Chapter 54 [CTCGP 15]

Master Jiang had just assured Yan Yi Ming moments ago that he would find her a better marriage match. Yet, after she left, he could only cover his eyes in despair.

Such words were just that—words. After all, in all of Luo Yang Prefecture, who could be more prestigious than the Jing family? His daughter had lost such a good marriage match, there would not be a better match than this. 

Madame Jiang had lain weakly for a long time before finally regaining some strength. When she woke, she and Master Jiang spoke for a while, and before long, tears began to fall again. Master Jiang sighed, trying to comfort his wife. Just then, a maidservant came in to report that the young master had arrived with urgent matters to discuss.

Neither Master Jiang nor Madame Jiang was in the mood for visitors, so they sent word for Jiang Yi to come back tomorrow. But moments later, Jiang Yi walked in on his own.

Master Jiang was somewhat displeased but held back his temper. After all, Jiang Yi was not his biological son. He maintained his composure and asked what was so urgent.

Jiang Yi lifted his robes and knelt directly before them, startling them both. His gaze was unwavering, his voice was clear and firm.

“I have come today to request for a person from Master and Madame.”

Madame Jiang assumed he was asking for a servant girl or an attendant and casually asked who he wanted.

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“R oydv Gb Ykdt.”

Mbl prssd kd Yyeyxl Kkydt’p byde pzkrrle qasx bla qkdtlap, nzyvvlakdt cynj kdvs vbl csoz okvb y nakpr pswde. Fbl yde Yypvla Kkydt lmnbydtle y tzydnl clqsal vwadkdt vs pvyal yv bkx kd wdkpsd. “… Ebyv es usw xlyd cu vbkp?”

Kkydt Zk xlv vblka tygl okvbswv blpkvyvksd. “R yx ellrzu qsde sq Gb Ykdt yde okpb vs vyjl bla yp xu okql. R ypj Yypvla yde Yyeyxl qsa uswa czlppkdtp.”

“Mbkp—vbkp, vbkp—” Yypvla Kkydt, y xyd jdsod qsa bkp pvlyeu nsxrspwal, oyp aldelale prllnbzlpp qsa vbl qkapv vkxl. Tl pvyale yv Kkydt Zk qsa y zsdt xsxldv clqsal pzyxxkdt vbl vyczl.

“Ebyv dsdpldpl!”

Yyaakytl clvolld pkczkdtp sq vbl pyxl nzyd—vbkp… vbkp kp dsv ynnlrvyczl!

Yypvla Kkydt oyp ps vyjld ycynj vbyv bl kdpvkdnvkhlzu pnawvkdkgle Kkydt Zk. “Tyhl usw clld eakdjkdt yde prlyjkdt dsdpldpl?…”

Yypvla Kkydt oyp nsdhkdnle vbyv Kkydt Zk xwpv cl eawdj.

However, Madame Jiang, though initially shocked, quickly steadied herself. She set down her medicine bowl and studied Jiang Yi. His back was straight, his gaze clear, without the slightest trace of intoxication. Furthermore, this child had always been disciplined, he would never secretly sneak a drink.

If Jiang Yi was saying such things, there had to be a reason behind it.

And given today’s events, Madame Jiang could only think of one possibility.

She reached out to stop Master Jiang, who was still ranting, then gestured for Jiang Yi to get up and take a seat. Madame Jiang spoke gently, “Shao Jun, I know you care deeply for Ah Ming, but you don’t have to step up to the plate for this.”

If it was not for today’s broken engagement, if it was not for the fact that Jiang Yi could not bear to see Ah Ming struggle to find a match. Why would he have said such a thing?

Madame Jiang suddenly felt touched. Although Jiang Yi was not her biological son, he treated Ah Ming no differently than her two biological elder brothers. Even now, he was willing to sacrifice himself for her like this.

Master Jiang finally caught on to his wife’s meaning. He suddenly realized the weight of the moment, looking at the handsome youth before him with complicated emotions. 

Fifth Brother had truly adopted a good child.

“I am not asking for her hand out of pity for her because of today’s events,” Jiang Yi admitted with a hint of guilt. “Though it is difficult to say aloud, I must be honest. Master, Madame—you’ve treated me with great kindness, yet I have harbored thoughts I should not have. It is truly inappropriate. But…”

He hesitated briefly before continuing, “But feelings arise of their own accord, beyond my control.”

Master and Madame Jiang were both momentarily at a loss for words.

After a long silence, Madame Jiang hesitated before finally asking, “If this is how you’ve felt all along, why are you only speaking up now?”

