Chapter 212 - 98: How Can Someone Be So Obstinate?
Whether it was Song Lirong or Song Hongjiao, as daughters of concubines themselves, they surely didn’t want their own children to suffer the same low status.
"Let’s not dwell on that. I have some good news for you," the First Madam said, her face breaking into a wide smile.
"What is it?" Song Yunzhao asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Your eldest cousin’s husband will soon be arriving in the Capital City to prepare for the Autumn Examination, and she’ll be coming with him, bringing the children."
"Really? That’s wonderful news." Song Yunzhao was delighted. Song Guiyi had been married for many years, and the cousins hadn’t seen each other in a long time. In Song Yunzhao’s mind, Song Guiyi was the spitting image of the First Madam—methodical, principled, and gentle.
Before her cousin had married, she and Song Yunzhao hadn’t been particularly close. But seeing how poorly Mrs. Cai treated her, Song Guiyi had always made sure to send her a share of any delicious treats or interesting trinkets she came by.
"It’s true. I’ve only seen her once since she married. I’m so glad I’ll finally get to see her again." How could the First Madam not be overjoyed?
"Then once my eldest cousin arrives in the Capital, Aunt, you must bring her into the palace. I’d love to see her."
The First Madam agreed. Seeing there was nothing else to discuss, she rose to take her leave.
Song Yunzhao started to see her out, but the First Madam insisted she stay. So, she had Nanny Yu escort the First Madam out of the palace on her behalf.
After the First Madam left, Song Yunzhao finally took out Xie Linlang’s letter to read. In just a short time, the opera troupe had become a great success. As soon as *The West Chamber* premiered, it drew ladies and young misses from all over the Capital City. Although the play was somewhat controversial, the outcome was good, and it wasn’t considered too outrageous.
’In later generations, *The West Chamber* was adapted into Beijing opera, Yue opera, and other theatrical forms, each with a different vocal style and audience. Beijing opera was grand and powerful, while Yue opera was graceful and elegant. I personally like them all.’
’But in this era, there was no Beijing or Yue opera. They used a local style, which I’ve heard before and found quite pleasant.’
’Still, I don’t know the first thing about Beijing or Yue opera, so I wouldn’t dare blindly direct or create a new form. Anyway, I’m only writing the scripts. Xie Jinshu is managing the troupe well, and with his skills, it’s bound to grow even bigger.’
Song Yunzhao had no immediate plans to write a new play. It was best to wait until *The West Chamber* had fully established the troupe’s reputation and they could expand their cast. A new play would be perfectly timed then.
Setting that matter aside for now, she read on. Xie Linlang mentioned another thing in her letter: matchmakers had come to her door, and her mother would be traveling from Xuanzhou to the Capital City in a few days.
Song Yunzhao smiled knowingly at this. ’In the book, Xie Linlang became Ji Yunting’s concubine. Even if she did so willingly, who would choose to be a concubine when they could be a proper wife? It’s wonderful that she can now choose a good marriage for herself.’
’Xie Linlang must know I’ve been worried about her marriage prospects, so she’s giving me a little update.’ The thought made Song Yunzhao smile.
Whether it was Song Guiyi arriving in the capital, Xie Linlang’s promising marriage prospects, or even Song Hongjiao’s engagement, it was all good news. Her mood brightened considerably.
’Having lived here for over a decade, I know that for a woman, marriage is truly like a second birth. If you choose the wrong family, your life becomes a mire you can’t escape. A strong-willed woman might endure it, but a gentle soul would lead a life more bitter than medicine.’
As for Song Jinxuan’s marriage, Song Yunzhao didn’t plan to interfere. With her father around and Aunt Che watching like a hawk, it wouldn’t be easy for Mrs. Cai to try and "sell" her into a bad match.
When the time came, she would simply contribute to Song Jinxuan’s dowry. Ensuring she married with splendor and dignity was enough.
For now, the most important matters were the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival, the Autumn Examination, and waiting for her father to return to the Capital.
"Your Highness, Feng Xiaoyuan wishes to see you."
"Feng Xiaoyuan?" Song Yunzhao looked at Yulu in surprise. "Did she say what it’s about?"
Yulu shook her head.
"Has anything been happening in the palace recently?" Song Yunzhao asked, turning to Yulu. It had been exceptionally quiet in the palace since the Qixi Festival. She knew this quiet was unusual, but she rarely went out, and Wangyou Palace was managed so strictly that it was difficult for outsiders to meddle.
Under these circumstances, a visit from Feng Xiaoyuan was rather strange.
After all, they hadn’t had any interaction since the incident with Lu Zhixue.
Yulu thought carefully. "I haven’t heard anything concerning Feng Xiaoyuan, either."
"Then have her come in." Although Song Yunzhao had little interaction with Feng Yunjin, she knew this particular woman was the mastermind for the protagonist in the book. Her mind was exceptionally sharp. Even if they couldn’t be friends, it was best not to become enemies.