Jiang Xingjian pressed his lips tightly together, not responding to Song Lan’an’s words.

The Marquis Estate could no longer withstand even the slightest storm now, and Song Wan absolutely could not leave at this time.

Moreover, in his private heart, Jiang Xingjian was also unwilling to part with Song Wan in the slightest.

He lowered his voice: “The Marquis Estate is in difficulty, and my grandmother is also ill. For Wan’er to leave home at this time would benefit neither her nor the Song Estate.”

“I understand Father’s meaning. In the future, I will certainly treat Wan’er with redoubled care and such situations will never occur again.”

Placing his teacup at hand, Song Lan’an said not a word, only sitting quietly.

Madam Song was led into Lanting Courtyard by the Marquis Estate’s servants. Song Wan had already received word, changed into receiving attire, and was respectfully waiting to the side.

As soon as she entered the courtyard, Mother Song warmly grasped Song Wan’s hand: “My child, I haven’t seen you in so long—you’ve lost so much weight.”

Song Wan smiled softly: “Mother feels sorry for your child, so you think your child has lost weight. Just days ago, Heng Zhi said my old clothes had gotten half an inch tighter. It seems that with leisure in the Marquis Estate, your child has actually gained a few pounds.”

The mother and daughter were affectionate and warm. At first glance, their feelings seemed extremely deep.

Mother Song had her personal maid give reward money to the Marquis Estate’s servants. Song Wan also said a few heartfelt words. That servant woman was overjoyed, praising with laughter their deep mother-daughter bond before reluctantly leaving.

Welcoming Mother Song into Lanting Courtyard, Song Wan also had Xiang Cao and Lv Zhu go to the small kitchen to prepare tea and refreshments.

With no Marquis Estate servants in the room, Song Wan and Madam Song instead became distant—one sat on an embroidered stool quietly drinking tea, the other sat by the table looking at the scenery outside the window.

After a long while, Madam Song said: “When your father came today, he took your marriage certificate from the study.”

Song Wan’s hand beneath the table suddenly tightened. After brief consideration, she said: “This summer has been terribly hot. Wan’er remembers our estate has a country manor on the city outskirts. Though not large, it’s quite elegant and near a river.”

“That manor has mountains and water nearby. It must be a good place to escape the heat—self-sufficient too, so the estate needn’t worry about it.”

Madam Song lowered her eyes: “There is indeed such a manor, but that place isn’t more than a few steps from the capital. Even if there’s a river, how cool can it be? Moreover, the space is cramped and the surrounding villages are mixed—it’s ultimately not safe, inferior to the spaciousness and comfort of the Marquis Estate.”

“Mother speaks with reason.”

Song Wan curved her lips slightly, but the smile didn’t reach her eyes.

Madam Song sighed: “Your two younger sisters at home have now reached the age where they’re starting to look at marriage prospects. Song Yao is easier—with her gentle temperament, finding her a scholarly gentleman would be suitable.”

“But Song Nian is troublesome. Having studied a few books from childhood, she has an upright temperament. If she’d been born male, that would be fine… but for a woman to develop such a disposition—it won’t do.”

“My sisters are naturally beautiful, honest and kind. Their marriages won’t be difficult, Mother can rest assured.”

Madam Song smiled: “Wan’er still knows how to comfort people.”

After a brief pause, Madam Song continued: “Your sisters are daughters after all, so their marriages are relatively simple. What the master worries about now is our eldest young master’s marriage.”

“The young master went against the master’s wishes and went to the Ministry of Personnel some days ago. Father and son had quite an unpleasant falling out over this. You know your father’s temperament—such matters that hinder the estate, he absolutely cannot tolerate.”

“But the young master is stubborn. The father and son haven’t spoken for quite some time, and I don’t know how to mediate.”

“Don’t blame the master for his anger either. I don’t know what possessed the young master—a perfectly good Vice Director position at the Imperial Academy, yet he insists on being an unranked petty clerk at the Ministry of Personnel, being ordered about all day, no different from a common tavern waiter.”

