Xiangyun Tower is bustling with activity right now.

Song Ning arranged for Princess Jianing and Jiang Shuyue to stay in a private room on the third floor. Xia Shiyang arrived shortly after, greeted the two princesses, and then went to the next room with several colleagues.

Princess Jianing sighed, "Ah, if only Linzhou were here."

Such a big event for the Song family, and her son wasn't even there; she couldn't even seize such a good opportunity.

We told him not to go, but he insisted on going anyway. Now look at Zhou Ling'an, helping Er Ya with all sorts of things. How could Er Ya not remember him?

The two were about the same age and knew each other's families well. It was said that Zhou Ling'an would take the imperial examination in the future. If he passed, her family's hopes in Linzhou would be slim.

For children from poor families, being able to pass the exam is a sign of ambition and success, far superior to the sons of officials and wealthy families.

Many noble ladies have this idea in mind.

"Don't worry, Auntie. I saw my cousin off when he left. His injuries are much better now."

"I'm not worried about my health at all."

Her worry is about her grandson.

How could she not know her son?

Although he is frequently injured, he is resilient.

As long as you can get out of bed, it's not a big deal.

She's come to terms with it now; she's not going to die anyway, so what's the point of worrying?

"What I'm worried about is Linzhou and Erya's marriage."

"puff"

What big news is this? Jiang Shuyue began to doubt her own ears.

"Wh-what?"

No, when did this happen?

Wasn't her cousin always uninterested in girls?

The last time he brought it up, he looked disgusted and said that women would only slow down his speed of drawing his sword.

Although it's unclear who he learned that phrase from, in Song Ning's words, it perfectly fits her cousin's persona.

Her cousin has taken a liking to Er Ya? Wow~

Absolutely impossible.

"Auntie, are you sure you haven't misunderstood?"

"Impossible, your cousin said it himself."

If he said it himself... then it must be true.

Wow, what a sharp eye! He spotted Song Ning right out of the crowd.

However...her cousin and Song Ning...

She simply couldn't imagine that scene.

Princess Jianing whispered, "Don't make this public for now; it's not decided yet."

Jiang Shuyue understood; her cousin's wedding was a major event of utmost importance.

"Shuyue, you and Erya are getting close. Do you think your cousin and Erya's relationship will work out?"

"cannot."

Princess Jianing's heart sank as she answered without the slightest hesitation.

See? See? Everyone thinks it's impossible, but his son thinks it's possible.

Based on Jiang Shuyue's understanding of Song Ning, Song Ning disliked places like the Duke's mansion the most.

Grand mansions and luxurious courtyards were not suitable for her; she was not the kind of person who would be content to stay at home.

The Duke's mansion has many rules. Even if Song Ning did like her cousin, let alone not liking him now, she would never give up everything for a man.

Song Ning is clear-headed and knows what she wants.

“Sigh, your cousin has feelings for someone, but Er Ya doesn’t have any feelings for him at all. I’m just afraid… afraid that your cousin will get stuck on this in the future.”

Her son is either clueless or, once he does, he sets his mind on something and sticks to it relentlessly.

"Shuyue, you have to help your cousin. Whether the Duke's mansion can continue to exist depends on you."

Jiang Shuyue said, "There's no need to put so much pressure on me, is there?"

Her cousin is still young, what if... what if...

However, for a family of the Duke's mansion to want to marry Song Ning as their principal wife would likely be met with criticism.

Although the Duke's mansion has no need to marry a noblewoman from a high-ranking family, the concept of marrying someone of equal social standing is still a universal one in the capital.

The problem is that those who have their eyes on the Duke's mansion might use this as an excuse.

"Aunt, you don't need to have so little faith in my cousin. Maybe we'll have good news soon."

"Anyway, you just need to keep an eye on things for your aunt, and make sure no one else manages to trick Er Ya away."

As he spoke, he glanced, intentionally or unintentionally, at Zhou Ling'an, who had just passed by.

"Okay, I'll definitely keep an eye on things for my cousin."

Just then, someone came in from outside, glanced at Jiang Shuyue, and hesitated whether to speak.

"It's alright, Shu Yue is not an outsider, go ahead and speak."

"Your Highness, our men outside... have discovered members of the Qin family."

Jiang Shuyue suddenly stood up, gritting her teeth as she asked, "Where?"

"Your Highness, we are still quite far away, but we are keeping a close eye on Xiangyun Tower."

Princess Jianing sneered: "Go and spread a message that our Duke's mansion has the protection of Xiangyun Tower. Want to make a move? Ask the Qin family if they have the guts."

The Qin family was indeed at the height of their power in the imperial court, but in the end, they could not surpass the Duke's mansion.

Even without Princess Jianing, the Xie family's accumulated achievements over generations would be enough to bless their descendants for generations to come.

Princess Jianing didn't even consider the small Qin family a threat.

"yes."

As soon as the person left, Jiang Shuyue remained silent with a cold face.

Princess Jianing knew her situation, but she had her own parents, and it wasn't her place as an aunt to say too much about such matters.

But now that Song Ning is involved, she can't ignore it.

"It's all my fault. I didn't expect the Qin family to find out about this place so quickly."

"Don't worry, your aunt is here. You'll have to be careful in the future, the Qin family won't let this go."

"Don't worry, Auntie, I understand."

“If it really doesn’t work, you should just confront His Majesty directly. How long will this go on?” Princess Jianing said worriedly.

Jiang Shuyue chuckled: "I can't rest easy if I can't completely eliminate the Qin family."

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