Entering September, Shangjing’s weather grew cooler, the days shorter, and the nights slowly lengthened.
When Song Lingjie returned to the mansion on a break, he heard the servant Tian Hai summarizing and reporting the latest news.
"... Recently, the eldest young master of the Wen Family, Wen Zijun, has been quite close to Prince Zhou. A couple of days ago, there was an auction at Wanbao Building, and the eldest young master of the Wen Family went there with two cousins and a cousin." Tian Hai spoke in a low voice, "It happens that when they arrived, the private rooms were all booked. However, Prince Zhou had booked the number one room, and he cordially invited them to use it, saying he would be leaving soon."
Song Lingjie’s expression was already undeniably unpleasant, he said coldly, "Then they shared a room?"
"I heard that they set up a screen to divide the room." Tian Hai cautiously replied.
Song Lingjie let out a laugh.
He had been to the private rooms in Wanbao Building before, and no matter how large, they couldn’t be that expansive. Even with a screen set up, it was still very close.
The Wen Family girls didn’t seem to mind the tarnish on their reputations.
Tian Hai continued, "Prince Zhou did indeed leave shortly after, but before he left, he purchased a piece of an ancient lute score and gave it to the eldest young master of the Wen Family."
Well, the eldest young master of the Wen Family is tone-deaf; there’s no way he would play any instrunt. Rather, it’s the eldest young lady of the Wen Family who is obsessed with the lute, with skills so remarkable that she can summon birds to stop and listen.
Needless to say, this lute score must have ended up in the hands of this young lady from the Wen Family.
This is obviously a strategic move by Prince Zhou, with his intentions clear. After all, the Governor of Jiangnan is such a prestigious figure. If Prince Zhou gains such a father-in-law, his support will be significantly strengthened.
One wonders what the Li Family will think once they know.
Song Lingjie narrowed his eyes slightly and instructed Tian Hai, "This matter should not keep the Li Family in the dark. Inform the Li Family discreetly, without leaving any traces."
"Yes." Tian Hai added, "Third Young Master, what about following Prince Zhou?"
Song Lingjie replied, "No need. Withdraw the people."
Tian Hai accepted the order, reported a few more matters, and then left.
Song Lingjie sat at his desk, contemplating for a while, a look of disgust appearing in his eyes. He let out a heavy scoff and left the study.
Song Zhiyuan raised an eyebrow when he heard his nephew asking to see him and said, "Let the Third Young Master in."
Song Lingjie entered, clasped his hands, and bowed in salute.
"You have an exam next year, yet you’re not studying at this mont; why have you co? Did you bring your work for your uncle to see?"
Song Lingjie was prepared and took out the essays he had composed from his sleeve, respectfully handing them over.
Song Zhiyuan took them and started skimming through quickly, offering guidance as he went. Only after a good while did he say, "Your essays are sufficient for passing the scholar examination, but if you want to pass both the scholar and the higher examination, your policy argunts still need improvent. When you return to Yu Hang next year for the exam, go two to three months early. Observe the livelihood of the people as you travel south; only then can your policy argunts be rich with substance."
Song Lingjie respectfully clasped his hands and said, "Nephew will follow uncle’s instructions."
Song Zhiyuan returned the essays to him, and after discussing a few more questions, he asked, "Did you co here on important business?"
Song Lingjie was straightforward and reported Prince Zhou’s actions to him, confident that his shrewd uncle would have a good sense of such matters.
As expected, when Song Lingjie finished speaking, he noticed that his uncle’s expression did not show much surprise, indicating he was probably already aware of the situation, which made him curious.
If his uncle knew about that woman’s character, would he allow his aunt to consider her? How could soone like that be worthy of his refined and noble older brother?
User Comments
0 comments from readers