She Became A Downfall Noble Lady
Chapter 401 - 400: Find Something to Do

Chapter 401: Chapter 400: Find Something to Do

Ye Xinyan had intended to interrupt Jiang Yifan and Qi Jiaer’s conversation, afraid that the child, not knowing any better, might get caught up in a back-and-forth with Jiang Yifan that would lead to him saying something with a double meaning.

Unexpectedly, Qi Jiaer didn’t give Jiang Yifan the chance to say anything profound; instead, her interjection had led him to make such a statement. Technically, what he said was correct, as the situation was indeed as he described and this was exactly what she had planned. But hearing it from Jiang Yifan, it somehow felt awkward.

She didn’t know how to respond to Jiang Yifan’s cautionary advice, so she simply shifted her gaze away without responding. Being impolite was better than responding improperly and ending up in trouble.

Jiang Yifan didn’t expect to hear an affirmative response from Ye Xinyan and continued, "Once you return to the capital, it’s possible that Duke An and the wife of the heir apparent might press you to meet suitors."

"Ah?" Ye Xinyan was taken aback.

Jiang Yifan whispered, "Remember, you mustn’t agree, as matters of a lifetime cannot be discerned by mere meetings. You must remember not to consent, alright?"

Ye Xinyan was dumbstruck, taking a while to gather her wits. Just as Jiang Yifan said, her business in Yuyuan Prefecture wasn’t yet concluded; she only planned to return for a month or two to appease the family. Could it be that Madam Yin and Duke An were thinking of having her remarried within such a short span?

Seeing her confused expression again, Jiang Yifan was relieved he had given an extra reminder, saying, "After the New Year, you’ll be twenty-one years old, and the wife of the heir apparent is surely anxious."

Jiang Yifan weighed his next words carefully before speaking, "Typically, when a woman remarries, it is often a secondary marriage, so many of the formalities are not as elaborate. There will be the proposal and betrothal, but they won’t be as intricate. It could be very simple, and a match might be set in a very short time. Moreover, with your complex history and the gravity of this lifelong decision, you must be exceedingly cautious. You have to remember not to agree, and not to oblige just for the sake of it, do you understand?"

"I see." Ye Xinyan nodded in acknowledgment, "I’ve got it, thank you, Lord Jiang, for the reminder."

She really should thank Jiang Yifan for his warning. Otherwise, once she returned home, Madam Yin, with her caring nature, might earnestly urge Ye Xinyan to consider suitors, and she might, out of stubbornness, actually entertain the idea just to appease her mother.

Ye Xinyan was self-aware; with her reputation, anyone willing to marry her would surely be after her status. Madam Yin might think, with the support of Duke An’s Mansion and Marquis Zhongyong’s Mansion, no husband would dare mistreat her. Once she had offspring, she’d naturally secure her position in the family. This was how other women had managed.

If she were to become bewildered and agree to an arranged marriage, she’d just have to escape yet again. Running away from marriage, such a cliché act, would be rather shameful for her.

Jiang Yifan, noticing her look of realization, let his worries ease. Ah Yan was a sharp and clear-headed woman whose occasional obliviousness came from a lack of concern, especially regarding matters between men and women, appearing clueless to others.

With just a little guidance, she would instantly understand, surely capable of handling the situation appropriately.

Having delivered his message to Ye Xinyan, Jiang Yifan didn’t linger, wishing her well and a safe journey.

Turning back, he enjoined Qi Sanshun to take good care of his older sister and younger brother and told Qi Jiaer to be obedient. Only then did he head towards Jinrong, bidding farewell to Lian Gui and Guan He.

Jiang Yifan watched as Lian Gui went to see to the carriage team and porters before they set off again. He tugged Jinrong aside a few steps and whispered, "When I was speaking with Ye Zi just now, something occurred to me. The Sixth Master previously mentioned wanting to see if the two completed railroads in the capital could start operations ahead of schedule."

Jinrong nodded. "Yes, I’ve already sent people back to check on the details," he said.

Jiang Yifan continued, "It just occurred to me that when Ye Zi returns, she should have something to do to avoid idling in the inner quarters and dealing with the female relatives there all the time. Given her previous situation, I fear she may be snubbed."

Jinrong arched an eyebrow, impressed by the great effort this young man had put into Ye Xinyan’s affairs, even taking these matters into consideration. He really wanted to tease him, asking if, with Ye Xinyan’s reputation and background, Jiang Yifan’s unwavering dedication could prevent others from ostracizing or even slandering her after marriage.

Yet, Jinrong chose to be kind. With their departure imminent and Ye Xinyan traveling with him, he ultimately refrained from saying anything that may distress Jiang Yifan. Instead, he asked, "You mean to have Ye Zi handle this matter? But, as that place is not yet completed, is it not inappropriate for a woman of her status to frequent such a mixed environment in the capital?"

But Jiang Yifan countered, "There’s nothing inappropriate about it, just take more people along. Given Ye Zi’s current temperament, she is not destined to while away her days like other female relatives in the inner quarters. Finding something for her to do is not a bad idea. My suggestion is for the Sixth Master to first ask for Ye Zi’s opinion and have her help with this. Doing well in this could draw the attention of the Duke.

With the New Year soon upon us and assuming the Sixth Master’s messages can be timely relayed, Ye Zi could look over the progress reports and documents for the two railroads you’ve taken on during the journey. If Ye Zi believes it feasible to start early operations, we can plan ahead. Upon your return, you can take action. If handled well, it’s possible that by the time Ye Zi is in the capital, the railroads could start formal operations, with any issues addressed promptly."

Jinrong first listened with a serious expression but gradually relaxed, breaking into a smile. He teased Jiang Yifan, "It seems your chat with Ye Zi wasn’t in vain. With such a beauty before you, you still managed to think of serious business. Indeed, I wasn’t mistaken in my judgment; I saw potential in you when you were still a green youngster."

Jiang Yifan glanced at him, replying, "The Sixth Master flatters me too much; I merely sought to find Ye Zi something worthwhile to do in the capital to avoid boredom in the inner quarters. If Ye Zi truly accomplishes something, the Duke will view her differently, showing more affection. The servants of Duke’s Mansion will also treat her with greater respect."

Jinrong spat dismissively, "Bah, just play along with my praise and make me happy for a moment, will you? Must you spoil it with such blunt truths? Go back to dealing with your county matters, strive for more achievements so that, once your term ends, you might have a better hope of promotion upon your return to the capital. Don’t get so lost in her beauty that you neglect your duties, ending up even further exiled. Then, longing for Ye Zi without a chance to see her, you’ll only have me to blame."

Jiang Yifan coolly replied, "I will take my achievements to heart, the Sixth Master need not trouble himself with reminders."

The two parted ways in this manner, with Jiang Yifan and his two attendants watching as the long procession walked away into a vague silhouette, before he returned to the county seat.

Jinrong and his entourage weren’t heading straight for the capital but took a detour to the southern cattle farms and dairy workshops in Yuyuan Prefecture to ensure everything was in order before making their way to the capital.

The first day’s journey went quite smoothly. Qi Jiaer and Qi Sanshun, still new to the experience, braved the cold—sometimes playing inside the carriage, other times sitting on the shafts, looking out at the road and occasional passersby. Despite a few bumps, the day passed rather quickly.