The days after marriage were no different from before, except for having to greet Madam Jiang every morning.
Madam Jiang paid special attention to the eldest and second young ladies of the family every day. As for herself, a daughter-in-law from a concubine, she was simply not taken into account. Wu Caiwei was happy to have her freedom.
Whether they were daughters-in-law from a concubine or legitimate sons, they all prided themselves on being daughters of official families and were unwilling to associate with Wu Caiwei. She didn't care; what kind of world had she not seen? She sat down to drink tea and eat breakfast on her own, completely disregarding the cold glances and disdain of others.
"Some people are indeed from the countryside, shallow and unsophisticated, as if the Jiang family hasn't fed them enough. They eat and eat every day, not considering others at all, how can they show respect?" The third young lady of the family refused to admit she was jealous. She spent so much time in Madam's courtyard every day that by the time she returned, she was starving, her stomach pressed against her back. It was only natural to feel unbalanced when the fifth young lady could fill her stomach without regard for others.
She was a daughter of an official family and had gone to great lengths to marry into the Ye family. Yet, this peasant girl, by what right was she able to make the young master of the Ye family actively seek her out? When she visited home some time ago, even her close friends who were at odds with her deliberately satirized her, asking what it felt like to have a peasant girl as a sister-in-law.
Although she vehemently defended the Jiang family and her in front of outsiders, she felt incredibly stifled inside. Su Dan Novel Network.
"Not eating is showing respect to Madam? Then the third sister-in-law can choose not to eat all day. Have you ever considered that if I go back hungry from my mother's place, it would be the greatest disrespect to her? Others would certainly say my mother is harsh. If the third sister-in-law wishes to eat, there is food on your table, and you can take it freely." Wu Caiwei retorted directly, unwilling to indulge them. Although her status and position in the mansion were the lowest, she did not want to give people the impression that she was easily bullied. Otherwise, they would all walk all over her, and she could not bear such injustice.
"You...you...who wants to learn from you? I am the daughter of an official family, and you are a country bumpkin, ignorant of etiquette." The third young lady snorted coldly and quickly left with her personal maid. They were not of the same kind and had no common language. To continue talking with her, she feared she would become enraged and suffer some harm.
Wu Caiwei shrugged her shoulders, pouted indifferently, and slowly walked towards her own courtyard.
She had been feeling rather bored lately. It felt as though there was gold everywhere in the capital, but it couldn't find its way into her pocket, which made her restless. Yes, she had no intention of starting a business. The Ye family had not yet been divided, and no one was allowed to have private property. Salaries were also to be contributed to the common fund. She did not want to be a stepping stone for others.
Ye Xingli had gone to the academy to study. The scholars in the mansion were invited by Madam from her maternal family. Their primary task was to enlighten the legitimate descendants of the family. As for Ye Xingli, a concubine's son who was not highly regarded, it was good enough that they didn't obstruct him. If asked too many questions, they would become impatient. Moreover, his own level was limited.
Therefore, he took the initiative to request to study at the most famous academy in the capital. Old Master Ye looked at him with some surprise. The most famous academy in the capital was not a place one could enter just because they wished to. Before admission, one had to undergo a series of tests, and only those who passed would be accepted. Countless young masters from noble families had been rejected.
Ye Xingli repeatedly assured him that he had been studying diligently recently and wanted to give it a try. However, there was no loss in trying. Old Master Ye did not have high hopes for him anyway, so he let him have his way.
To everyone's astonishment, he actually passed the examination. When everyone heard the news, they thought they were hallucinating.
As he was leaving, he was worried that his wife might suffer losses in the mansion. Wu Caiwei quickly reassured him, "It will take more than that for them to make me suffer. I have lived this long, what haven't I experienced? At worst, I can have a falling out with them, or I can escape."
Ye Xingli embraced her tightly and instructed, "I am pursuing an official career precisely so that you can live a comfortable and prosperous life. If anyone makes you uncomfortable or causes you to suffer any losses, do not hesitate. Do whatever you want to do, and I will always stand by your side."
Wu Caiwei believed his words and nodded firmly. Ye Xingli left, looking back at her at every step.
Since her husband entered the academy, she felt that people's gazes towards her had changed. Even Madam Ye could not help but look at her a few more times every morning. Wu Caiwei pretended not to notice and continued to do as she pleased.
With nothing else to do, she couldn't help but go out to the streets to inquire about potential businesses. Although she wasn't planning to start a business, some habits couldn't be changed overnight. However, just as she stepped out, she was stopped.
She followed the instructions and came to Madam Ye's courtyard. Madam Ye looked her up and down. This was the first time she had truly observed her. Suddenly, she realized that the woman before her was not simple. Her demeanor was such that, let alone her own daughters and daughters-in-law, even she herself felt inferior.
For so many days, she had tried to lower her presence and avoid being noticed easily. Now, recalling it, although she was of peasant origin, there had never been any mistakes in her etiquette, words, or actions. Madam Ye was somewhat bewildered. Had she been meticulously trained by some prominent family?
No wonder she could completely capture Ye Xingli's heart, making him diligently study even something he had previously disdained. She had heard Old Master praising his fifth son's wife several times already.
Although Madam Ye's mind was in turmoil, it was only for a moment. Returning to her senses, she said sternly, "Since you have entered the Ye family and become the young madam of the Ye family, you must conduct yourself as a young madam. When you have nothing else to do, find literate maids or matrons to teach you and read books. Do not go out frivolously, lest you become a laughingstock."
Wu Caiwei nodded obediently. In terms of status, the other party was, after all, her elder. There would be no good outcome in confronting her. For matters of no importance like this, it was best to agree first.
Having achieved her goal, Madam Ye found herself with nothing more to say to her and waved her away, telling her to leave quickly.
Leaving Madam Ye's courtyard, Wu Caiwei walked along, contemplating the problem. Previously, she had often gone out, and no one had interfered. There was a sense of laissez-faire. Why was there suddenly so much control? Had someone said something to Madam Ye?
She quickly sent someone to inquire if anyone had visited in recent days or if anyone had been frequently seeking out Madam Ye.
This inquiry did indeed reveal a problem. Yesterday, a matron from the Marquis of Anding's mansion had visited and chatted with Madam Ye in her room for two hours. In the end, Madam Ye herself escorted her out.
Wu Caiwei never believed that some things were coincidences, especially since the original owner's biological mother resided in the Marquis of Anding's mansion. If she had not guessed wrongly, her own identity was likely not something to be proud of. And by what right did Madam Li recognize her at a glance? It was probably her appearance. This meant that someone in the Marquis of Anding's mansion did not want her to go out, as she might be an eyesore to them.