Jiang Yi let out a bitter smile. “Because I never dared to hope that I could truly be with her. When Third Young Master Jing came to propose, I knew I could not compare to his family background or achievements. I only wished for someone who would genuinely care for her, treat her well, and that would’ve been enough for me. But I never expected things to turn out like this.

“I have always admired Ah Ming. If I said I had no selfish motives, then that would be a lie. Seeing her so heartbroken now, I can’t bear it. I don’t want her to suffer any more criticism or disdain. Though my status is far beneath Third Young Master Jing’s, if I could marry Ah Ming, I would cherish her for a lifetime and never disappoint her.”

These words struck directly on Madame Jiang’s heart.

In all honesty, Madame Jiang had never placed too much emphasis on the other party’s family background when considering Ah Ming’s future husband. Character, ambition, and—most importantly—his devotion to her daughter mattered far more.

Madame Jiang had never considered Jiang Yi in this light before. However now, hearing his words, scrutinizing his handsome features and sincere eyes, her heart wavered.

Jiang Yi had been raised by the Jiang family themselves, so his character was undoubtedly upright. His academic talents were also exceptional. Furthermore, as for how he treated Ah Ming—everyone had seen it with their own eyes. Madame Jiang knew there was likely no one in this world who could care for her daughter as deeply as he did.

And while Jiang Yi was considered a member of the Jiang family, he was not a biological child of the Jiang’s lineage…

Just as Master Jiang was about to voice his objections again, Madame Jiang firmly grasped his hand. Unconsciously, her tone had already softened.

“Shao Jun, let Master and me think this over first,” she said gently.

Jiang Yi knew that Madame Jiang’s softened stance meant she was already considering this matter. Obediently, he paid his respects before taking his leave without pressing further.

Master Jiang watched him go before turning to Madame Jiang in a hurry. “What is there to even consider? They belong to the same clan! This is absurd!”

“But Jiang Yi is not actually a Jiang by blood,” Madam Jiang countered.

“However, he’s still part of the family registry. If outsiders find out…”

“And what of it? Are outsiders’ opinions more important than Ah Ming’s happiness?” Madame Jiang retorted exasperatedly. “The second branch has already spread rumors, and it was those very outsiders who caused Ah Ming’s situation to become what it is! Now, with the engagement to Third Young Master Jing falling through, she may never find another match because of those same rumors—and you’re still caring about what outsiders think?”

Master Jiang faltered under his wife’s fury. His usual righteous and uncompromising demeanor melted away in an instant. “M-my wife, that’s not what I meant…”

“You just think your reputation is more important than anything else.” Madame Jiang was still fuming. “I, on the other hand, now think that Shao Jun is an excellent choice. He is handsome, has excellent character, and became a Flourishing Scholar at such a young age. Next year when the provincial examination commence and if he succeeds and becomes a Recommended Scholar, who knows how jealous those same outsiders will be!”

Master Jiang waved his hand dismissively at her words. “Becoming a Recommended Scholar isn’t that easy…”

“That’s just a measly Recommended Scholar. I think this child have the potential to even become the Top Scholar!” Madame Jiang argued with Master Jiang. “I’ve decided—I want him as my son-in-law. When Shao Jun passes the exam, I’ll take Ah Ming with me to the Imperial Capital and leave you here to listen to all the gossiping outsiders.”

Master Jiang, “…”

Eventually, after much back-and-forth, the couple reached a compromise and finally settled on a decision. The next day, they summoned Jiang Yi for a talk. Master Jiang sat stiffly, while Madame Jiang was uncharacteristically gentle.

“We’ve discussed it at length yesterday,” she said. “If you truly have feelings for Ah Ming, then I’ll agree to let you marry her. However…”

“Madame, please speak freely.”

“Though Ah Ming is already of marriageable age, you are still young. Next autumn is the once-every-three-years provincial examination. Getting married now might distract you from your studies. Hence, we feel it would be best to wait until after the examination to discuss your marriage.”

Master Jiang awkwardly turned his head away. He had reluctantly compromised with his wife the night before, agreeing that if Jiang Yi could become a Recommended Scholar, only then would they approve the marriage. However, Madame Jiang had phrased it so tactfully that Master Jiang’s face turned slightly red.

Jiang Yi, however, agreed without hesitation. “I will do my utmost to earn my scholar title and then marry Ah Ming properly. But what of Ah Ming’s opinion on this?…”

Madame Jiang smiled slightly. “Marriage is decided by one’s parents and matchmakers. I will speak with Ah Ming regarding this matter myself. For now, you should head back and focus on your studies. Do not let anything hinder your studies.”

