Upon receiving the invitation, Madam Wen hesitated. Her invitation was slightly different, specifically requesting Wen Zishan to attend, which implied certain intentions.
To be honest, Madam Wen felt both worried and sowhat secretly delighted. She worried because she had tested Princess Anping several tis during the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, yet the princess neither accepted nor fully rejected. However, later on, when Madam Song ca, and upon further probing, the princess directly refused.
Though not explicitly stated, anyone could tell from her words that it was a refusal, so there was no point in pursuing the matter further.
Later, she started to ponder whether the Song Family had taken an interest in her daughter, Shan’er. Now, with the invitation, their interest seed to have grown from fifty to sixty or seventy percent.
The Song Family?
Madam Wen pursed her lips. It wouldn’t be a bad match, after all, Pri Minister Song was a favorite of the Emperor, holding the rank of first-class official, even her husband had to look up to him.
As for the eldest son of the Song Family, he was handso, with a refined and elegant deanor, and according to Madam Song, by next year’s New Year ancestral rites, their family rule would be anded to allow for a concubine only if a man remains childless at forty.
This alone would make many won rejoice, for who would want to share a husband?
But the Song Family, after all, ca from a poor family and rose to prominence rely twenty or thirty years ago, lacking the foundation compared to truly noble families.
Shan’er, being proud, would she be willing?
"Madam, what are you sighing about?" Madam Wen’s trusted confidante, Mama Wang, quietly asked.
Madam Wen replied, "I’m considering this banquet. It’s clear the Song Family indicated for Shan’er to attend, likely wishing to see her. If I don’t take her, it would be directly offending them. If I do take her and the Song Family truly takes an interest and wishes to propose, what should I do?"
Mama Wang laughed, "Madam is overthinking because you care, no proposal is determined at first sight; it requires several back-and-forth negotiations. Young ladies are precious and agree only after much coaxing. During this ti, can’t you discuss it with the master by writing to him?"
"What you say makes sense, I’ve been too engrossed," Madam Wen smiled, then asked, "Mama, what do you think of the Song Family’s household?"
Mama Wang was silent for a mont, then said, "Their foundation is sowhat lacking, but their household is blessedly simple, and their in-laws are of high status. Not to ntion, Pri Minister Song is dedicated to Madam Song alone, which is rare. I’ve heard much gossip while accompanying you to banquets, all saying that in the capital, the most harmonious households belong to Pri Minister Song’s wife and the second Madam Song."
Madam Wen’s heart was moved.
Indeed, taking a closer look at Madam Song, it’s no wonder she’s the envy of the capital’s won. With a respectable lineage, both son and daughter, a husband in high position, and no troubleso concubines, how could she not be content?
Even in her own household, there were two concubines and two illegitimate children.
In comparison, Madam Wen’s pride in her background quickly paled, and a slight envy began to creep in.
Mama Wang observed her closely and added, "With affectionate parents, the children are likely to follow suit. If the eldest Miss can truly match with the eldest young master of the Song Family, I believe it would be a union blessed by heaven. Of course, my experience is superficial and rely surface deep; determining its true worth, naturally, falls to you, Madam, better than ."
Madam Wen began to ponder. Nearby, Mama Wang said again, "Pri Minister Song is only in his forties, and as long as no mishaps occur, his position will only stabilize and rise. The wealth and prestige of the Song Family might extend beyond this!"
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