Chapter 50 [CTCGP 11]

Second Madame Jiang had always thought that Yan Yi Ming, who had been overlooked for so long, would either be dragged along until she aged into an unwanted spinster despite her pretty face or, in the end, have no choice but to marry into a less prestigious household, unworthy of the Jiang’s family. There was simply no third outcome.

Yet, she never expected that Yan Yi Ming would one day have the chance to climb up and marry the third son of the Governor of Lou Yang Prefecture.

Although the news of the Governor’s wife personally visiting the Jiang residence had not spread outside, it was impossible to keep it a secret with Old Madame Jiang’s loose lips.

For the first time, Old Madame Jiang, who had disliked Yan Yi Ming for years, suddenly found this granddaughter a bit more pleasing to the eyes. After all, Master Jiang was her eldest biological son, and Second Madame Jiang often took jabs at the main branch over Yan Yi Ming’s health. Now that there was a promising match in sight, Old Madame Jiang seized the opportunity to endlessly praise the main branch the moment Second Madame Jiang as soon as she arrived in her courtyard.

At first, Second Madame Jiang did not understand what Old Madame Jiang was driving at, but once she did, her face instantly turned purple with rage. Unable to hold back, she snapped, “The marriage isn’t even confirmed yet!”

If anything went wrong later, that little wretch would never have another chance to get married!

Still unwilling to believe it, Second Madame Jiang sent people to investigate discreetly. After confirming that the Governor’s wife had indeed visited the Jiang’s estate, and hearing that Third Young Master Jing of the Governor’s family had met Yan Yi Ming while boating on the lake and fallen for her at first sight, Second Madame Jiang held back for a long time before spitting out, “Vixen!”

After cursing, she turned and spotted her own daughter entering the room dressed flamboyantly, which frustrated her even more.

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“Gzz usw jdso kp ealppkdt wr! Ls xyvvla bso olzz usw ealpp, usw pvkzz nyd’v nsxryal vs vbyv zkvvzl oalvnb!”

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When Master Jiang returned and heard the good news, he was overjoyed. However, being naturally reserved, he refrained from making a big deal out of it. After all, nothing was certain yet, so it was best to wait until everything was set in stone before celebrating openly.

Madame Jiang naturally understood that concept. However, over the past few days, Madame Jing had frequently sent gifts, and what delighted her even more was that just yesterday, Third Young Master Jing had personally visited their residence.

Third Young Master Jing had just celebrated his coming-of-age ceremony, making him the perfect age for marriage. While he might not be as strikingly handsome as Jiang Yi, he still had a tall and upright figure with well-defined features. Despite being a legitimate son of the Governor, he was extremely courteous and did not conceal his admiration for Ah Ming in his words.

Madame Jiang was over the moon.

Even Old Madame Jiang made a special trip to Madame Jiang’s courtyard to join in on the excitement. Seeing how Third Young Master Jing was so eager to meet Yan Yi Ming, Madame Jiang insisted that Yan Yi Ming come out and greet him. However, Yan Yi Ming’s courtyard replied that she was feeling under the weather and was unable to receive guests.

Third Young Master Jing could not hide his disappointment, but he still maintained a respectful front, politely greeting Old Madame Jiang and Madame Jiang before taking his leave.

As soon as he left, Old Madame Jiang could not help but start complaining about Yan Yi Ming again. “Every time something important comes up, she suddenly falls ill! How useless!”

Madame Jiang cast a glance at Old Madame Jiang but said nothing. Although Madame Jiang also found it slightly regrettable, her Ah Ming behaving in such a reserved and proper manner was not necessarily a bad thing. It was rumoured that Madame Jing preferred well-mannered and virtuous young women.

Meanwhile, Third Young Master Jing deliberately lingered in the back garden of the Jiang estate, hoping to have an encounter with Yan Yi Ming. However, the beauty that had once stunned him at first glance never appeared.

Instead, he spotted the tall and slender youth who had accompanied Yan Yi Ming that day.

After inquiring, he learned that the young man was a relative of the Jiang family with no direct bloodline. However, despite his young age, he had already passed the prefectural examination, which was quite an impressive feat.

Since that youth had gone out to the lake with Yan Yi Ming that day, their relationship must surely be quite close.

Third Young Master Jing thought that getting close to his future brother-in-law in advance was not necessarily a bad thing. Especially since this Scholar Jiang was quite an impressive figure. Third Young Master Jing cleared his throat, adjusted his smile, and took the initiative to greet Jiang Yi.

Jiang Yi remained expressionless as he scrutinised Third Young Master Jing from head to toe. Suddenly, he recalled an idle conversation he once had with Ah Ming. He had casually asked her what kind of man she would choose if she truly had to get married.

Ah Ming replied that since she did not know the person’s character beforehand, she could only judge based on appearance. After saying that, she had looked him up and down before concluding, “At the very least, he should be as handsome as you.”

The maidservants had burst into laughter, teasing that no one would judge a potential partner solely based on their looks. Besides, with how strikingly handsome their young master was, finding someone more attractive than him would be quite a challenge.

At the time, it had just been a joke. But now, standing before this Third Young Master Jing, Jiang Yi was certain about one thing. This man did not fit Ah Ming’s standards.

Jiang Yi gave a slight nod and greeted in a detached manner, “Third Young Master Jing.”

Third Young Master Jing was slightly surprised by Jiang Yi’s dignified demeanour.

Remembering that Jiang Yi held the title of a Flourishing Scholar⁴Xiu Cai <秀才>, is a candidate that has successfully passed this local level prefectural examination. It grants them the eligibility to participate in the next level of examination. at such a young age, he could not help but respect him. They exchanged a few polite words, but Third Young Master Jing kept glancing southwards before finally preparing to leave.

