Madam Yin was truly a fortunate person.
Despite her humble family origins, she had married into the Ye family and enjoyed a lifetime of wealth and prosperity. Moreover, she had such a good husband in Ye Hongsheng, who never resented her for bearing only two daughters.
Back when she could no longer bear children, everyone in the household had laughed at her, assuming she would either reluctantly allow her husband to take a concubine or end up with no one to care for her in old age.
But then, unexpectedly, the Third Miss became capable. Not only did she support the Second Branch of the family, but she also upheld a portion of the Ye family, seizing both the position of family head and inheritance rights for the Second Branch.
As for the First Madam, despite marrying the eldest legitimate son and giving birth to the eldest legitimate grandson, after a lifetime of pride and scheming, she ended up with nothing to show for it.
This proves one should never compare oneself with those blessed by fortune.
Take herself, for instance. Though her appearance and abilities were no worse than the First Madam’s, she was born to serve others as a servant. Who could she blame for that?
…
In the Second Branch, Madam Yin was neither as angry nor as ecstatically happy as Madam Tao had imagined.
In these times, uninvited guests were extremely impolite, not to mention those coming to propose marriage.
Lu Bin’s second son, Lu Qingsheng, had arrived in Lin’an yesterday and sent a card to Ye Chongming, informing him about today’s betrothal visit to the Ye family. Ye Chongming had immediately informed Ye Yaming.
However, Ye Yaming only told Madam Yin about this matter early this morning, with additional explanations.
Upon hearing that this marriage arrangement was only established to resolve the crisis between the Ye and Lu families, and might be called off in the future, Madam Yin hadn’t even had time to feel the joy of securing a good marriage before falling into endless worry.
“But in two years, you’ll be eighteen. If the engagement is broken, where will we find another good match?” At this thought, she felt like crying.
“Haven’t you seen all the matchmakers visiting our home recently? Whether I marry a commoner or bring a husband into our family, it won’t be difficult. As long as my requirements aren’t too high, there won’t be any problem.”
These words comforted Madam Yin.
Although Ye Yaming’s marriage was decided by Old Madam Ye, the Old Madam was a considerate person. Whenever someone came to propose, she would chat with Madam Yin about it to reassure her. Therefore, Madam Yin was well aware of the flood of marriage proposals during that period.
Ye Hongsheng had also consoled her, saying that since Ye Yaming was to be the next head of the Ye family, even if she married out, she would still maintain control over internal and external affairs of the Ye family. Most of the sixty percent of assets allocated to the Second Branch would belong to her. With such a large fortune and their daughter’s beauty, there was no need to worry about her marriage prospects.
Since both her mother-in-law and husband had said so, and Ye Yaming was an extremely decisive person, Madam Yin stopped worrying.
“You’re clever and capable, and you have your ideas. So your mother can rest assured. Do as you see fit in this matter, and don’t worry about me,” said Madam Yin.
This was precisely what Ye Yaming loved most about Madam Yin.
She was grateful that in this life, both her parents were not meddlesome and truly loved their daughter. Although others in the Ye family had their little schemes, they weren’t unbearable.
Therefore, when the betrothal party entered the gate and the servants learned they were proposing to the Third Miss, they all congratulated Madam Yin, who maintained a composed demeanor.
Except for Madam Tao and Madam Yin, everyone else was delighted. As Ye Yaming’s status rose as the next family head, her marriage into a noble family and becoming an official’s wife meant that no one would dare look down on the Ye family or disparage them as mere merchants anymore. This was beneficial for the entire Ye family.
“Who exactly came to propose? Have you found out?” asked Madam Zhang.
The maid who went to gather information shook her head. “I don’t know. I asked the sisters in the main house, but they all said they didn’t know.”
So after Master Zhi and Lu Qingsheng left, Madam Tao, Madam Zhang, and even Ye Jiaxing’s wife, Madam Guan, all went to the main house to inquire about the family of the betrothed.
Old Madam Ye sent all the servants away and said, “Young Master Lu and Young Master Qi received news in the capital that someone coveted the Dragon Well tea production method. The Meng family then instigated a family that has a noble title in name only but is corrupt to propose to Yaming. If we refused, they would harbor resentment and create obstacles for our family.”
“So your father-in-law sought help from the two young masters and Master Zhi, who went to great lengths to arrange Yaming’s marriage to prevent such sabotage. This is a temporary measure to resolve the crisis. This marriage shouldn’t be taken seriously. Therefore, you don’t need to know which family proposed. If anyone asks, just say that the Second Master arranged the marriage while in the capital.”
Old Madam Ye repeated the explanation that Ye Yaming had taught her.
“Besides rejecting the Meng family’s attempt to make trouble, Yaming’s marriage also serves to intimidate the petty people in Lin’an City. Recently, many have been trying to discover the secret recipe of our Dragon Well tea through various means. If they know we have the support of a fifth-rank noble official from the capital, they will be more restrained.”
She knew that her eldest daughter-in-law, despite appearing generous, was actually quite calculating, especially since Ye Yaqing’s marriage had long been delayed, which had become a thorn in Madam Tao’s heart. With Ye Yaming securing such a prestigious marriage, Madam Tao was bound to have thoughts.
Therefore, she looked specifically at Madam Tao: “Qing’er’s marriage has always been difficult to settle, neither too high nor too low. Now that Yaming is engaged, those families who previously looked down on us might reconsider. Eldest daughter-in-law, take this opportunity to choose well for Qing’er and settle her marriage soon.”
When Madam Tao had earlier discovered Madam Yin’s composed reaction, she had been suspicious, but upon hearing her mother-in-law’s explanation, she immediately understood.
So that was it, no wonder. It seemed that Ye Yaming’s marriage was essentially fabricated.
Now, hearing that Ye Yaming’s engagement could benefit her daughter’s marriage prospects, she felt instant joy. But after the joy passed, she developed new concerns.
“People who agree to this marriage do so hoping to become in-laws with a fifth-rank noble official. If Yaming’s engagement doesn’t work out later, won’t they accuse us of deception and take out their anger on Qing’er?”
Upon hearing these words, Madam Zhang wanted to laugh in Madam Tao’s face.
It was like a starving person, for whom someone else had risked danger to obtain a bowl of rice with meat, asking, “Will I get too full if I eat this? Will my stomach be upset and cause diarrhea?”
If you’re so worried, then don’t eat it.
Old Madam Ye was also amused and annoyed by these words.
She said coolly, “I was indeed careless and didn’t consider this. You should be cautious then. If there are suitors who come seeking to be in-laws with a fifth-rank noble official, you can identify and reject them. To be safe, perhaps you should choose from families that had previously shown interest.”
Madam Zhang quickly covered her mouth with her handkerchief, afraid she might laugh out loud.
Madam Tao’s face alternated between red and white.
“This marriage benefits everyone in the household. Only Yaming, in order to resolve the family crisis, is wasting her precious youth. As her aunt, I feel heartbroken,” said Madam Zhang as she beckoned to the maid beside her.
The maid stepped forward and opened the box she was carrying, revealing a set of gold and jade hair ornaments.