Chapter 19: Finally Free

Yanli's expression softened with the pretense of wounded vulnerability as she looked upon the scene before her. Her gaze met Prince Hanyu's, and beneath her calm exterior, she summoned a mixture of betrayal and disappointment that did not go unnoticed by the watching nobles. A murmur rippled through the crowd, some pitying her, while others smirked at the juicy scandal unfolding in the palace.

Yanli's father, visibly pained, stepped toward her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "My dear," he said softly, his voice laced with sorrow, "I had not expected this, not from Prince Hanyu."

Yanli nodded, lowering her gaze, and whispered, "I never imagined he would betray me so openly… I thought he respected our engagement."

Her mother clasped her other hand tightly, and the whispers around them grew louder, noblewomen exchanging scandalized glances, relishing every second of the display.

Seeing Yanli's stricken expression, Prince Zhen stepped forward, an air of calm command surrounding him. He regarded Hanyu with a calculating gleam, his voice dripping with feigned concern. "Prince Hanyu," he began, folding his arms across his chest, "might you explain yourself? How exactly does Lady Lian… fit into your future plans?"

The room fell silent as all eyes turned toward Hanyu, whose face was flushed with embarrassment. His hands clenched into fists as he realized there was no way out of the situation.

"I…" Hanyu stammered, his gaze flickering to Consort Mei, who was too stunned to meet his eyes. Taking a shaky breath, he forced himself to respond. "Lady Lian… she… she is someone I intended to take as my consort after marrying Lady Yanli as my first wife. I thought it would be… acceptable."

A collective gasp echoed through the room. Lady Lian's cheeks flushed, her gaze downcast yet filled with satisfaction. She dared a small, triumphant smile as she moved to Hanyu's side, her pride evident in the way she straightened herself.

Yanli looked up, hurt flashing in her eyes as she spoke softly, her voice steady but laced with a tremor. "So, you planned to bring another woman into your life from the very beginning?"

Hanyu faltered, unable to meet her gaze as he murmured, "Lady Yanli, it was not meant to be this way… I thought you understood the ways of the palace…"

Prince Zhen's gaze hardened as he interrupted, his voice cold and cutting. "Forgive me, Prince Hanyu, but isn't it the duty of a future husband to respect his engagement and the honor of his bride? Especially one as esteemed as Lady Yanli?" His words hung heavily in the air, and several nobles nodded in agreement, casting disapproving glances toward Hanyu.

Yanli's father's expression darkened as he took a step closer, his voice filled with anger. "Prince Hanyu, my daughter deserves a man who will cherish and honor her, not one who makes plans for a consort even before their wedding. This is an insult to her and to our family."

The Emperor's face grew increasingly troubled as he listened, and he turned to Hanyu with barely-concealed disappointment. "Prince Hanyu," he began, his tone weighted with displeasure, "you understand the responsibility that comes with such an engagement. Lady Yanli is not just any woman. To treat her so carelessly…" He trailed off, shaking his head.

Consort Mei, sensing the tide shifting against them, took a step forward. She forced a smile, attempting to ease the tension. "Your Majesty, surely this is a misunderstanding. Young love can be complicated, and perhaps Prince Hanyu's intentions were misunderstood—"

Prince Zhen's eyes flicked to Consort Mei, and he interrupted with a calm yet deadly precision. "A misunderstanding?" He let out a soft, humorless chuckle. "How curious, Consort Mei, that Lady Yanli was never informed of these… intentions. I would imagine that any woman would want clarity on her husband's future plans before committing herself."

The Empress, who had been watching silently, raised a brow, her eyes flicking to Yanli and then back to Zhen with a newfound curiosity. Prince Zhen had always been distant, detached even, keeping women at arm's length. Yet here he stood, fiercely defending Lady Yanli, his presence both comforting and protective. The Empress's gaze narrowed, a glimmer of suspicion sparking in her mind as she observed the subtle exchanges between Yanli and Zhen.

Yanli lowered her gaze, summoning a few unshed tears that glistened in her eyes, enough to make her seem heartbroken yet dignified. "Your Majesty," she began, addressing the Emperor in a trembling voice, "please… I cannot continue with this engagement. Not when Prince Hanyu has already committed himself to another. I beg you, release me from this union."

The Emperor's face tightened as he considered her plea, and he glanced at Hanyu, disappointment evident in his expression. Prince Zhen, sensing the Emperor's hesitation, stepped forward again, his voice persuasive yet respectful. "Your Majesty, Lady Yanli deserves a match that honors her loyalty and kindness. Her virtue is unmatched. To bind her in a union tainted by betrayal would be unjust."

The Emperor looked back at Yanli, seeing her sorrow and feeling the weight of her plea. The sincerity in her gaze and the dignified way she carried herself only strengthened his resolve. He nodded slowly, coming to a decision. "Lady Yanli, I understand. You have my permission to dissolve this engagement."

The crowd murmured approvingly, nodding at the Emperor's decision. The noblewomen exchanged looks of sympathy for Yanli, while the men cast reproachful glances at Hanyu. Meanwhile, Prince Ji stood in the back, hiding a smirk as he watched the spectacle unfold, clearly enjoying the fallout.

Consort Mei's face had paled, her carefully constructed scheme unraveling in front of her. She clenched her fists, her gaze flicking to Hanyu and then to Yanli, desperation etched into her features. But before she could protest, Prince Zhen spoke once more, his tone as smooth as silk yet laced with an edge.

"Prince Hanyu," he said, his voice deceptively calm, "given that Lady Lian holds such a place in your heart, perhaps it is time to formalize her status within the palace, rather than dragging Lady Yanli's name through the mud."

Hanyu, caught off guard, hesitated. But Lady Lian, emboldened by the turn of events, nodded eagerly. "Yes… if it pleases His Majesty, I would be honored to stand by Prince Hanyu's side as his consort."

The Emperor's gaze hardened as he turned to Hanyu, his tone firm. "It seems clear, Prince Hanyu, that Lady Yanli deserves better than the treatment she has endured. If you truly care for Lady Lian, then commit to her instead of disgracing others with your carelessness."

Consort Mei stepped forward, attempting one last plea. "Your Majesty, surely we must consider that Prince Hanyu was—"

But the Empress cut her off, her voice cold and final. "Enough, Consort Mei. Your son's actions speak for themselves. Lady Yanli has shown more grace and restraint than any of us could ask for."

As the room stilled, Yanli felt Prince Zhen's steady presence beside her, his unwavering gaze offering a silent reassurance. She gave him a brief, grateful smile before looking back at the Emperor, her voice quiet yet strong. "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness. I will uphold the honor of our families."

Consort Mei, finally silenced, stepped back with clenched fists, her gaze smoldering as her plans crumbled. Lady Lian, barely able to conceal her excitement, cast a triumphant look at Yanli, unaware of the deeper implications of what had just transpired.

Yanli took a deep breath, allowing a final glance at Prince Hanyu, her expression a blend of sorrow and resolve. "I truly thought… that we could share a future," she said softly, her voice carrying the weight of her disappointment. "But I see now that your heart lies elsewhere. I wish you both the best, and I hope Lady Lian will bring you the happiness you sought elsewhere."

With those words, she turned and walked away, her head held high, her family following in her wake. Prince Zhen watched her retreat, his gaze unreadable yet filled with a silent admiration as he followed close behind, leaving Prince Hanyu and Lady Lian to face the crowd's judgment alone.