Song Yuning laughed wildly, laughing until Shen Qianyu looked utterly baffled.

He said a word of thanks to Imperial Consort Yun and turned to leave Changxin Palace.

After returning to the Eastern Palace, Shen Qianyu said to Ji Rong, “Didn’t several old ministers submit memorials a few days ago requesting that I select a Crown Princess?”

“Have them continue submitting memorials, and send those candidates from high-ranking families before the Empress.”

Ji Rong nodded and respectfully complied.

While Shen Qianyu quietly settled his and Song Wan’s marriage matter on his end, he had no idea that the Song residence had nearly erupted in chaos because of his visit today.

As soon as the Crown Prince left, Song Fu informed Song Lan’an about how Song Yao had gone alone to thank the Crown Prince and had provoked his anger.

“This son knows Father’s intentions, but Yao’er is not like Aunt. With such a temperament, if she truly reaches a high position one day, I fear she will only bring endless calamity to the clan.”

“This father understands. You may leave.”

Song Lan’an’s brow furrowed slightly as his fingertips tapped lightly on the desk. Seeing Song Fu leave, he said to the maidservant beside him, “Go invite Madam over, and also bring Song Ni from the second branch.”

The maidservant complied and soon brought Madam Song over.

These past few days had been truly difficult for Madam Song.

Before Song Wan returned home, she had been the mistress of the residence. Even though the proper steward matrons in the residence were all confidants left by predecessors and she couldn’t interfere, at least her status commanded respect and no one dared show her disrespect.

But since Song Wan returned to the residence, her status had plummeted. Now even her right and left hands had been cut off.

Unable to protect even her personal attendants, what servants in the residence would still be willing to work diligently for her?

Though she hadn’t been openly slighted these past few days, she could see the contempt in the servants’ eyes.

Moreover, while she was still fuming and wanting to turn the tables, before she could even act, a matron from Song Lan’an’s side informed her that the master wanted her to continue copying scriptures for the young ladies and masters of the residence…

After rubbing her wrists and slowly calming herself for a long time, Madam Song finally composed her expression and entered Song Lan’an’s study.

“Master, you were looking for this wife?”

“Sit. Wait for Song Ni to arrive.”

Madam Song was puzzled, not knowing what Song Lan’an meant.

Shortly after, Song Ni from the second branch arrived accompanied by a maidservant. Upon entering the room, she bowed respectfully to Song Lan’an. “Greetings to Uncle.”

Song Ni was the same age as Song Yao. Both had reached marriageable age and needed to prepare for marriage discussions.

Song Ni’s father was Song Lan’an’s blood brother, but had been stationed in Yongzhou Prefecture for years without being recalled. The responsibility for educating Song Ni thus fell to Song Lan’an.

“Starting tomorrow, you will learn etiquette with the nannies alongside Yao’er and Nian’er. I will write to inform your father about the rest.”

“Ni’er understands.”

After her efficient reply, Song Ni followed her maidservant out of Song Lan’an’s study.

She didn’t inquire excessively or show curiosity. Her obedient, proper, and dignified manner reminded Song Lan’an of Song Wan in her youth.

The Crown Prince appeared too late. If only…

Song Lan’an’s eyes showed regret, but he quickly returned to normal.

“Starting tomorrow, the education of Song Yao, Song Nian, and Song Ni will all be overseen by Nanny Song. You should focus on worshiping Buddha peacefully in the residence and not disturb the children.”

Hearing this, Madam Song’s heart filled with panic. “What does Master mean by this? You won’t let me educate my daughters?”

“And why did Master call Song Ni to learn etiquette alongside Yao’er? Didn’t Master favor Yao’er to become Crown…”

Song Lan’an lifted his eyelids slightly, and Madam Song immediately fell silent.

“Go ask Yao’er yourself. Ask her properly what disgraceful and improper things she did.”

With that, Song Lan’an stood and walked out of the study.

“Yun Jin…”

“Madam, this servant is called Tan Zhu.”

After speaking, Tan Zhu lowered her head and retreated behind Madam Song.

“Fine then. Go find Second Miss.”

Madam Song bit her teeth, forcing back the tears in her eyes, and strode away.

