Chapter 36; A family bond amidst secrets

At night, Yan Li went over to the main hall,

as they settled around the table for dinner, Yanli could feel a heaviness in the air. Her mother, Madam Jia, seemed particularly uneasy, glancing at her from time to time with a mixture of worry and curiosity. Yanli braced herself, sensing the question that was about to come.

"Yanli," Madam Jia finally began, her voice cautious yet tender, "I've been hearing troubling things… about you and the engagement." She paused, searching her daughter's face. "Whispers. People are saying… you were involved with someone else before Hanyu?"

Yanli's eyes widened, her heart pounding at the accusation. "Mother, that's not true," she replied firmly. "I haven't even looked at anyone else, let alone met with another man. But it seems Hanyu has taken advantage of these rumors to make himself appear… justified."

Madam Jia's expression softened, her worry now mingling with a touch of anger. "So Hanyu's spreading these rumors himself, then?"

Yanli shook her head. "I don't know if he's the source, but he hasn't done anything to stop them. And now, he's letting people believe that he's the wronged party—like I forced him to stray."

Lord Yan, who had been listening intently, let out a quiet sigh, his gaze steady. "It's a clever tactic," he mused. "By making it seem as though you betrayed him first, he draws sympathy to himself and lessens the consequences of his own behavior."

Chen, her elder brother, clenched his fists, his expression hardening. "That man's a coward. Instead of taking responsibility for his actions, he's tarnishing your name to protect himself. If he truly had any respect for you, he'd never let these rumors spread."

Madam Jia's eyes flashed with anger, but her voice remained calm. "Yanli, you know we stand with you, no matter what people say. But you should understand that if you officially end this engagement, there may be some who never stop talking."

Yanli took a deep breath, her gaze resolute. "Mother, I've thought about it. I can't build a marriage on lies and manipulation. If Hanyu would go so far as to damage my reputation just to cover his own mistakes, then… how could I trust him in anything?"

MadamJia squeezed Yanli's hand gently, a touch of sadness in her eyes. "You're right, my dear. But it hurts me to see you face such dishonor. You deserve a partner who values you, not one who would twist the truth for his own benefit."

Yan wei, her younger brother, who had been listening intently, burst out, "This is absurd! Who would believe that Yanli would go against someone like Hanyu without a reason? I bet most people know it's all nonsense!"

His mother gave him a gentle look, though her face remained troubled. "People are quick to believe what suits them, Yan wei. Especially when it's about a prominent family like ours."

Yanli smiled faintly, appreciating his support. "Thank you, Yan Wei. But Mother's right. This situation will always invite people to speculate, regardless of the truth."

Chen leaned forward, his voice low and resolute. "No one deserves to have their reputation ruined because someone else won't admit to their mistakes. If you choose to call off this engagement, Yanli, we'll handle whatever comes. Don't let fear hold you back."

Her father nodded, a hint of pride in his expression. "Do what you must, Yanli. We'll stand by you, no matter what comes."

For the first time that evening, Yanli felt a wave of relief wash over her. She was grateful for their trust, and even with the challenges ahead, she knew she would have their support.

Madam Jia seemed to have more to say. She turned her eyes back to Yanli, her gaze intense yet filled with compassion. "Yanli," she said, her voice almost a whisper, "it pains me that you've been put in such a position. When I think of Hanyu twisting your honor… using his own mistakes as a shield…" She shook her head, struggling to hold back her emotion. "Do you remember when you were just a child, always so thoughtful? You deserve a man who treasures that spirit."

Yanli felt a warmth spread through her chest, touched by her mother's words. "Thank you, Mother," she said, her voice steady but her heart swelling with gratitude. "Your belief in me means more than anything Hanyu could ever say."

Lord Liang looked contemplative, his fingers tracing the rim of his cup. He gave a measured sigh. "These are turbulent times, Yanli," he said, choosing each word with care. "Even if society demands certain decorum… our family's integrity matters more. If people insist on spreading rumors, then let them. Those who truly matter will see the truth."

Yanli's lips turned up in a small, appreciative smile. "I know, Father. But I also know that this engagement was something you supported. I don't want to bring any dishonor to our family."

Lord Yan's expression softened, the tension in his brow relaxing as he met her gaze. "Yanli, your honor is worth far more than any alliance. You must follow your own path. The value of a union lies not in how it appears but in the respect it fosters."

Chens, whose silence had grown tense, finally broke in, his tone edged with frustration. "Yanli, it infuriates me to know that Hanyu is using you like this. How dare he question your honor?" His voice cracked slightly, his anger barely contained. "If he thinks he can twist the truth without facing any consequences…"

Madam Jia put a gentle hand on Lei's arm, calming him. "Yan Chen, my son, we cannot control the choices of others. But we can be there for Yanli, just as she has always been there for us."

Chen nodded, his jaw set in determination. "Still, it doesn't sit right with me, Mother. I won't let Hanyu get away with smearing Yanli's name."

Yan wei, trying to lighten the mood, offered his sister a lopsided grin. "You know, Yanli, maybe this is all just a blessing in disguise," he said. "Now you can find someone who actually deserves you."

The table erupted in a soft laughter, and for a brief moment, the tension eased. Yanli's heart felt lighter, surrounded by her family's loyalty and love.

Her mother's hand rested gently on hers. "Yanli, my dear, I know this hasn't been easy for you. But always remember: our family's love for you is unshakable. Whatever path you choose, you have our unwavering support."

A soft warmth bloomed in Yanli's chest as she looked around at each of them—her father's steady resolve, her mother's quiet strength, Chen's fierce protectiveness, and Yan Liwei's unyielding loyalty. In that moment, she felt the weight of her family's love grounding her, strengthening her resolve to face the challenges ahead.

After the meal, as everyone began to clear the table, Yanli noticed Chen's lingering expression, a distant look shadowing his gaze as he stared into the fading embers of the evening. Something stirred in her heart—a quiet intuition that he was keeping something from her.

When the others had left, she gently touched his arm, pulling him aside. "Chen," she began softly, "you seemed… preoccupied tonight. Is there something troubling you?"

He hesitated, a flicker of hesitation crossing his face before he spoke. "I… well, it's nothing really, Yanli. Just some matters weighing on my mind."

Yanli's eyes narrowed slightly. "Is it something that involves Jia?"

His expression changed instantly, caught off guard by her question. "How did you—" he started, then sighed, the tension in his shoulders softening as he lowered his gaze. "You always were too perceptive."

Yanli's heart softened. "She means a lot to you, doesn't she?"

Chen nodded slowly, the vulnerability in his eyes a stark contrast to his usual stoic demeanor. "I worry for her, Yanli. She… she's been facing her own challenges lately. I don't want to burden you with this, not with everything you're going through, but…" He looked away, as if struggling to find the right words.

"You don't have to hide it from me," she whispered, giving his arm a reassuring squeeze. "We're family, Chen. And just as you've been here for me, I want to be there for you."

For a moment, silence stretched between them, and Lei's lips curved into a faint, grateful smile. "Thank you, Yanli," he murmured. "I'm glad to have you by my side."

They shared a quiet, understanding glance, and Yanli felt her heart swell with a new resolve. Whatever the challenges ahead, she knew her family would stand beside her, bound by a love that no rumors or betrayals could ever break.