She Became A Downfall Noble Lady
Chapter 176 - 175: Jiang Yifan’s Unexpected Outburst

Chapter 176: Chapter 175: Jiang Yifan’s Unexpected Outburst

At the southern gate of the cattle farm, Qi Younian, along with Ye Xinyan, Fan Zhengyuan, and Cui Chengxi, a party of four, awaited the inspection by leaders at all levels.

The three followed Qi Younian forward a few steps. Old Master Qi, along with Fan Zhengyuan and Cui Chengxi, performed a clasped-hands bow to express their respect and welcome to the visiting leaders and the host.

Whereas Ye Xinyan could only awkwardly mix in, performing a half-hearted kneeled salute, mumbling words of reception and waiting without much clarity.

Jinrong maintained the same bystander demeanor, and no emotion could be discerned on Jiang Yifan’s face. Hongzhi, Shi Yu, and a few others were speechless at Ye Xinyan’s actions. Such an unwilling attitude was too apparent; not the slightest attempt was made to hide it.

Qi Younian, without looking back, was aware of what his granddaughter’s attitude was. Leading Ye Xinyan behind, he instructed Fan Zhengyuan, "Zhengyuan, please show Sixth Master Rong and the other officials around, and let them see the situation inside the cattle farm."

Blocked at the back, Ye Xinyan performed her unnoticed kneeled salute while speaking in a cool tone and with exceptional courtesy, "Could all the esteemed officials and honored guests allow this humble woman to say a few more words?"

The voice of a woman among a crowd of men immediately captured everyone’s attention.

It was not because Ye Xinyan sought the limelight, but rather that the rules of the cattle farm must not be broken.

Especially on this occasion with both Jinrong and Jiang Yifan present; if they both complied with the cattle farm’s regulations, the farm’s status would henceforth be self-evident. Naturally, nobody would dare to place themselves above the county honor and the cattle farm’s owner, seeking special privileges or advantages, big or small, at the farm.

All eyes turned to Jiang Yifan.

Jiang Yifan stopped, paused, and then said, "Please, Lady Qi, proceed."

Ye Xinyan knelt and said, "Not that I presume too much, but raising draught cattle is a matter not to be taken lightly..."

She repeated the reasons she had given before for refusing many people entry to the cattle farm, and concluded with, "I hope that all the officials, honored guests, and the host can understand the difficulties faced by those managing these affairs."

Everyone clearly understood Ye Xinyan’s meaning, and were astounded at her audacity in obstructing the county honor and the host. The Lizheng and other officials all kept silent, waiting for either the county honor or the host, Sixth Master Rong, to make a ruling.

Qi Younian appeared helpless and yet indulgent toward his granddaughter’s behavior, while Fan Zhengyuan was somewhat anxiously awaiting the dignitaries’ responses.

Jiang Yifan said, "We are here to inspect agricultural farming and the raising of draught cattle, and naturally we wish to see the condition of the cattle. Does Lady Qi mean that we cannot enter, or are there any other conditions?"

"I wouldn’t dare," said Ye Xinyan, "Although in the past, the cattle farm did not permit outsiders to enter, since Lord Jiang has official duties, and since Sixth Master Rong is the host, naturally they are qualified to inspect. However, aside from those necessary to accompany you, it would be better if your retinue did not enter. Inside, there is no scenery worth viewing, and truly nothing to see."

Then, Jinrong, Jiang Yifan, the Lizheng in charge of the nearby villages, Clear Water Village head He Quantai, and reluctantly including Landlord Liu, a total of five people, accompanied by Fan Zhengyuan and Cui Chengxi, carefully inspected the cattle farm and listened as Fan Zhengyuan explained one by one the operation and management rules of the farm.

After nearly two quarters of an hour, the group returned from the cattle farm.

Approaching the exit near the southern gate of the cattle farm, Jinrong suddenly asked, "Where is the cow’s milk from the farm stored, Steward Fan? Would it be convenient to show me?"

