Chapter 49

Yan Yiming was quite astonished, never expecting that her frail body could actually attract a romantic admirer. She couldn't believe that the third young master hadn't heard about the inherent weakness of the Jiang family's young lady, yet he still pursued her.
“Looks really do determine everything,” Yan Yiming sighed inwardly. Although this wasn't a face she had personally crafted, the system-generated features were top-tier. She glanced sideways at Jiang Yi and, as expected, his expression was far from pleasant.
If Yan Yiming was merely surprised, for Jiang Yi, this sudden news was enough to shatter all his plans and aspirations.
He had never imagined Yan Yiming would marry, because no matter what, the Jiang family's Lord and Lady would never allow her to suffer, and wealthy families would certainly never permit their sons to marry her.
He had always been adept at meticulously planning every step, whether in studies or matters of the heart, but now someone had truly disrupted his carefully laid path.
The legitimate third son of the prestigious family Jing, if the Jiang family was truly willing to marry him off, the Jiang master and mistress would have no reason to refuse. In fact, they would likely send her off with great joy and fanfare.
Jiang Yi's fists clenched abruptly.
Even when he first came to the Jiang family alone, he had never felt this anxious or flustered. But now, his heart was in disarray.
Having traveled extensively with Fifth Master Jiang over the years, he had often heard him say that everyone has their own aspirations, and he never envied those in high positions. Yet, in this moment, Jiang Yi suddenly understood just how crucial family background and status could be.
The only thing that brought him a sliver of comfort was Yan Yiming's reaction. Unlike the maidservants, who were overjoyed, she seemed only slightly surprised. After the initial shock, she returned to her usual calm demeanor, uttering a simple “Oh” to acknowledge the news.
Before he could even breathe a sigh of relief, Yan Yiming stood up and said, “Let's go take a look then.”
Jiang Yi's heart tightened, his pupils contracting sharply as he watched her. He suddenly realized that, unlike her peers who were already married, she might not be as ecstatic as others, but she certainly cared.
And now, she had an excellent option.
Without a second thought, Jiang Yi also stood up and declared, “I'm coming too.”
Yan Yiming glanced back at him. Little A had just reminded her that Jiang Yi's emotional fluctuations had nearly exceeded the warning threshold. She smiled faintly to herself, lowered her eyelashes, and murmured, “Then let's go together.”
“But...” Lan Xiu's voice trailed off. The lady had only summoned the young lady, but she didn't dare say it out loud. The young master and the young lady were extremely close, and if he was concerned and wanted to accompany her, the mistress surely wouldn't mind.
Whenever the two were together, they always had endless things to talk about. But this time, perhaps because both were preoccupied with their own thoughts, they walked in silence for the first time.
When they reached Lady Jiang's quarters, the sound of laughter and cheerful chatter could be heard from afar. Jiang Yi's fists, hidden in his sleeves, clenched even tighter. The maidservants guarding the entrance hurriedly announced the young lady's arrival upon seeing Yan Yiming and Jiang Yi. Madam Jing, who had been chatting with Lady Jiang inside, along with her two daughters-in-law, immediately turned their attention toward the door.
A few days ago, when the youngest son returned to the estate, he had sent people out to inquire about something. He had seemed distracted all day, and when asked what was wrong, he refused to say. It wasn't until yesterday that he excitedly told her he had taken a liking to the Jiang family's young lady.
The Magistrate of Luoyang held a fourth-rank official position, and Lord Jiang was a subordinate of Magistrate Jing. According to my lord, the Jiang family was upright and their family reputation was quite commendable.
The youngest son had taken a liking to the daughter of the Jiang family. Although she wasn't the young lady Madam Jing had initially considered for her son, her status was still quite suitable. However, it was said that this young lady of the Jiang family was rather frail and in poor health.
But the son was deeply infatuated. Madam Jing doted on her youngest son, and coupled with his sweet-talking and persuasive nature, praising Miss Jiang as if she were a rare gem from heaven, he managed to convince his mother to visit the Jiang family for a closer look.
The Jing family was wealthy and influential, so they wouldn't mind how much medicine or tonics Yan Yiming needed. As long as she wasn't too weak, and was well-educated, gentle, and obedient, it wouldn't be entirely out of the question.
When the maids announced that Miss Jiang had arrived, Madam Jing looked up and saw a tall yet slender young woman enter. Instantly, she understood why her son was so captivated.
Not only did she possess rare and striking beauty, but her cool, elegant demeanor was exceptionally refined.
As Yan Yiming stepped in, Madam Jing noticed the young man following behind her. Though clearly still in his youth, he was already handsome and carried himself with grace.
Madam Jing couldn't help but think to herself, ‘My lord said the Jiang family had excellent character, and just looking at these two children, it's clear they are extraordinary.’
Lady Jiang was not at all surprised to see Jiang Yi accompanying his sister. The siblings had always been close, and if it weren't for Jiang Yi's sudden whim to take A’Ming out that day, they wouldn't have met the third young master of the Jiang family, nor would this favorable match have come about.
The more she looked at Jiang Yi, the more pleased she felt, thinking, ‘A’Ming has been so good to this child, and it hasn't gone to waste.’
Watching Madam Jing carefully inquire about Yan Yiming's daily activities and the books she read, Lady Jiang felt quite satisfied with her daughter's poised and confident responses. Though A’Ming was frail, in every other aspect she excelled. Even her lord often remarked that if A’Ming were a boy, she would surely achieve great things.
