As soon as Song Zhiyuan returned to the mansion, he was summoned to Chunhui Hall, and on the way there, he had already learned that the Shen Family had broken the engagent.
Indeed, the ominous feeling he had during the morning court session was true.
Alas.
Upon entering Chunhui Hall, he expected to see his mother, fraught with anxiety, yet the old lady was unexpectedly calm. It was his wife whose face was grim and solemn.
Song Zhiyuan raised an eyebrow.
"Pri Minister." Madam Song stood up and offered him her seat, standing by the side herself.
"Mother." Song Zhiyuan first saluted Song Ci before sitting down.
Nanny Gong led the servants to serve tea and then escorted them out, standing guard at the door to prevent other servants from approaching.
Song Ci said, "You know all about your fourth brother’s matter, right?"
"Jiang Fula has already reported to ." Song Zhiyuan took out prayer beads and fiddled with them in his hand, saying, "Mother, since this marriage is not going to work, let’s drop it. For now, there’s no need to search for another marriage for Fourth Brother."
Madam Song asked, "Pri Minister, could it be that your fourth brother’s marriage is arranged by the Emperor... himself?"
Song Zhiyuan sighed, "I’m afraid so."
Song Ci frowned, "Is he being used for a political marriage?"
Song Zhiyuan gave a wry smile and nodded in agreent.
The Song Family cannot escape this fate; they can only make new plans for their future.
"Who could the match be?" Madam Song muttered.
Song Zhiyuan already had a suspicion in his heart, but as long as the imperial decree was not issued, he couldn’t say it outright, so he said, "Regardless of who it might be, such a matter is inevitable. Lady Gu, make sure that the people below keep their mouths shut tight. If any gossip arises, it’s to be strictly prohibited. As for the engagent with the Shen Family, fortunately it was only an exchange of tokens and not a formal betrothal. If any rumor spreads outside, you know how to handle it."
Madam Song stiffened and said, "Rest assured, we were just maintaining a courteous exchange between two families. Any talk of engagent is rely a misunderstanding."
Such a thing as breaking an engagent is not unheard of; many have been engaged and then broken it off. Since the Song Family and the Shen Family hadn’t formally been engaged, it can completely be labeled as a misunderstanding.
Song Zhiyuan nodded in satisfaction and said, "You go handle that first. I’ll stay and chat with Mother."
Madam Song knew he wanted to speak privately with Song Ci, so she gave a bow and left.
As the daughter-in-law left, Song Ci asked, "Did you deliberately send her away because there’s sothing specific you want to discuss with ?"
"Mother, you should ntally prepare yourself. I believe the Emperor wants to betroth Fourth Brother to Commandery Princess Dongyang." Song Zhiyuan lowered his voice significantly.
Song Ci’s eyes lit up, was it Pan’er?
This daughter-in-law was good, she liked her.
Song Zhiyuan noted her eyes glowing like oil lamps and couldn’t help but give a wry smile, "Mother, I know you like Commandery Princess Dongyang, but do you have to show it so clearly?"
"I’m just surprised." Song Ci almost wanted to chuckle, and she too lowered her voice, asking, "How certain are you about this? Does the Emperor truly want to bestow marriage between Fourth Brother and Pan’er?"
"At least seventy to eighty percent," Song Zhiyuan whispered, "The Ministry of Rites has drafted several lists, but the Emperor has been holding off. Most importantly, the Emperor had the Observatory match the birthdates of Fourth Brother and the Commandery Princess."
Song Ci’s eyes widened, and she covered her mouth to stifle a gasp, her voice barely audible, "Oldest child, you even have your own people in the Observatory?"
Good heavens, her astute son was planning big, planting people everywhere for espionage.
Song Zhiyuan: "..."
Mother’s thinking is off track. Is the main point whether I have people there? The main issue is that your dear youngest is about to be married off!
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