"Convenient, certainly," Fan Zhengyuan replied promptly, then with a slower pace, continued, "However, cow’s milk storage is very prone to spoilage, and many people cannot go in. Do you see?" Even under the gentle gaze of Sixth Master Rong, which naturally exerted tremendous pressure, Fan Zhengyuan still, with sweat on his brow, faithfully relayed the instructions Ye Xinyan had given him.

Jinrong’s serene gaze swept across their group, and he said leisurely, "Then I shall go down to take a look." After finishing his sentence, he asked Jiang Yifan, "Would Lord Jiang be interested?"

Jiang Yifan answered, "Let’s have a look." He seemed rather reluctant to agree.

After that, having a meal at the Qi family’s old estate was an exceptionally dull affair.

Nanny Liu led the old woman servants early in the morning, along with Lady Wang from the main house and her daughter-in-law, to tidy up the entire estate inside and out. Then, they received the lunch ingredients sent over by the arrangements of Hongzhi.

There were also several guards, whose masters were unknown, wearing serious expressions as they patrolled the entire estate before emotionlessly taking up their positions at various corners of the courtyard and standing still.

When lunchtime came, Jiang Yifan and his group arrived in a grand manner, Qi Yougui had already been waiting outside his courtyard door with his two sons, anxiously following Nanny Liu’s instructions to welcome this group of important figures through the gate.

The entire third branch of the family didn’t even get the chance to come near the Qi family’s old estate; they were stopped far off by unfamiliar faces and directed to an even more distant area.

Lady Wang did not understand the rules of high-ranking individuals, but she knew she couldn’t go wrong by following Nanny Liu’s instructions. She carried out her tasks without missing a step and kept a close watch on Lady Han, fearing she might find an opportunity to cause trouble or chaos.

It turned out to be needless worry on her part. Lady Han was so intimidated by Nanny Liu and the guards’ stern demeanor that she didn’t dare to act out or speak too much, let alone find the chance to help with the work. She eye coveted the many tempting ingredients in the kitchen and thought about going over to take a look, but the glares from the guards were enough to stop her in her tracks.

The Lizheng escorted Jinrong and Jiang Yifan to the Qi family’s old estate, and although they were full of envy for the Qi family’s main branch for having the fortune to connect with influential figures, they knew better than to overstay their welcome and retired politely.

Jiang Yifan bowed his hands and said, "Old Master Qi and Sixth Master Rong are old friends; this official will not trouble you all for lunch. After the meal at Wei Hour, I will wait to accompany you all to inspect the rest of the farmland in Clear Water Village."

The Lizheng quickly bowed in return, agreed, and took their leave.

The monotonous yet sumptuous lunch was held in the main house of the Qi family’s old estate, with Qi Yougui and Qi Younian accompanying the guests. Jiang Yifan inquired about the daily life of the farming family and whether farming was difficult while eating.

Jiang Yifan’s official manner was commendable, and as such, the meal was naturally eaten with gusto and efficiency.

As Ye Xinyan, who stood by awaiting orders, watched the meal unfold before her eyes, she herself didn’t even get a chance to eat. She wiped her hands clean with the warm towel Nanny Liu had provided, and then idly chatted, while she waited.

After exchanging a few pleasantries with Qi Yougui, Jiang Yifan turned to Qi Younian and asked, "I heard that Father-in-law Qi has relatives visiting, why not invite them over to meet us?"

Ye Xinyan glanced at Jiang Yifan, and then at Jinrong. She wasn’t sure if this ’hearing’ was from what Jinrong said, or if Jiang Yifan had his own sources to find out such things.

It was clear Jinrong also hadn’t expected Jiang Yifan to say such a thing, as he too raised his eyebrows in surprise and stared at Jiang Yifan.

Jiang Yifan remained composed as he briefly discussed the cramped living situation of the second branch of the Qi family with Qi Younian. Unexpectedly, he said, "If they are kinsmen descending from Father-in-law Qi, they must be planning to stay for a good while. With more people, building houses should also follow some order. With such a large courtyard housing a large family, it becomes inconvenient."

Ye Xinyan’s eyes immediately sharpened. Was he interfering in matters none of his concern? Our place is just a humble country yard; does he expect us to have a compound with three to five courtyards and live like lords commanding servants?