She Became A Downfall Noble Lady
Chapter 602 - 600 What Exactly Was Agreed Upon

Chapter 602: Chapter 600 What Exactly Was Agreed Upon

Duke An arrived the earliest, as he was already in the outer courtyard when Ye Hongyang’s servant came to invite him. He was suspicious for a moment and when he inquired about the happy occasion, the servant, looking as if his father had died, did not speak a word, so he knew nothing good was afoot.

When Ye Hongyang saw that Duke An was the first to arrive, he could not help but curse the servant for not knowing how to handle things, since he had clearly sent the message to the Duchess first.

Taking advantage of the presence of others, Ye Hongyang forcefully bore it and smiled as he invited Duke An to the seat of honor, introduced two friends, and repeatedly said they would wait for his mother and Madam Yin with her daughters to arrive before discussing the matter.

Indeed, Duke An frowned, for what could possibly be the matter that it was handled so improperly?

Following him were the Duchess and Madam Yin.

Ye Xinyan, upon hearing it was Ye Hongyang’s servant who had come to invite, merely let Song Ping’s Household relay a message that she was informed, then had the servant sent out of the courtyard, without any interest in asking what the matter was, let alone coming over.

Upon hearing the servant who relayed the message to Ye Xinyan report back that the eldest miss said she was informed but didn’t say when she would come or if she would at all, Ye Hongyang cursed inside a few times. He then checked the time and thought it would be better if that scourge did not come, as it would be more convenient to talk.

"Here is the situation," Ye Hongyang began, under Duke An’s intense gaze, "Xinyan is not young anymore and, as a divorced woman, if we don’t quickly arrange a marriage for her, I’m afraid any further delay might cause her to miss out on a good man."

Madam Yin, sitting next to the Duchess, heard Ye Hongyang speak thus and, glancing at the two men beside Ye Hongyang, her face darkened.

Ye Hongyang paused, trying his best to suppress his guilt, and forced a delighted demeanor, saying, "I have found a good match for Xinyan and wanted to inform my father, my mother, and my wife to share the joy."

Duke An was not pleased. How Ye Hongyang treated Madam Yin and her daughters was known to everyone in their residence. What kind of good marriage could he possibly have arranged for Ye Xinyan?

"There’s no need," Duke An said, "Xinyan’s marital affairs are not for you to worry about. Just send the people back."

Madam Yin was initially prepared to reject the proposal, but upon hearing Duke An say so, she ceased to speak further, merely staring darkly at Ye Hongyang.

Although the Duchess and Ye Hongyang’s two friends present felt something was amiss, the matter had come to this point and Duke An had spoken his rejection, so they remained silent.

Ye Hongyang had expected Duke An’s reaction and calmly smiled as he said, "Why the hurry, father? At least listen to which family the prospective in-laws hail from and who the son-in-law is before making a judgment."

Upon hearing Ye Hongyang’s references to "prospective in-laws" and "son-in-law," Duke An couldn’t help but furrow his brow tighter. His son was becoming more ill-mannered, making baseless references without anything being settled.

Ye Hongyang continued, "I have spoken for Xinyan with the eldest son of the Heir of Marquis Jingning, who is nineteen this year. This would be their family’s first marriage."

Unable to hold back any longer, Madam Yin demanded, "The Princely Heir is really thinking of Ah Yan’s best interests, aren’t you? Are you referring to the Marquis Jingning’s Mansion that is so poor they need to sell their residence?"

Ye Hongyang was also displeased, retorting coldly, "What kind of talk is that? They do live somewhat frugally, but have they ever sold their residence? After all, Marquis Jingning’s Mansion has a title, and he is the eldest son of a Princely Heir. If it weren’t for their home not being wealthy enough, do you think a grandson who inherits a title would marry your... with such a tarnished reputation?"

"Enough!" Duke An bellowed.

Madam Yin said anxiously, "Father, the Princely Heir—how can he speak about his own daughter like this?"

