Even after Jinyu left the main hall, her body remained tense. Her gaze fell on the spilled tea on the table. Since the incident between Yun Zhengfu and the second young lady, Jinyu appeared to be slowly changing. She first sent Jin Mo away, leading to the concubine’s illness and eventual death. Then she married Yun Zhengfu and neglected him. The subsequent changes grew more pronounced.

Jinyu had been aware of the communication between Yun Zhengfu and the second young lady over the past two years, despite their belief that it was hidden from her. She kept this knowledge to herself, contributing to Yun Zhengfu’s neglect.

As the Jin family’s housekeeper, initially aligned with the second young lady Jin Mo, she witnessed Jinyu’s transformation and her ability to develop and expand the Jin family. The housekeeper admired Jinyu’s talents.

Why would a person change so much? The housekeeper sighed, realizing that past events had profoundly impacted Jinyu.

#

Jinyu walked alone in the gallery. Besides her footsteps and the whistling wind, the silence enveloped her. She was reluctant to return to this home and even less willing to see her husband.

Not only because she was not the previous Jinyu or a person in the cold and ruthless Jin family, but also because Yun Mei had cuckolded Jinyu. For two years, the housekeeper had helped Yun Mei and Jin Mo communicate secretly. Although she never dealt with it, it was a constant thorn in her heart. Even without feelings for Yun Mei, being cuckolded for years would upset any woman. Jinyu found Yun Mei’s behavior disgusting.

Though unwilling to live in this home, Jinyu stayed at the Jin family most nights, only spending a few nights each month at Suxi’s place.

The wind whistled. Even with a thick fur coat, Jinyu felt cold, not just physically, but her heart was also chilled.

She had guessed most of what happened two years ago and knew the whole story. When Jinyu sent Jin Mo away, it was not just because of Yun Mei, but also other reasons. In a large family estate, complicated entanglements were inevitable.

Wists of incense bloomed in the burner, rising like clouds. The pearl curtain hung to the ground. On the carved bed, a light pink bed canopy draped over a young man reclining inside.