She Became A Downfall Noble Lady
Chapter 260 - 259: Refreshingly Said

Chapter 260: Chapter 259: Refreshingly Said

Zhou Bingyi is quite something, getting anxious, he not only sought words from her, but also used his daughter’s relationship. The problem is, does she really have such a good relationship with Zhou Biyao?

Fortunately, Zhou Biyao’s temperament is quite good, without any beating around the bush, and she is very straightforward.

Ye Xinyan didn’t dislike Zhou Biyao, and with a smile, she asked, "So Lord Zhou is letting the Second Miss stay at my house, to facilitate conversation with the young married woman and to cultivate friendship? What if the young married woman finds it inconvenient to speak in front of Sixth Master Rong?"

Zhou Biyao smiled awkwardly and said, "Although my father didn’t say how it would be if Sister didn’t give her a chance to speak, I think that my father doesn’t hold much hope for what I say here, probably just to let Sixth Master Rong know that my sister and I live under the same roof."

Ye Xinyan smiled, "You are quite clever, even knowing what your father is thinking. In that case, even if I do nothing, you can still satisfy Lord Zhou, and your task will be quite easy to handle."

Zhou Biyao hurriedly nodded, "That’s right, that’s right, as long as Sister agrees to take me in. I know that Sister and I are not close friends, and I dare not expect Sister to speak on behalf of my family to Sixth Master Rong. After all, this matter is ultimately my family’s own affair. If Sister is willing to take me in, I will be very grateful."

Ye Xinyan sighed inwardly, the daughter of the Prefectural Magistrate’s family, if it were normal times, not to mention visiting any farmer’s house, even going to the mansion of a wealthy gentry, she would be warmly received and fervently welcomed. But at this time, Zhou Biyao was in such a state.

Ye Xinyan asked, "Did Lord Zhou say that the trouble at Liang Residence might implicate your family?"

Zhou Biyao’s face collapsed at once, no longer showing the brilliance she had before. She lowered her head for a long while, her expression only slightly relaxed after some time, and her tone was extremely bleak, "Father did not tell mother, only my brother and I were informed. He said that if the case that uncle is involved in is truly settled as inciting a riot at the Yamen or stirring up a rebellion among the people, he fears that it would be hard to escape the death penalty. Even uncle’s whole family would not be spared, with the least severe punishment being exile for the men and servitude for the female relatives.

Father also said that with his brother-in-law instigating a rebellion within his jurisdiction, his rank would be penalized further. If he were dismissed from his post because of this, the chances of making a comeback are almost none. Our family would have to return to our hometown, and from then on, we would have to live like ordinary citizens."

Ye Xinyan was silent for a moment and then said, "The young married woman can only agree to let you stay here temporarily, but will never plead on behalf of your uncle to Sixth Master Rong."

Zhou Biyao looked up and quickly said, "No need, as I’ve already said, as long as Sister Qi is willing to take me in temporarily, you’ve already done a great favor for my family. We are not that familiar with each other, and although we’ve had two encounters before, it was me who insisted on sticking with Sister Qi. I’m aware of all this."

Ye Xinyan was inclined to ask her why she was so determined to associate with her, but then she thought better of it, deciding not to pursue the matter. Zhou Biyao was also facing family troubles and seeking help. If the reason she insisted on the association was hard to voice, asking at this time would seem like taking advantage of her vulnerability.

Ye Xinyan sighed, "Speaking of it, although the issue with your uncle was directed at my family, it really only affected the business of my small shop, and there wasn’t much other loss. But as the victim, being humiliated for no reason, I really don’t have the kindness to offer favors or speak well on behalf of your uncle."

Not to mention that Liang Qiyuan brought this on himself and reached this point, even if he were truly wronged, asking Jinrong to say kind words for him would require great caution. Ye Xinyan had realized that someone like Jinrong was not the type to do things for others without benefit. The moment she asked him for a favor, he might come up with countless schemes to manipulate her.

For someone like Liang Qiyuan? Better to forget it. Let him stay in prison a little longer, let people like Jiang Yifan frame him with more charges, after suffering enough, it will surely be beneficial for his life, at the very least he won’t think of bullying people on a whim again.

Speaking seriously, Liang Qiyuan was indeed hateful. She was lucky to have escaped, having Jinrong, Lian Gui, and others to back her up. If it had been like when she first arrived, without these people by her side, relying on the fact that he has a brother-in-law who is an official, she would have had to swallow her pride and endure it. It would not just have been this one time, but likely many instances of humiliation waiting for her.

Zhou Biyao said bitterly, "I understand, it’s all my uncle’s own fault, no one else to blame. Sister, you manage several large properties here, and the owner is the Sixth Master. He still dared to do this. If it were any other merchant’s shop, wouldn’t they just be bullied for nothing?" Zhou Biyao glanced at Ye Xinyan and asked, "Sister knows about Sixth Master Rong’s identity, right?"

"Someone who comes out from the capital to stroll around must be very wealthy and noble, I suppose," Ye Xinyan replied vaguely.

Such matters, like her own identity, were well understood but there was a difference between knowing them and openly acknowledging one’s identity. No matter how clear or obvious something might be, as long as it’s not spelled out, there is room for maneuver in the future. Once it’s clear, if there are any issues later, it’s definitely too late to go back on your word.

Zhou Biyao was also clever, taking a quick glance at Ye Xinyan’s expression, she immediately did not dwell on this matter and continued, "With Sixth Master Rong’s status, anyone with a bit of understanding would not target Sister Qi. Instead, my uncle acted as if he had gone mad, step by step, leading himself and his entire family into this dire strait."

"It’s good that Second Miss understands. Previously, the Liang family’s female relatives and house servants at the snack shop were troublemakers through and through. A young woman, demanding the closure of shops and sending people away at will, as if she were the only one in the world who mattered. This time, the Liang family’s servants were also extremely arrogant. People like your uncle, without financial and influential support, would be bad enough, but with it, they are far more harmful. This is just a remote small county; if this happened near the capital, with your uncle pulling such a stunt, who knows how big of a commotion it would cause."

Zhou Biyao said gloomily, "What has happened is already quite serious. Although this is a small county, Sixth Master Rong is here, and there are people from Duke’s Mansion sent by your family. If there is no turnaround, my family will really have to return home and live off our meager assets. My father’s years of hard study and service in his official career would all have been in vain."

Ye Xinyan looked at Zhou Biyao’s expression, feeling a pang of compassion. After thinking, she still tried to comfort her, "Second Miss need not worry too much. Lord Zhou has gained some respect from being an official for many years, and with Lord Zhou making efforts, things may not be as bad. Moreover, civil unrest within his jurisdiction and vicinity is not a good thing for Lord Jiang and Sixth Master Rong. Things will get better."

Zhou Biyao looked up at Ye Xinyan and asked, "Is that how Sister Qi sees it? Sister always has the demeanor and keenness of a notable family. If Sister truly thinks so, there might indeed be a chance for things to turn around."

Ye Xinyan waved her hand dismissively, "Second Miss, please don’t hold me in such high regard. I’m just a humble woman with no particular grace, merely sharing my own thoughts. My opinion isn’t important. What matters is how Sixth Master Rong sees things, and how Lord Zhou responds."