Chapter 83: Asking for People

After all, the Ye family’s status and position were far inferior to the Meng family, and Meng Chengwei had the support of Consort Min and her daughter, the Third Princess. Moreover, the Ye family’s tea silver was not stolen in this life, and Ye Hongchang only suffered minor injuries. In the eyes of Lu Guanyi and the Prefect, the punishment Meng Chengwei received was already sufficient.

Ye Yaming was not one to make things difficult for herself. The original owner’s wish was to change the fate of the Ye family and herself.

Now, the fate of the Ye family had changed. Not only did Ye Yaming prevent them from falling into Meng Chengwei’s trap and walking down a path of no return, but she would also ensure that their future path was even broader. As long as she was around and the descendants of the Ye family didn’t act recklessly, she could ensure the family’s prosperity for another generation or two.

In her view, the task of changing the Ye family’s fate was not only completed but exceeded expectations. She could consider it a job well done.

As for Meng Chengwei, if he no longer troubled the Ye family, they would leave each other alone. If he sought revenge, Ye Yaming would ensure he faced the consequences.

Now, as long as she broke off the engagement with Song Yifeng, the original owner could rest in peace and reincarnate.

Thinking of this, she said to Ye Chongming, “Grandfather, you said I could ask for any person I needed. Does that still hold true?”

Ye Chongming was taken aback but quickly nodded, “Of course, it still holds true.”

He added, “Tell me how many people you need and what kind of people, and I’ll arrange it.”

“I need some clever young men who are not well-known. If you have any reliable and trustworthy idle men or ruffians, that would be even better. I’ll take them all.”

Ye Chongming thought for a moment. With Meng Chengwei already dealt with, the only person Ye Yaming might need to use people against was Song Yifeng.

He didn’t ask further and said, “Alright, I’ll select a few people and have Zhou Xiang bring them to you. As for the idle men and ruffians, I’ll have Zhou Xiang give you a list.”

Ye Yaming smiled brightly, “Thank you, Grandfather.”

Ye Chongming opened his mouth, wanting to comfort Ye Yaming. After all, any girl facing such a situation wouldn’t be happy. But he didn’t know how to comfort her, so he awkwardly said, “Once the engagement is broken off, Grandfather will find you someone better. If you want to marry into our family, I’ll carefully select someone for you, ensuring you won’t face such a situation again.”

“Alright,” Ye Yaming agreed readily.

In modern times, she had seen many arranged marriages among wealthy families, where the young masters and ladies had no freedom in marriage. It was even more so in this feudal era.

Moreover, she had no expectations for marriage. Ye Chongming and Mrs. Ye wouldn’t deceive her. The person they chose, once approved by her, would be reliable. So, she would marry a decent man, have two children, and manage both the business and the household. She would raise her children well, and that would be a good life with no further desires.

Having experienced life and death, many things seemed trivial to her.

Although Ye Chongming had been busy dealing with Meng Chengwei, he had also kept an eye on Song Yifeng. Old Madam Ye, unable to help with the Meng Chengwei matter, had also been investigating Song Yifeng’s situation, whether out of her own will or her husband’s instructions.

Therefore, during this time, Madam Yu and Song Yifeng’s words and actions were scrutinized by the two elders. They were well aware of their attitudes towards the Ye family and Ye Yaming.

The more they understood, the more heartbroken they became. Old Madam Ye cursed “ungrateful wretch” at home every day. Ye Chongming wished to break off the engagement immediately. Unfortunately, they couldn’t find the time earlier. Now that Ye Yaming wanted to handle it herself, they acted quickly. Shortly after Ye Yaming returned to her courtyard, Zhou Xiang arrived with five young men.

Zhou Xiang entered and explained to Ye Yaming, “The old master carefully selected these young men. They are clever and not well-known. I thought you wouldn’t want anyone who isn’t clever, as they might cause trouble, so I didn’t include any.”

He added, “There are also some clever young men in the tea factory and tea shop. If you need them, I can bring them as well. We also have many reliable idle men and ruffians. Just tell me what kind you need, and I can find them.”

Tea houses were places with a mix of people. If you didn’t get along with the idle men and ruffians on the streets, they would cause trouble at your tea house, making it hard to do business.

So, the Ye family sent some silver to the local gang leaders every year for peace. Seeing the Ye family as reasonable, the gang members preferred a steady, trouble-free income and restrained their subordinates from causing trouble. Sometimes, they even helped Jixiang Lou when needed.

Thus, they coexisted peacefully and even formed some connections.

If the Ye family needed to deal with someone powerful, the gang wouldn’t be able to help. However, for someone like Song Yifeng, the gang would be happy to take the job.

Thinking Ye Yaming might not understand, Zhou Xiang explained this in a low voice.

Ye Yaming was pleased, “Good.” She asked, “Did the old master assign you to handle this, to dispatch these young men and contact the idle men and ruffians?”

Zhou Xiang nodded and added, “Among the young men, there’s one named Lai Yun, who is particularly clever and capable. He used to work with Steward Li. Many people have seen me with the old master, but Lai Yun is not well-known. For external contacts, you can assign them to me, and I’ll have Lai Yun handle them.”

Ye Yaming said, “Very good.”

She then gave Zhou Xiang some instructions and had him coordinate with Nanny Xia to understand the situation with Miss Zijing.

Being very capable, Zhou Xiang quickly gathered the information Ye Yaming needed.

“Mr. Wang Wenzhi, the academic officer, is forty-two years old and has five sons and four daughters. His third and fourth daughters are not yet engaged, both around fourteen or fifteen years old. The third daughter is illegitimate, while the fourth daughter is legitimate, and they are only two or three months apart in age.”

“Mr. Wang greatly admires Song Yifeng’s writings. Song Yifeng often seeks his advice and gives small gifts. They have a close relationship. Mr. Wang regrets that Song Yifeng is already engaged and wishes to have him as a son-in-law.”

Ye Yaming asked, “What kind of person is Mr. Wang?”

Zhou Xiang hesitated and said, “He seems to be quite upright. He hasn’t done anything wrong or been criticized. People praise his talent, and he ranked seventh in the provincial examination.”

In the Great Jin, the academic officer was similar to the historical academic officers of the Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties, and the academic administrators of the Qing dynasty. Although only an eighth-rank official, administratively under the prefectural government, he was responsible for teaching and supervising students in the prefecture. He could directly report to the head of the Imperial Academy, making his position more prestigious than ordinary prefectural officials.