Although she found this stubbornness unreasonable and unworthy in Ji Xinhe’s opinion, everyone had their own principles and priorties, and she had no right to judge whether the Great Prince’s obstinacy was right or wrong.
Despite that his obstinacy might permanently forfeit his chance to return to the capital, or his father’s love, at least, his heart remained transparent and clear, unpolluted by the complicated imperial court affairs.
Judging from this standpoint alone, Ji Xinhe might not agree with him, but she had to admire him regardless.
Xin He looked at Madam Song’s earnest eyes, and finally nodded: "Then I’ll speak with His Highness. We’ll see if he agrees." 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺
In these years, Madam Song has never asked her for anything. This was the first time she spoke up, and Ji Xinhe simply didn’t have the heart to refuse, especially seeing Madam Song looking so haggard, as if she had been worried about it for a long time.
Upon hearing this, Madam Song’s eyes brightened, rapidly saying, "His Highness is so fond of you, if you persuade him, he must listen. Thank you!"
Xin He laughed and shook her head: "Dealing with matters of principle requires careful consideration, it’s not that simple. If a man really listens to whatever a woman says, I fear he wouldn’t survive long amidst the imperial court’s turmoil."
Madam Song’s face flushed slightly, she had merely uttered a few words of compliment on impulse but didn’t expect such a rebuttal.
Seeing her like this, Xin He couldn’t help but advise: "Looking at Miss Song’s qualifications, no one in Yu State can compare. If Madam Song really wants to consider her daughter’s future, why insist on this one option? Considering the Great Prince’s attitude, even if she marries into his family..."
As Xin He spoke, she glanced at Song Yalin, only to find her head bowed, making it impossible to discern her reaction.
Xin He put it very subtly, the Great Prince has been stationed at the border till now, and his purpose for returning to the capital in these five years has become very clear. He is merely waiting for the Song family to cancel the marriage contract. In this era, a woman’s youth doesn’t last long and cannot afford to be squandered. Any woman who isn’t married by twenty becomes the subject of mockery.
What about men? Marquis Mu was still a bachelor at twenty-four, and the young ladies in the capital were eager to get his attention, treating him as a golden bachelor.
In such an era, men have a much easier life than women.
Xin He feels that as per convention, most young ladies would retreat by eighteen and willingly cancel the marriage contract, seeking a new bond. After all, maintaining their reputation mattered to all.
However, the Song family, for some unknown reason, insists on dragging the wedding till today, refusing to back out. Xin He was intrigued about what could be their rationale. If Madam Song truly loves her daughter, why push her to this point?
This aroused Xin He’s suspicion.
Upon hearing this, Madam Song responded: "Actually, I also believe cancelling this engagement may be for the best, it’s already been five years..."
Speaking up to this point, Madam Song paused and then laughed, "Anyway, let’s not discuss this any further, I just wanted to ask you to deliver a message to the Prince for the sake of the Great Prince. I won’t trouble you anymore."
Xin He was a bit puzzled, did Madam Song want to cancel the engagement too? What then was the reason for prolonging the engagement till today?
She glanced at the silent Song Yalin standing behind Madam Song, her gaze now seemed to scrutinize, could it be that it was Song Yalin herself who insisted on not calling off the engagement, indeed squandering her prime years waiting for the Great Prince?
But why would she do that?
Song Yalin didn’t seem fixated on the Great Prince, why then place so much importance on this engagement?
Xin He found herself unable to understand Song Yalin, even from their frequent interactions over the past five years, her impression of Song Yalin only comprised of her being graceful, dignified, and quiet.
To describe her in greater depth, she found herself at a loss, unable to penetrate the girl’s reserved demeanor which seemed to always be the case even from her childhood, and perhaps, this was true even for Madam Song.
Xin He rearranged her expression before saying: "I won’t keep Madam Song any longer. Shulan, see our guest out."
"Yes."
As Shulan saw Madam Song out, Song Yalin followed along.
Once they had left, Xin He sat down in thought in her chair, appearing thoughtful.
Ah Guai had finished his large apple, jumped off the chair, and lay on Xin He’s lap. Only then was he able to get his embroidered handkerchief and wipe his hands while saying in an orderly manner: "Seeing that you are thinking deeply, Ah Guai will help mother clean Ah Guai’s hands."
Xin He burst into laughter, patting Ah Guai’s little head: "Our Ah Guai is the best."
Presently trapped within these troubled times, it was rare to see someone as innocent and straightforward as Ah Guai. Only when she was with her daughter, did she feel relaxed.
Thinking about it, it was indeed quite sad.
--
At this moment in Song’s returning carriage, Madam Song looked at Song Yalin and said: "Today is the last time. The Prince and the Great Prince have a good private relationship, he will certainly read the Prince’s letter. This time, through Prince’s hand, we’ll send the letter, if there’s a result, it will be settled, but if there’s no result..."
A stern look appeared on Madam Song’s face: "We must let go! Our Song family cannot let others look down on us!"
Song Yalin, with her eyes downcast, remained silent
Madam Song sighed helplessly, earnestly advising her: "Lin Lin, we’re not bound to the Great Prince. There are many good men in Yu State, and I will find you a good family, a good husband. Maybe your life partner isn’t the Great Prince. Why be so stubborn?"
Song Yalin finally looked up at Madam Song and said in a calm tone, "Why does mother think that all I want in my life is to have a good husband?"
Madam Song was taken aback, stuttered: "What...what do you mean? Isn’t it a woman’s fate to marry a good husband and..."
Song Yalin, for the first time, interrupted Madam Song, "Maybe for others, but not for me! Mother, you should know the benefits a royal alliance would bring to our family. Becoming a prince’s bride is not a big deal, but if the Great Prince ascends to the throne one day, can you imagine how glorious the Song family will be?"
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