Even though she knew in her heart that all men in this world were like this, Song Chaoyu still did not wish to dwell on the matter.
Seeing the disappointment in Song Chaoyu's eyes, Tiao Hong knew she had spoken out of turn. “Miss, your servant misspoke. I won’t mention it again. Please don’t be sad!”
Song Chaoyu shook her head gently and then sighed, “What you said was not wrong. There’s nothing for me to be sad about. It’s just a matter of meeting challenges as they come.”
But in her heart… could she truly be unaffected?
Song Chaoyu suddenly felt that this kind of distress might prevent her from properly fulfilling her role as the Princess of Chang in the future.
However, at this moment, was there any turning back?
—
The days in the capital, amidst such worries and unease, seemed to fly by even faster.
An entire summer vanished amidst the chirping of cicadas.
The wedding day of Song Chaoyu and the Prince of Chang drew ever nearer, and the Prince of Ning was also due to return to the capital soon.
The Prince of Ning’s management of the salt affairs this time had been exceptionally successful. Numerous memorials and reports of victory were frequently sent to the capital, greatly pleasing the Emperor, who praised the Prince of Ning repeatedly in front of the entire court.
However, perhaps due to something the Emperor had heard, or perhaps because Song Yanjiao had visited the Empress Dowager once, the Empress Dowager sent a letter to the Prince of Ning before his return.
Following this, the Prince of Ning sent word that upon his return to the capital, he would visit the palace at noon, dine with the Emperor, Empress, Empress Dowager, and his own mother, and then return to his princely manor. He wished to invite the entire Song family to the Prince of Ning’s manor for a lively gathering.
This was considered a gesture of goodwill from the Prince of Ning towards the Song family and Song Yanjiao, though Song Chaoyu suspected it was also the Empress Dowager’s suggestion.
In truth, after marrying Song Yanjiao, the Prince of Ning had neither been particularly good nor bad to the Song family. This invitation, therefore, served as a way for the Prince of Ning to extend an olive branch, and the Song family naturally could not refuse such an offer.
On this particular day, the Song family members dressed up specially, but Song Chaoyu did not. She remained as she always was, not believing that attending a dinner at the Prince of Ning’s manor would change anything, nor did she want the Prince of Ning to think she was trying to curry favor.
However, Song Chaoyu had not expected that the Prince of Ning, who arrived in the capital in the morning, would go directly to the palace without even returning to his manor. Furthermore, he had not brought Song Yanjiao with him to the palace!
So, when the Song family arrived at the Prince of Ning’s manor in the afternoon, Song Chaoyu noticed that Song Yanjiao’s expression was not pleasant. Having busied herself with preparations for several days, only to not even see the Prince of Ning upon his return, she was naturally unhappy.
Moreover, within the Prince of Ning’s manor, there was also the pregnant and difficult-to-deal-with Wu Lingru. Song Yanjiao was now required to "serve" Wu Lingru, which naturally caused her displeasure. Even with the Song family present, she could only force a smile. Fortunately, the First Madam and the Old Madam offered Song Yanjiao some comforting words, which improved her mood slightly.
Song Chaoyu and Song Yanrou spent their time in the rear courtyard of the Prince of Ning’s manor, admiring the flowers. Song Yanrou now trusted Song Chaoyu implicitly and confided everything in her. She revealed that the "lifeline" and finances of her husband's family were now under her control. Zhuzi and Madam Liu had become much more respectful towards her; not only did they no longer dare to hit her, but they also frequently tried to appease her. However, Zhuzi had taken in two other women outside the home, whom he dared not bring back. Song Yanrou had also resolved to divorce him after some time.
Song Chaoyu admired Song Yanrou’s current courage but also reminded her, “Third Sister, since you have made up your mind, you must also take care of your own health. If… you were to become pregnant, I fear you would be unable to escape this family. It would be very difficult to find a good husband in the future.”
Song Chaoyu’s words caused Song Yanrou to pat her forehead. “You’re right! Fourth Sister, how did I not think of this before? Absolutely not, I don’t want to have children with him! If that were to happen, I’d be trapped forever! Fourth Sister, do you have any good methods to help me avoid this?”
Song Chaoyu had no specific methods but patted Song Yanrou’s hand. “In a couple of days, I’ll have Physician Fan visit you. She can prescribe some contraceptive herbal medicine, but remember to drink it secretly. If your mother-in-law sees it, who knows what trouble it might cause!”
Song Yanrou nodded. “Don’t worry! But today, looking at our Second Sister in the manor, I’m afraid her life isn’t as glorious as it appears on the outside, is it?” She glanced around and whispered to Song Chaoyu, “I saw that concubine of the Prince of Ning, Wu Lingru. She’s a formidable woman, and all her maids and servants are skilled in martial arts. From their conversations, they look down on our Second Sister quite a bit. They say that although Second Sister comes from a respectable family, she’s very seductive, and that she always uses methods only found in brothels to entice the Prince of Ning’s consort. Fourth Sister, aren’t you saying Second Sister is disgracing our Song family?”
Song Chaoyu sighed, also finding Song Yanjiao foolish. Initially, she had advised her to learn the "art of managing a husband" from those women, merely to help her overcome the predicament of her wedding night. She hadn't expected her to take it as a "lifeline" and resort to such tactics repeatedly. It was no wonder even Wu Lingru looked down on her behavior.
Song Chaoyu shook her head and sighed again, “I’m afraid there will be more good shows to watch today!”
“What?” Song Yanrou’s spirits suddenly lifted. “Fourth Sister, you probably know something, don’t you?”
Song Chaoyu winked at her. “Third Sister, just wait and see!”
—
Because the Prince of Ning was visiting the palace, the entire Song family had to wait for his return to the manor. It wasn’t until nightfall that news arrived that the Prince of Ning had finally left the palace and was returning to his manor.
In fact, Song Yuan and the Old Madam were somewhat displeased. After all, they were elders of the Prince of Ning, and it was improper for them to be waiting for him alone. However, he was the Prince of Ning. When his figure appeared at the entrance of the Prince of Ning’s manor, Song Yuan still plastered on a smile to greet him. “Greetings, Your Highness the Prince of Ning! Your Highness has finally returned!”
The Prince of Ning nodded with a smile, greeting everyone. Everything appeared harmonious and joyful. Song Chaoyu had been following behind Song Yanrou, not intending to interact with this man at all. However, after greeting everyone, the Prince of Ning looked directly at Song Chaoyu and then smiled, “Fourth Sister has become even more beautiful. As you are soon to be the Princess of Chang, you will be my sister-in-law. We are family from now on!”
He had never truly looked at her before. Song Chaoyu sneered inwardly but maintained a smiling facade. “This humble one dares not. Thank you for your compliment, Your Highness the Prince of Ning.”
Upon hearing this, Song Yanjiao secretly glared at Song Chaoyu.