IDWBE -Chapter 585 The “Leftover” Woman

The imperial garden was filled with the chirping of orioles and swallows, each concubine as beautiful as a blooming flower.

Lin Yi was so entranced that, with a quiet reminder from Xiao Xizi, he hurriedly patted his own cheeks.

These were all his stepmothers.

He was here to offer warmth, not to enjoy a sauna!

“Greetings, Regent Prince.”

After paying their respects, the concubines saw Lin Yi wave them off and gracefully withdrew.

Now, before him, only Consort Kang remained, accompanied by two palace maids.

The faint blush on her face seemed to diffuse into the air, making even the flowers in the garden seem like mere decoration.

Lin Yi followed her in a daze to drink a bowl of ginseng soup.

The ginseng soup didn’t have much effect—his legs still trembled afterward.

In the covered corridor, he saw a thin figure in white—barely clothed, unafraid of the cold. It was Lin Ning.

“Why are you alone?”

Lin Yi coughed lightly. “Where’s your maid? Slacking off again?”

This sister was no longer young.

Almost thirty!

A bona fide “leftover” woman!

Consort Yuan had tried matchmaking for her many times, but she refused.

Lin Yi had also subtly mentioned it several times, but she pretended not to understand and had dragged it out until now.

He even directly told her: Go find love! If you meet someone suitable, even a commoner, as long as you like them, it’s fine!

Yet nothing had happened.

Consort Yuan worried.

And Lin Yi worried too.

He had even considered holding a martial contest to find her a husband! Otherwise, he would soon have three children while his own sister remained unmarried—it was unacceptable!

“I remember, when I was little, you taught me to be independent, to handle my own affairs, to be polite and civilized. Did you forget?”

Lin Ning slowly walked toward Lin Yi, her voice gentle. “Besides, now that I’m this age, I don’t need anyone to wait on me.”

Lin Yi snapped, “You know you’re grown up? Really, you haven’t had feelings for anyone? If you have, just say so—I’ll tie them up and bring them to you myself!”

Lin Ning pursed her lips and smiled. “Brother, you really have no faith in me? The man I like doesn’t need to be tied up.”

Lin Yi raised an eyebrow and sighed. “True. Whoever you fancy is lucky, unless they’re a fool to refuse you.”

In the past, some talented sons of powerful families would have been reluctant to marry a prince’s sister—it would ruin their prospects.

But ever since Lin Yi took control of the court, the imperial exams were abolished and replaced with civil service exams.

Civil service exams no longer required noble birth. Anyone with a primary school diploma—whether from military households or even those with criminal backgrounds—could apply!

Even the descendants of courtesans, actors, servants, or slaves!

Including women.

In Ankang alone, the number of women becoming civil servants was comparable to men.

The city’s women were literate, especially the elite daughters. Not only were they talented, but they could compose poetry and essays that could easily surpass Lin Yi’s own parents in skill.

Upon learning that women could now hold office, they were ecstatic. Even more important—they had their parents’ support. After all, people like Cao Xiaohuan, Hong An, and Sang Pozi had already set examples. In Ankang, anyone with eyes could see how audacious these women were.

Of course, this was also Lin Yi’s deliberate encouragement.

He wanted the people, the nobility, and wealthy landowners to see that the diploma mattered more than birth.

Women could hold half the sky!

With parental support, girls who had been idle at home entered schools—coed schools with shared desks!

The new desks had clear dividing lines for each student. Outside the school, servants and maids watched.

Even if some boys had thoughts, they had no way to act—the boundaries were clear.

Thus, even a prince’s sister could become a government official if she passed the exam.

She might even gain advantage in marrying a prince.

“So what’s going on with you?”

Lin Yi genuinely could not understand.

What was his sister thinking?

“Brother,” Lin Ning stepped forward calmly. “I also remember what you taught me: Let go of the need to help, and respect others’ fates.”

“You’re not ‘others’—you’re my sister!”

Lin Yi nearly ground his teeth in frustration.

He regretted it.

Truly!

He shouldn’t have instilled so much “modern” awareness in her when she was young.

He adapted to feudal society, but his sister became out of sync with it.

So complicated!

“Brother,” Lin Ning continued slowly, “All men in this world are made of flesh and bones, yet most seem coarse and disgusting.”

After hesitating a moment, she added, “None are as pure as you, brother.”

“….”

He shouldn’t have read Dream of the Red Chamber to her as a story—multiple times!

Lin Yi didn’t know what to say. He waved his hand. “Go outside and enjoy some fresh air. Don’t stay cooped up in the palace all day. I’ll handle anything from Mother.”

According to Hong Ying, although Lin Ning hadn’t yet reached Grand Master level, she could easily face one using her Lingbo Steps technique.

But Li Lin wasn’t that relaxed—if Lin Ning really left the palace, he’d send some experts to follow her.

He had the resources.

In his residence, whether he believed it or not, both A-Dai and Yu Xiaoshi were already Grand Masters. Lin Yi had seen with his own eyes that even facing Jingkuan and Jingyi, the two nuns, they weren’t intimidated.

They lived in the residence, eating and sleeping. Lin Yi had long wanted to send them out.

Let them follow Lin Ning, experience society’s hardships, and save on food.

“Your sister takes her leave.”

Lin Ning bowed slightly and disappeared from his sight.

“Ugh.”

Lin Yi still couldn’t understand what he had done to offend her.

A woman’s heart was like a needle at the bottom of the sea.

Spring was in full bloom—birds flying, grass growing, peach blossoms blazing.

All beautiful scenery.

The only thing annoying Lin Yi was the floating catkins and willow fluff. He opened his mouth, and they all went in.

“Ptooey, ptooey!”

After spitting everything out, he cursed nonstop, “How dare you!”

He was the Regent Prince!

If these willows had life, he would have exterminated them all!

“Forgive me, Prince!”

Ma Jie, the Prefect of Ankang, hurriedly apologized. “I ordered all the willows and poplars to be cut down!”

“I’d rather cut you down!”

Lin Yi glared at him and walked away.

“Thank you, Prince!”

Ma Jie exhaled in relief. Being scolded, his official hat was safe!

“Do I really have another son?”

Standing at the Du family mansion, Lin Yi felt both joy and emotion.

Joyful because a new life would continue the lineage.

Moved because he had been careless—he had allowed Du Yinniang to take the child to Black Dragon Island.

When grown, the child would become a capable island leader.

“Congratulations, Prince! Congratulations, Prince!”

Tan Xizi hurriedly exclaimed.