Chapter - 101 - Sworn to Secrecy

"I didn't! I want him to do well more than anyone else! I hope he can stand out and achieve his dreams!"

Tang Li fervently defended herself, waving her hands in an attempt to dispel any misunderstanding. In her impatience, her voice escalated, catching Yi Minghuan's attention.

"Sister, Li, are you quarreling?" Yi Minghuan approached the kitchen door with Jiaojiao perched on his shoulder. The little girl seemed at ease and familiar with him.

"No," Yi Xue replied, lowering her head and sounding unconvincing. Her demeanor prompted Yi Minghuan to cast a concerned glance at Tang Li, his brows furrowed.

"My eldest sister and I really didn't quarrel. She wants us to have children sooner, but I mentioned that you should aim for college and success first. Having children early might be a burden. I was just voicing my opinion..."

Tang Li explained, prompting Yi Xue to raise her head in surprise. She gained a deeper understanding of her sister-in-law's intelligence and craftiness.

Yi Xue concealed her complex thoughts, playing along with the narrative and offered a smile saying that was the case.

Yi Minghuan breathed a sigh of relief and chimed in, "Sister, Li is right! We don't want to have a child too early."

Yi Xue, accepting the explanation, urged them to discuss the matter privately. She expressed her hopes for Yi Minghuan's success and advised him to leave their village and explore the world. She then sent him and Tingting off to play.

"This matter is between the two of you and you both can discuss it. I just hope that you can be successful and leave here to go outside again!"

Once they left, Yi Xue fixed her gaze on Tang Li and spoke in a low voice, "If what you said about wanting my brother to succeed and attend college is true, you can't speak recklessly and ruin Xiaoming."

Tang Li also realized the gravity of the situation.

The current era required approval from the brigade, recommendations, and letters of introduction for university applications.

If Minghuan is really little aunt's child, there must be a reason for grandfather to put him under his son rather than his daughter, not to mention they didn't know anything about his father.

If Yi Minghuan's personal life turned out to be problematic, jeopardizing his chance for higher education, it could have severe consequences.

"I won't say anything more!" Tang Li assured, recognizing the seriousness of the matter.

"Don't tell anyone, including Xiaoming!" Yi Xue demanded, her expression stern. "Swear to it!"

Tang Li felt that informing Yi Minghuan about her suspicions regarding his life was important, but with Yi Xue so emotionally unstable, she decided against it.

Under Yi Xue's intense scrutiny, Tang Li reluctantly raised her hand and swore, enduring the piercing gaze and harsh words. 

"I swear!"

The remainder of the meal was finished making in silence.

Tang Li, attempting to mask her emotions, engaged warmly with Yi Xue mother and daughter. The meal appeared to be enjoyed happily, and Yi Minghuan remained oblivious to any underlying tension.

It wasn't until after dinner, when Yi Minghuan saw off Yi Xue's family, leaving Tang Li alone at home, that she sighed in relief.

The weight of the situation pressed on her, leaving her feeling burdened.

This was not an era known for its tolerance; instead, it emphasized birth and character. Tang Li recognized that if her suspicions about Yi Minghuan's life were correct, revealing the truth could have adverse effects.

However, there might be some benefits too. Acknowledging that Gu Xiulan and Father Yi weren't his biological parents could bring relief and understanding to Yi Minghuan why he was rejected by them.

He had the right to know about these truths.

Yet, doubt lingered.

What if her assumptions were baseless, and the truth was simpler?! What if Yi Minghuan was indeed Gu Xiulan's child, merely resembling his aunt, causing the animosity between them?

The uncertainty gnawed at Tang Li, leaving her conflicted.

'Gee!'

She couldn't even convince herself with such a stupid reason!