The crisp morning sun spilled through the intricately carved lattice windows, casting delicate patterns on the wooden floor as Yanli slowly woke. Her third maid, Lianhua, was already bustling quietly around the room, preparing Yanli's garments and setting a fresh pot of tea.
"Good morning, Lady Yanli," Lianhua greeted, offering a deep bow. Her face held a faint trace of worry, though she tried to keep her expression neutral.
"Morning, Lianhua." Yanli's voice was soft, but her gaze was sharp, observing the subtle tension in her servant's movements. She sensed that something was amiss.
As Lianhua helped her dress, Yanli broke the silence. "You seem troubled, Lianhua. Speak your mind."
Lianhua hesitated, glancing away. "Forgive me, my lady, but… it is about the rumors circulating in the household." She carefully fastened Yanli's sash, her hands steady despite the anxiety reflected in her eyes.
Yanli raised an eyebrow. "Rumors?" she asked, her voice calm yet edged with a trace of curiosity. "Continue."
Lianhua took a breath. "There are whispers that you… met with another man, and that this was the reason for ending the engagement with Prince Hanyu." She paused, gauging Yanli's reaction, then continued. "Now, they're saying that Prince Hanyu is seen with a new woman, supposedly out of bitterness. The servants in our residence and beyond are speaking of it as if it were the absolute truth."
Yanli's expression didn't falter, though a flicker of displeasure crossed her eyes. "So, Hanyu has stooped to this." Her tone was cold, almost distant, as she processed the implications. She knew well the palace's appetite for scandal, how swiftly rumors could erode a reputation.
"Summon Bai Min and Meiyu," she said. "Let's hear what they know."
Lianhua bowed quickly and hurried out. Within minutes, Bai Min and Meiyu entered, sharing glances as they prepared to brief their mistress. Yanli gestured for them to speak.
"It is true, Miss," Bai Min began solemnly. "The rumors have spread beyond our household and are circulating throughout the kingdom. They say you had an affair with another man before breaking off the engagement and that Prince Hanyu was devastated enough to take a new lover himself. The palace staff, merchants, even the common folk are repeating these stories."
Yanli listened, her mind calculating the deeper meaning behind this attack. Hanyu's ploy was clever—stirring scandal to degrade her standing, especially at a time when her family's reputation was paramount. If he couldn't have her, he'd ensure no one else wanted her.
Meiyu's voice was laced with indignation. "This is an insult, my lady. Prince Hanyu has gone too far."
Yanli took a steady breath, her composure unshaken. "This is exactly what Hanyu intends," she said. "He's trying to drag me down, to twist my reputation until it mirrors his own bitterness. But I won't give him the satisfaction of a reaction. Let him sling his mud. It will only sully his own hands."
The three maids exchanged admiring glances. Yanli's resilience was something they admired deeply. Yet, they couldn't help but worry about the potential fallout.
Bai Min spoke up, a hint of worry in her tone. "Miss, if this rumor continues, it could affect future alliances. Many families seek pure reputations, and Hanyu is intentionally tarnishing yours. Even if we know the truth, others may not be so discerning."
Yanli's gaze softened, understanding her maids' concerns. "I'm aware, Bai Min. But responding now would only confirm his lies to those who are eager to believe them. Silence is my weapon. The less I say, the more his desperation will show."
Meiyu nodded, her admiration clear. "You're wise, my lady. But if there's any way to discredit his words without raising suspicion, we are at your disposal."
Yanli allowed herself a small, knowing smile. "There may be something we can do."
A spark of curiosity lit up in Bai Min's eyes. "How, my lady?"
Yanli's expression turned thoughtful. "If he wishes to make a spectacle of me, we'll use this opportunity to prepare for the kingdom gathering. There, I'll present myself with poise and dignity—no rumors, no reactions. Hanyu will see me not as the brokenhearted ex-fiancée he wishes to create, but as someone far above his reach."
Her words resonated with her servants, who felt both pride and determination to support her every step. Bai Min and Meiyu exchanged knowing looks, a silent pledge to protect their lady.
Yanli's gaze shifted to Meiyu. "As for our preparations… Meiyu, I want you and Bai Min to oversee the rumors discreetly. Track where they're spreading most rapidly and who repeats them most fervently. Sometimes, the loudest voices are closest to our enemies."
Meiyu gave a determined nod. "It will be done, my lady."
"Lianhua," Yanli continued, turning to her, "I trust you to observe the palace's response closely. Note any noble families who seem swayed by the rumors, especially those whose alliances are of interest to us."
Lianhua bowed low, a slight smile on her face. "I won't let you down, Lady Yanli."
With her orders given, Yanli dismissed her maids, watching as they filed out, each bearing the weight of their duties. Alone, she allowed her mask to drop briefly, revealing a flicker of exhaustion.
But her resolve remained unbroken. She would rise above this scandal, emerging stronger, untouchable in her poise. And Hanyu's bitterness would serve as fuel for her own ascent, a reminder that even the most scornful flames could not scorch her.
As the sun climbed higher, Yanli prepared herself to face the world with renewed determination, knowing her loyal maids would shield her from the shadows cast by Hanyu's schemes.