Chapter Eighty-Four: Prime Minister Song Shows His Wife a Cold Face

What Song Ci was wary of was precisely what Song Zhiyuan was wary of as well. At this moment, on the Luohan couch, the double-lotus blue-and-white pillow was propped up as she spoke to Lady Song about the matter.

Lady Song peeled an orange, divided it into segments, placed them on a dish, and pushed it toward her. “Even if you hadn’t mentioned it, I’ve brought it up with the two younger sisters as well. With all the young men in the family, shouldn’t the Prime Minister also remind them?”

Song Zhiyuan nodded. “I’ll have Qian Yong assign another hidden guard to keep an eye on those demons and monsters around each of them.”

Although such matters could be settled without too much trouble, if they were to escalate, it would bring shame upon their family. Besides, who would willingly soil themselves with such filth? Isn’t it better to remain clean and untainted?

But mere admonitions were not enough to leave a lasting impression; people must experience things themselves to truly grow.

Song Zhiyuan narrowed his eyes, one hand turning the sandalwood prayer beads, the other picking up an orange segment to eat, quietly calculating in his heart.

Indeed, it was time to give those boys something to deal with.

Lady Song glanced at him and said, “Prime Minister, Qier’s coming-of-age ceremony is this winter. Have you thought about her marriage? No matter how reluctant we are, a daughter can’t be kept at home forever. If we delay and delay, she’ll only come to resent us, won’t she?”

Song Zhiyuan returned to his senses and raised an eyebrow with a smile. “Why worry? Matchmakers are about to wear out our doorstep. Our daughter will never lack suitors.”

“That’s exactly why I’m worried. Do you know how many invitation cards I’ve received? They’re piling up into a small mountain. I don’t know how many people come to pay their respects every day.” Lady Song shot him a playful look. “Not just outsiders—even Qier’s eldest aunt has asked me several times. And even Qian’s husband’s family has sent Qian to inquire.”

“The Gu family is joining the fray as well?” Song Zhiyuan was a little surprised.

“Of course,” Lady Song replied. “The Gu family is a venerable clan with a century of history, vast property, and countless marital ties. Naturally, with so many eligible young men, they have ideas. You don’t know—Qian has had to use her pregnancy as an excuse to avoid them.”

Song Zhiyuan laughed.

“And there’s Su’er as well—he’s fifteen by nominal age. My mother has asked several times,” Lady Song ventured.

Song Zhiyuan’s smile faded. “There’s no rush for Su’er. He doesn’t have any scholarly honors yet. It’s not too late to decide in a few years. Whoever asks, just say Su’er’s marriage is for me to decide.”

A slight chill passed through Lady Song’s heart. “Are you thinking of waiting until Su’er attains academic distinction?”

“Su’er is the eldest legitimate son of the main branch. His marriage can’t be handled carelessly. We must be sure before making a decision. If he proves himself, his future wife will naturally be worthy,” Song Zhiyuan replied.

Lady Song hesitated for a moment, then said, “Actually, Ruoning from Eldest Brother’s family was raised and taught by my mother herself. Though young, she is already so gracious and composed…”

Song Zhiyuan glanced at her, and Lady Song’s face grew warm as she lowered her head awkwardly.

“My lady, I have my own plans for Su’er’s marriage. The girls of the Marquis of Loyal Valor’s family are all good, but they are not suitable for Su’er.”

The smile at Lady Song’s lips almost faltered.

Song Zhiyuan patted her hand. “Don’t worry. Whether it’s a daughter-in-law or a son-in-law, I won’t make the decision without your input as mother and mistress of the house.”

“Very well.”

Song Zhiyuan rose from the Luohan couch. “I’m going to speak with Master Jun and the others. Don’t wait up for me. If you’re tired, go to bed first. Perhaps I’ll sleep in the study tonight.”

Lady Song’s body tensed slightly, but she forced a smile as she saw him out. Once he was gone, her smile vanished instantly. Pressing her lips together, her chest felt stifled.

Was this the first time her husband had shown her such a cold face?