She Became A Downfall Noble Lady
Chapter 395 - 394: The Qi Family’s Eldest Granddaughter

Chapter 395: Chapter 394: The Qi Family’s Eldest Granddaughter

Jiang Yifan smiled and said to Qi Younian, "It always ends up like this, it doesn’t matter who they send. Moreover, Sixth Master also received a letter from the capital, His Majesty has ordered Sixth Master to return before the end of the year for sure, with Ye Zi accompanying him, Elder Master Ye can rest assured."

Jinrong looked at Jiang Yifan in surprise, had this kid figured it all out overnight? He could actually bring up the matter calmly and proactively.

Qi Younian and Ye Xinyan were also astonished, and Ye Xinyan asked, "Sixth Master is also going back to the capital?"

Jinrong nodded. "I received the letter a day earlier than you. I was just wondering when to set off when I learned that you had also received correspondence from Duke An’s Mansion."

Qi Younian felt slightly relieved, "With Sixth Master accompanying, it will be more secure. Considering that the Duke knows Ye Zi is returning with the prince, there might be less punishment."

Jiang Yifan then asked Ye Xinyan, "Now that Ye Zi has made up your mind to accompany Nanny Jin back, have you thought about what kind of situation you will face?"

"Situation? I’ll take it one step at a time. Even if I haven’t figured out how to deal with it, I still have to go back, don’t I?" When she mentioned this, Ye Xinyan seemed rather sullen, this was the situation she would have to face, whether she liked it or not; against the sheer power, she could only cope for the time being.

She paused, then looked at Jiang Yifan and probed, "I wonder if Lord Jiang could persuade Big Brother Guan to go to the capital with us?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yifan couldn’t help but laugh. Ah Yan was indeed prepared, a clever woman, not one to sit around and wait for doom.

He asked, "Do you know where the Steward is now?"

"I don’t know," Ye Xinyan pouted.

Guan He, upon learning yesterday that Duke An had sent a messenger, couldn’t bother to show up, only met the messenger during dinner, exchanging a courtesy gesture, without so much as inquiring about the messenger’s surname.

After learning the contents of the letter and knowing how worried the household seemed, Guan He just responded nonchalantly and went about his business, not showing any concern. This morning, he left early with Qi Jiaer and Qi Sanshun and had not been seen since, whereabouts unknown.

Well aware of his own Steward’s character, Jiang Yifan said, "When the Steward returns in the afternoon, I will speak to him. Ye Zi, taking the Steward with you, are you planning to run away again?"

"..." When truly out of options, she did have that thought, "Not really, but turning the free country life into one of constraints in the capital—if I can make do, then I can make do. It’s just, if I were truly confined, I would need someone to send messages, wouldn’t I?"

Although Ye Xinyan occupied the original owner’s body and memories, she did not have a basic judgement about Duke An’s course of action, not because she did not have one, but because the original owner herself had none. In truth, there had been few interactions between the grandfather and granddaughter, and those few memories were insufficient for Ye Xinyan to determine how Duke An would deal with her and Nanny Jin.

She even wondered why Duke An was pressuring her to return. She had been behaving well here, causing no trouble, causing no discomfort to Duke An’s Mansion—wouldn’t they rather she kept quiet under the name of the Qi family and stay outside without fuss, isn’t that simpler? She had no clue whatsoever about Duke An’s intentions.

After listening to Ye Xinyan’s bizarre response, Jiang Yifan couldn’t help but laugh, "You really know how to take things easy. Have you not thought about how you would get by in the capital, how would Old Master Qi and Brother Jia cope? What about these handfuls of affairs you’re handling?"

Ye Xinyan glanced at Jinrong, "I am employed by Sixth Master as a Steward, I am a woman of the Qi family. Naturally, the Qi family doesn’t have the ability to do anything to Duke An, surely Sixth Master wouldn’t let the Steward who signed documents break the agreement so easily, would he?"

As for Grandfather and Qi Jiaer, she was inclined to have them also go to the capital. However, having wandered most of his life, Grandfather had only returned in his late years. She feared that Grandfather might not be willing to travel to such a far place. Naturally, it would be best if he could return.

Jinrong gave a wry smile and said, "If Elder Master Ye acknowledges you as Qi Ye, naturally, I can get you out. But if the elder plays dumb, pretending that his granddaughter had faked her death to escape years ago, then nobody can do anything. The key is, we don’t know why the elder is bringing Ye Zi back."

Ye Xinyan clenched her teeth and said, "Then, we should still speak with Big Brother Guan thoroughly and go to the capital together." She didn’t believe it, if she fled again, would Duke An have the nerve to retract his word once more?

Having calmed his mind yesterday, Jiang Yifan had seriously thought about the situation and had some ideas.

He said to Qi Younian, "I received a letter yesterday and after thinking over the entire matter, I have some suggestions to discuss with the old master. If the old master thinks they’re feasible, we’ll use them; if not, we’ll discuss alternatives. What do you think?"

Qi Younian hastily responded, "Lord Jiang, please feel free to speak. We have no clues over here. If Lord Jiang has any proposals, that would be more than ideal."

"Then I’ll speak," Jiang Yifan nodded. "Duke An comes from a military general background and usually acts straightforwardly. I once heard the elder say, ’Better to be close to a true scoundrel than to keep company with a hypocrite.’"

Jinrong nodded in agreement, "Indeed, Elder Master Ye is very upfront about his actions, whether good or bad."

Jiang Yifan continued, "So, this time Ye Zi’s return might not be as dreadful as we think. Back in the capital, Ye Zi had acted so recklessly, and Duke An couldn’t control her. Now that Ye Zi is engaged in legitimate affairs, Duke An would be even less likely to impose restrictions or confinement.

What I mean is, for safety, when Ye Zi returns this time, she should take Brother Jia with her. For one, it would allow Brother Jia to gain more experience on the road and witness the grandeur of the capital. Most importantly, with Ye Zi assuming the identity of the Qi family’s granddaughter, bringing her young brother also indirectly tells Duke An that Ye Zi, as the eldest granddaughter of the Qi family, has her own responsibilities towards the Qi family and the young brother."

As Jiang Yifan spoke, he looked at Jinrong and smiled, "Duke An is quite receptive to this approach."

Jinrong understood but didn’t say much. Duke An appreciated men who are straightforward and responsible because his own sons lacked this, and he liked it when he found these traits in others. If his grandson and granddaughter did not possess these qualities, then the granddaughter would be the next best thing and could bring joy to the old man.

Hearing Jiang Yifan’s words, Qi Younian’s face showed reluctance. It was hard enough for him to let his granddaughter go, and the prospect of taking his young grandson would leave him even lonelier and more yearning.

"Duke wouldn’t keep Brother Jia there as well, would he?" Qi Younian asked hesitantly.

"Grandfather," Ye Xinyan scolded playfully. Did you really think your grandchildren are such treasures? Even if they are, are other people’s children ever as good as one’s own?

Qi Younian probably realized this too and laughed a couple of embarrassed heh-hehs before saying, "Lord Jiang, please continue, go on."

Jiang Yifan nearly couldn’t suppress a smile either, and he continued, "Elder, you need not worry too much. Duke An has his methods, but he won’t bully others without reason. If you’re still anxious, you can also bring Qi Sanshun with you; after all, they are both unofficial disciples of the same master, and the master would surely protect them.

Besides, isn’t there Sixth Master in the capital? While Sixth Master can’t interfere in the affairs of Duke An’s Mansion, he will definitely keep the Children of the Qi Family safe. If indeed something improper occurs, Brother Jia and Sanshun can stay at Prince Yu’s Mansion, and the master will be able to get Ye Zi out."