Chapter 101: The Mother-In-Law Mindset

The sudden news left Jiang Xuening stunned.

She remained dazed for a long while before murmuring in a dreamlike tone, “What happened…”

Only then did You Fangyin explain the whole story.

It wasn’t actually that complicated.

After hearing Jiang Xuening’s analysis of her situation at home, You Fangyin couldn’t stop thinking about how to safely leave the marquis’s estate. Running away might lead to being caught and facing a worse fate; setting up her own household wasn’t feasible, especially as a woman. Eventually, she naturally thought of “getting married.”

Wouldn’t marrying someone allow her to leave legitimately?

But who would marry her?

Moreover, the traditional rule was “obey your father at home, your husband after marriage, and your son after your husband’s death.” If her situation after marriage was the same or worse than at home, it would be pointless.

So, it would be best if the person she married was either good or cooperative.

That night, You Fangyin wrote down the names of all the men she knew and considered each one, even including the eldest son of the marquis’s gatekeeper, Wang An.

But none of them were suitable.

In the end, only one name remained: Ren Weizhi.

Looking at this name, You Fangyin’s eyes brightened. After some thought, she realized that with her limited social circle, there was no better candidate!

First, Ren Weizhi needed money and had sought her help.

Second, he lived far away in Shu, so marrying him would take her far from the marquis’s estate.

Third, her sister You Yue also wanted shares in Ren Weizhi’s salt business.

Fourth, Ren Weizhi seemed like a good person.

Knowing she wasn’t particularly clever, she used this method to list all the reasons she could think of, then placed the paper over her heart and stayed awake all night.

Because she had come up with an unprecedented, bold plan!

As long as she could leave the marquis’s estate, it was a good thing; as long as she could work for the second young lady, it was a good thing.

What did it matter what people said or traditional teachings?

So, on the day she discussed the salt business with Ren Weizhi, You Fangyin also proposed a lifelong business deal.

Jiang Xuening was still in shock, “What was Ren Weizhi’s reaction?”

You Fangyin blushed, looking a bit embarrassed, and spoke softly, “He seemed stunned for a long time and couldn’t believe it. But since I had the money you gave me, he had to consider it. After pacing around the room for a while, he sat down and asked for the details. I told him everything.”

At this point, she suddenly waved her hand.

“But I didn’t mention anything about you. He doesn’t know. Before leaving, he said that even a fake marriage is a serious matter and shouldn’t be taken lightly. He asked me to think it over for a few days. If I didn’t change my mind, he would consider agreeing.”

This made Ren Weizhi seem like a gentleman.

Jiang Xuening thought, with a large sum of money at stake, marrying this naive girl would give his salt business a chance to revive. Fangyin was also attractive and kind, and despite her poor situation at the marquis’s estate, she was still a nobleman’s daughter, more than suitable for a merchant like him.

Agreeing wouldn’t be difficult.

But he still advised You Fangyin to reconsider, which was commendable.

Despite these thoughts, Jiang Xuening couldn’t help but worry, “Has he agreed now?”

You Fangyin nodded, “He has.”

She added, “He has no parents, so he makes his own decisions. He agreed that after marriage, we would be a couple in name only, with no obligations. We don’t have to stay married for long; once we settle in Shu, we can divorce if I wish. If it takes longer to settle, I can stay at his house until everything is arranged. We’ve already signed an agreement, and now it’s just a matter of when he will propose.”

As an unloved illegitimate daughter at the marquis’s estate, her family likely wouldn’t spend much time on her marriage.

Jiang Xuening knew a bit about the marquis’s household.

And You Yue, hoping to profit from Ren Weizhi, would probably use this marriage to demand something, which was fine. It wouldn’t be difficult to arrange.

Jiang Xuening was speechless for a long time.

She couldn’t help but look at this seemingly dull, timid, and somewhat clumsy girl with silent admiration, thinking of the phrases “great wisdom appears foolish” and “inner beauty.”

But then she realized that if You Fangyin were a calculating and cautious person, she would never have made such a bold decision.

The more single-minded a person is, the more likely they are to do extraordinary things.

Jiang Xuening had come to ask about Ren Weizhi’s progress, but this news had completely stunned her, making it hard to focus on the main topic You Fangyin was discussing.

The 10,000 tael investment in shares had been secured.

Ren Weizhi had agreed that these shares could be transferred to others.

Additionally, You Fangyin’s sister, You Yue, had invested 2,000 taels.

Everything was progressing smoothly, and the plan was set, awaiting the next steps.

