Song Ci really hadn’t carefully considered whether Guan Liu and Song Lingsu were compatible; she just felt this young girl was quite likable, and in all aspects was not bad. Her family background and character were plainly impressive.
What she found rare was that, despite Guan Liu being the favored youngest daughter, she wasn’t spoiled or raised to be arrogant and unruly, revealing the upbringing by her mother. After several interactions, one could also see the girl’s emotional intelligence.
Despite this, Song Ci had never thought about whether Guan Liu could be a possibility, after all, she’s the youngest daughter, and Song Lingsu is the eldest and legitimate son; is it appropriate to marry a youngest daughter as an official wife?
Song Lingsu’s wife must be sufficiently magnanimous and tolerant, and also have excellent managerial skills to handle household affairs. After all, he is the eldest legitimate grandson, and without any accidents, he would be the next Family Head, the heir of the Song Family. Therefore, if his wife doesn’t have sufficient capability, how could she be competent as a matriarch of the family?
Song Ci was straightforward; her thoughts about Guan Liu were simply based on her own preferences towards her personality, nothing more.
But now, with the ntion from Princess Anping, she was a bit confused.
"Well, she is the youngest daughter of the Duke Dingguo Mansion, the princess knows that the engagents for our family’s children are actually quite prestigious. If the eldest grandson were to be betrothed to a noble lady from the Duke Mansion, it would be quite conspicuous. Do you think it’s possible?" Song Ci ntioned indirectly.
Princess Anping smiled and said, "Whether it’s possible or not depends on destiny. It’s true that the Pri Minister’s Mansion has eminent marriages, but those are two granddaughters who are married out. Madam, there’s an unkind saying, married daughters are like water that has been spilled; once a woman is married, she becos a guest when returning to her parental ho. Can this compare to the importance of the sisters-in-law at ho?"
Song Ci fell silent.
This statent reflected the inequality between n and won, no matter how talented or distinguished a woman is, once married she becos an outsider, unable to pass on the lineage.
Song Ci sighed and said, "You also know, the marriage with the Wen Family was first proposed by the Emperor. How could I overthink it? I just felt the young girl was likable."
Princess Anping had words on the tip of her tongue but swallowed them back.
It was the Emperor’s suggestion, although not appointed, the intention was clear. As ministers, how could one go against the Emperor’s wishes?
Not to ntion the ministers, even she, being the Emperor’s sister, could only accept the Emperor’s marriage decree for her daughter, even if the son’s-in-law was not ideal.
"I suppose I’ve said too much." Princess Anping said.
Song Ci smiled, "I’m just the grandmother, whether I favor soone or not doesn’t matter, the most important thing is whether the mother-in-law favors them."
Princess Anping followed her gaze and looked over, seeing Madam Song and Madam Wen sitting together, speaking quietly with occasional knowing smiles, and she understood.
Indeed, the daughter-in-law ultimately lives under the mother-in-law. No matter how much the grandmother appreciates soone, can she act beyond the mother-in-law? Pressure from filial piety is inevitable.
...
The sound of zithers and harps echoed far in the garden.
Wan Yicheng, who followed Song Lingjie to stay at the mansion, heard it and couldn’t help but ask him, "The sounds of silk and bamboo from the mansion, is there a banquet?"
"Grandmother arranged an autumn appreciation banquet, inviting several madams and young ladies."
Wan Yicheng’s eyes lit up and said, "The Grand Madam rarely enjoys such lively occasions; when she hosts a banquet there’s definitely a purpose. How about it, is it for you and Big Brother Song to be evaluated?"
Song Lingjie glanced at him disapprovingly and tapped his forehead, "You’re so young, acting like a busybody, what’s it to you? What do you know about evaluation?"
"Haven’t you heard of being precocious? Why wouldn’t I know about evaluation? I even know what it ans to communicate through expressive glances." Wan Yicheng rolled his eyes and divulged a major scoop, "Just the other day, on the way back to the mansion, I saw Prince Zhou winking at a young lady, ugh, it was so syrupy sweet! That lady was also peculiar; a man who already has a wife and children openly flirting with her, and she didn’t scold him but spoke to him gently? Tsk, that Wen Family woman is no different."
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