly now."
Lin Yuwei reached out to caress her swollen abdomen, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. With her child, she had no other desires in this life.
"Sister Feng Jin, perhaps I once fantasized about receiving my husband's love, but after so much, I've seen through it all. Love and affection are intangible and elusive things. Now that I have this child, I am content and no longer wish for anything more."
Feng Jin sighed helplessly. It was hard for an upright official to settle family disputes, let alone matters of the heart. These were inherently between two people, and as an outsider, she naturally found it difficult to intervene.
As the saying goes, a forcefully twisted melon will not be sweet. If the two of them had no feelings for each other, forcing them together would only lead to mutual disdain.
If they had separated before the child was conceived, she would have wholeheartedly supported it. However, the situation was completely different now. With the child between them, they were already bound by inextricable ties.
"Then you wish to..."
Feng Jin intended to ask clearly, but the words at her lips were interrupted by Lin Yuwei.
"No... I will not divorce him!" Lin Yuwei said with finality. Her marriage to Chu Chenyi was a decree from the Empress Dowager.
From the moment they married, she and Chu Chenyi were inextricably linked, and the Pingyang Marquis's estate was also implicated. Their affairs were no longer just their own; every move they made affected everyone.
Therefore, she had long since understood. She had lived a sheltered life in her previous years, protected and doted upon by her parents.
But now she had grown up. She had to live for the Pingyang Marquis's estate; she had to protect it.
As long as she firmly occupied the position of Princess Consort Jing, or even became the most noble Empress, the glory of the Pingyang Marquis's estate would continue to endure.
"Sister Feng Jin, I must firmly secure the position of Princess Consort Jing. The child in my womb is my final bargaining chip, and the future glory of the Pingyang Marquis's estate."
Since she could not gain her husband's wholehearted love, she might as well not have it. In the days to come, she would dedicate herself to safeguarding her own honor.
"All right... as you wish..."
At least now she had something to strive for; if she encountered difficulties, she would have the motivation to live. It was better than a heart turned to ash, with nothing to care about.
Feng Jin gave Lin Yuwei a few more instructions, urging her to rest well, before slowly standing up to leave.
After exiting the room, Feng Jin went directly to the front hall. Chu Chenyi, who had been waiting there, eagerly approached her the moment he saw her, bombarding her with questions.
He incessantly asked about Lin Yuwei's condition and the child in her womb, wishing he could ask the same questions two or three times before being satisfied.
"For now, mother and child are safe."
"What do you mean 'for now'? What about afterward? Will they then be in danger?"
Once this thought entered his mind, Chu Chenyi's heart gave a violent tremor, as if he had lost something. He appeared completely distraught.
"A woman's body is naturally frail during pregnancy, and her emotions are unstable. She becomes more prone to anxiety. The moment she became pregnant, you couldn't wait to mingle with other women, and she witnessed it with her own eyes. Anyone else would be furious under such circumstances!"
"Moreover... moreover, she is already pregnant. How could she endure such a shock? Naturally, she would be enraged, which caused her to miscarry and experience unbearable abdominal pain. Fortunately, the treatment was timely, and for now, there are no serious issues!"
Feng Jin intentionally exaggerated the situation to instill a sense of guilt in Chu Chenyi. After all, a man's guilt was a woman's greatest weapon.
After all, they were sisters. She couldn't bear to see Lin Yuwei suffering day after day. If she remained heartbroken, it would be a great harm to both the child and her body.
She would help if she could, she couldn't just watch Lin Yuwei sink deeper and deeper.
As expected, Chu Chenyi's face turned pale upon hearing these words, his eyes betraying his hidden panic.
His lips also turned slightly pale, and he opened them slightly, "How is she now?"
From beginning to end, Chu Chenyi's lips were always on Lin Yuwei's name, rarely mentioning the child in her womb. This showed that Lin Yuwei already held a significant place in his heart.
Feng Jin lowered her gaze slightly, feigning a sorrowful demeanor. "Her emotions have temporarily stabilized, but she is still deeply troubled, and it will be difficult to resolve her inner turmoil anytime soon. I am just worried... worried if her body can withstand this if it continues!"
As expected, the moment these words were spoken, Chu Chenyi could no longer sit still. He abruptly stood up, his hands clenched at his sides, and made to rush out. However, after taking a step, he retracted his foot.
Lin Yuwei's current state was entirely due to his actions. She was undoubtedly angry. If he were to approach rashly, it would not ease her distress; instead, it might make her angrier.
Thinking of this, Chu Chenyi slowly withdrew his steps forward.
Finally, his gaze fell on Feng Jin. He looked at her as if she were a life-saving straw, refusing to let go.
"I... what should I... should I do now?"
Feng Jin was taken aback by his question. What should he do? She herself didn't know. Why was he suddenly asking her this?