Here is the English translation of the provided text:

```html

Is Lin Wanxiao easy to persuade?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no.

A traditional and refined woman like her rarely loses control. Her emotions come and go quickly, even in moments of agitation. It's mostly thanks to the upbringing of the family nanny, who taught her never to be a jealous sort of woman.

At the core, it's still an issue of status and identity. If she were a princess or a noblewoman, even with a nanny's teachings, she'd act as she pleased and the nanny wouldn't dare enforce strict discipline. But someone like Lin Wanxiao? She is held to much stricter standards, with close attention paid not only to external behavior but also to internal character.

Yet Chen Yi leaned against her ear, holding her tightly, his gentle whispers soothing her nerves. Though tears still adorned her cheeks, her heart was already softening.

After crying, the mind becomes somewhat muddled. Lin Wanxiao was no exception. Nestled in Chen Yi's embrace, her raw and genuine emotions surfaced—a tortured yearning born from the restraints of propriety imposed on a woman.

Half-dazed, she momentarily forgot her concerns over chastity. All she felt was the warmth of his embrace.

Lin Wanxiao clutched the scented sachet tightly and extended her hand to pass it.

The sachet was crafted from blue silk and rain-patterned embroidery, adorned with text, not flowers.

Chen Yi noticed it, quietly holding her, even wishing to pull her delicate frame closer. As he reached out his hand to take the sachet, suddenly a sharp jab hit his waist.

It was Yin Tingxue poking him.

Chen Yi turned his head, stopping mid-motion.

In the flickering light of the palace lanterns,

a striking figure adorned in fire-patterned blue robes stood elegantly under the crescent moon temple. It was none other than Yin Weiyin, her impossibly beautiful face stunned as she looked at Chen Yi and Lin Wanxiao.

Lin Wanxiao seemed startled awake and reflexively tried to snatch the sachet back, though it had already fallen into Chen Yi's hand. She bit her lip in frustration.

Chen Yi withdrew his hand, feeling slightly awkward as he loosened his grip on Lin Wanxiao. He ran his fingers through his hair, turning to Yin Weiyin to say:

"You're here?"

On any ordinary day, Chen Yi might have ignored propriety and held Lin Wanxiao close, yet he'd promised to respect Yin Weiyin in public. Besides, after everything they'd been through together, it didn't hurt to pacify her for the moment.

As the lantern light swayed, Yin Weiyin regained her composure. Seeing him embracing another unfamiliar woman filled her with sourness.

Her face betrayed no emotion, though she glanced briefly at Lin Wanxiao. She remembered the Lin Family Young Lady from their encounter in the underground palace, forming a passing impression. Now, seeing Chen Yi entangled with her, it was both logical yet unexpected.

The noblewomen of Great Yin prided themselves on not being petty or jealous, especially as first wives. They were meant to embody grace and magnanimity. Yin Weiyin obediently suppressed the bitterness in her heart, offering a polite bow and saying:

"Greetings, Lady Lin."

The young widow's pale cheeks flushed red at these words. Her freshly cried eyes were reddened further, her mind buzzing with confusion. That "Lady Lin"—was she being addressed as someone's wife?

Her thoughts scattered, she forgot her manners and merely let out an "Mm."

Yin Weiyin's brows furrowed slightly but said nothing, naturally taking the seat beside Chen Yi.

Chen Yi returned to his seat and noticed Lin Wanxiao was still close to tears. He leaned over and whispered soothingly into her ear:

"What I promised, I will keep."

As the words landed, warmth seeped into Lin Wanxiao's heart. Yet in the same breath, she was brought back to reality—she was still dressed in mourning attire.

She whirled around abruptly, blurting:

"I don't want you to keep it..."

The words fell upon the seating. Yin Weiyin's brows furrowed again.

Earlier, she had respectfully bowed as the first wife, and while the widow hadn't responded, that could be overlooked. But now, Chen Yi had kindly coaxed her, and yet she remained ungrateful.

Did she not realize how long Yin Weiyin had waited to experience even a shred of gentleness from Chen Yi?

The female crown's mind surged with thoughts, hesitating briefly before carefully choosing her words:

"What troubles weigh on Lady Lin's heart? Since we're all one family now, why not share?"

