Madam Ye watched from the side, like watching a play. For her, the more unremarkable the girl her illegitimate son married, the better. This would essentially eliminate him as a threat.
Ye Xingli, having grown up acutely aware of people's moods, saw the look on his father’s face and knew he had a chance. He quickly fanned the flames.
"Father always says I'm useless and untalented. When will I ever be like my brothers? If you grant my wish this time, I'll do whatever you ask from now on. I've never asked you for anything in my life, but this is the first and last time. Please grant my request, Father." After speaking, he kowtowed deeply to Master Ye. Su Dan Novels
Having been in this world for some time, the original host had been like this. He had taken his body and gained his memories, but his personality couldn't deviate too much, or he would surely arouse suspicion. He wanted to be a safe harbor for her, but he also didn't want to live a muddled life. This was a good opportunity for change.
"Are you truly willing to change?" If his son was truly willing to change for that girl, letting her into the Ye family might not be impossible. He understood that his son would never be able to marry a woman who could be of assistance in his life. Everyone knew his reputation in the capital; no decent young lady would fancy him. Marrying the daughter of a minor official was much the same as marrying a commoner.
Of course, the daughter of an official would sound better in terms of reputation, but a man's ambition lay in all directions. If he could finally stand on his own two feet and live a decent life from now on, that would be better than anything else.
"I know I've done many foolish things in the past, but Father, think about it. Since I was young, have I ever failed to do anything I promised you? From now on, I will have a wife, and I can't let her suffer with me. I need to have the means to establish myself."
Listening to his son's words, Master Ye looked at him with newfound respect for the first time. It seemed he wasn't completely useless and understood his past recklessness and his future responsibility as a husband.
The more serious he became, the more Madam Ye couldn't sit still. She quickly interjected, "My lord, in the official families of the capital, apart from minor officials of the sixth or seventh rank, I've never heard of any young master marrying a commoner. Wouldn't it be a laughingstock if word got out?"
"What reputation do I have? I've long been a joke in the capital," Ye Xingli grumbled softly.
Master Ye's wavering heart immediately solidified. Just a few days ago, someone had mocked him using his son's misdeeds outside. If his son could finally study properly, even if he didn't achieve fame, he could at least bring him some honor.
Madam Ye, as his confidante, noticed the change in his expression. She knew exactly what he was thinking. She argued again, "The eldest young madam, the second young madam, are all from prominent families. Even the third and fourth young madams are daughters of minor officials. If you make them associate with a farmer's daughter, aren't you afraid they'll be ridiculed when they go out?"
"But he's never married, and it's not good for your reputation either." Although she was a man and hadn't interacted with those women, she had heard some gossip. People outside said their madam was cruel, refusing to let her illegitimate son marry for so long. It wasn't a problem if the illegitimate son was a bit unruly; as long as the elders were strong, he couldn't escape her control.
Madam Ye thought about it. She had been too stubborn. He was almost twenty, and if he didn't marry soon, she would lose face. Besides, were some things as simple as saying they could change?
Many noble scions studied from a young age but didn't achieve fame. What about him, nearing twenty? Even if he could achieve something, he'd be forty or fifty, serving as a county magistrate in some remote small town, always trailing behind his son.
Seeing that neither Master nor Madam Ye objected, Ye Xingli secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Madam would definitely tamper with the betrothal gifts, but he knew Wu Caiwei wouldn't mind. He would earn a magnificent dowry for her in the future, allowing her to bask in the envious gazes of other ladies. He didn't care about temporary setbacks.
Of course, Master Ye agreed to let Madam arrange the betrothal. However, to silence gossip, he had someone spread the story of his conversation with Ye Xingli, portraying himself as a good father who always thought of his son.
Ye Xingli not only didn't object but also added fuel to the fire. He needed a reason to change, and letting everyone know he would achieve something because of her would also elevate her status in everyone's eyes.
These rumors soon reached Wu Caiwei's ears, warming her heart. Although the events she encountered in each world were often cold, as long as he was there, she felt a sense of belonging.
This matter quickly became a topic of conversation among the people of the capital. Everyone watched Ye Xingli, eager to see if he had truly reformed.
To everyone's surprise, after the betrothal was arranged, he indeed attended private tutoring classes every day. Although he started with the Three Character Classic, even worse than a seven-year-old child, his attitude was commendable.
Even Master Ye couldn't help but stroke his beard with satisfaction, feeling his decision this time was correct.
In her leisure time, Madam Ye recounted the matter as a joke to her sons, who all burst into laughter.
The eldest son, however, took a more long-term view. After laughing, he said sternly, "If this is true, Mother, quickly arrange for that woman to marry in. Although marrying an ordinary woman may not look good, I am destined to be a high official. I cannot have a brother who idles around all day. At his current pace, even if he achieves fame, it will take him more than ten years of hard study. By then, I will have already established myself in court, and perhaps he can become a useful subordinate to me."
Madam Ye nodded. After Ye Xingli visited again to urge her, she, along with the matchmaker, quickly completed the marriage rites.
On their wedding day, onlookers filled both sides of the street. Ye Xingli, dressed in a fiery red groom's attire, rode a tall horse, appearing refined and scholarly. Those who were unaware could easily be misled by his appearance and make incorrect judgments.
The wedding was not grand. After all, it was an illegitimate son getting married, incomparable to the legitimate sons. Many prominent families only sent their stewards to deliver gifts. However, the couple didn't mind. They were delighted that they were together again in this lifetime.
Ye Xingli was a transparent figure in the manor, but all the necessary etiquette had to be observed. Early the next morning, the husband and wife sat at the main hall, awaiting the young couple to serve them tea.
Everyone was somewhat disdainful of Wu Caiwei's status and naturally did not lower themselves to make things difficult for them, looking down on the couple with scorn. The wedding gifts they gave were exceptionally meager.
Returning to their courtyard, Wu Caiwei unwrapped them one by one, scoffing. She had seen all sorts of good things. If not for fearing unnecessary trouble, she would have generously bestowed these items upon the servants.