The Emperor Chu spoke in a tone reminiscent of an old friend, casually inquiring about the children’s marriages, a privilege afforded only to Song Zhiyuan among the ministers.
Song Zhiyuan replied, "Once Madam truly recovers and can attend banquets, it’s ti we start considering the matches. Otherwise, it’s difficult to settle on suitable partners for the younger ones."
An engagent is not yet a marriage. Even if engaged, the marriage may not happen imdiately. If the other party is young, they may have to wait a couple of years. The brothers are similar in age, so once Song Lingsu, the eldest, is engaged, Song Lingjie and others will have a clearer idea of the criteria for choosing a wife.
"Have you considered any families?"
Song Zhiyuan chuckled and said, "Su’er is the eldest grandson, and his wife must excel in every aspect, particularly in managing household affairs. As for the young lady’s temperant and character, I’m just an outsider; how could I possibly know? However, if you wish to act as a matchmaker, I thank you in advance, but please abandon that notion."
Is this rebellious minister expressing disdain for him?
The Emperor Chu nearly choked on his own spit, raised an eyebrow, and said, "Why, don’t you trust my taste?"
Song Zhiyuan shook his head and replied, "Your taste is top-notch, naturally. However, Your Majesty has already arranged marriages for my second daughter and younger brother, linking us with royals and noble families. Our next generation even received nas from you, a favor few in the Capital could claim. If yet another prestigious match is arranged, even if I’m not roasted, others will surely put on the fire."
"Others dream of entire families being noble, yet you keep your distance. Are you foolish?" the Emperor Chu chuckled.
"Just call foolish; our family’s foundation is weak, and I’m afraid overwhelming fortune can’t be maintained. The principle of excess leading to loss is one I frequently remind myself of in my heart."
The Emperor Chu slightly raised his eyebrow, "You’re being excessively cautious."
"It’s like Your Majesty wanting to be an illustrious emperor; my goal is to be a renowned pri minister, leaving a mark in history, not to be unseated so quickly," Song Zhiyuan replied, proudly flattering the dragon.
Standing not far from the Emperor Chu, Eunuch Zhou thought to himself, this skill of flattery must have been inherited from his family’s old matriarch. It was said she recently managed to make the Empress Dowager beam with joy.
The Emperor Chu sneered and said, "Previously, the Empress ntioned that the eldest daughter of the Governor of Jiangnan, Wen Yingda, is exceptionally intelligent and beautiful, a suitable match. And Wen Yingda’s legitimate wife cos from the Wang family of Langya, so one can expect their children to be well-raised."
Song Zhiyuan was astonished and said, "The Wang family of Langya is truly distinguished; even though the Wen family is not as illustrious, they have noble roots and impeccable upbringing. Such a family background is rather above Su’er."
The Emperor Chu clicked his tongue and said, "The Wen family is noble, yet Wen Yingda is rely a Governor, while you hold the top rank of Pri Minister. How is it climbing too high? Don’t belittle yourself."
Song Zhiyuan argued, "It’s easy for you to say, but one can’t deny that, in terms of reputation, the Song family’s background is far behind theirs; we only rose to prominence over the past thirty years."
"Oh, where’s your usual confidence in squabbles with fellow ministers? Feeling timid now?" the Emperor Chu said, "If you’re lacking confidence, I’ll directly grant this marriage to my nephew. Marry she must, whether willing or not. In what way is Su’er lacking? His father is the Pri Minister, his mother cos from the Marquis Mansion, his sister married into noble or ritorious families—how’s that lacking in background? Moreover, he himself is handso and elegant, and now being tutored by Grandmaster Fu, achieving honors is just a matter of ti."
Song Zhiyuan: "..."
Is this using power arbitrarily, dictating marriage just like that?
How domineering, truly like a rascal!
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