One family...

Those words struck Lin Wanxiao like lightning.

She turned her head away, wiped off her tears, and composed herself. Finally, she answered:

"Yin Immortal... Long time no see. I am but a mourning widow, no more than a daughter from the Cui household, my maternal family."

It was nothing but a refusal to face the truth within.

Yin Weiyin gazed at her, a cold smile flickering at the depths of her eyes. Her tone remained serene as she replied:

"I see. This meeting today is serendipity indeed. Such beautiful moments should not be wasted. A new year is coming, the past is soon to be behind us. Let bygones be bygones; why wallow in sorrow?"

The candid advice reached Lin Wanxiao's ears, clouding her face with a mix of emotions. Though she calmed down, the tear within her heart was undeniable.

On one end, the bindings of propriety pulled her back, while on the other end, her newfound emotions pulled her forward, splitting her in two. No wonder in *Peony Pavilion*, Du Liniang was written to die of lovesickness—only death, that ultimate act, could resolve the impasse between duty and passion.

"Why would I wallow in sorrow? Even as a widow, I laugh and smile."

She raised her tea bowl and forced herself to smile:

"Years come and years go, spring winds and autumn moons pass by idly."

?

Yin Weiyin furrowed her brows again. She spoke of joy in widowhood, yet here she sobbed—wasn't this an insinuation that Chen Yi disturbed her peaceful life?

Going further, wasn't this her veiled way of blaming Yin Weiyin for meddling?

Whatever the case, this widow seemed like she wanted the best of both worlds—stepping outside the bounds but still keeping up appearances, pushing others away while deliberately pulling Chen Yi closer.

They hadn't even ventured into the Jianghu, yet here they were dealing with a master manipulator.

Weighing her words carefully, Yin Weiyin said: "These matters are no secret; both you and I know them well. If widowhood truly brings joy, why are there so many widows hanging from rafters? Let's be plain—if you're with him, I won't object.

I may be his wife, but you needn't implore me or feel indebted to me. You're a good woman—I trust you'll take good care of him."

Her words, though measured, were far from cordial. Chen Yi noticed the shift in tone, glancing first at Yin Weiyin and then at Lin Wanxiao.

Lin Wanxiao froze briefly, then suddenly broke into a wry smile. "Madam? So you're Madam Chen. Well, well, such a fine couple—may your love last for centuries."

Chen Yi raised his hand quickly, wanting to speak, but before he could:

The words hovered in the air as Lin Wanxiao's gaze softened toward Chen Yi. She offered a formal bow, saying:

"Since you have a wife, you must indeed be a match made in heaven. As for me, a mere widow, I shouldn't intrude."

After speaking, tears welled in Lin Wanxiao's eyes. She cast a lingering glance at Chen Yi before standing up abruptly and rushing out of the room, turning her back and leaving without hesitation.

Yin Weiyin stared at Chen Yi, her delicate lips pressed tightly together, scrutinizing his reaction.

Chen Yi watched her leave, then turned back to Yin Weiyin. Her face was dark with anger, clearly irked by Lin Wanxiao's response. Chen Yi's mind raced, and suddenly, he looked relieved, flashing Yin Weiyin a grin:

"The phoenix has settled my troubles."

Yin Weiyin's expression softened somewhat. She clasped her fox spirit's hand and remarked:

"She doesn't appreciate kindness."

The female crown initially feared Chen Yi might confront her. But to her surprise, his tone was gentle—it even carried traces of warmth.

It seemed he still sided with her.

Chen Yi offered a few comforting words, soothing Yin Weiyin's mood. Then, as if by accident, he touched the sachet—the blue one Lin Wanxiao had just handed him.

Sighing, he said: "Ah, she left something behind with me. I should return it."

Yin Weiyin frowned, recognizing it as Lin Wanxiao's sachet, feeling something was off. Yet she had no grounds to protest, so she simply nodded.

Chen Yi rose and walked away.

The fox spirit glanced at the departing Chen Yi, then at Yin Weiyin with a hint of sweet satisfaction, letting out a small sigh in her heart.

Chen Yi quickly found a palace maid and asked about Lin Wanxiao's whereabouts.

