Chapter 54

Just moments before, Lord Jiang had assured Yan Yiming that he would find a better marriage for his daughter. Yet, after Yan Yiming left, he covered his eyes in despair.
Such words were merely empty talk. In Luoyang, who could be more distinguished than the Jing family? Now that his daughter had lost this excellent match, she would never have such an opportunity again.
Lady Jiang had lain in bed for a long time before regaining some strength. After waking, she spoke with Lord Jiang, and as they talked, she couldn't help but shed tears again. Lord Jiang sighed and comforted his wife. Just then, a young maid reported from outside that the young master had something to discuss.
Lord and Lady Jiang were in no mood to entertain anyone and sent word to Jiang Yi that they would see him tomorrow. Unexpectedly, Jiang Yi entered on his own shortly after.
Lord Jiang was somewhat displeased, but since Jiang Yi was not his biological son, he maintained decorum and asked what urgent matter had brought him.
Jiang Yi lifted the hem of his robe and knelt directly before Lord and Lady Jiang. Both were startled. With a firm gaze and a clear, resonant voice, Jiang Yi declared, “I have come today specifically to ask the master and mistress for one person.”
Lady Jiang assumed he wanted a maid or servant and casually asked whom he desired.
“Nephew wishes for A'Ming.”
The spoon Lady Jiang had been using to drink her medicine clattered loudly into the bowl. She and Lord Jiang exchanged glances before turning to stare at him. “What do you mean by this?”
“Nephew is deeply fond of A'Ming and wishes to marry her. I beg the master and mistress to grant this request.”
“This... this, this, this...” Lord Jiang, usually a composed man, was so shocked he became incoherent. He glared at Jiang Yi for a long moment before slamming the table. “Nonsense!”
Cousins from the same clan, wasn't this incest?
He then scrutinized Jiang Yi suspiciously. “Have you been drinking and spouting nonsense tonight...?”
Lord Jiang assumed Jiang Yi was drunk, but Lady Jiang, after the initial shock, steadied herself. Setting down her medicine bowl, she observed Jiang Yi, his back straight, his gaze clear and sober. Besides, this child was known for his strict conduct and would never secretly drink.
Yet, such words must have a reason.
And such an incident had just occurred recently.
After careful consideration, Lady Jiang could only think of one explanation. She restrained the still-ranting Lord Jiang, helped Jiang Yi to his feet, and gestured for him to sit before speaking. “Shaojun, I know you and A'Ming share a deep bond, but there is absolutely no need for you to step forward like this.”
If not for their daughter losing her marriage prospect today, if not for Jiang Yi taking pity on her thinking she would struggle to marry, why would he say such a thing?
Lady Jiang was suddenly moved. Though Jiang Yi was not her biological son, he treated A'Ming no less kindly than her own two brothers. Now, he was even willing to sacrifice himself in such a manner. Lord Jiang finally understood Lady Jiang's meaning and came to his senses, gazing at the handsome young man before him with complex emotions. He thought to himself, Fifth Master truly picked up an exceptional child.
“It's not because of what happened today that I pity A’Ming,” Jiang Yi said with a guilty expression. “Though it's hard to say, there are some words I must speak. Lord and Lady Jing have treated me so well, yet I’ve harbored improper thoughts, it truly shouldn’t be. But...”
He paused briefly before continuing, “But feelings arise beyond one’s control.”
For a moment, neither Lord Jiang nor Lady Jiang could find words to respond.
After a long silence, Lady Jiang spoke hesitantly, “If that’s the case, why are you only saying this now?”
Jiang Yi smiled bitterly. “Because I never dared hope I could truly be with her. When Young Master Jing came to propose marriage, I knew I couldn’t compare to his family background or talent. I only wished for someone to treat her sincerely and care for her, that would have been enough for me. But I never expected such a thing to happen. I have always admired her; to say I have no selfish motives would be a lie. Now, seeing her so heartbroken, I can’t bear it. I don’t want her to face any more blame or criticism. Although my family background may not match Young Master Jing’s, if I could marry A’Ming, I would treat her well all my life and never let her down.”
These words struck a chord deep in Lady Jiang’s heart.
In truth, she didn’t place too much importance on the family background of A’Ming’s future husband. What mattered most was that he had good character, was ambitious, and, above all, treated her daughter well.
Lady Jiang had never considered Jiang Yi in this role before. But after hearing his words and seeing the sincerity in his handsome features and earnest eyes, she began to feel swayed.
Jiang Yi had been raised in the Jiang household, so his character was beyond reproach, and his talents were outstanding. His kindness toward A’Ming was evident to everyone, and Lady Jiang believed no one in the world could treat her daughter as well as Jiang Yi did.
And though Jiang Yi was considered a child of the Jiang family, he wasn’t actually born into it...
Grabbing hold of Lord Jiang, who was about to object again, Lady Jiang’s tone softened almost unconsciously. “Shaojun, allow the lord and me some time to consider this matter further.”
Jiang Yi understood that Lady Jiang’s words indicated a softening of her stance. He obediently bid them goodnight and did not press further.
As soon as Jiang Yi left, Lord Jiang anxiously said to his wife, “What is there to discuss? They are cousins, this is absurd!”
“But Jiang Yi isn’t actually a Jiang by blood,” Lady Jiang replied.
“Even so, he’s been entered into the clan registry. If outsiders were to find out...”
“Is A’Ming’s well-being less important than what outsiders think?” Lady Jiang retorted angrily. “The second branch of the family has been spreading rumors, and it’s because of outsiders that she’s in this state. Now that the engagement with Young Master Jang is off, and with all the gossip, she might never marry again in her life. And you’re still talking to me about outsiders!”
Seeing his wife’s anger, Lord Jiang immediately backed down, his usual stern demeanor vanishing. “W-wife, that’s not what I meant...”
