Xin He smiled thinly, "Madam Song, they say you’ve barely eaten these days. You don’t look well indeed."
Song Yalin’s thoughts were muddled. Regardless of how intelligent she was, she had not anticipated a sudden visit from Ji Xinhe, much less unprepared for it!
Could it be that she already found out something?
But Ji Xinhe’s demeanor didn’t immediately suggest that she had discovered any secrets. Song Yalin was unable to discern what Ji Xinhe was thinking. In the split second, her mind raced.
Fortunately, she was quick-witted enough to compose herself. She lowered her eyes and said, "Thank you for your concern, Princess. I regret my failure to receive you properly."
Xin He casually seated herself at the table and looked at her, "Today I’m here to formalize a marriage proposal for my younger brother at your family’s home. You’ve shut yourself off from the world these days, presumably, you’re unaware."
She was indeed aware of Ji Bei’s and her younger sister’s marriage. Although she had been confined in her room, this was a major event in Yu State. Many had brought this news to her, some even harshly commented that as the legitimate daughter of the Song Family, her marriage prospects were inferior to that of an illegitimate daughter.
Indeed, one’s destiny makes a huge difference in life.
Such remarks stung her, but she had no envy for her sister’s marriage. The brother of Princess Pingyang—what could he ever amount to? How was he any different from the average nobodies?
Her intended husband would be the most prestigious man in the world!
"I heard about it and was happy for my sister. However, I didn’t remember that today was the day for finalizing the proposal. I also didn’t expect the Princess to personally visit for this matter." As Song Yalin spoke, she surreptitiously observed Ji Xinhe.
It seemed like she wanted to use this opportunity to probe Ji Xinhe’s real intention.
Ji Xinhe replied, without hinting any suspicion of her ulterior motive, "After all, I have only one brother, so I must care for him. Thinking that the prefecture city was not far, I personally made the trip. However, unexpectedly, I heard from your mother that you have been keeping to yourself in sadness after your betrothal was broken off. So, I decided to come and see you."
Song Yalin slightly bowed, "Your kindness is deeply appreciated, Princess."
"The matter of breaking off an engagement is actually not a big deal. If one match doesn’t work out, just find another. Why are you so persistent?" Xin He gave a light smile, "I happen to know of a good match, nothing could be more suitable for you. Your mother also seems to like it. It’s the Wang Family of Lian’an Town, they’re wealthy, and the parents-in-law are nice. The eldest son of the Wang Family is also honest and meticulous. He couldn’t be more suitable."
Song Yalin’s face subtly changed, she quickly said, "Princess, there’s no need to concern yourself. I have no intentions for marriage at the moment."
Xin He raised an eyebrow, "No intentions for marriage? Is it really because you don’t want to marry, or because you think less of the Wang Family?"
Song Yalin felt a jolt in her heart, "No, how could it be that I look down upon the Wang family?"
While she spoke, a flash of fear flickered in her eyes. As she met Ji Xinhe’s scrutinizing gaze, she almost began to suspect whether Ji Xinhe knew everything!
Yet, Xin He calmly smiled, "Looking down on the Wang family isn’t something to be ashamed of. I know they’re just merchants. Even with their wealth, their status is low. If you truly cannot accept a merchant family, I can help you find some families of better background."
Song Yalin felt cold sweat beading on her forehead. Now she understood why Ji Xinhe came. She was here to arrange her marriage!
Does Ji Xinhe already know everything?
How could it be this fast?
Song Yalin was uncertain. She clenched her teeth and abruptly knelt down on the ground, "Ever since the betrothal with the Great Prince was broken off, I’ve lost my will to live. I don’t want to marry, let alone get engaged again. I implore you, Princess, to show mercy. I don’t want to be betrothed or married."
Before the Emperor’s Imperial Edict arrives, she cannot tolerate any slip-ups!
Because of Song Yalin’s raised voice, her mother, Madam Song, who had been waiting outside, heard her and anxiously walked in.
She was taken aback by the scene and asked, "What, what, what’s happened?"
The worried Madam Song glanced at Ji Xinhe and then at her daughter, fearing that her daughter might have offended the Princess. But looking at Ji Xinhe, she didn’t seem angry!
Ji Xinhe was not surprised by Song Yalin’s sudden drop to her knees. She had expected this clever girl wouldn’t compromise easily.
Asking for her mercy? This made it seem as though she’s forcing the girl to marry. If she and Madam Song weren’t close for many years and knew each other well, Madam Song might have thought that she was bullying her daughter.
It was unexpected that Song Yalin could plan and scheme against her mother so meticulously.
Ji Xinhe looked at Song Yalin calmly, "What are you doing, Miss Song? It was a peaceful marriage talk, why are you kneeling all of a sudden? If you don’t like the match with the Wang family, I can help you find someone else. Surely, Yu State has more eligible bachelors to offer?"
Once Madam Song heard this, she urged Song Yalin, "Indeed, my dear Lin Lin, the Princess means well. You should thank her!"
If Ji Xinhe intervened in finding a match for Song Yalin, it would significantly enhance her reputation. Now with a tarnished reputation and advancing age, it was becoming difficult for Song Yalin to find a suitable husband from a well-respected family, yet if Ji Xinhe intervened, it would open up possibilities as influential aristocrats would respect her.
Song Yalin stared at Ji Xinhe. There was a flash of hostility in her usually calm eyes.
Ji Xinhe knew.
She had to know everything!
Which is why she made a sudden visit, disguised it under a courtesy call, but intended to finalize her marriage before the Imperial Edict arrived!
This woman really is cruel and deceitful!
However, Song Yalin wasn’t a pushover either. Even if Ji Xinhe knew everything, she would put her in a difficult situation!
Song Yalin decisively pulled a golden hairpin from her hair, held it to her throat, and pleaded with tears welling up in her eyes, "Mother, I’ve lost all desire to live, I don’t want to get married or engaged anymore. Why are you forcing me? If you really can’t bear to see me like this, let me take my own life to ease your heart!"
Song Yalin, being the heart and soul of Madam Song, at the moment, couldn’t bear to watch.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