“Yes,” Jiang Yi smiled and bowed respectfully. “Then I shall take my leave.”

Madame Jiang watched him go with a satisfied smile. Now that his status had changed, she found him more pleasing to the eye in every way. Ignoring Master Jiang, who looked as if he wanted to say something but hesitated, she stood up and personally went to see Yan Yi Ming.

That day, Madame Jiang spoke with Yan Yi Ming for a long time. Lan Xiu, listening from outside, was incredibly curious but did not dare to eavesdrop. Only after Madame Jiang left did she sneak back into the room.

“Miss, did Madame agree to your marriage with Young Master?”

Yan Yi Ming immediately looked up, feigning ignorance. “How did you know about that?”

“I…” Lan Xiu realized she had let something slip. However, seeing her mistress’s expression, she could not help but giggle. After glancing around to make sure no one else was nearby, she lowered her voice and said, “A few days ago, when Young Master came over, you were taking a nap… and he… he held your hand…”

In truth, there had been more intimate things done, but Lan Xiu was too shy to say it out loud. She peeked at her mistress, expecting to see her blushing, but instead, Yan Yi Ming looked somewhat distracted.

“Miss, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” Yan Yi Ming sighed softly. “I just feel like Shao Jun is being wronged. He will have to marry me… a person which this weak and broken body…”

“That’s nonsense!” Lan Xiu scolded playfully. “I believe Young Master will surely score well in the upcoming examination. Your good fortune has still yet to come.”

Lan Xiu made up her mind to find the young master later and have him reassure her mistress properly and prevent her from overthinking things.

Since the wedding was still far off, Madame Jiang and Master Jiang did not inform anyone else about this decision, not even Old Madame Jiang knew of it. However, Master Jiang removed Jiang Yi’s name from the Jiang family’s ancestral records.

Old Madame Jiang was delighted for days, thinking Master Jiang had finally decided to kick that little bastard out. Yet, to her surprise, even after his name was removed, Jiang Yi was still allowed to stay in the Jiang residence. In fact, the brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones sent his way were of even better quality than before.

Old Madame Jiang could not understand what Master Jiang and Madame Jiang were up to. Frustrated, she vented her anger by scolding Jiang Yi in front of the maidservants. After that, as usual, she also directed a few harsh words at Yan Yi Ming. In recent days, she had been frequently taunted by Second Madame Jiang over the recent matter.

The next time Second Madame Jiang came to visit, Old Madame Jiang, not wanting to bear it alone, sent someone to summon Madame Jiang over to her courtyard.

Yet, Madame Jiang, who would normally argue with Second Madame Jiang, remained unusually calm. No matter what was said, she just sipped her tea with an air of indifference. Only after finishing her cup did she respond with a single sentence that left Second Madame Jiang speechless.

“Another year has passed, and the prefectural examination is coming up again. I wonder how well prepared my nephew is for it this time.”

The second son of the first branch of Jiang family had only managed to pass the prefectural examination and become a Flourishing Scholar at nearly thirty years old. Meanwhile, the third son of the second branch, who had always been highly regarded, failed every attempt. Second Madame Jiang’s face darkened, and she muttered, “What’s your point of bringing this up?”

“I just happened to recall that my disappointing son and Shao Jun will be preparing for the provincial examination next year, while my nephew still has to take the prefectural examination once more. Naturally, I can’t help but worry,” Madame Jiang said with a serene smile.

Second Madame Jiang cursed inwardly. 

It’s one thing to bring up your son taking the examination, but why bring up that little bastard? What does he success have anything to do with you? Furthermore, as if your son has the talent to pass the provincial examination—what a joke! As for that little bastard, he’s still a kid and who’s stopping him from embarrassing himself like that? 

Second Madame Jiang rolled her eyes dramatically and scoffed before taking her leave from the Jiang residence.

Another winter passed, and soon the prefectural examination commenced and all the the males of the Jiang family that qualified took part in it. 

The third son of the second branch finally achieved success and earned his title as a Flourishing Scholar. Though he could not compare to Jiang Yi, who had become a Flourishing Scholar at thirteen, among the Jiang family’s younger generation, he was now the youngest to earn that title.

Over the moon, Second Madame Jiang hosted a grand banquet to celebrate for several days. However, with the provincial examination coming up in the fall, she soon hurriedly sent her son back to his study room. Now that he had passed the prefectural examination, it was time to prepare for the provincial examination.

Who knows, he might just pass~