C17 Unknowingly

What a situation with Nan Yuvyi and Lvyu—are they really trying to cement their guilt with Mo Ruyan? Who's really lacking in self-respect here?

Mo Ruyan was about to speak when he saw Nan Yanwu kneeling on the ground, tears brimming in her eyes. "Father, do you really believe there's something improper between me and Young Master Mo? If I had truly done something wrong, why would I rush to the Glass Hall as soon as I heard you were calling? And why would I bring Young Master Mo with me? We've only met once, yet you doubt your own daughter?"

Nan Ying scoffed, "There are witnesses. How can you deny it? Why would your maid falsely accuse you?"

"If even you don't believe me, why should I go on living? Father, a woman's reputation is everything, and I know you care about that. But I never thought you'd doubt my innocence! You believe a maid's word without investigation? Is that how lowly you think of me? I... I have no choice but to prove my innocence with my life!" With a heartbroken tone, Nan Yanwu suddenly stood and moved to dash her head against a nearby pillar.

Mo Ruyan's eyes narrowed slightly, just about to intervene when someone stepped in front of Nan Yanwu, catching her in an embrace.

"Princess, there's no need for this," Xiao Zhen sighed softly, tightening his hold around her waist. "You are indeed a strong woman, and I admire that. But what can't be explained? Even if the Duke doesn't believe you, I do. I believe in your and Ruyan's innocence."

Tears streamed down Nan Yanwu's face as she replied, "What good is your belief, Your Highness? Do you know how important a woman's reputation is? I'm not afraid of misunderstandings; I'm heartbroken that my own father doesn't trust me, that he listens to slander and accusations without any investigation!"

Xiao Zhen suddenly smiled, gently smoothing Nan Yanwu's hair. "What does it matter if I believe you, hmm? Is that what the princess thinks? Even if no one else believes you, let me marry you to prove your innocence. Once you're my wife, who would dare gossip? But, would the princess agree?"

Nan Yanwu was stunned, her heart growing more bitter. Xiao Zhen... are you sincere or not? If you're sincere, these aren't words you would say. If you're not, why go to such lengths? If you're genuine, I could accept it. But if you're not, how can I face anyone? If you return to your homeland, how could I ever marry?

Xiao Zhen, what are you really after?

Ruyan stepped back, hiding in the shadows, lowering his gaze to conceal his somber expression. Nan Ying and Nan Yuvyi were also taken aback. Nan Ying looked conflicted, while Nan Yuvyi was in disbelief.

"Would the princess agree? If not, I can't force you..." Xiao Zhen's eyes were gentle, yet tinged with sadness.

A sharp pain struck Nan Yanwu's heart, leaving her breathless. Why was Ruyan like this, and Xiao Zhen too? Did they want to tear her heart apart?

Before Nan Yanwu could respond, Nan Yuvyi shouted, "No way!"

Everyone was startled, and Nan Yuvyi continued, "Sister is no longer pure, how could she be worthy of the Crown Prince?"

Nan Yanwu's expression turned icy. "Yuvyi, Nan Yuvyi. What have I done to you that you would slander me like this? First, you insinuated to Father that my relationship with Young Master Mo was improper, then accused me of having an affair with him, and now you outright claim I'm impure? Do you even deserve to call me sister? When have you ever treated me as one? Nan Yuvyi, what do you want? I've tolerated you repeatedly because you're my sister, but what are your intentions? A woman's reputation isn't something you can use to stir up trouble!"

"It's not up to you to decide whether she's worthy or not," Xiao Zhen said coldly.

"It's not up to me? Your Highness, Nan Yanwu has a questionable relationship with your guard, yet you still want to marry her? Can you really tolerate her being with someone else? Your Highness, you are indeed very forgiving," Nan Yuvyi replied with a hint of sarcasm.