The Taste of Sweetness

"Of course, we should listen to Miss Qianyi. After all, Miss Ruyi is the newcomer. Moreover, how generous Miss Qianyi is to give us these precious items, unlike that country bumpkin, so petty and stingy."

"True, but the current mistress of the house is Madam Han, and the Master listens to her in all matters. If we offend Madam Han, no one will have a good day."

"Exactly. The Yan family is no longer what it once was."

Concerned that unpleasant words might reach Yan Qianyi's ears, Xue Ma hurriedly closed the door and addressed the maids outside.

"According to ancient customs, Miss Qianyi is the legitimate daughter. Now that she has given you such valuable gifts, surely you know whose side you should be on?"

Xue Ma was the most senior servant among them.

Once she spoke, the others fell silent immediately.

Within the room, Yan Qianyi naturally overheard their discussions.

Indeed, the Yan family had changed significantly.

Even if she tried to curry favor with her father, she could not hope to compete with Han Yarong's whisperings.

It would not be easy to expel those two from the Yan household.

First, she needed to find evidence of the injections Han Yarong had administered.

As Yan Qianyi pondered this, Yan Hong entered.

He appeared hesitant, saying, "My dear, your Aunt Han and Ruyi…"

"I already know," Yan Qianyi replied, looking up at Yan Hong with slightly reddened eyes. "Xue Ma has already informed me."

Yan Hong frowned. "She really shouldn't have spoken out of turn. I didn't intend to keep this from you; I planned to wait until you felt better to explain everything."

Tears began to well in Yan Qianyi's eyes. "But you're telling me now, aren't you?"

Yan Hong suddenly found himself at a loss for words.

If he didn't tell Qianyi today, he would have to face Han Yarong later.

After all, Han had been on the verge of tears not long ago.

Being his current wife, he had to consider her feelings as well.

Ah! Balancing this situation was truly no easy task!

"It's alright. Mother has gone, and Father must find someone to accompany him. I understand. Besides, Ruyi and I are still good friends; it's quite nice."

Yan Qianyi forced a smile, but tears fell from her exquisite face.

Her mature yet wounded demeanor evoked a deep sense of sympathy.

This made it impossible for Yan Hong to insist she move out of this room.

During lunch, Han Yarong was still upset about the situation. "If Qianyi is sleeping in that room, what about Ruyi?"

Yan Hong replied patiently, "Don't be angry. Qianyi's marriage to the Mu family has already been arranged. She won't be here for long, and once she marries into the Mu family, that room can be for Ruyi."

Han Yarong wanted to say more, but Yan Ruyi interjected, "Mom, I'm fine with sleeping in the guest room."

After saying this, she discreetly tugged at Han Yarong's sleeve from beneath the table.

She sensed that her father favored Yan Qianyi somewhat.

Despite having lived in this home for two years, he had never called her "dear."

If she continued to vie for her father's attention, he would surely grow weary of the rivalry.

However, this moment of restraint did not signify defeat.

Had she not experienced life in the Yan family, had she not felt the gentle care from Qu Yang, she might not have longed for this place so deeply.

But now, having tasted the sweetness, how could she possibly let go?

She would never relinquish her hold!

Han Yarong understood her daughter's intentions and refrained from further comments.

Yan Hong continually praised Yan Ruyi for her obedience and maturity.

Han Yarong's expression softened slightly. "Ruyi has endured much hardship growing up with me as a single mother, so she learned to be responsible early on. Yet Qianyi seems to have a bit of a spoiled temperament. We've been waiting by the dining table for over ten minutes. Why hasn't she come down yet?"

No sooner had she spoken than Yan Qianyi appeared.

(End of Chapter)