"If you sincerely admit your mistake, this King can forgive you this time, considering you were misled, and not hold you accountable."
As Chu Chenyi spoke, his gaze fiercely raked over Feng Jin. If it weren't for Feng Jin's instigation, Lin Yuwei would never have been so resolute in seeking a divorce from him.
This woman was truly a menace. He couldn't fathom how Ling Mohhan could tolerate Feng Jin.
Feng Jin put down the abacus in her hand, her fearless gaze meeting Chu Chenyi's. Sparks instantly ignited in the air. Feng Jin raised the ledger she held towards Chu Chenyi, making a gesture for him to pay his debts.
She was the creditor now. Had anyone ever heard of the debtor acting like the master? If she were truly angered, she wouldn't mind seeking money from Emperor Xuanwen. She wanted to see if the father would acknowledge the debts incurred by his son.
Having long experienced Feng Jin's formidable nature, Chu Chenyi dared not oppose her at this moment. He shifted his gaze to Lin Yuwei, who was filled with worry, and took her hand, attempting to lead her out.
He had to seize the opportunity while Lin Yuwei hadn't fully processed the situation and strike while the iron was hot.
"Sister Feng Jin..." As Lin Yuwei reached the doorway, she turned to look at Feng Jin, her eyes full of pleading.
After taking another step forward, Lin Yuwei abruptly stopped. With a sudden movement, she yanked her hand away from Chu Chenyi. "I don't want to go back with you!"
Lin Yuwei's strong reaction caused Chu Chenyi to freeze momentarily. His hand remained stiffly in the air, and he was suddenly at a loss as to what to do.
"I don't want to go back with you. Our marriage was a forced union. Since neither of us has feelings for the other, let's not force ourselves to stay together. We're only tormenting each other. Let's both let each other go."
Lin Yuwei's words entered Chu Chenyi's ears. In that instant, Chu Chenyi didn't know how to respond.
"Do you truly think this way?" Chu Chenyi's voice was extremely soft, his heart clenching painfully, his breathing trembling slightly. The air fell silent, every particle of dust seemingly waiting for Lin Yuwei's next words.
Lin Yuwei took a deep breath, suppressing the tears welling in her eyes. Her lips parted, and she uttered a single word: "Yes!"
An overwhelming sense of powerless defeat washed over Chu Chenyi. A void opened up in his heart, as if something had been lost.
Feng Jin, observing the scene between them, lowered her eyes. "Your Highness Prince Jing, you should leave first."
Chu Chenyi lifted his eyelids to glance at Lin Yuwei, his eyes revealing a complex, unconcealable emotion. "I... I'll leave now."
Lin Yuwei turned her head away. Her bright face was etched with stubborn pride, her last shred of dignity.
After Chu Chenyi had left, Feng Jin stepped forward, took Lin Yuwei's hand, and pulled her down to sit. "You should rest well for these next two days and relax your mind. We can talk about things later."
"I want to go home and tell my parents about this."
"Have you truly decided?" She could see that Lin Yuwei still held some feelings for Chu Chenyi, but she was currently too caught up in the situation.
She worried that after they truly divorced, both of them might regret it, and by then, it would be too late.
"From the moment I received the imperial decree granting me the marriage to Chu Chenyi, I abandoned all my hopes and aspirations. I had thought that, like most couples, we could live a life of mutual respect, and that would be the best outcome. But I never imagined... it would end like this."
"I went back today. I had gone with the intention of reconciliation, but I saw him conversing happily with another woman. I felt like a complete joke. Just yesterday, I was worried sick for him, but he was with another woman..."
Lin Yuwei's eyes reddened, tears welling up continuously, and she fought to keep them from falling. "Perhaps we truly aren't suited to be husband and wife. Cutting our losses now is the best outcome for both of us."
Her entire life, she had been taught one word: 'obedience'. She had never lived for herself. This time, she simply wanted to live according to her own desires, not to labor over trivial matters.
"You must consider this carefully and not have any regrets."
Once certain actions were taken, there was no turning back. Feng Jin only wished that Lin Yuwei would not regret her decision in the future.
"I understand. I will likely have to trouble you here for a few more days. Sister, please don't be annoyed with me."
Her current state wasn't suitable for returning to Pingyang Marquis Manor. She had no choice but to shamelessly stay here for a few more days.
"It's alright. If you wish to stay here permanently, you may. It will give you someone to talk to."
She was also idle at home. With Lin Yuwei around, she would have someone to converse with, which she would greatly welcome.
"If you need anything, just tell Cai Qing to prepare it for you. Consider this your own home, and don't be so reserved."
"Yes, thank you, Sister Feng Jin," Lin Yuwei replied with a smile, her mood significantly improved.
...
"Baby, come here... come find Mommy."
Feng Jin stood in front of Da Bao, holding a rattle to entice him to crawl forward.
Er Bao, on the other hand, was held in Lin Yuwei's arms. This little one was quite peculiar. For the past few days, he had only allowed Lin Yuwei to hold him. If anyone else tried, he would either cry or fuss incessantly. Even Feng Jin couldn't coax him, so they had simply let Lin Yuwei hold Er Bao continuously.
"Baby, you're so good." Feng Jin picked up Da Bao, who had crawled over, and planted an affectionate kiss on his cheek, making him giggle uncontrollably.
She glanced at the other little rascal, who hadn't even cast a glance in their direction, contentedly resting on Lin Yuwei's shoulder.
"Why do I feel like I gave birth to a son for you!" Feng Jin said with a hint of sourness.
After carrying her son for ten months, he was now indifferent to his own mother. How could this not break her heart?
Lin Yuwei playfully remarked, "Perhaps we are fated." She lifted Er Bao in her arms. "Isn't that right, little one?"
Er Bao maintained his aloof demeanor, not even offering Lin Yuwei a smile.
"Little fellow, you are truly like your father!" Lin Yuwei looked at Er Bao in her arms, his familiar face immediately bringing to mind Ling Mohhan's cold countenance.
Previously, she had only thought Er Bao resembled Feng Jin more. Now, it was clear he was identical to Ling Mohhan, without the slightest deviation. Truly father and son; not only did they share the same features, but their personalities were also identical.
In comparison, Lin Yuwei preferred Da Bao. His lively and adorable appearance was incredibly endearing, and she was sure he would be popular with girls in the future.
"He's practically a replica of Ling Mohhan, exactly like his father."
Despite being twins, their personalities were vastly different. If they hadn't looked so alike, Feng Jin would have doubted if these two little ones were truly twins.