How Madam Song coaxed and comforted Song Yao was unknown, but after disgracing herself before the Crown Prince, Song Yao restrained her temperament and wholeheartedly began learning etiquette from the palace nannies.

No longer fixating on Song Wan at every turn, she gave Song Wan much relief.

On the ninth day, Song Wan rose early and had Heng Zhi and Heng Wu help her dress and style her hair.

“Today is a good day. This servant saw magpies flying in pairs outside early this morning—surely an auspicious omen.”

Song Wan smiled. “I think so too.”

According to Elder Brother, Aunt had sent someone with a message telling the residence not to interfere with her marriage prospects—Aunt had her own plans.

Learning this news, she completely set her mind at ease and no longer thought about those vexing matters.

She trusted Aunt. The path Aunt arranged for her would surely be the best.

“Miss, how about wearing this pomegranate hairpin?”

The pomegranate hairpin was bright red, its ruby gems fresh and lustrous, as if one could smell the fragrance of pomegranate flowers. Seeing it, Song Wan’s lips curved slightly, revealing a somewhat shy smile.

“Let’s wear it—festive and appropriate.”

Hearing this, Heng Zhi responded affirmatively and carefully placed it on Song Wan.

Her clothing was also chosen in festive and prosperous styles and colors. Quite unusually, Song Wan even hung a somewhat childish jade cat ornament on her chest.

“Let’s go. It’s time.”

The carriage traveled all the way to the courtyard of the Bai residence where female guests were received. Song Wan, supported by Jinshu and Heng Zhi, slowly descended from the carriage.

A matron from the Bai family had been waiting there since early morning. Upon seeing Song Wan, she approached with a face full of smiles.

“Miss Song, our young miss and madam have been waiting for you for quite a while. Our young miss has been mentioning you constantly.”

The address “Miss Song” brought a glimmer of smile to Song Wan’s eyes. The Bai family’s abundant goodwill warmed her heart.

“I apologize for troubling Nanny to endure the cold out here.”

“Miss Song, you give this old woman too much credit. Please come in quickly. There are windbreak curtains and braziers in the corridor—we mustn’t let you catch cold.”

With great festivity, she welcomed Song Wan into the corridor. Only after personally escorting her to the bridal chamber where Bai Ruizhu was did the matron leave, and she even refused the silver coins Song Wan prepared to give as a reward.

“Wan’er.”

Madam Bai called out to Song Wan with a face full of joy, waving her handkerchief as she walked out from inside.

Today she wore a dark red gold-embroidered jacket with a hundred blessings and lotus pattern, and on her head wore quite eye-catching gold silk velvet begonia silk flowers.

At a glance, one could tell she was extremely satisfied with this marriage.

“Wan’er, you’ve arrived?”

Intimately holding Song Wan’s hand, Madam Bai smiled and pulled her into the bridal chamber.

There were quite a few madams and young ladies who had come to add betrothal gifts for Bai Ruizhu. Madam Bai introduced Song Wan to each one. The expressions on everyone’s faces varied, but Madam Bai kept protecting her from behind.

The room was filled with betrothal gifts and other items displayed for viewing. Song Wan surveyed them and smiled faintly.

Setting aside their monetary value, the groom’s side was truly full of sincerity and greatly valued this marriage.

Having arranged a good marriage for someone, she also felt she had accumulated considerable virtue. When she stepped forward to add betrothal gifts for the bride, her heart was full of joy.

“Wan’er, make yourself comfortable. I’m going to the front to receive Ruizhu’s maternal aunt. Don’t be formal at all.”

“Madam, go attend to your affairs. Don’t worry about me.”

Madam Bai exclaimed with joy, smiling so broadly she couldn’t close her mouth, and hurried out again.

Without Madam Bai in the room, the group of madams and young ladies became much cooler in their attitude toward Song Wan. Song Wan didn’t mind and went to the courtyard alone to admire the scenery.

In the courtyard, withered tree branches crisscrossed, originally conveying a sense of bleakness and decay, but because they were wrapped in red silk, they gained a festive air. The withered and flourishing merged and intertwined—at first glance appearing somewhat incongruous with sadness mixed with comedy, but instead creating a uniquely beautiful scene.

As Song Wan watched, she suddenly smiled with pursed lips.

Lin Jiayue stood to the side holding her congratulatory gift, her eyes dimming slightly.