She Became A Downfall Noble Lady
Chapter 477 - 475 Satisfactory Marriage

Chapter 477: Chapter 475 Satisfactory Marriage

Yin Xiaocheng, as a military general who once guarded the Northern border, knew something about Shen Qixiang. As soon as his wife mentioned this candidate, he was already eight parts convinced.

The Shen Family had a simple lineage, and Shen Qixiang’s integrity as an official suggested that his family education wouldn’t be lacking. Given that Shen Qixiang’s son admired his niece’s insight and intelligence, and that Shen Qixiang’s wife was already on her way to the capital, it was clear the Shen Family placed great value on Xinyan.

While Shen Qixiang’s wife had not yet arrived, he took the opportunity to inquire thoroughly about the second son of the Shen Family. If he was confirmed to be a good match, he would discuss settling the arrangement with his younger sister.

Ye Xinyan didn’t bother herself with these idle matters, simply focusing on her own affairs. Little did she know, the young man she had met at Prince Fu’s Mansion had not gone through Duke An’s Mansion but was taking a detour and inching closer to the heart of the decision regarding her lifetime affair.

Shen Yongzhen’s father had rotated through official posts in Liaoyuan Town for over a decade, rising from a minor county official to now a Fourth-Rank Official. Whether serving as a magistrate or prefect, their status as his sons was not low, yet they did not indulge in the infamous misconducts associated with tyrannical government scions.

Especially Shen Yongzhen, who surpassed his brothers in scholarly talent. Although he was an excellent student, his mentor hesitated because of his youth; he wasn’t allowed to participate in the prefectural or academy examinations until he turned eighteen, at which time he succeeded in becoming both a Scholar and a Successful Candidate. Even though he didn’t rank high among the Successful Candidates, it was quite rare for someone so young to achieve such a distinction.

Due to his modest success, Shen Yongzhen had diligently studied at home for another three years. Only at the end of last year, with his mentor’s approval, did he follow his father to the capital to take part in the spring metropolitan examinations the following year.

Known as a young prodigy since childhood, Shen Yongzhen wasn’t pretentious despite his talents, instead displaying a pleasant and gentle nature, treating others with kindness. Although he wasn’t married, he had no reputation for frivolity; aside from two concubines arranged by his family, he never dallied with women elsewhere.

In Liaoyuan Prefecture, the Second Son of Shen Qixiang’s Residence was a role model set by families for their own children.

Shen Qixiang and his wife were not in a rush to arrange a marriage for their second son. They knew that if their child could become an Imperial Scholar and with Shen Qixiang’s successful term waiting for a promotion, their son wouldn’t lack excellent prospects. Even at an older age, he would still be able to find a well-suited family for marriage.

Indeed, without yet succeeding as an Imperial Scholar and with days to go before the examination began, a fitting marriage proposal had already come his way.

Regarding the marriage arranged by His Highness Prince Fu and his father, Shen Yongzhen was also very pleased. He felt, with his character and learning, that he was completely worthy of Miss Ye. Although Miss Ye came from a higher status, she was, after all, a widow, while his scholarly achievements and good character meant he was marrying his first wife.

Even without his father’s admonitions, there was nothing about him that warranted criticism. However, with such a good marriage prospect, being cautious was still beneficial. Hence, in these recent days, Shen Yongzhen had been extra cautious with his speech and conduct, and he hardly engaged in the literary meetings among scholars coming to take the exams.

Before the marriage was settled, the less contact with people, the fewer chances of disputes. So he might as well confine himself to his studies.

Fortunately, he didn’t feel stifled. He had met a few friends with whom he got along in these days, discussing literature and scholarship, which also proved to be quite beneficial.

With nothing particular to do that day, his good friends Bai Jingtang and Xiao Cheng invited him out for a casual drink. Both Bai Jingtang and Xiao Cheng came from decent families, and to avoid the throng of examinees flocking to the capital after the new year, they had arrived early and rented courtyards close to the examination site.

The three men had met at a recent literary gathering, and upon conversing, felt a common spirit, and their interactions gradually increased.

All three came from good families and were not concerned about spending a few pieces of silver. After some discussion, they chose the well-known Hongen Pavilion in the capital for their outing.

Seated in an elegant private room with a good view in Hongen Pavilion, they ordered a few appetizers and two pots of fine wine. While enjoying their drinks, they discussed the chief examiner, the literary style, and the essay questions for the upcoming examinations.

As they became tipsy, the conversation gradually shifted to the changes in the capital city around the new year—the streets had been reorganized and were much clearer and orderly than at the end of last year, truly reflecting the bustling prosperity of the Flourishing Capital.

Then, someone started whispering about Shen Yongzhen’s upcoming marriage.

Bai Jingtang, being slightly older, lifted his cup towards Shen Yongzhen, speaking somewhat indistinctly, "Brother, you’re really lucky, not just from a good family and learned, but luck seems to especially favor you."

Although Bai Jingtang appeared to be a bit too drunk, he still knew to keep his voice down when he continued, "This match with Duke An, not to mention Miss Ye’s capabilities, just the family background of Duke An’s Mansion alone makes it entirely worthwhile."

Shen Yongzhen, slightly drunk himself, replied proudly, "Brother Bai, you’re not entirely right. I’ve heard Miss Ye has endured hardships these past two years outside, becoming more composed and generous, and after meeting her recently, she truly was as calm and collected as the rumors said, which led me to open my heart. If Miss Ye were still like before... I would not dare to marry her."

Bai Jingtang clinked his cup with Shen Yongzhen’s, agreeing, "What you say is true, my brother. In marrying, one should marry a virtuous wife—good family background is simply icing on the cake. If a woman lacks a good character and temperament, no matter how good her family is, she’d be unbearable, and in the end, it could even be a burden on your descendants."

Shen Yongzhen felt deeply and said, "I couldn’t agree more with you both, I’m extremely pleased with this match. Miss Ye is competent, has a gentle character and knows propriety, and also comes from such a good family. To marry such a wife is all I could wish for."

Xiao Cheng was younger than Bai Jingtang and Shen Yongzhen, and had not had a chance to join the conversation. Hearing Shen Yongzhen express such satisfaction with the marital arrangement, he hesitated before finally sharing his opinion, "Brothers, I believe that when marrying, one should prioritize one’s own feelings, and mutual affection is best. If everything is constantly weighed and judged, can such a marriage truly be one of mutual affection?"

Bai Jingting had been drinking cup after cup and was now visibly drunk. Pointing at Xiao Cheng, he laughed and said, "What ’joined in wedlock’? You’re young and don’t understand these things, let me tell you today. These notions of joint wedlock... are just things old pedants use to deceive the young or liespeople tell themselves out of helplessness. Tell me, which man wouldn’t prefer a young and beautiful woman over an old hag with a yellow face?"

Xiao Cheng carefully glanced at Shen Yongzhen before speaking softly, "But I think, given the Ye family daughter’s past ill repute, and the fact that she’s been divorced, she really isn’t a match for Brother Shen. To take such a woman as your lawful wedded wife, wouldn’t that be too harsh on yourself, Brother Shen? With your talent and family background, you should marry a like-minded woman of learning and good character."

Bai Jingtang waved his hand dismissively, "Haven’t you heard the saying, ’A poor couple finds all their endeavors go awry’? A man should have prospects and wealth before we talk of other things. A man with no future, even with a thousand charming and delicate wives with perfect reputations, cannot be called a man in full."