As it was getting late, Jiang Xuening and You Fangyin sat together for a while. Jiang Xuening had many things she wanted to say but didn’t know how to start. She finally said, “I just left the palace today. It’s quite chaotic there, and I won’t need to return for a while. I’ll have plenty of time to talk at home. I’ll come see you again soon.”

You Fangyin stood up to see her off.

Zhou Yin was also waiting at the door and escorted her out of the cell.

The carriage was still waiting outside.

The coachman saw her and asked, “Miss, are we heading back to the mansion?”

Jiang Xuening instinctively nodded, but once she was seated in the carriage, she frowned deeply. She couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. The more she thought about it, the more it seemed like a far-fetched and unreliable plan.

“No, I haven’t even met this Ren Weizhi. What if he’s a fraud?” She furrowed her brow, thinking about how naive You Fangyin was. After a while, as the carriage was about to turn onto the road back to the mansion, she suddenly lifted the curtain and said, “Don’t go back to the mansion yet. Let’s go to the Shuxiang Inn.”

She knew she should avoid getting involved in this matter.

Given the lingering risks from the raw silk business, she didn’t know who might be watching. Getting involved could expose her and be dangerous.

But she couldn’t ignore it now.

She had to see Ren Weizhi for herself!

The coachman was surprised but knew Jiang Xuening had a strong-willed personality. Although he worried that staying out late might concern her family, he didn’t dare voice it. He simply urged the horse to go faster.

Soon, they arrived at the Shuxiang Inn.

Jiang Xuening got out and went inside, directly asking to see Ren Weizhi.

It was still the upstairs guest room.

Ren Weizhi was surprised to see Jiang Xuening for the first time.

After inviting her in, he was puzzled by her appearance, which didn’t seem like that of a merchant. He couldn’t help but ask, “May I know what brings you here?”

Jiang Xuening frowned and didn’t answer.

She scrutinized Ren Weizhi from head to toe three times, her frown never easing. She didn’t respond to his question, instead walking around him, examining him from every angle.

Ren Weizhi suddenly felt like a piece of meat on display.

And this young lady seemed like a picky customer…

Anyone would feel uncomfortable being scrutinized like this, and Ren Weizhi was no exception. He felt a chill down his spine and coughed, cautiously asking again, “Miss?”

Jiang Xuening finally stopped.

Ren Weizhi had a certain demeanor, with decent features, but he looked more like a scholar than a merchant.

No wonder his salt business had failed.

He seemed decent enough, but…

Why wasn’t she pleased?

This man was going to marry Fangyin.

Jiang Xuening confirmed, “You are Ren Weizhi?”

Ren Weizhi was still a bit confused, “Yes.”

Jiang Xuening’s gaze was sharp and critical, “You signed a contract with Fangyin to marry her?”

Ren Weizhi finally understood: she was here about that! But You Fangyin hadn’t mentioned anyone close to her at the marquis’s estate. This young lady might be a relative from her mother’s side? No wonder her gaze was like that of a mother-in-law evaluating a prospective son-in-law.

His smile was stiff, and he was sweating.

Feeling awkward, he stammered, “Yes.”

Jiang Xuening paused, not speaking for a while.

Who knew what thoughts were running through her mind.

Ren Weizhi was quite unlucky. After taking the money to develop the salt wells, he encountered setbacks, and his salt business was burned down. Eventually, he was driven to despair and hanged himself.

In this life, Jiang Xuening had invested money in him.

If she could indirectly advise him through You Fangyin, she would, since she had money at stake. But such matters were beyond her control, and if things went wrong, it wouldn’t be surprising. She felt she had done her part by warning him, and the rest was up to fate.

But Fangyin, this naive girl, had impulsively decided on a fake marriage!

If things didn’t change from the previous life and Ren Weizhi hanged himself again, what would happen to Fangyin? Would she become a widow?

Wait—

A widow?

A thought suddenly crossed Jiang Xuening’s mind. If this unlucky man really hanged himself, wouldn’t the salt business be left to the widow? Fangyin could become wealthy overnight!

Ahem, just a thought.

Just a thought.

Jiang Xuening’s attitude suddenly softened, and she smiled warmly for the first time, politely gesturing for Ren Weizhi to sit, “Master Ren, shall we sit and talk?”

*

At the Xie residence, in the Zhaoqin Hall.

Xie Wei had returned early from the palace today, but instead of reading or handling official duties, he was quietly tidying up a tea table carved from a tree trunk.

He was calm and focused.

The water for tea was already boiling on the stove, steaming.

It was clear he was expecting someone.

As he finished tidying the tea table, footsteps approached outside. Jian Shu led someone in and announced at the door, “Sir, Master Gongyi has arrived.”

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