Glory

"Master Wu claimed he had overheard this matter by chance and sent someone to investigate, which confirmed its truth."

"He said that scholars who have read the sage's books ought to understand the principles of conduct better than ordinary people. Song Yifeng's actions of burning bridges after crossing the river and showing ingratitude have completely tarnished the reputation of scholars. Someone who disregards the kindness of the family that funded his education and his mentor would hardly remain loyal to the emperor, grateful to the court, or respectful to his elders. Lin'an City needs to cleanse the bad influences among its students."

Ye Yaming praised upon hearing this: "Impressive."

Master Wu's words had completely taken the moral high ground, making it impossible for anyone to attack him with claims of "having personal ties with Ye Jia."Truly worthy of a master strategist, his political maneuvering and rhetoric were indeed impressive."

"To avoid appearing too deliberate, Madam Wu did not invite the wives of Master Wu's close friends to the banquet that day. Instead, the following day, at the birthday celebration of Li Daren's mother, when someone brought up the matter, she spoke about it," Zhou Xiang said.

"She expressed her sentiments entirely from your perspective, saying that if she had a daughter and encountered such a situation, she would be utterly exasperated. Such a person lacks gratitude and is always eyeing greener pastures. Once married, if he found a better opportunity, he would surely divorce his wife to climb higher."

"She mentioned that when Master Wu discussed this with the gentlemen, aside from lamenting the improper conduct of some students, he also reminded everyone to keep their eyes open and not fall for the tricks of such ingrates by marrying their daughters to them."

Ye Yaming felt like praising "Impressive" once more.

With Madam Wu's explanation, even if someone later discovered that Ye Jia was collaborating with Lu Guanyi and Qi Ji, and that Master Wu and his wife were speaking up for Ye Jia out of personal interest, it would be difficult to fault the couple.

After all, they were merely offering well-intentioned advice to avoid being deceived by Song Yifeng. Those with marriageable daughters would only feel grateful to the couple.

"Miss, should we proceed with the next steps?" Zhou Xiang asked.

Master Wu had no personal relationship with Wang Wenzhi and hadn't invited him to the banquet. However, Wang Wenzhi's wife attended Li Daren's mother's birthday celebration. Even if she wasn't present when Madam Wu made those remarks, she would eventually hear about it.

Thus, Wang Wenzhi would certainly not marry his daughter to Song Yifeng, and Song Yifeng's reputation in Lin'an City would be ruined.

The numerous backup plans they had prepared might no longer be necessary.

Ye Yaming said, "We must proceed. Even if he doesn't become Wang Xuezheng's son-in-law, if he later becomes a Presented Scholar, he might still marry the daughter of some high official in the capital. So, we must take this opportunity to further tarnish his reputation."She looked at Zhou Xiang: 'Have people spread the word in the streets and alleys, making sure the students at the academy all know about it.'""

"Right away," Zhou Xiang responded cheerfully.

After Zhou Xiang left, Ye Yaming turned to Lve E, who kept glancing at her, and asked, "Lve E, do you have something to say?"

"Ah?" Lve E was taken aback and quickly shook her head. "No, no."

Seeing Ye Yaming's knowing smile, she guiltily lowered her head and murmured, "I... this servant just feels that you are truly ruthless toward Young Master Song. In the past, you..."

She didn't finish, and Ye Yaming didn't press further.

If it were the original host, who hadn't experienced the later hardships in the capital, she likely wouldn't have driven Song Yifeng to such extremes even if he had broken off the engagement, for she had genuinely loved him.Her change in attitude towards Song Yifeng was indeed too thorough. Ye Chongming and Old Madam Ye might not be aware, but it couldn't escape the notice of these two maidservants by her side.

She said: "Lve E, if you treated someone with utter devotion, even willing to wrong your own family to give them the best, yet discovered that person not only betrayed you but even tried to turn around and trample on you—how would you feel?"

Lve E thought for a moment: "I'd wish to devour their flesh and pull out their tendons." She lowered her head in shame, "Young lady, I know I was wrong."

...

When Wang Furen returned from the banquet at Wang Wenzhi's residence, she asked her husband: "Have you heard any rumors? About Song Yifeng."

Wang Wenzhi had also attended the birthday banquet for Li Daren's mother.

Hearing this, he was taken aback: "What rumors?"

Wang Furen then relayed the matter concerning Song Yifeng to Wang Wenzhi.

She said: "It's normal you wouldn't know, since you've always greatly admired Song Yifeng. They probably didn't dare mention such things in your presence." "Initially, the womenfolk didn't speak of it around me either. It was only later that Lin Furen, given our close friendship, kindly informed me of this matter, advising me to be cautious in choosing a son-in-law and definitely not betroth our daughter to such a heartless ingrate."

She glanced at her husband: "I think what they said makes perfect sense. Fortunately, Song Yifeng was already engaged back then, and we prevented our daughter from having much contact with him."

Song Yifeng was quite handsome, and Wang Wenzhi often praised him at home, so their daughter had developed a strong interest in him and always wanted to interact with him.

But because Song Yifeng was engaged, the couple worried their daughter might develop inappropriate feelings, so they had the servants keep a close watch to prevent her from contacting Song Yifeng.

Otherwise, by now their daughter might be desperately insisting on marrying Song Yifeng, causing them no end of trouble.

Wang Wenzhi frowned.

He greatly admired Song Yifeng's essays and had high hopes for him, believing he would surely excel in the Imperial Examination two years later. With Song Yifeng's talent, while top honors might be uncertain, as long as he performed normally, achieving the rank of Presented scholar was completely feasible.

So young and already a Presented scholar, Song Yifeng's mind was also agile—not the type who merely studied rigidly—his future prospects were limitless. Wang Wenzhi held Song Yifeng in very high regard.

Therefore, Wang Wenzhi had repeatedly praised Song Yifeng in front of his colleagues and expressed regret that he couldn't make him his son-in-law.

Now such praise and regret had undoubtedly become a laughingstock. Everyone would secretly mock him, Wang Wenzhi, for misjudging Song Yifeng's character.

He said irritably: "Alright, stop listening to others' nonsense. I'll ask Song Yifeng himself tomorrow to find out what really happened."

"But this matter was revealed by Master Wu," Wang Furen said. "He wouldn't talk nonsense, would he?"

Although Master Wu hadn't passed the Imperial Examination, he was meticulous, resourceful, precise in speech and action, and upright in character. Most importantly, he held no grudge against Song Yifeng and had no reason to make an enemy of a promising Recommended man without cause.

The only explanation was that the rumors about Song Yifeng were true, and Master Wu particularly disapproved of Song Yifeng's character.

Wang Wenzhi knew this too, but he was unwilling to admit he had misjudged someone and become a laughingstock. He still intended to personally question Song Yifeng and hear his side of the story.

The next day, Wang Wenzhi went to the prefectural school. Just as he alighted from his carriage at the main gate, he encountered Zhong Ming arriving on horseback.