Chapter 278 - 117: Frustrating Mrs. Cai
Song Yunzhao was taken aback. ’That’s right, my eldest cousin should be getting married. To become the third-place scholar at his age... he truly is a brilliant young talent.’
"Does Eldest Aunt have any young ladies in mind?" Song Yunzhao asked.
The First Madam shook her head. "I was thinking of finding a girl from the Capital City for your cousin, but your eldest uncle told me to wait."
Song Yunzhao understood. ’Her eldest uncle probably has someone in mind, but it isn’t settled yet.’
"Then it’s best to wait," Song Yunzhao said. "Eldest Cousin just took up his post. Even if he’s to marry, he should at least wait until he’s settled in his position."
The First Madam fretted internally. ’I should have arranged my son’s marriage earlier, so he could have wed right after his success in the examinations. Now that he’s been posted outside the capital, I’m afraid he won’t be able to return to the Capital City to get married. And if he marries at his post, I don’t know if the bride’s family will agree.’
But these were all matters for the future. The First Madam didn’t want to voice them now and trouble Yun Zhao as well.
With that, the First Madam changed the subject to Song Jinxuan’s affairs. "Third Brother’s return date is approaching, and it seems to me that Third Sister-in-law intends to arrange a marriage for Jinxuan."
Song Yunzhao was stunned. "For such an important matter, she should at least consult with Father."
The First Madam’s expression was hesitant, and for a moment she seemed unsure how to speak.
Song Yunzhao met the First Madam’s gaze and, after a moment’s thought, understood. ’Mrs. Cai is acting recklessly out of desperation. She has loathed Aunt Che for a long time, and with her relationship with her husband steadily deteriorating, she no longer cares what he thinks. As long as she settles Song Jinxuan’s marriage, could Father really be so stubborn as to break the engagement after he returns to the Capital City?’
’Unless the man’s side commits some major transgression, it would be very difficult to do so.’
Song Yunzhao’s expression darkened. ’Whether for the sake of the family or for my own reasons, I cannot allow Mrs. Cai to act so wantonly.’
Since the First Madam had brought this up, she must have a plan. So, Song Yunzhao asked, "Eldest Aunt, I reside deep within the palace, which makes it inconvenient for me to handle many things. Regarding my second sister’s affairs, please speak freely if you have a solution in mind."
Hearing this, the First Madam looked up at Yun Zhao. "Given Third Sister-in-law’s temperament, if she’s set on doing this, it’s not my place to interfere as an aunt from a separate, divided branch of the family."
Song Yunzhao nodded. ’If the family hadn’t been divided, it would be another matter. The division creates too many constraints.’
"Since Third Sister-in-law has made up her mind, it will be very difficult to persuade her to change it. In my opinion, it would be better for the Concubine to directly arrange a marriage for Jinxuan."
"Me?" Song Yunzhao was taken aback.
"Yes. Your status is different now. If the news comes from your lips, then no matter how dissatisfied Third Sister-in-law might be, she would not dare to disobey."
Song Yunzhao considered this and realized it was true. ’I am now an Imperial Concubine, not just a daughter of the Song Family. I am a high-ranking palace concubine.’
"But I don’t have anyone in mind. Does Eldest Aunt have any suitable candidates?" ’Since the First Madam brought this up,’ Song Yunzhao thought, ’she must have some candidates for me to choose from.’
As expected, the First Madam nodded. "There are two suitable candidates. One is a classmate of your eldest cousin, and the other is the youngest son of the Minister of the Ministry of Imperial Stables."
The first option was one thing, but the second truly astonished Song Yunzhao. She asked, "His legitimate son?"
The First Madam nodded.
’The Minister of the Ministry of Imperial Stables is my father’s direct superior. Of course, Father is certain to be transferred to a new post after he returns from the disaster relief mission. The Minister must see that my father has a promising future, which is why he is considering a marriage alliance.’
’He’s truly willing—a legitimate son marrying the daughter of a concubine. But now the Song Family has me, a Concubine, as well as my eldest cousin, the third-place scholar. We’re clearly on the rise. I have to admit, the Minister of the Ministry of Imperial Stables is a decisive man.’
"Has Eldest Aunt mentioned this to Aunt Che?" Song Yunzhao asked. ’Given Aunt Che’s nature, she must have been in private contact with the first branch. Otherwise, she couldn’t have persuaded the First Madam to speak to me about this, much less proactively plot out potential husbands for Song Jinxuan.’
’Song Buming’s influence is probably a significant factor here as well. My relationship with Song Bu Yue isn’t good, but thanks to the guidance of Aunt Che and Song Jinxuan, my relationship with Song Buming is decent. He did do a few things for me in the past. His character isn’t exceptional, but he has no major flaws, either.’
’All things considered, if I had to choose an ally from the third branch of the family, the First Madam would assume I’d favor Song Buming. This increases the importance of Aunt Che and her son, so it’s only natural that the First Madam is willing to lend a hand with Song Jinxuan’s affairs.’
The First Madam gave a slight nod. "I won’t hide it from the Concubine. It was Aunt Che who came to me personally, crying so pitifully. Besides, that child Jinxuan’s temperament has improved a great deal since she came to the Capital City. I’m willing to give her a helping hand."