She Became A Downfall Noble Lady
Chapter 565 - 563: Seeking Each Other

Chapter 565: Chapter 563: Seeking Each Other

This year, the Qi family has not only Ah Yan but also the wife of the heir apparent. He was a young man who wished to "embrace the beauty," so naturally, he was even more cautious about seeking the approval of the elders to see if they would agree.

His senior brother even ridiculed him. Under such circumstances, how could he dare to be careless? One misstep and it could easily make Old Master Qi or the wife of the heir apparent feel that he was frivolous and immature, making his pursuit of a wife all the more difficult.

Qi Younian, of course, did not oppose Jiang Yifan coming to the Qi family for the New Year’s celebration, "The county government office is so desolate; Lord Jiang naturally cannot celebrate the New Year there. However, you must inform the wife of the heir apparent. She should also be willing for you to come, but you still need to follow the proper protocol."

Jiang Yifan quickly made a bow of thanks, "Yes, thank you, Old Master, for taking in Xiao Ke. I will go and ask the wife of the heir apparent right away." Having said this, Jiang Yifan asked another question, "As for Aunt Wong, what do you plan to do?"

"Sigh," Qi Younian sighed, "Lady Zhao’s matter, Guan He told you about it, right? There’s no helping it, for the marriage arrangement in Wong Qiao, it’s ultimately up to Lady Zhao, his mother, to make the call. I don’t really fancy the niece she brought, but if we go by what Lady Zhao asks for, indeed, only such a girl would be able to become her daughter-in-law."

Jiang Yifan frowned, "Wong Qiao and Second Miss Zhou are both working under Ah Yan, with Second Miss Zhou not only of sound character but also able to support Ah Yan in her work. If she were to marry someone else, it might be difficult for her to continue working. Not to mention Second Miss Zhou’s sadness, Ah Yan would lose a companion."

Guan He also said, "And there’s Ah Qiao. Ah Qiao is fond of Second Miss Zhou, and the two have been getting along so well for such a long time, truly harmonious. If it’s because of Madam Zhao’s selfishness that they are separated, it would indeed be a pity. And I’ve seen her niece; she is truly unfit to be Wong Qiao’s wife, and it would likely be problematic for the upbringing of Wong Qiao’s descendants."

Qi Younian sighed, "Who would say otherwise. But Zhao is stubborn. As a widow, she raised Ah Qiao all by herself, and now that her son has come of age and wants to marry, it’s not right for someone else to decide for her. It’s also pitiful to think that whereas others have other support, Lady Zhao only has Wong Qiao."

Both Guan He and Qi Younian fell silent.

After contemplating, Jiang Yifan said, "We are familiar with Wong Qiao and naturally wish him well. This matter depends on Wong Qiao’s own attitude. If Wong Qiao handles it well, it’s actually not that big of an issue. Although Aunt Wong is a bit biased and stubborn, she also wants what’s best for Wong Qiao and wouldn’t ruin his future over her own selfishness."

"Are you thinking of pressuring Lady Zhao to agree by using the Zhou family’s influence over Wong Qiao’s future?" Qi Younian disapproved, "After the marriage, they need to interact amicably for the long term. If she is coerced into the marriage, how can they live together harmoniously afterward?"

Guan He glanced at Jiang Yifan, "Do you have some idea in mind, lad?"

"It’s nothing more than persuading Wong Qiao. But this still depends on what Wong Qiao thinks. If Wong Qiao is only considering his duty to his mother, then anyone else’s persuasion could be seen as driving a wedge between mother and son. Let’s wait for Wong Qiao to return and see what he says."

Qi Younian sighed again. Wong Qiao was the posthumous son of his sworn brother, and Lady Zhao was the widow. Naturally, he hoped they could lead a good life. But if Lady Zhao was unhappy, or even distressed and angry, even if Wong Qiao married Zhou Biyao as he wished, how could he live in peace?

"Let’s forget about persuasion. As Lord Jiang said, handling it poorly could interfere with the mother-son relationship. We’ll see how Wong Qiao deals with it; it’s really not right for others to meddle too much."

Guan He topped off everyone’s cups and said, "Let’s not talk about this anymore, it’s better to drink and chat about lighter topics. Old Master, have you decided? Are we slaughtering a cow for the New Year’s feast?"

