Chapter 96: Madam Yin Comes to Talk

Ye Yaming was delighted, “That’s good.”

“Once the list is sorted out, should we send it directly to Song Yifeng or wait until he comes tomorrow? If he sees it tomorrow, there might be more disputes,” said Ye Chongming.

Given the greed of the Song family, if they don’t receive the list, they will definitely return less money and deduct a lot.

Ye Yaming thought for a moment and looked at Old Madam Ye, “Grandmother, please send someone to Madam Wu’s residence tomorrow morning to ask if she can come to our house for tea and snacks in the afternoon.”

Everyone was stunned.

“Are you suggesting inviting her as a witness?” asked Old Madam Ye.

Ye Yaming nodded, “Today, Advisor Wu and Madam Wu were very friendly. Maybe she would be willing to help. It doesn’t hurt to ask. If she says she’s not available, then so be it.”

Old Madam Ye nodded, “Alright, I’ll send Ah Yu tomorrow.”

Ye Yaming then bowed and stood at the fork in the road, watching them leave.

The main house was closest to the main courtyard, just behind it. After walking a bit further, Ye Chongming turned to Ye Hongchang and his son and said, “You should go back. Send someone to thoroughly investigate the Wang family.”

After Ye Hongchang and his son left with their servants, he told the maid following Old Madam Ye, “Send someone to the second house and ask Second Madam to come over. Tell her that Old Madam has something to discuss.”

The maid acknowledged and went to the second house.

This was something the old couple had discussed beforehand. After the commotion caused by Song Yifeng at tonight’s banquet, they planned to talk to Madam Yin about the annulment.

Old Madam Ye glanced at Ye Chongming and asked, “Are you planning to be present?”

Usually, Ye Chongming didn’t involve himself in such matters, leaving them to her to discuss with the daughters-in-law. As a father-in-law, it wasn’t convenient for him to manage the affairs of his daughters-in-law.

But seeing Ye Chongming personally instruct the maid to call Madam Yin, Old Madam Ye knew he intended to explain the annulment to Madam Yin himself.

Ye Chongming replied, “Yes.”

Old Madam Ye nodded, “That’s appropriate.”

Given Ye Yaming’s contributions to the Ye family, she shouldn’t be wronged in the matter of the annulment. The old man was worried that Madam Yin, being confused and unaware of the details, might treat Ye Yaming as an ordinary, naive girl and scold her. So, he planned to protect her personally.

The old couple returned to the hall in the inner courtyard and sat down.

After a while, Madam Yin arrived. Seeing that Ye Chongming was present, she became uneasy, bowed, and sat down with a heart full of anxiety.

Ye Chongming didn’t let Old Madam Ye speak but personally recounted everything that happened when Song Yifeng came to the Ye family today.

Madam Yin became increasingly alarmed, her face turning red and white as if she had done something shameful.

Ye Chongming and Old Madam Ye found it quite amusing. This daughter-in-law was generally good, but sometimes they couldn’t understand what she was thinking.

For Ye Yaming’s sake, Ye Chongming comforted her, “A person’s character sometimes doesn’t show until they face significant challenges. Song Yifeng is smart and studious, and we all admire his talent. Given his hidden true nature, it’s understandable that we couldn’t see his true colors. You don’t need to blame yourself for his faults. Even at our age, your father and I couldn’t see through him, let alone you.”

Hearing this, Madam Yin’s face looked much better. She stood up, bowed respectfully to Ye Chongming, and said, “Thank you for your guidance, Father-in-law.”

Ye Chongming gestured for her to sit down.

After she sat down, he continued, “Ming’er is intelligent, and I have always intended to raise her like a son. It’s good that the engagement with Song Yifeng is annulled. From now on, let’s keep Ming’er at home and find a suitable husband for her, which will also help your branch of the family.”

Turning to Old Madam Ye, he said, “Ming’er just had her engagement annulled, and she must be feeling sad. It’s understandable if she doesn’t want to discuss marriage right away. Don’t pressure her; let her take her time. When she’s ready, you can help her find a good match.”

Old Madam Ye knew that Ye Chongming was saying this for Madam Yin’s benefit and immediately agreed, “I understand.”

She also had something to say to Madam Yin, “Our family is currently cooperating with Mr. Lu and Mr. Qi, and Ming’er has many responsibilities. It’s not suitable for her to get engaged at this time.”

Engaged girls are expected to stay at home and not go out, especially not to interact closely with other men. Although Ye Yaming was looking for a husband to join her family, the prospective groom would still have expectations of her.

The cooperation between the Ye family and Lu and Qi might require Ye Yaming’s personal involvement. Both Lu and Qi were outstanding young men from noble families. If Ye Yaming got too close to them, it would be difficult for her fiancé not to be suspicious.

This point might not have occurred to Ye Chongming, being a man. Old Madam Ye pointed it out to make Madam Yin aware so she wouldn’t overthink and add to Ye Yaming’s troubles.

Ye Chongming, realizing this, said, “Yes, exactly.”

To ensure Madam Yin understood, he briefly explained the cooperation with Lu and Qi.

Old Madam Ye, listening, felt very emotional.

Although Ye Chongming was good to the women in the family, he had a patriarchal side. He never discussed business matters with the women, only exchanging formal greetings with his daughters-in-law. Now, seeing him patiently explain business matters to Madam Yin showed how much he valued Ye Yaming.

Madam Yin seemed to understand this, feeling both honored and happy. The shame, regret, and embarrassment she felt earlier about her daughter’s annulment were gone.

After Ye Chongming finished speaking, she stood up and bowed respectfully, “Thank you for trusting Ming’er and allowing her to participate in the business.”

This was only possible in the Ye family, which had upright family values and an enlightened patriarch. In another family, even if Ye Yaming were smart, the head of the family might not use her, and others might try to undermine her.

So, Madam Yin’s gratitude was sincere.

She added, “Ming’er mentioned these matters to me a few days ago. She also said that you and Mother-in-law, seeing our financial difficulties, allowed us to participate in the cooperation with Mr. Lu and Mr. Qi. I am very grateful for your kindness and understanding.”

Saying this, she bowed to Ye Chongming and Old Madam Ye again.

Old Madam Ye immediately asked, “Did Ming’er tell you about the second branch contributing ten thousand taels of silver to the business?”