Madam Jing, too, found herself pleasantly surprised.
As the eldest daughter of a prominent family in the capital, Madam Jing had moved to Luoyang only after marrying Magistrate Jing. In her youth, she had met many people, and her judgment was naturally discerning. This young lady of the Jiang family had an innate cool elegance, she didn't flatter Madam Jing because of her status, nor did she put on an aloof act. Though from a modest background, she carried the grace of a well-bred lady from a distinguished family.
Her son's taste was indeed good. If only this young lady's health were a bit better, it would be perfect.
However, she couldn't directly inquire about Yan Yiming's condition. Lady Jiang understood the subtle implication but would never openly admit her daughter's poor health. When Madam Jing broached the topic, she immediately put on a pained expression and said, “A’Ming may not be as robust as others, but with gradual care, it's not a serious illness. I wonder who spread those rumors claiming my child was born with a congenital weakness, slandering her like that.”
Madam Jing nodded thoughtfully. She had also heard from her son that the news came from the second branch of the Jiang family. Now that she thought about it, legitimate children were indeed far superior to those born of concubines. The Second Master Jiang had failed the imperial examinations back in the day and later bought a minor official position with silver.
Since the head of the family was already different, the daughters raised under his guidance were naturally different as well.
She took another careful look at Yan Yiming and, seeing that her complexion was quite good, refrained from asking further questions.
Before leaving, Madam Jing had gifts sent to Yan Yiming. Lady Jiang, standing nearby, nearly failed to control her expression. Only after Madam Jing had left did she beam with joy and pull Yan Yiming closer, saying, “Madam Jing must have been pleased. People always said my daughter had little fortune, but clearly, her fortune was merely delayed.” Then, turning to Jiang Yi, she added affectionately, “Good child, it’s all thanks to you that we have such a wonderful marriage prospect.”
Jiang Yi: “...”
It was rare for him to be at a loss for words.
Yan Yiming glanced at Jiang Yi, whose expression was sour beyond words, and nearly laughed aloud.
If Jiang Yi had known things would turn out this way, he would never have taken her out that day.
Suppressing her smile, she turned to Lady Jiang with concern and said, “Mother, my illness is not as mild as you made it sound earlier. Wouldn’t this harm that young master Jing?”
“The physician once said you wouldn’t live past ten, yet here you are at eighteen. Didn’t the physician who examined you recently say you’ve improved a great deal?” Lady Jiang brushed off her concerns. “Magistrate Jing governs a commandery, and Madam Jiang was once a renowned lady from a prestigious family. If this marriage can be arranged, I will chant prayers and abstain from meat every day to ensure my daughter’s well-being.”
The maids surrounding them chimed in, assuring that the young lady would surely be safe and sound. Yan Yiming caught a glimpse of Jiang Yi, who remained silent, and in the end, she voiced no objections.
Because this marriage would never come to pass.
If Jiang Yi could stand by and watch her marry into another family, he wouldn’t be one of the four male leads in the game.
She didn’t believe Jiang Yi would remain indifferent, after all, his favorability toward her had already reached its maximum.
Trusting in Jiang Yi’s high intelligence, Yan Yiming felt that if he truly wanted to stop this marriage, it shouldn’t be too difficult for him.
Would he speak directly to Lord Jiang, or find a way to ruin the marriage arrangement?
For now, Yan Yiming couldn’t guess.
After chatting a while longer with Lady Jiang, the two of them finally took their leave. It wasn’t until they reached the entrance to Yan Yiming’s courtyard that Jiang Yi quietly asked her if she truly wanted to marry.
Yan Yiming thought to herself, ‘If I said I did, would you agree?’
No.
Firstly, Jiang Yi knew she had never met the third young master of the Jing family and therefore couldn’t have any feelings for him. Secondly, Jiang Yi, a prodigy who had written verses like “I am the phoenix of the southern mountains, how could I mingle with common birds?” in his youth, believed that even if the third young master Jing came from a better family background, he still couldn’t compare to himself.
Even for her sake, Jiang Yi would not consent, let alone because of his own hidden motives.
So, no matter how she answered, Jiang Yi’s intentions wouldn’t change because of her response. Still, to maintain her favorable image in Jiang Yi’s eyes, Yan Yiming thought for a moment and said:
“Father and Mother worry about me every day. If marrying can ease their minds, then it might not be such a bad idea.” Yan Yiming smiled faintly, then after a long pause, sighed and added with a tone of self-mockery, “As for whom I marry, I don’t really care.”
“Not really bothered...” Jiang Yi murmured the phrase under his breath, then gave a faint, ambiguous smile as he stared at her and said quietly, “You said it yourself.”
Yan Yiming seemed not to grasp his meaning. “What?”
“Nothing,” Jiang Yi averted his gaze. “Go on inside, the sun is harsh out here.”
Yan Yiming nodded. “I am a bit tired. Xiao Yin mentioned you study until the fourth watch every night. Though scholarly honors are important, your health matters more, don’t lose the greater for the lesser and end up with nothing gained.”
Jiang Yi chuckled softly and said he understood. He watched Yan Yiming enter the courtyard until she was out of sight, then his smile faded, his eyes turning shadowy and obscure.