Chapter 61 I hope so

After the old lady watched Song Yuning come down the mountain, her eyes were always on her, as if she wanted to see something from her.

But Song Yuning's face was calm, and it was impossible to tell what she had just experienced, so the old lady no longer paid attention to this matter and directly took Song Yuning and her sister back to the Song Mansion.

However, when returning home this time, the old lady asked Song Yuning to ride in the same carriage with her, while Song Yuyao rode in another carriage.

Inside the carriage, the old lady asked casually, "Did you meet anyone at the Taoist temple today?"

Song Yuning sneered in her heart. She knew what the old lady wanted to ask, but she still answered bluntly: "I met the prince of Zhennan Marquis Mansion and had a few words with him."

When the old lady heard this, she immediately opened her eyes and looked carefully at Song Yuning's expression. Seeing that there was no emotion on her face, the old lady narrowed her eyes again.

"Oh? What impression does the Prince of Zhennan Marquisate have of you?" the old lady asked.

Song Yuning lowered her eyelashes and said calmly, "Grandma, I don't know."

The old lady frowned slightly and said earnestly, "Yu Ning, do you know how much the wife of the Marquis of Zhennan likes you?

"These past few days, she's been coming to me often, asking me about you, hoping to marry you into their family as their daughter-in-law! Now that you've met the Prince of Zhennan, what do you think of him?"

The old lady stared at Song Yuning closely, as if observing her reaction.

Song Yuning looked at the old lady and said seriously, "I can't say anything about the status of the Prince of Zhennan Marquisate, but I do know one thing: in the end, you, Grandmother, will have no say in my marriage."

When the old lady heard this, she frowned slightly and showed displeasure on her face.

But she wasn't angry. Instead, she looked at Song Yuning and asked, "Oh? Marriages are always decided by parents and matchmakers. Why are you so sure that I can't decide your marriage?"

Song Yuning raised his head, staring straight at the old lady, his voice calm and firm: "That's because Ning'er has made the acquaintance of someone that neither you nor the Song family can afford to offend.

If he is willing to speak up, you and father will never be able to interfere with my marriage."

The old lady raised her eyebrows slightly, as if she was a little surprised by Song Yuning's answer, but she quickly regained her composure: "If that's the case, then there's no need to hide it anymore. Wouldn't it be better to just tell us the identity of that person directly?"

Song Yuning just shook his head and said softly: "I can't easily reveal his identity before he agrees."

After hearing what Song Yuning said, the old lady sneered and slowly closed her eyes, as if she didn't care about her words at all.

Looking at the expression on the old lady's face, Song Yuning couldn't help but feel helpless and bitter.

Song Yuning knew that he could not provide conclusive evidence to prove that what he said was true, so it was normal that the old lady did not believe him.

If she could reveal Xiao Yunzhan's identity, the problem would naturally be solved, but there were risks involved and she couldn't take the gamble.

Only she and Xiao Yunzhan knew what happened between them, and Xiao Yunzhan only told her his promise.

Given Xiao Yunzhan's identity, if he regrets and doesn't want to admit it, he can leave at any time.

But Song Yuning could not allow his reputation to suffer any damage.

Unless Xiao Yunzhan comes back and personally goes to the palace to ask for an imperial decree to grant the marriage, she will openly acknowledge Xiao Yunzhan. Otherwise, she must keep this secret strictly and never reveal Xiao Yunzhan's true identity.

She had to keep this news to herself and not tell anyone. If the old lady knew about it, she would be finished.

If the old lady knew that Xiao Yunzhan liked her, she would definitely send her to Xiao Yunzhan's mansion at all costs, no matter if she was a concubine or some other shameful identity.

She came to this world to live a good life, and she would never be a concubine.

Song Yuning pondered inwardly, then spoke again, "Grandmother, ever since I returned to the Song family at the age of eight, you have always cared for me and taught me carefully, just like your legitimate daughter.

To be honest, I am still grateful to you deep in my heart.

When you decided to bring me back to the Song family, wasn't it because you believed in the prophecy of the so-called Five Golden Flowers?

Nowadays, there are many families in the capital whose status and family background are more prominent than the eldest son of the Zhennan Marquisate. Why are you so sure that I can't climb up to other more noble families?

Therefore, how about we both make some concessions? Before I turn fifteen and haven't reached the age of marriage, you absolutely cannot accept the proposal from the Zhennan Marquisate.

Of course, this only applies before I turn fifteen. If I still haven't found a suitable husband after I reach the age of fifteen, you can agree to the marriage and I will accept the result.

My coming-of-age ceremony is only a few months away, so Grandma shouldn't be so impatient, right?"

After hearing this, the old lady suddenly opened her eyes, which had been closed, and looked straight at Song Yuning. A hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure.

Looking at Song Yuning's calm expression, the old lady couldn't help but feel curious and expectant.

"Okay, sure. It'll only take a few months. Grandma can still wait." The old lady nodded slightly in agreement.

She was really curious about who was standing behind Song Yuning.

He is someone that even the Song family dare not provoke easily, so his family background and influence in the capital must be very powerful.

If what Song Yuning said was true, then establishing a relationship with this person would undoubtedly bring huge benefits to the Song family. Therefore, she was willing to give Song Yuning some time to prove herself.

"Since you need time, I will give you a few months. However, you must remember that my patience has its limits.

If by then, what you promised is not fulfilled, then you will have to marry into the Zhennan Marquis Mansion.

Otherwise, the embroidery shop in Jizhou Town would have been burned down, and several people would have died in the flames."

The old lady's eyes swept over Song Yuning, revealing a warning.

Song Yuning's heart sank. It seemed that the old lady had known for a long time that Madam Wei was still alive, and had even found out Madam Wei's current address.

It turns out that old people are more experienced. The old lady is indeed a strong woman who supports the entire Song Mansion alone. She should not be underestimated.

Song Yuning's lips curled up slightly, revealing a warm smile, but his eyes met the old lady's with a firm gaze, as if telling her: "I will never give you this opportunity."

However, the old lady was not angry about this. On the contrary, she looked at Song Yuning with admiration.

At this moment, she suddenly realized that Song Yuning was so similar to herself when she was young.

The old lady couldn't help but laugh softly, with a gleam in her eyes.

The more similar they are, the better. The more similar they are, the more it proves that they are the same kind of people, which means that Song Yuning has real ability and potential to climb to a higher position.

"I hope so."