Qi Younian laughed at this, "We will slaughter one, in the next day or two. There are also a few goats that have been fattened up. We’ll slaughter them as well in a few days, and then we can enjoy some roasted kidneys. Just in time since Wong Qiao’s mother is here, let her also taste the flavor of our roasted meat."

Jiang Yifan put his wine cup down, "Old Master and senior brother, please continue drinking. I’ll go and pay my respects to the lady and also inquire about the New Year’s arrangements."

Qi Younian waved his hand repeatedly, "Go on, go on, that’s the proper business. When you come in the future, remember to pay your respects to the wife of the heir apparent first to show solemnity."

"..." This, this doesn’t seem quite right?

Jiang Yifan quickly bowed, "One must respect the order of seniority and differentiate the inside from the outside. This is the Qi household; it is proper for Xiao Ke to see you first."

In the back courtyard, Lady Zhao sat chatting with Xiuqin in Madam Yin’s room, expressing her gratitude for the way the eldest daughter and the lady had looked after her son, and took the opportunity to mend ties with the Ye Family. Even if it wasn’t for her son’s future, it was essential to have somewhere to turn for help in times of trouble.

She did not want to end up like her husband, who was framed by others, had nowhere to seek help, and ultimately lost his life.

As the two exchanged formalities, Xiuqin looked around at the splendid decor in the wife of the heir apparent’s room. Cui Zhu came in to report that Lord Jiang had arrived and was waiting outside to pay a visit to the wife of the heir apparent.

Upon hearing this, Madam Yin quickly responded, "Why is he waiting outside in such cold weather? Please, have him come in."

Lady Zhao felt uneasy and shifted in her seat, saying, "Is it an official from the court? Perhaps I should step out." She was about to rise to her feet

Madam Yin waved her off, instructing Cui Zhu to invite Jiang Yifan in, while saying to Lady Zhao, "No need; Lord Jiang is the county magistrate of Qingyuan County and is acquainted with Ah Qiao. By that account, he is practically one of our own children. Madam Zhao, you might as well meet him while you’re here."

Jiang Yifan entered without glancing aside and paid his respects to Madam Yin.

Madam Yin smiled and said, "Please, rise. We see each other often enough; there’s no need for such formality."

Once Jiang Yifan was standing upright, Madam Yin introduced him, "This is Madam Zhao, Ah Qiao’s mother. Miss Xiuqin, Ah Qiao’s cousin."

Jiang Yifan turned to Lady Zhao, bowed, and said, "I am Jiang Yifan, at your service, Madam Zhao." He then gave a slight nod in Xiuqin’s direction as a gesture of acknowledgment.

Lady Zhao quickly got up and bowed deeply, "I have seen Lord Jiang. I am but a humble village woman, not deserving of such respects from an official."

Xiuqin immediately followed Lady Zhao in standing, hid behind her, and bowed deeply, not daring to raise her head to look, nor to make a peep.

"There’s no need for such courtesy, Madam Zhao. As I share close ties with Wong Qiao, I naturally hold you in high regard as an elder."

After paying respects to Lady Zhao, Jiang Yifan turned back to Madam Yin and said, "Although you have a guest, I shouldn’t disturb you. However, Xiao Ke is here to consult with you on a matter."

"Yuanfan, don’t worry yourself; Madam Zhao is no stranger here. Is your matter urgent? Can we discuss it here?"

Hearing Madam Yin speak like this, Lady Zhao hesitated, "Since Lord Jiang has something to discuss, I shall take my leave first."

Jiang Yifan said with a smile, "Please, keep your seat; it’s nothing serious. I just need to ask a quick question, and it won’t interrupt your conversation with the lady."

Madam Yin called to Cui Bai, "Bring a chair for Lord Jiang."

"No trouble necessary, I came to seek the lady’s help," said Jiang Yifan, bowing again, "The New Year is coming and the county government office will be on break. I was hoping to ask you if I could stay with the Qi family during the holiday period."

Upon hearing Jiang Yifan’s words, Madam Yin immediately recalled the time at Duke An’s Mansion when she inquired about her daughter and Jiang Yifan in Clear Water Village from Anshun’s Household. Back then, Anshun’s Household had told her of several amiable incidents involving young men and women that occurred during the New Year’s stay with the Qi family; those were all happy events.