My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 26 Part 1

Chapter 26  

"Xiao Liu, is what they're saying outside true or... ah."  

"We're not here to question you. When something happens to a big family, our own people should know first."  

Later in the evening, members of the Ji family from different branches gathered at Ji Yangzong's place.  

Ji Yangzong was the youngest male in the Ji family lineage, the sixth child in his family, with several older brothers and sisters above him and younger siblings below.  

Now, his older brothers had come to his house to inquire about Ji Taoyu's situation.  

It was no wonder they were anxious. Among cousins from the same lineage, if one's reputation was tarnished, the others would inevitably be affected to some extent.  

Though it wasn't as severe as in the old days, where one person's misconduct could ruin the marriage prospects of the entire family, respectable families nowadays still paid attention to the reputation of children from the same clan.  

Among Ji Yangzong's older brothers' families, there were several young men and women, with two or three currently at the right age for marriage arrangements. How could they not be worried when something like this happened?  

"It's absolutely untrue!"  

Ji Yangzong cursed angrily. He had been busy all day and only learned that the Zhou father and son had come to the village when Ji Taoyu rushed home in a panic. He immediately sent Da Niu to investigate.  

It wasn't until his brothers arrived at his house, barely the time it took for an incense stick to burn, that he found out such vile rumors had spread outside.  

"Then what exactly happened? Back then, I already disapproved when you silently went to the You family to break off the engagement. A good marriage was called off, people outside will talk."  

"Look, now the gossip is downright vicious!"  

Ji Yangzong hadn't even figured out the situation himself when his brothers arrived one after another. Their relentless questioning only fueled his anger.  

"Eldest Brother, whether you disapproved because breaking the engagement would mean losing benefits or because of reputation, who can say for sure?"  

"Hey, we're family. Why say such things? Xiao Liu, how can you speak to Eldest Brother like that?"  

"Look at Xiao Liu! I came here in good faith to ask what happened, and he starts lecturing me with his village head airs!"  

With everyone talking over each other, the situation was on the verge of turning into a full-blown argument. Huang Manjing, seeing the conversation growing increasingly unpleasant, quickly ushered Ji Taoyu into his room.  

"Mother..."  

Ji Taoyu tugged at Huang Manjing's sleeve. "What exactly is going on?"  

"Don't worry. Stay in your room for now. Don't come out unless I call for you. Your uncles are just concerned about your cousins and came to clarify things. They don’t mean to blame you."  

Huang Manjing reassured him: "Everyone’s on edge. Brothers speak bluntly to each other, and words can get harsh. It’s better for you to stay out of it."  

Ji Taoyu nodded. "I understand."  

Huang Manjing patted Ji Taoyu's hand soothingly before heading back out.  

In early winter, night fell quickly, and before anyone realized it, darkness had already settled in. The bedroom grew particularly dim.  

Ji Taoyu’s mind was in turmoil as he absentmindedly sat down at the dressing table.  

He had just managed to move on from the broken engagement with You Lingxiao. Yet, not long after, such disgraceful rumors had surfaced.  

Seeing his uncles rush over in such urgency, he realized this was no longer just his family’s problem, it had already affected the entire clan.  

You Lingxiao had progressed from being a xiucai (qualified scholar) to passing the provincial exams (juren). His uncles had been very pleased with him. But his father had unilaterally broken off the engagement, which his uncles had disapproved of.  

They said his father acted impulsively and emotionally, failing to coax and placate You Lingxiao. They argued that now that You Lingxiao was a juren, it was natural for him to have some pride. He wasn’t the same poor scholar who would defer to his father’s every word.  

Breaking off the engagement at the slightest displeasure meant losing such a good match with the You family. From now on, the You family would hold the upper hand over the Ji family. Who knew if the village head position might even be contested again?  

His father hadn’t argued with his uncles, swallowing their complaints without retort.  

Originally, they thought the matter was over. But now, this mess had erupted.  

Thinking of this, Ji Taoyu’s eyes reddened, and he slumped weakly onto the table.  

As the only child in the family, not only had he failed to bring pride to his parents, but he had also caused them endless worry.  

The guilt and self-blame in Ji Taoyu’s heart hurt far more than the Zhou family’s sudden change of attitude, treating him like worthless trash.  

"Ji Taoyu."  

Ji Taoyu suddenly stopped sobbing, as if he had heard someone calling his name.  

He hesitantly raised his head and saw a tall shadow by the window, someone who had appeared out of nowhere.  

Ji Taoyu stood up, his steps unsteady. Gripping the corner of the table, he moved closer. When he recognized the figure, his eyes grew even hotter.  

"I didn’t."  

The room was dark, with no lamps lit. Huo Shu had initially thought no one was inside, but as he approached the window, he heard faint, choked sobs.  

The young ger slumped over the dressing table nearly blended into the dimness of the room, only the slight tremors of his crying giving away his presence.  

Huo Shu stared at the figure standing not far away - eyes red, tears brimming, voice trembling with grievance.  

He took a deep breath, his brow furrowing tightly.  

"I know."  

Ji Taoyu lowered his head, tears falling silently. He inhaled shakily.  

"How could you know? Is it because you’re siding with me?"  

Huo Shu felt as if something had suddenly clogged his heart.  

Standing by the window, he softened his tone.  

"I believe you didn’t do it."  

Ji Taoyu looked up at Huo Shu, obscured by the night. Though the backlight made his face indistinct, Ji Taoyu could still sense the earnestness in his gaze.  

"Don’t cry. Come here, and I’ll tell you."  

Huo Shu said, "I’ve already heard what happened. The circumstances are suspicious, which is why I came specifically."