Chapter 52: The Layout

In the past, she might have dismissed Ye Yaming’s words, thinking of her as an inexperienced young girl. But ever since Ye Yaming had given many suggestions to Ye Chongming and received multiple praises for her wisdom, Nanny Xia had started to look at the girl she had watched grow up with new eyes.

“Song Yifeng is an ambitious person,” Ye Yaming continued. “His goal is not to break off the engagement with me but to marry into the family of the education commissioner or other officials, using these shortcuts to climb the social ladder. So, even if Yu Ling’er tries to seduce him, he won’t make a mistake. Otherwise, if the Yu family causes a scene, how could those officials favor him?”

“Moreover, if Yu Ling’er really manages to seduce him and he becomes interested in her, what do you think he would do? Would he break off the engagement with me to marry Yu Ling’er?”

Old Madam Ye and Nanny Xia were taken aback and looked at each other, shaking their heads simultaneously.

Definitely not.

Old Madam Ye said, “The Song family, not to mention Madam Yu, even Song Yifeng himself is ambitious. The Yu family is just a small business. Song Yifeng doesn’t even think highly of our family, which runs a large business, so how could he marry the daughter of the Yu family? Taking her as a concubine is more likely.”

The place where the Song family currently lives is an area inhabited by lower-middle-class people, and the house prices are not high.

As for their neighbors, the Yu family, they run a tofu business. The women make tofu at home, Yu Ling’er’s father sells it at the market, and her brother delivers custom-made tofu products to wealthy households. The whole family works hard only to make ends meet, barely living comfortably.

The Ye family had been kind to the Song family, and Ye Yaming was willing to give her heart to Song Yifeng. He had no gratitude and was indifferent to Ye Yaming, showing that he was a cold-hearted person.

How could such a person give up a good marriage for Yu Ling’er and be willing to marry her?

Ye Yaming nodded, “So, even if Yu Ling’er tries to seduce Song Yifeng, and even if Song Yifeng is moved by her, he will only abandon the idea of breaking off the engagement. He will definitely marry me first and then bring Yu Ling’er into the house as a concubine.”

“So, the idea of having Yu Ling’er seduce him, using their affair to create public opinion, and then breaking off the engagement can be dismissed. If you catch him in an affair, what can you do to him? In the end, it will only result in him having another concubine, nothing else!”

Nanny Xia was speechless, and her expression was awkward. Old Madam Ye also closed her mouth.

The two old ladies, who prided themselves on being experts in household scheming, were completely defeated.

Nanny Xia stammered, “Then what should we do?”

“This matter is not urgent,” Ye Yaming said. “Actually, we don’t need to exert ourselves. Isn’t Meng Chengwei going to spread rumors? Perhaps when the Song family mother and son hear the rumors, they will find a way to break off the engagement with me.”

She squinted her eyes and thought for a moment as if she had an inspiration, “Actually, Nanny Xia, the method you mentioned is not impossible. But let’s not involve any respectable girls.”

She looked at Nanny Xia, “Nanny Xia, do you know of any charming and talented courtesans?”

Old Madam Ye: “…”

Nanny Xia: “…”

Nanny Xia looked at Ye Yaming, her expression dumbfounded and speechless.

Ye Yaming was amused by her expression. This Nanny Xia, who thought she was skillful, was actually just a woman who had heard about some shady methods but had no practical experience. The Ye family’s inner courtyard was indeed very clean and upright.

Old Madam Ye suddenly became very interested in her granddaughter’s scheme. However, she didn’t ask Ye Yaming what she planned to do.

Secrets should not be shared with too many ears.

She said, “There should be some. I’ll send someone to inquire.”

Jiangnan is a wealthy and culturally rich place, full of talented and beautiful courtesans. What Ye Yaming needed was not only talent and beauty but also someone willing to work for the Ye family. She understood this and would send someone to inquire properly.

Ye Yaming bowed to Old Madam Ye, “Thank you, Grandmother.”

She added, “I also need a few clever people who can gather information. Grandmother, please help me select a few.”

“Alright,” Old Madam Ye nodded with a smile.

“What about me?” Nanny Xia, seeing that she had nothing to do, became anxious.

“You just keep in touch with Xiao Xiang from time to time and keep an eye on the Song family’s situation.”

Ye Yaming seriously said, “But it’s best not to contact Xiao Xiang directly. Send a maid with an unfamiliar face or use the women from the shops’ managers’ and clerks’ families. Otherwise, if Madam Yu finds out, it won’t matter to us, but Xiao Xiang’s fate will be tragic.”

Nanny Xia’s expression changed, and she nodded vigorously, “Alright, I understand.”

Seeing that Ye Yaming was considerate of Xiao Xiang, Grandma Ye couldn’t help but sigh, “If it weren’t for our family’s support, Song Yifeng wouldn’t even have enough to eat, let alone study. Yet he has no gratitude at all. How can he be so heartless?”

“Conscience is not something everyone has,” Ye Yaming said calmly.

In her previous life, she had a close friend who married a college classmate, a so-called “phoenix man.” After graduating from college, he joined her company and climbed to a high position. When her father passed away, her friend discovered that her husband not only had a mistress but also a son, who was not much younger than her daughter. When she filed for divorce, the man was not afraid. He had already obtained company shares, bought several houses, and acquired a lot of property. At a gathering, a friend who studied psychology analyzed the psychology of the “phoenix man.”

To become a “phoenix man,” one must have exceptional looks and talent. These “golden phoenixes” that fly out of humble nests are inherently proud and have the capital to be proud. After marrying a wealthy girl, due to their background, they are looked down upon in their wife’s family and social circle. This combination of pride and inferiority can easily distort their psychology, leading to a rebellious attitude towards their wife’s family and their wife.

Although there are some who are strong-minded, grateful, and loving, the majority of “phoenix men” are indeed as analyzed. Some may not have mistresses or get divorced, but they adopt a tolerant attitude in marriage. How many of these marriages are truly happy?

…

While the Ye family was holding meetings, Meng Chengwei was waiting for Ye Jiaxing to come out of the Ye family. As dinner time approached, there was still no reply from Ye Jiaxing. Instead, he received news that Ye Chongming had come down from the mountain.

With Ye Chongming back, his plan to seize the garden tenants could no longer be concealed. His last chance to make a desperate move through Ye Jiaxing was also gone.

Meng Chengwei forcefully placed the teacup on the table, took a deep breath, and ordered his servant, “Go, spread the rumors even more.”

“Yes,” the servant quickly went out.

From that day on, they had the idle men outside spreading some rumors.