Glory

Lin'an City was a prosperous and affluent place. Ordinary individuals could not simply come to Lin'an to serve as an Academic Supervisor—it required someone with the right background, skill, and talent. This showed that Wang Wenzhi was no ordinary man.

Ye Yaming then asked, "What is his attitude toward women?"

Zhou Xiang's smile froze for a moment.

While other young ladies would be too shy to broach such a topic, Ye Yaming remained unflinching—truly befitting their Third Young Lady.

"Magistrate Wang has taken two concubines. One was a maid his wife promoted from her own household, and the other is a distant relative of Old Madame Wang. Beyond that, he shows no particular indulgence in women and does not frequent brothels or pleasure quarters."

"How does he treat his daughter?"

"I haven't paid attention to that aspect. But rest assured, Young Lady, I will immediately send someone to inquire and report back to you as soon as there is news," Zhou Xiang replied respectfully.

Ye Yaming frowned.

This Wang Wenzhi was indeed a conventional official.

After some thought, she instructed, "Find out which of Wang Wenzhi's colleagues are upright, straightforward, and intolerant of scholars who are morally corrupt, treacherous, or ungrateful. If there are none like that, then look for those who are particularly fond of their daughters."

Zhou Xiang had initially been unsure why Ye Yaming was investigating Wang Wenzhi. But with this instruction, he understood clearly.

He immediately grasped her meaning: "Don't worry, Young Lady, I understand what you mean. I will make sure they investigate thoroughly. You can await my good news."

Having served by Ye Chongming's side, Zhou Xiang was well aware of this Third Young Lady's capabilities. Moreover, Ye Chongming and Old Mrs. Ye had repeatedly cautioned him.

He also had his own considerations.

At only twenty years old, while Ye Chongming was already aging, Ye Yaming was to remain at home for a matrilocal marriage. She was more capable than Ye Hongchang and Ye Jiaxing, and it was possible that the Ye family would eventually be under her control. Zhou Xiang naturally had to plan for his own future.

Now that he had the chance to impress her and be of service, Zhou Xiang spared no effort. If he gave his all in front of Ye Chongming, in front of Ye Yaming, he exerted twelve-tenths of his strength.

Thus, within a few days, he had thoroughly investigated Wang Wenzhi and his colleagues, including their whereabouts.

"Among Magistrate Wang's colleagues, there is one named Zhong Ming, who passed the imperial examination in the same year as Wang Wenzhi. He was the Tanhua (Third Place) of that year's examination—highly talented and originally a Compiler in the Hanlin Academy. He is particularly straightforward and has a somewhat fiery temper. He always speaks the truth when he encounters injustice, which is why he has never been promoted."

"Two years ago, he offended someone in the capital and was transferred away. Only with someone's protection did he end up in Lin'an, becoming Wang Wenzhi's subordinate. I've heard that this Magistrate Zhong does not get along well with Wang Wenzhi."

"However..." Zhou Xiang said regretfully, "Magistrate Zhong has three sons but no daughters."

"But he is a grateful man. Back when he was at his lowest, his father-in-law married his daughter to him, and he has never taken a concubine. He and his wife are deeply devoted to each other."

"Has Magistrate Zhong's outspoken temper changed since he was transferred to Lin'an?" Ye Yaming asked.

"No," Zhou Xiang replied. "That's precisely why he doesn't get along with Wang Wenzhi."

"Then he's the one," Ye Yaming decided with a firm nod.

The Ye family's first collaboration with Lu Guanyi and Qi Ji was in producing tea sets. Although she had provided the designs, she still wasn't entirely at ease and wanted to see for herself.Moreover, she wasn't the type who couldn't sit still, but she also didn't want to stay at home all the time.

What if Song Yifeng, in his madness to become Wang Wenzhi's son-in-law, or driven by infatuation and deep affection for Zijin, decided to break off the engagement in order to formally marry Zijin as his legitimate wife? Or if Zijin suddenly changed her mind and wanted to become Song Yifeng's wife or concubine, turning against her instead? If Song Yifeng took advantage of her interactions with Lu Guanyi and Qi Ji to tarnish her reputation, both she and the Ye family would be put in a passive position.

Therefore, this matter should be dealt with sooner rather than later, and it was best to act quickly.

After learning of Ye Yaming's plan, Zhou Xiang, who also found Zhong Ming suitable, had already gathered the necessary information.

"I had someone inquire. That Lord Zhong has no other hobbies in life but enjoys drinking.

He loves Taibai Tower's Peach Blossom Brew the most and often invites a few friends for casual drinks, taking turns to host. The Wang family is wealthy and frequents Taibai Tower. Song Yifeng occasionally accompanies Lord Wang to Taibai Tower to drink with them." Ye Yaming noticed that after saying this, he seemed hesitant, as if he had more to say.

She said, "If you have something to say, speak freely. Don't hesitate. Don't worry, I won't blame you."

If Zhou Xiang truly had something he couldn't tell her, he wouldn't have shown such hesitation. It was only when he had something to say but feared her reproach that he acted this way.

Sure enough, as soon as she said this, Zhou Xiang replied, "But, Miss, if you're planning to have Miss Zijin cause a scene at Taibai Tower in front of all the officials, I'm afraid it won't achieve the desired outcome. Men tend to be tolerant of keeping a mistress outside the home. Even if Lord Zhong says a few harsh words to Song Yifeng, it won't change anything. If our family uses this as grounds to break off the engagement, as long as Song Yifeng retaliates, we won't gain any advantage."

"No, I don't plan to do that," Ye Yaming said.

Zhou Xiang raised his eyes and looked at Ye Yaming in confusion. However, the action was extremely impolite, and as soon as he realized it, he immediately lowered his head again.

Ye Yaming stared at him and asked, "Zhou Xiang, what are your plans for after the Ye family divides its estate?"

Zhou Xiang abruptly raised his head, his eyes wide as he stared at Ye Yaming.

"Don't be afraid. Bai Rui and Lve E are my confidantes. They are completely loyal to me and won't reveal our conversation today. You can rest assured."

Zhou Xiang suppressed the shock and panic in his heart, lowered his head, and tried his best to calm himself.

He knew that Ye Yaming was testing his loyalty. The reason she asked this was likely because her next actions might not align with the Ye family's interests or even go against Old Master Ye's wishes. She was giving him a choice: to follow Old Master Ye's orders or to side with her for the sake of his future.

Zhou Xiang's mind was in turmoil.

It was Old Master Ye who had recognized his talent, selecting him from among the pages in the estate, keeping him by his side, treating him as a confidant, and often mentoring him.

Was he now to betray Old Master Ye and be swayed by the Third Miss?

No, he couldn't do it.

After a long silence, he finally said in a low voice, "I'm sorry, Third Miss. Old Master Ye has shown me great kindness. I cannot betray him."

After he said this, he noticed that Ye Yaming remained silent for a while. Unable to resist, he raised his head to look at her and saw that she suddenly smiled and said to him, "Good. I knew I wasn't wrong about you."

She stood up. "Come, let's go to the main courtyard."