Shen Tang admitted it.
With just a few words, Ning Yan had stirred her goodwill and curiosity, and shown her another side of the women in this world.
She was not a sheltered noblewoman, confined to the inner chambers and a tiny corner of the world, with only limited knowledge and means to plan her future, like Shen Zhi. Nor was she an innocent girl who, barring some unexpected upheaval, would spend her whole life following her family's arrangements and growing up step by step, like Lin Feng. Nor was she a farm girl struggling in the mire at the bottom of society, spending most of her strength just to survive, like Bai Su. And she was certainly not someone who had seen every kind of darkness, clawed her way through life, and learned the ways of the world far too early, like Yu Zi.
Ning Yan was mature, steady, resolute, and confident.
Her eyes shone with a light called "ambition."
Shen Tang had never thought of "ambition" as a derogatory word.
She had also vaguely guessed at Ning Yan's intentions.
But—
If Ning Yan came seeking refuge as "Yan An's widow," then for the sake of their friendship, Shen Tang was willing to give her a place to stay. If she came in her own capacity as Ning Yan... then Shen Tang needed to see what she had to offer. After all, capitalists who deserved to be strung up on lampposts didn't keep idle hands.
Hearing Shen Tang address her as "Madam," Ning Yan's heart stirred. She declared with firm resolve, "I shall repay you with the devotion due to a true scholar."
Shen Tang was taken aback, as though she hadn't expected Ning Yan to be so direct.
She asked, "Is it only because I'm a woman?"
Ning