“I don’t know why Fu’er endures such hardship, wasting all his talents for nothing.”

Song Wan’s face went pale, not saying a word in response.

Madam Song sighed: “Some time ago, your father took notice of the legitimate granddaughter of Minister Shang Chong’s family. They say that young lady inherited Old Minister Shang’s true teachings. He originally wanted to propose this marriage for the young master, but when they heard that he’s now working as an assistant at the Ministry of Personnel, they never mentioned it again.”

Song Wan gripped her handkerchief tightly, her eyelids slightly lowered.

“But if it didn’t work out, so be it. The Shang family’s young lady has an aunt with a grave illness who never married, kept at the estate. This is not a good thing for either clan influence or family fortune—prominent families all value this.”

“These past years, the Shang family children’s marriages have indeed not gone smoothly.”

Xiang Cao brought tea and refreshments. Heng Zhi poured tea for both. Madam Song took a light sip, her voice tinged with regret: “But you can’t blame her for this matter either. She has a grave illness—she doesn’t wish it so. If given a choice, among the women of this world, how many would willingly burden their fathers, brothers, and sisters at home?”

“Mother speaks truly.”

Madam Song had two tea snacks, praised them with a smile, then said: “That manor you mentioned earlier—do you like it? If you truly like it, I’ll have someone send you the deed tomorrow.”

“I only thought of it suddenly—I’m not particularly fond of it.”

Madam Song nodded: “I have another manor with many fields and land—it was part of my dowry. If you want to see scenery, why not take that one? It’s just that the location is farther, near Yancheng.”

Hearing this, Song Wan laughed lightly: “Wan’er hasn’t seen Mother in so long—how could I ask for Mother’s things the moment we meet? My two younger sisters probably don’t have such fine manors yet. How could I, as their elder sister, compete with my sisters?”

“Those two girls can’t compare to you no matter what.”

“Mother is being modest. You’ve raised my sisters extremely well—everyone in the capital knows it.”

Madam Song smiled faintly, spoke a few more miscellaneous words, then rose saying that Father Song was still waiting outside, asking if Song Wan was willing to see him.

Song Wan nodded and followed Madam Song to the estate’s garden.

Someone was sent to announce them. After waiting a moment, Song Lan’an and Jiang Xingjian appeared.

Song Wan performed a restrained and proper greeting to her father, then carefully inquired about his recent diet and daily life. Song Lan’an answered each question, his tone loving.

After speaking for quite a while, Song Lan’an said: “There are some rumors outside…”

Song Wan covered her mouth and laughed lightly: “When did Father start believing outside rumors? They’re all baseless matters. Making Father worry about such things—this is Wan’er being unfilial.”

“Then that’s good.”

Song Lan’an gave the couple a few more instructions, telling them to bear children soon and for Jiang Xingjian to pay more attention to court affairs, before leaving with his wife.

Watching Song Lan’an’s back disappear through the hanging flower gate, Song Wan’s nose suddenly tingled with emotion.

Jiang Xingjian felt uncomfortable at her side, saying in a low voice: “I’m truly sor…”

“I noticed that Concubine Lin received quite a fright that day. Has my husband had an imperial physician examine her these past days?”

Jiang Xingjian pressed his lips together: “Of course she’s been examined. It’s not good.”

“Perhaps that imperial physician isn’t skilled in this area. I’ll write a note when I return to my room and see if I can invite Old Physician Xu to the estate to feel Concubine Lin’s pulse.”

The two stood before the garden conversing when Ling Yun hurried over.

“This servant greets the Marquis, greets First Madam…”

“Old Madam summons the two masters, asking you both to quickly come to Fuhe Hall.”

Jiang Xingjian’s brows knitted tightly: “Has something gone wrong?”

Ling Yun lowered her voice, saying gravely: “Old Madam… is not well.”