The private banquet hadn't started yet; Lin Wanxiao couldn't have left the royal palace. She wouldn't have gone far—sure enough, Chen Yi spotted her near the edge of Lianyin Lake.

Lin Wanxiao stood dazedly by the lake, unmoving.

Chen Yi approached with a smile: "Are you feeding the fish?"

Lin Wanxiao flinched, coming back to herself, muttering harshly: "I'll feed them for you to see."

She strode toward the lake, bent down near the edge, hesitating and pulling back repeatedly. She made several attempts, steeling countless decisions in an instant, yet still finding herself unable to jump.

Chen Yi wrapped his arms around her from behind.

Lin Wanxiao struggled violently: "Let go of me, I want to jump..."

She shoved Chen Yi away, using her palms, elbows, and arms to push against his chest. The faint pain rippled through him.

"Don't be childish," Chen Yi frowned.

"Who's childish?" Lin Wanxiao fought him even harder.

She punched Chen Yi continuously, her teary face filled with anguish. Finally, she lunged forward, causing Chen Yi to stumble back and releasing her.

Lin Wanxiao froze momentarily—she had managed to push Chen Yi away.

Chen Yi spread his hands, full of helplessness. "Fine, I won't bother with you anymore."

"Wha-what?" Lin Wanxiao's beautiful eyes widened.

"Fine, just jump, jump, jump." Chen Yi waved his hand, gesturing for her to proceed.

Lin Wanxiao couldn't believe her ears, pointing at herself dazedly and murmuring: "You're telling me to jump?"

"What else? Shall I join you in a lover's suicide?" Chen Yi countered, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.

Lin Wanxiao couldn't fathom hearing such words from him. She froze in shock before biting her lip and spinning on her heel.

Kneeling down, she looked at her reflection in the lake water. A desolate smile spread across her face as she gathered her resolve to leap.

"Ah, I forgot about this."

A voice interrupted her. Lin Wanxiao's heart racing, she turned her gaze toward it.

Through tear-blurred eyes, she saw him holding up the blue sachet in his hand, making a motion to cast it away.

"If you jump, I'll toss this away too," he said leisurely.

Lin Wanxiao froze, realizing that he was threatening to discard the sachet she had painstakingly stitched.

He was really going to throw it away?

If she ended her life, he still wouldn't care enough to keep a memento?

The young widow's voice quivered: "Give… give it back!"

"Are you jumping or not?"

"I'll jump, I'll jump! But give it back to me first."

"If I return it and you still jump, then how is that any different from me tossing it? It's pointless either way," Chen Yi said, taking a step back and mimicking the motion of throwing.

"You… you…"

Lin Wanxiao shuffled away from the lake, making her decision at last:

"Fine, I won't jump!"

Chen Yi stepped forward and hugged her tightly.

She squirmed, attempting to break free, but Chen Yi pressed a firm hand against the back of her head. Before she could react, his lips harshly met hers.

She trembled under his lips.

Shame, sadness, frustration, and a flicker of rekindled affection surged through her. The kiss overwhelmed her, quieting her struggles until, as the kiss broke, she stared at him in stunned silence.

Like the moment of their parting.

Chen Yi grazed her nose with his fingertip, speaking softly: "I told you—I won't forget you."

Lin Wanxiao's messy thoughts came to a halt. Her lips parted as if to speak a thousand words, but she could only manage a simple: "Mm."

Cradled in his arms, she surrendered, lost in her torn emotions. Etiquette and sentiment tangled within her, a cruel knot she couldn't untie. In the past, Chen Yi might have ignored the complications, allowing another fleeting romance to blossom.

But today, he wanted to cherish what lay before him.

Lin Wanxiao lifted her glistening eyes, unknowingly grabbed his hand holding the sachet, then quickly recoiled as if burned, retreating several steps in instinctive panic.

Watching her reaction, Chen Yi knew he had succeeded…

The battlefield of love,

successfully resolved!

A faint smile crept across his face. Whatever storms brewed over this private banquet, he believed they could be calmed.

The cold wind rippled across Lianyin Lake, stirring its waters like writhing dragons.

Chen Yi, still so young,

had no idea how long this New Year's Eve night would stretch ahead.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.