Lin’an was a prosperous and affluent place. Not just anyone could come to Lin’an to be an Educational Officer; one needed the right background, skills, and talent, which showed that this Wang Wenzhi was no ordinary person.

Ye Yaming asked further: “What is his attitude toward women?”

The smile on Zhou Xiang’s face froze for an instant.

Other young women would be too embarrassed to ask such questions, but Ye Yaming spoke without changing her expression—truly worthy of being their Third Miss!

“Lord Wang has taken two concubines. One was a maid whom his wife promoted, and the other was a distant relative of his mother. Apart from that, he doesn’t have any particular tendencies regarding women. He doesn’t frequent pleasure houses either.”

“What is his attitude toward his daughters?”

“In that regard, this humble servant hasn’t paid attention. But please rest assured, Miss, I will immediately have someone inquire about it. As soon as there’s news, I’ll report it to you,” Zhou Xiang respectfully replied.

Ye Yaming frowned.

This Wang Wenzhi was truly a conventional official.

After some thought, she instructed: “Look into which of Wang Wenzhi’s colleagues are upright and straightforward, who can’t stand seeing scholars with corrupt morals, breaking promises, or showing ingratitude. If there aren’t any, then see which ones dote on their daughters.”

Zhou Xiang had not previously understood why Ye Yaming wanted to inquire about Wang Wenzhi. But with this instruction, he now understood.

He immediately grasped her meaning: “Don’t worry, Miss. I understand your intention. I will certainly have them investigate thoroughly. Please wait for my good news.”

Working alongside Ye Chongming, Zhou Xiang knew very well how formidable this Third Miss was, especially given that both Ye Chongming and Old Madam Ye had repeatedly emphasized this to him.

Moreover, he had his considerations.

He was only twenty years old, while Ye Chongming was already elderly. Since Ye Yaming planned to remain in the family and take in a son-in-law, and given that she was more capable than Ye Hongchang and Ye Jiaxing, the Ye family might well be under her management in the future. Zhou Xiang naturally had to plan for his prospects.

Now, with the opportunity to make an impression and work for her, Zhou Xiang was putting in his utmost effort. If he was giving ten parts of his effort for Ye Chongming, then for Ye Yaming, he was giving twelve.

Therefore, after just a few days, he had thoroughly investigated Wang Wenzhi and his colleagues’ situations and whereabouts.

“Among Lord Wang’s colleagues, there is one called Zhong Ming. He’s from the same examination year as Lord Wang and was the third-ranked scholar that year, quite talented. He was originally a Hanlin Academy Compiler. He’s exceptionally straightforward, somewhat hot-tempered, and likes to speak the truth when facing injustice. Because of this, he has never been promoted.”

“Two years ago, he offended someone in the capital and was transferred away. Someone protected him, which is how he ended up in Lin’an, becoming Lord Wang’s subordinate. I’ve heard that this Lord Zhong doesn’t get along well with Lord Wang.”

“It’s just that…” Zhou Xiang said regretfully, “This Lord Zhong has three sons but no daughters.”

“However, he is a grateful person. When he was at his lowest point, his father-in-law gave his daughter to him in marriage. He has never taken a concubine and remains deeply in love with his wife.”

“After being transferred to Lin’an, has Lord Zhong changed his habit of speaking the truth?” Ye Yaming asked.

“No,” Zhou Xiang replied. “That’s why he doesn’t get along with Lord Wang.”

“Then he’s the one,” Ye Yaming decided firmly.

The Ye family’s first project in collaboration with Lu Guanyi and Qi Ji was making tea sets. Although she had provided designs, she still wasn’t completely at ease and wanted to see them in person.

Furthermore, while she wasn’t the type who couldn’t sit still, she didn’t like staying at home all the time.

Also, if Song Yifeng became heartless and wanted to become Wang Wenzhi’s son-in-law, or if he was overwhelmed by love and became deeply involved with Zi Jin, wanting to break off the engagement to formally marry Zi Jin, or if Zi Jin suddenly changed her mind and wanted to become Song Yifeng’s wife or concubine, turning around to deal with her—if Song Yifeng seized this opportunity while she was engaged with Lu Guanyi and Qi Ji to tarnish her reputation, she and the Ye family would be in a passive position.

Therefore, this matter was better done sooner rather than later; they needed to act quickly.

After learning of Ye Yaming’s plan, Zhou Xiang also found Zhong Ming suitable and had already gathered clear information.

“This humble servant has had people inquire. Lord Zhong has no particular hobbies except for drinking. He especially loves the peach blossom wine from Taibai Tower and occasionally invites a few good friends there for drinks, taking turns to host. Lord Wang’s family is wealthy and is a regular at Taibai Tower. Song Yifeng is occasionally brought by Lord Wang to Taibai Tower to accompany them for drinks.”

Ye Yaming noticed that after saying this, he appeared to be holding something back.

She said: “If you have something to say, just say it. Don’t hold back. Don’t worry, I won’t blame you.”

If Zhou Xiang truly had something he couldn’t tell her, he absolutely wouldn’t show such an expression. Only if he had something to say but was afraid of her reproach would he look like this.

Indeed, after she spoke, Zhou Xiang said: “It’s just that, Miss, if you’re planning to have Miss Zi Jin go to Taibai Tower to cause a scene in front of all the officials, I’m afraid it won’t achieve your goal. Men are quite tolerant about keeping mistresses. Even if Lord Zhong says a few harsh words to Song Yifeng, it won’t have much impact. If our family uses this as grounds to break off the engagement, and Song Yifeng turns the tables on us, we won’t come out well.”

“No, I don’t plan to do that,” Ye Yaming said.

Zhou Xiang raised his eyes, looking at Ye Yaming in confusion. But this was an extremely impolite gesture, and upon realizing his behavior, he immediately lowered his head again.

Ye Yaming stared at him and asked: “Zhou Xiang, if the Ye family divides in the future, what are your plans?”

Zhou Xiang suddenly raised his head, staring at Ye Yaming with wide eyes.

“Don’t be afraid. Bai Rui and Lu’E are my confidantes. They are completely loyal to me and won’t reveal our conversation today. You can rest assured.”

Zhou Xiang suppressed the shock and panic in his heart, lowered his head, and made a great effort to calm his emotions.

He knew that Ye Yaming was trying to win his allegiance. She asked this question because her upcoming actions might not align with the Ye family’s interests, or might even contradict the old master’s wishes. She was now asking him to choose whether to follow the old master’s instructions or listen to her for the sake of his prospects.

Zhou Xiang’s mind was in turmoil.

It was the old master who had shown discernment in selecting him from among all the servants, keeping him by his side, treating him as a confidant, and often teaching him.

Was he now to betray the old master and be bought by the Third Miss?

No, he couldn’t do that.

After a long while, he finally said softly: “I apologize, Third Miss, but the old master has shown me great kindness. I could never betray him.”

After saying this, seeing that Ye Yaming didn’t respond for a while, he couldn’t help but raise his head to look at her. To his surprise, Ye Yaming suddenly smiled and said to him: “Good. I indeed haven’t misjudged you.”

She stood up: “Come with me to the main courtyard.”