Xinrong nodded seriously.

Niannian is right, women don't need men to live.

She had made this decision long before that incident, and her father and mother knew it too. Being robbed by bandits was ultimately a shameful thing, and it had also damaged her very foundation. No family would accept such a daughter-in-law.

Given her physical condition, if she were to marry, her in-laws would complain; if she didn't marry, there would be gossip and she would be criticized. So why didn't she choose the freest option?

She knew why her father and mother sent her to the palace, but she really didn't care about the rumors. She knew there would be a lot of rumors after she made that decision, and she had prepared for it long ago.

But seeing how much they worried about her day and night, and how much older they looked, and not wanting to worry them, and since Niannian and the others happened to be in the palace, she went along with their wishes and entered the palace.

Moreover, what's the point of getting married if you can't marry the person you love?

It seems he probably won't get married...

Since he has fallen in love with Nian Nian, he probably can't see or love anyone else.

She knew that Niannian possessed an invisible magic that made everyone like him just by standing there, including women. It was no wonder that he had fallen for him.

However, she never expected that someone as aloof and detached as him, untouched by worldly affairs, would actually fall in love with someone else.

She felt that someone like him should be held high and admired by everyone. She was just one of the despicable voyeurs, quietly watching him from the shadows. She never thought of pulling him down from his pedestal; she was unworthy.

That's it...

She wouldn't marry, and he wouldn't take her in; it seemed strangely fitting. She secretly saw this as another form of fulfillment.

Sensing the determination in Xinrong's words, Shen Nianqing'er was at a loss for words.

It was already difficult enough to help Xinrong get through it back then, and it's even more difficult for her to be able to live a good life, return to normal, and laugh and talk with them now. Moreover, they know what Xinrong is thinking.

This era was so harsh on women; they were lucky enough to encounter a tolerant Empress Dowager and other very kind people.

"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. Qing'er, you're getting married tomorrow, so you should get some rest early, otherwise your groom will see a haggard bride tomorrow."

Knowing that the two cared about her, Xinrong smiled in the darkness, her eyes filled with relief. As long as they were happy, that was enough.

The girls nestled together and successfully fell into a deep sleep once again.

...

"Qing'er, Sister Xinrong, why are you awake so early?"

Chen Nian subconsciously reached out to touch her side. After being pulled back from the brink of death, she went back to sleep with Qing'er, but all she felt was a coldness. She touched the other side, and it was still cold. Xin Rong hadn't gotten up either.

He groggily opened his eyes and began searching for the two figures in the room. Looking around, he spotted Qing'er sitting not far away, surrounded by a group of palace maids applying makeup, and Xinrong, who had just finished washing up and came out of the bathroom.

As expected, Xiao Yanzi and Cai Lian should also be getting ready in the other two rooms.

They're a group of girlfriends today, so they need to dress up a bit.

Chen Nian shook his heavy, sleepy head and glanced out the window. It was still dark, and the only light came from lanterns and candles.

Chen Nian curled up in the blankets again, feeling like she hadn't slept for long, and how time had flown by so quickly, it was time to get up.

She's still asleep.

"It's getting late, it's already past 3 AM."