Just as he was about to go, he suddenly remembered something and pulled out a long box from his sleeve, handing it to Jiang Yi.

“A few days ago, I came across this accessory, and the moment I saw it, I felt it would suit Fifth Miss Jiang perfectly. It’s just a small gift, nothing expensive. Since I didn’t get the opportunity to see Fifth Miss Jiang today, can I trouble Young Master Jiang to pass it along for me?”

Jiang Yi accepted the box with a smile that did not reach his eyes. “It’s no trouble at all.”

His profound, dark eyes remained devoid of any warmth as he watched Third Young Master Jing depart. Only then did he open the box.

Inside the box lay a white jade hairpin. Its design was simple yet elegant and exquisite.

Through hooded gaze, Jiang Yi was lost in thought. After a long moment, he shut the box with a faint smile and headed towards Yan Yi Ming’s courtyard.

As he passed the small pond in the residence, he casually tossed the wooden box and the jade hairpin into the water.

The hairpin slipped out of the box, sinking swiftly into the depths, vanishing without a trace.

Since this marriage was doomed to not take place, there was no need for Ah Ming to lay eyes on the hairpin. She had said she was not feeling well today, and he just happened to be on his way to check on her.

By the time he arrived, it was midday. In the shaded area of the courtyard, Lan Xiu and a group of maidservants were chatting in hushed tones while playing a game. Upon spotting him, they quickly stood to greet him.

Jiang Yi glanced towards the inner room and asked in a soft voice, “Is Ah Ming resting?”

He cast another look towards the door and continued, “I heard she wasn’t feeling well today?”

Lan Xiu pursed her lips. Since her mistress was close to Jiang Yi, the maidservants in her courtyard were not as wary of him as the rest of the household. Others might whisper that the young master always carried a cold and intimidating expression, but those serving beside Yan Yi Ming were unafraid. Some, like Lan Xiu, even dared to chatter in his presence.

“Miss is not actually unwell. She was fine all morning,” Lan Xiu muttered. “But just now, Madame sent someone to summon her to meet Third Young Master Jing. Miss didn’t want to go, so she made up an excuse.”

Lan Xiu still did not quite understand what Yan Yi Ming was thinking and grumbled softly, “Miss is eventually going to marry Third Young Master Jing anyway… So meeting him earlier wouldn’t hurt…”

Before she finished speaking, Jiang Yi had already turned and headed towards the inner room.

“I’ll go in to check on her. You all continue what you’re doing, just keep your voices down so you don’t disturb her rest.”

“Oh…” The maidservants quickly nodded. After watching him disappear inside, one of them whispered, “Miss is resting. Why is Young Master going in?”

“Who knows?” Lan Xiu shook her head. “Maybe he just wanted to take a look. Don’t mind it. Now, let’s continue. Chang Chun pairs with Ban Xia. Jin Zhan, you’re with Yu Zhen. Whose turn is it…”

Jiang Yi entered the inner quarters quietly. It was much cooler inside than outside. Master Jiang and Madame Jiang, worried that their daughter might overheat, had specially allowed her to keep ice in her room.

Yan Yi Ming was fast asleep, her light-colored eyes closed, and her long eyelashes, like delicate fans, occasionally fluttered. Following the line of her lashes downwards, there lay a beautiful cinnabar mole.

Her appearance was truly exquisite.

Even though his initial fondness for her had not stemmed from her looks, he could not deny just how breathtaking she was. She was so beautiful that a single glance could captivate one’s soul.

Jiang Yi sat on a small stool beside the bed, quietly observing her. Her complexion remained as pale as jade, almost translucent. Because of her frail health, her lips, without rouge, were naturally paler than most.

However, the shape of her lips was perfect, the corners naturally upturned, the peaks and valleys were just right.

A hidden yet fervent youthful affection stirred within him. Jiang Yi reached out, his thumb gently caressing her lips. They were warmer than he had imagined and softer than he had expected; the feeling was almost unbelievable.

His fingers traced the cinnabar mole at the corner of her right eye, then slid down the delicate contours of her face before finally moving lower to clasp her hand. Compared to the warmth of her face, her fingers were ice cold.

Their fingers interlocked in an intimate gesture, and Jiang Yi found that he liked it very much.

Jiang Yi enjoyed this undisturbed tranquillity, the feeling of time flowing gently. He cherished every single moment spent with her.

Jiang Yi had been sitting silently for an unknown amount of time until a faint, sharp intake of breath sounded from behind him. Only then did he slowly release his grip, leaning down intentionally to press a soft kiss at the corner of Yan Yi Ming’s lips as she remained deep in slumber.

Straightening up, he caught sight of Lan Xiu standing behind him, her eyes wide with shock, her hand covering her mouth in disbelief. Yet, Jiang Yi showed no trace of panic.

Instead, he even allowed a faint, satisfied smile to curve up his lips, as if what he had done was the most natural thing in the world. As he brushed past Lan Xiu, he spoke in a low voice, “You can pretend you saw nothing.”

“But…” Lan Xiu was too stunned to speak. Moments ago, she had merely been curious why the young master had remained inside for so long without coming out. She had wondered if perhaps her mistress had woken up? But upon stepping into the inner room, she had witnessed a scene that left her utterly baffled.

So the young master had always harboured such feelings for Miss!

“Young master, you…” Lan Xiu felt she had lost her senses. “Miss is about to be engaged to another…”

“I will personally tell her and Madame. For the sake of her reputation, you should also act as if you saw nothing,” Jiang Yi said. Then, as if he had just heard an amusing joke, he let out a soft chuckle. “Engaged? As long as I’m here, how could she possibly get engaged? If you really can’t hold it in, you can tell her about what I’ve done in a few days. But for now, I’ll have to trouble you… to keep this secret for just a little while longer.”