With all this done, Wu Caiwei felt a sense of relief, finally able to rest properly.
It was getting late, and the city gates were already closed. She had considered getting a room at an inn and returning to the village the next day, but she feared the gossip if she were gone overnight, which would be more trouble than it was worth. Thus, she ended up knocking on her cheap uncle's door to ask for a night's lodging.
After passing the provincial examination and becoming a Xiucai, Jiang Yongnian opened a private school in the city. He saved up his earnings and bought a small courtyard. A maidservant helped with cleaning, laundry, and cooking.
Jiang Hanyue rarely came to the city, and the gatekeeping maidservant didn't recognize her. After introducing herself, she was led inside.
Although Li shi was displeased to see her, she didn't turn her away. It was so late, and something might have happened to her; she couldn't take responsibility for that. Besides, it was only a matter of adding one more person at the dinner table.
Jiang Yongnian wasn't home for dinner. At the table, Wu Caiwei and Li shi glared at each other, neither speaking. Her cousins looked at her with disdain, considering her a country bumpkin.
Disregarding their thoughts, Wu Caiwei ate heartily. She was famished after a busy afternoon. After the meal, she offered a brief greeting and retreated to the room prepared for her, intending to leave at first light.
Seeing his niece leave so quietly, Jiang Yongnian felt a pang of annoyance. He had been drinking late the night before and heard that Jiang Hanyue had arrived. He had planned to lecture her over breakfast, but the girl had left without a word.
Next time he saw his sister, he would have to impress upon her the need to discipline her daughter.
The unreleased tension in his heart spoiled his good mood for the entire morning. What he didn't expect was that things would get even worse.
While teaching the children, he was summoned by the maidservant to the reception hall.
Upon seeing the butler from the Ye residence, he immediately greeted him warmly. However, the butler completely ignored his greeting, causing Jiang Yongnian's heart to sink as he wondered what had gone wrong.
"Master Ye said that since your niece does not agree to this marriage, our Ye family will not force it. You accepted money initially, and since the marriage is off, you must return the betrothal gifts before nightfall tomorrow," the butler said condescendingly, looking at him. What was so great about some country girl that she would look down on the Ye family?
"No, is there some misunderstanding? How could she possibly disagree? Who has been slandering me in front of Master Ye?" Jiang Yongnian was bewildered.
"No one. Yesterday, your niece personally spoke to our master, saying some unpleasant words. Go back and tell her that some words should not be spoken, and some things should not be inquired about, or it will not end well for her," the butler said meaningfully to Jiang Yongnian.
Seeing the butler's expression, Jiang Yongnian paused for a moment before realizing. So they thought he was instigating this behind the scenes. Heaven knew his conscience was clear; he wished this marriage would be settled soon. It was obvious that the young master of the Ye family had issues. He would be an idiot to pry into it. It wasn't his own daughter; what did it have to do with him if something happened? Even her own mother didn't care, so why should he?
"My niece has been acting strangely lately. If she said anything unpleasant, please ask Master Ye to forgive her," Jiang Yongnian said sincerely, pulling out the pouch he carried and thrusting it into the butler's hand.
The butler squeezed it and found a significant amount of silver, at least ten taels. His expression softened considerably, and he said reluctantly, "Your niece is remarkable. She actually managed to guess some of the things happening in our manor. Master is very angry, and you've been caught in the crossfire. I can only try my best to speak for you when I return. Be careful of Master's retaliation."
Jiang Yongnian thanked him profusely and saw him out. He felt his heart ache at the thought of the two thousand taels of silver he had recently received now being given away.
He immediately went to find his sister, and together they returned to the village.
After leaving her uncle's house that morning, Wu Caiwei had breakfast and then took a leisurely carriage ride back to the village.
As soon as she arrived home, the two elders saw her and immediately berated her, "You scoundrel, how dare you be so bold! You didn't come home all night, and you finally show up? Don't tell me you were fooling around with some young man."
"Why are you saying such nasty things? Do I look like that kind of person? I went to the city yesterday to stroll around, and it got too late, so I stayed at my uncle's place. If you don't believe me, ask them when they return next time." Wu Caiwei didn't want to engage with them, but she knew they wouldn't let her go if she didn't clarify.
"Hmph, we assume you wouldn't dare make a mistake. Hurry up and do the chores around the house. Go out less in the future. Who will do the housework when you're gone? You unfilial thing, trying to work me to death." Grandma Jiang was somewhat satisfied with her explanation and quickly ordered her to get to work. For so many years, this girl had been doing all the work. Without her, nothing went smoothly. After only a short while, she felt her back ache.
With the memories of the original owner, Wu Caiwei began working, feeling a bit clumsy at first but soon getting the hang of it.
As she worked, she contemplated how to leave this village and buy property in the city. After much thought, she decided it couldn't be rushed.
The old couple would never let her leave. Besides, who would the money she earned belong to? The Jiang and Liu families would both come looking for her, and she didn't want to be a stepping stone for others.
Suddenly, the courtyard gate was kicked open with a bang. Wu Caiwei instinctively turned her head and saw her furious aunt and uncle.
Hearing the commotion, the old couple hurried out. Seeing their son and daughter with grim faces, they were somewhat perplexed, wondering what had happened.
"Jiang Hanyue, what exactly did you say to Master Ye? How many times have we told you this was a good marriage, but you just wouldn't listen? Do you know that Master Ye came to break off the engagement? The loss to our Jiang and Liu families is immense! If we can't survive in the city, it will all be your fault." Jiang Yongnian suppressed the urge to lash out. The most important thing now was to understand what she had said to Master Ye and see if there was any room for reconciliation.
"I will not take this blame. I've told you many times that I do not agree to this marriage, but you wouldn't listen, so I went to find Master Ye." Wu Caiwei was not falling for their tactics of making her feel guilty. It was impossible.
"Why are you so stubborn, child? Would we harm you? Quickly tell us, what exactly did you say to Master Ye?" Jiang Feng felt as if the sky was falling. After years of internal strife in the back courtyard, she, though furious in her heart, maintained a facade of concern for her.
"Do you really want to know? I think it's better if you don't." Wu Caiwei looked at them playfully, imagining their shocked expressions once she revealed the truth.
The two felt a bad premonition. They exchanged glances and nodded resolutely.