Old Madam Chang was very fond of Song Chuyi. When discussing her plans, she didn’t avoid the subject. When speaking with intelligent people, being too hypocritical would seem insincere. She carefully conveyed her family’s intentions to Song Chuyi, then smiled. “The common saying goes ‘One family has a daughter, a hundred families seek her,’ but now it’s reversed. Your Ladyship must not laugh at us.”

Song Chuyi was somewhat surprised. She had met Old Madam Chang that night on Zhuque Street, later saw her again during the Grand Princess Consort investiture ceremony, and when the Crown Prince passed away, Old Madam Chang as a titled lady also had to enter the palace to mourn. Thus they had quite a bit of connection. Moreover, Old Madam Song had previously had a good relationship with Old Madam Chang, and Cui Yingshu was Elder Chang’s disciple. She quickly shook her head. “What are you saying…” After thinking for a moment, she felt somewhat conflicted.

Though the Chang family had nothing objectionable about them, matters of the heart were like drinking water—only the drinker knew if it was cold or warm. She was extremely afraid of matchmaking for others…

She had spent time with Cui Hualuan and, due to propriety between men and women, hadn’t interacted much with her eldest male cousin. But just from seeing Cui Hualuan, she knew her cousin was also an extremely opinionated person. Opinionated people never liked others interfering in their affairs.

Therefore, she paused before looking at Old Madam Chang. “I cannot decide this matter. How about I first ask my aunt…” She added, “It’s just that my cousin is still in mourning. I wonder if it would delay Third Miss?”

Being willing to ask meant she also felt this match was suitable. Old Madam Chang smiled and shook her head. “She’s not that old yet. Marrying a bit later isn’t bad either—we’re thinking of keeping her a few more years anyway. She came into the palace with me today. Why doesn’t Your Ladyship meet her?”

Song Chuyi smiled and nodded. Qing Ying went to the side hall to bring the person in.

She was a very beautiful young lady, with warmth in her brows and eyes that didn’t lack liveliness and spirit. Her appearance was very likeable. Song Chuyi asked her a few questions, found her answers smooth and sincere, and was very pleased. She bestowed upon her a butterfly eight-treasure ruyi hairpin, then had Qing Ying lead her to the flower room to select flowers she liked to take home. She told Old Madam Chang, “I understand. Old Madam, rest assured. After I make inquiries, I’ll send you word.”

According to reason, given the relationship between Elder Chang and Cui Yingshu, such trouble wasn’t necessary. Old Madam Chang had specifically come to her with this request simply to conveniently establish connections with the Eastern Palace for the Chang family.

Song Chuyi understood this very well and was happy to extend this ladder. Chief Minister Chang had survived two reigns without falling—he was no simple figure. Even after retiring, he shouldn’t be underestimated.

Such an upright minister who never made mistakes—if he could be used, it was naturally good to use him. If used well, he could save countless troubles.

Old Madam Chang, seeing Song Chuyi understood everything with just a hint, was also very pleased. After leaving the palace, she told Elder Chang, “Speaking with the Grand Princess Consort never requires wasting words. Before you even speak, she already understands your meaning… She’s only about the same age as our eldest daughter, yet handles matters so thoroughly. No wonder His Highness the Grand Prince likes her.”

Such a beautiful and understanding girl—anyone would like her.

When Zhou Weizhao returned to the palace that evening, he heard Song Chuyi instructing Qing Ying to leave the palace the next day. Hearing it was to go to Cui Yingshu’s residence, he didn’t think much of it. Only when he heard it was to inquire about the eldest young master of the Cui family’s marriage did he show some surprise. “With whom?”

Song Chuyi told Zhou Weizhao about Old Madam Chang’s palace visit. Seeing him look thoughtful, she said, “Third Miss is very beautiful and very likeable.”

Zhou Weizhao sat beside her, helping her wring out her hair. Seeing her brace herself to get up, he was so frightened his expression changed. His usual ability to hide his emotions instantly disappeared as he fumbled to press her down. “Don’t move…”

Nanny Xu smiled so broadly her eyes disappeared. She exchanged a glance with Qing Ying and they both went out together.

Only when Zhou Weizhao saw she had obediently laid still against his knee did he breathe a sigh of relief. “Didn’t Mother say to try not to make any large movements?” He fearfully touched her lower abdomen. “Why are you still acting like a child?”

Thinking this, he also smiled. He helped Song Chuyi sit up and told her, “The Chang family is also leaving themselves a way out. After all, they’re not like the noble families, nor are they a deeply rooted great clan. Once Elder Chang steps down, the Chang family has no other particularly accomplished descendants, and they’ve offended many people before…”

He was very mindful of Elder Chang’s loyalty. Elder Chang had never tried to please all sides and had always supported the Eastern Palace’s succession. Willing to give the Chang family this opportunity, he approved of Song Chuyi’s plan. “It’s good to ask. Just don’t force it. If they don’t like each other but are forced together, that wouldn’t be a good match but a resentful couple.”

Song Chuyi naturally understood. Just like her Fifth Uncle and Wang Shi back then—they weren’t the same type of people. Forcing them together could only be a tragedy.

Zhou Weizhao held her, resting his chin on her shoulder. He squinted his sore eyes and pinched her cheek. “Have you been eating properly? Why haven’t I seen you gain any weight?”

Childbirth was an extremely serious matter. If it weren’t necessary for them to have heirs, Zhou Weizhao would be somewhat reluctant to have Song Chuyi take this risk. Prince Lu’s first princess consort had died in childbirth—one corpse, two lives. The princess consort hadn’t survived, and neither had the child.

Zhou Weizhao had been shadowed by this ever since, very apprehensive. The imperial physicians said it was best to take good care, and he wished he could use every pregnancy-preserving and body-nourishing secret remedy he could find on Song Chuyi.

Song Chuyi was very dissatisfied. “I’ve already gained a whole size!” She complained with a bitter face, very aggrieved. “The imperial physicians said being too fat isn’t good either. I’m already somewhat overweight…”

Zhou Weizhao looked her up and down, seeing her limbs were still exactly the same as before pregnancy without half a bit of difference. He couldn’t help but pinch her puffed-up cheeks. “Where? You’re not fat at all.”

He then told Song Chuyi about recent events outside to relieve her boredom. At the end, he laughingly mentioned how Li Er had made a fool of himself, showing off his daughter at the full-month celebration with his legs trembling—saying the baby was so soft he didn’t dare move.

Song Chuyi couldn’t help but laugh. “I also heard from First Aunt when she came to the palace. She said brother-in-law was so frightened he went stupid, afraid he’d break the child. It made Aunt Li beat him, saying he couldn’t speak properly but insisted on speaking, violating taboos.”

Zhou Weizhao was somewhat smug. “Exactly! How embarrassing, not even able to hold a child properly.”

He rarely showed off like this. Song Chuyi coughed twice. Seeing him so proud and satisfied, she suddenly felt her somewhat fox-like husband was sometimes innocently adorable.

I’m here, I’m here… Updating, updating. Will finish updating within tomorrow, trying my best to finish… The new book over there, please continue to fatten it up, seeking bookmarks and recommendations… Love you all, mwah mwah.