Chapter Eleven: Returning the Jade (2)

Even so, Shi Yi had no intention of admitting it.

Feigning ignorance, he replied, “Second Sister-in-law, what are you saying? As the saying goes, men and women should keep their distance; both in principle and sentiment, it’s not proper for us to live under the same roof. The ancestors did not consider this thoroughly—so as a junior, it’s my duty to remind them. Ultimately, how these arrangements are carried out depends on the old lady’s approval, does it not?”

He spoke with such conviction that any ordinary person would have been easily misled. Wang Xifeng’s gaze was as sharp as a blade, her lips curved in a half-smile as she fixed her eyes on him.

Shi Yi immediately felt uneasy under her stare, and turned his gaze toward the hanging parrot ornament, pretending to remain composed.

His demeanor gave away just enough to confirm her suspicions.

Xifeng’s expression shifted, and she murmured leisurely, “You little rascal, don’t think I don’t know what scheming is going on in your mind.”

Shi Yi was taken aback.

She continued, “You used to never speak a word to Baoyu, but today, since Miss Lin arrived, you’ve contradicted him at every turn. You even dared to dampen the old lady’s spirits right to her face.”

Shi Yi kept up his act, laughing, “Second Sister-in-law, you must see clearly—what’s going on here? It’s Baoyu who speaks with constant provocation, so I simply responded in kind.”

Too tired to listen to his sophistry, Xifeng’s willow brows knit together, her eyes full of suspicion, “Be honest, are you plotting something else?”

For a brief moment, Shi Yi’s heart surged, and he nearly blurted out his lifelong vow to marry Lin Daiyu!

Revealing himself now might even earn Wang Xifeng’s support, helping his pursuit of Lin to progress more smoothly.

But—why should she help him? Everything comes down to interests; no one wants to do thankless work. Besides, he had just rejected her request earlier because of Jia Lian.

Better to rely on oneself than others, Shi Yi sighed inwardly.

Just then, Xifeng snapped, “Whatever you’re scheming, put it away. You saw for yourself today—Miss Lin is the old lady’s treasured darling. Even a Wang family son would find it hard to propose; you—shouldn’t even dream about it.”

At the mention of the Wang family, Xifeng’s demeanor changed abruptly, pride lighting up her face, and her words placed the Wang family above the Shi family.

Shi Yi couldn’t help but smile inwardly; regardless of ancestry, the Shi family currently boasted two marquises—an honor few noble families could rival.

And the Wang family? What did it have?

Shi Yi had no desire to argue with her about this.

He straightened his face and replied solemnly, “Why am I not good enough? Second Sister-in-law, you’re speaking too soon. Though I hold no office now, isn’t it true that thirty years the river flows east, thirty years west? Success or failure is yet to be determined!”

Xifeng pondered this, studying him thoughtfully before saying, “If you help me with something, I’ll help you with something in return. How about it?”

“Good sister-in-law, I can’t do anything that betrays trust and loyalty,” Shi Yi immediately shook his head in refusal.

He understood what she meant—it was about what happened earlier; she wanted him to be a spy at Jia Lian’s side.

But no matter what, he would never stab someone in the back; that was the bottom line for any man.

Unexpectedly, Wang Xifeng smiled and said, “That’s not what I need you to do.”

“What then?” Shi Yi was momentarily surprised, then shook his head with a smile, “If even you can’t manage it, how can someone like me without rank or power succeed?”

Xifeng smiled mysteriously, “That’s true for now; but who’s to say it won’t change in the future?”

Shi Yi looked at her, slightly puzzled.

Xifeng’s smile was faint as she said, “Just consider this favor a debt for now; you can repay it in the future.”

He grew even more suspicious, unable to fathom what this beautiful woman was scheming. She was not one to make empty promises, so he could not lightly accept.

Shi Yi considered, about to decline.

But Wang Xifeng spoke first, “You’ve seen yourself—Daiyu is the old lady’s precious child. Even if you inherit your title, even to become a prince’s consort, the old lady would think twice, especially with Baoyu ahead of you!”

Shi Yi was stunned; Xifeng’s words were a timely reminder.

Wasn’t Grandmother Jia always trying to pair Baoyu and Daiyu from the start?

The old lady’s feigned ignorance today was telling; clearly, she was the greatest obstacle.

Xifeng glanced at him and laughed, “Boy, you’d better think carefully!”

Everyone here was clever; no need to spell things out.

Shi Yi nodded, “Then I must trouble Second Sister-in-law to speak well of me to the old lady in the future.”

He thought it over; since Wang Xifeng had offered, why not accept? Wasn’t this exactly what he wanted?

Even if he rose to prominence later, Wang Xifeng might call in this favor.

Whether he could grant it or not, whether it was feasible, it would all be under his control.

No matter how he looked at it, there was nothing to lose.

Xifeng’s brows furrowed slightly, “The old lady’s mind won’t be easily swayed…”

Then, changing her tone, she said, “Boy, remember what you promised today.”

Shi Yi clasped his hands and smiled, “Second Sister-in-law, rest assured—if I am fortunate enough to achieve a happy union, I will not forget you as the matchmaker.”

Wang Xifeng smiled charmingly, “Don’t be too happy too soon. If you have nothing to offer, relying only on your inherited title won’t do—neither the old lady nor I would agree.”

Shi Yi chuckled, “Of course. If I only cling to that title, I’ll never amount to anything.”

Xifeng teased, “Anyone can talk big.”

Shi Yi smiled lightly, not bothering to argue.

Results are the measure of truth; until then, words are worthless.

Thus, the campaign for Lin Daiyu began in earnest!

...

Shi Yi returned to the east wing, sitting by the window on the heated couch, staring at the flickering candlelight.

He’d thought the old lady had arranged for Qingwen to serve him, but it turned out to be a false hope.

Thinking it over, it made sense—he never stayed long, so arrangements weren’t a priority. Two or three regular maids were enough.

Shi Yi sighed quietly; thanks to Jia Baoyu’s antics, he hadn’t been able to speak to Daiyu afterward.

Yet it wasn’t all for nothing—at least he’d managed to give her the jade pendant!

“Is Master Yi inside?”

“Please wait, miss—I’ll go announce you.”

Soft voices came from outside, but Shi Yi remained lost in thought.

The door creaked open. A little maid lifted the curtain and entered, “Master Yi, Miss Lin’s maid Xueyan is here to see you!”

“Xueyan?” Shi Yi was surprised, “What does she want with me?” He quickly slipped on his boots, got off the couch, and headed outside.