Duke An glanced at the two men brought by Ye Hongyang and slowly said to him, "I understand. I have my own plans for Xinyan’s marriage, you go back and inform the Marquis Jingning’s Mansion."

Ye Hongyang stood up, anxiously saying, "Father, this truly is an excellent match. I have seen Qu Mao’s eldest son, and although he may not be especially clever and agile, he is certainly presentable. We know our own child and realize that no better family would consider her. If the Marquis Jingning’s Mansion were not in financial difficulties, they would never agree to marry her."

Duke An very much wanted to kick Ye Hongyang out of the mansion and let him retract the promise he had given, but there were outsiders present.

He looked toward the two individuals standing beside Ye Hongyang and said, "Gentlemen, this is a family matter within my household, so I will not detain you any longer."

These two men were idlers from collateral branches of illustrious families in the capital, and upon hearing Duke An speak in such a way, they hesitated and looked toward Ye Hongyang. The Duke’s Heir Apparent had promised them that, by accompanying him and discussing this matter, regardless of whether it succeeded or failed, each would receive one hundred taels of silver.

Ye Hongyang quickly said to the two men, "No rush, no rush. Today is a day of great joy for my family, and it is indispensable for you two to stay and offer your support. Afterward, Ye will surely reward you handsomely."

He then turned back to Duke An, "Father, the Qu Family is simply living a bit more frugally, but what does that matter to Xinyan? With her abilities, she will surely turn their household’s fortunes around and make it thrive."

It finally dawned on Duke An that something was amiss with the talk of a "great joy" and "their household’s fortunes," coupled with the earlier references to the Marquis Jingning’s Mansion as "potential in-laws, son-in-law," and the like...

"Have you promised this match to them?" Duke An asked sternly.

Ye Hongyang tried to justify himself several times, having convinced himself of his stance to the point of confidence as he replied, "Yes, indeed. Their fine young man is willing to marry Xinyan. Such a fortunate opportunity—I heard Qu Mao mention it and immediately agreed. What if I had delayed, and they changed their minds?"

"You... you..." Madam Yin stood up abruptly, stepping forward as if to rush at Ye Hongyang, but was restrained by Nanny Huang and Cui Zhu, Cui Bai. Shaking with anger, she pointed at Ye Hongyang, uttering ’you’ several times, but failing to formulate her words.

By this point, Duke An no longer knew what to say, his expression impassive as he spoke, "Regardless of what you’ve promised, you’re going to find them and call it off now. My granddaughter is not worthy of the Marquis Jingning’s son; we do not aspire to such heights."

Anger surged within Duke An.

Whether that family was poor was not the point of concern at the moment. Just considering the several sons and the large household of the Marquis Jingning, who had managed to live in such a state, it was clear that not a single person in that family had any ambition. The Qu family, old and young, instead of striving to improve their situation, were scheming for his granddaughter, expecting a woman to support their entire family. How shameless!

And then there was his worthless son!

Turning his gaze to Ye Hongyang, Duke An perceived a mix of difficulty, fear, and a faint hint of smugness on his son’s face. He could not help but demand, "What exactly have you promised?"

Ye Hongyang, upon hearing Duke An’s thunderous shout, felt his pride falter and a flash of fear appeared in his eyes. Then he remembered that he was Duke An’s only son and reassured himself.

"The Heir of Marquis Jingning and I have settled the marriage agreement completely, with the matchmaking gifts and the marriage contract all in order. Out of consideration for the Marquis Jingning’s Mansion having little to their name, I agreed that they could decide on the dowry as they wish, as long as the betrothal and wedding ceremonies are grand enough to honor Xinyan," Ye Hongyang glanced at Duke An, "I have already fixed a wedding date with the Qu Family."

Madam Yin was already stricken with grief. Her daughter had been the subject of much gossip when she was divorced years ago. Now, Ye Hongyang had casually promised her away, and even if Ah Yan did not marry, there would need to be a betrothal cancellation, which would only worsen her reputation.

"What?!" Duke An bellowed, "Say that again?"

Ye Hongyang opened his mouth but did not dare to repeat himself.