“You just think face is more important than anything,” Lady Jiang's temper flared. “I actually think Young Master is excellent, outstanding in appearance and character, so young yet already a scholar. Next year is the provincial examination. If he passes and becomes a provincial graduate, outsiders would be so envious when they speak of him.”
Lord Jiang waved his hand dismissively at this. “Becoming a provincial graduate isn't that easy...”
“What's a provincial graduate? I think this child could even become the top scholar,” Lady Jiang argued back. “I want this son-in-law. When Young Master truly achieves high honors in the future, I'll take A’Ming to the capital with me, leaving you here to listen to outsiders' gossip.”
Lord Jiang: “...”
Eventually, the couple reached a compromise and settled on an outcome. The next day, they summoned Jiang Yi to speak with them. Lord Jiang stood stiff-necked, while Lady Jiang was unusually gentle.
“After much discussion with the master, if you truly like her, I agree to let A’Ming marry you. However...”
“Please speak freely, madam.”
“Although A’Ming is not young, you are still quite young yourself. Next autumn brings the triennial provincial examination. If you marry too early, it might hinder your studies. Perhaps we should discuss the marriage after next year's provincial examination.”
Lord Jiang turned away awkwardly. Yesterday, when he compromised with his wife, they agreed that if Jiang Yi could pass the provincial examination, they would consent to the marriage. His wife had phrased it so tactfully that Lord Jiang's old face flushed red.
Jiang Yi, however, responded straightforwardly, “I will certainly strive with all my might to achieve scholarly honors before marrying A’Ming. But what about A’Ming's side...”
Lady Jiang smiled faintly. “With parents' orders and a matchmaker's words, I will speak to A’Ming. You should return to your studies quickly and not delay your important matters.”
“Yes,” Jiang Yi replied with a smile, bowing respectfully. “Then your nephew will take his leave.”
Lady Jiang watched Jiang Yi depart with a beaming expression. Now viewing him in a new light, she found everything about him pleasing. Ignoring Lord Jiang, who seemed to want to say something, she rose and went personally to Yan Yiming's residence.
That day, Lady Jiang spoke with Yan Yiming for a long time. Lan Xiu, curious about the conversation inside, didn't dare eavesdrop. After Lady Jiang left, Lan Xiu slipped into the room. “Miss, has Lady agreed to you and the young master...”
Yan Yiming immediately looked up, feigning ignorance. “How would you know!”
“I...” Only then did Lan Xiu realize she had let it slip. But seeing her young lady's expression, she couldn't help laughing. Glancing back to ensure no one else was around, she lowered her voice. “A few days ago, when the young master came here, you were napping. He even... held your hand...”
There were actually more intimate actions, but Lan Xiu was too shy to mention them. She looked up to see if her young lady was embarrassed, only to find Yan Yiming somewhat distracted.
“Young lady, what's wrong?”
“Nothing,” Yan Yiming sighed softly. “I just feel sorry for Young Master, having to marry someone with my poor health in the future...”
“Don't talk nonsense,” Lan Xiu chided. “I think the young master will definitely place high in the examinations someday. Your blessings are yet to come.”
Lan Xiu thought to herself that she must find the young master later and ask him to comfort her young lady properly, so she wouldn't overthink things.
Since it was still early, Lady Jiang and Lord Jiang didn't inform anyone else about the matter, not even Old Madam Jiang. However, Lord Jiang did remove Jiang Yi from the Jiang family clan registry.
Old Madam Jiang had been quite pleased for a long while, thinking that Lord Jiang was finally going to drive that little brat out. But after removing his name from the family register, Jiang Yi was still kept in the Jiang residence, and even the writing materials sent to him were of better quality.
Old Madam Jiang simply couldn't understand what Lord Jiang and Lady Jiang were up to. Fuming, she cursed Jiang Yi a few times in front of the maids, and as usual, she also scolded Yan Yiming. Recently, because of this matter, she had been mocked more than once by Second Lady Jiang.
When Second Lady Jiang came again, Old Madam Jiang thought she shouldn't be the only one suffering and sent someone to summon Lady Jiang.
Although Lady Jiang usually argued with Second Lady Jiang, she had been unusually calm lately. No matter what Second Lady Jiang said, Lady Jiang remained composed, sipping her tea. After finishing her cup, she silenced Second Lady Jiang with one sentence:
“The children's exams are coming up again this year. I wonder how your nephew is preparing this time.”
The second son of the main branch had finally passed the children's exam and become a scholar at nearly thirty years old. In contrast, the third son of the second branch, who had always been highly regarded, repeatedly failed. Second Lady Jiang couldn't help but pull a long face and mutter, “Why bring that up?”
“I just remembered that your nephew will have to take the children's exams again next year, while my disappointing son and Shaojun are preparing for the provincial exams. I can't help but worry.”
Second Lady Jiang cursed inwardly: Your son taking the exam is one thing, but why mention that little bastard? What does he have to do with you? Besides, with your son's ability, how could he possibly pass the provincial exam? What a joke! And that little bastard, he's not even fully grown and dares to make a fool of himself. She rolled her eyes openly, snorted coldly, bid her farewell, and left the Jiang residence.
In the blink of an eye, another winter passed with snow. The following year, the younger generation of the Jiang family took the children's exams again. The third son of the second branch finally joyfully became a scholar. Although he couldn't compare to Jiang Yi, who had become a child scholar at thirteen, he was still the youngest among the other Jiang descendants.
Second Lady Jiang excitedly held banquets for several days, celebrating her son's achievement in grand style. Only when she remembered that the provincial exams were in the autumn did she hurriedly send her son back to his studies. Now that he had passed the children's exams, it was time to prepare for the autumn provincial exams.
Who knows, maybe he would pass!