The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 238: Chapter 238 The Despised Song Ci

Hearing that Emperor Chu intended to matchmake his daughter, Madam Song was both happy and worried.

Happy because the Emperor arranged the marriage, a glory that many could only dream of, and the family the daughter would marry into was that of the Duke Manor, a family of high standing. Moreover, Qi Zhen had an official position, and once married, an Imperial Decree would be granted.

Worried because the Duke Ying Mansion was a large family. Qi Zhen was the third son and a legitimate son, but he was the son of a second wife. That’s right, the current lady of the Duke Ying Mansion is a second wife, and Qi Zhen is her legitimate second son.

Now, the Duke Ying Mansion has already established the Princely Heir, who is the legitimate son of the original wife, Qi An, a sincere scholar who can only maintain the status quo. His wife is a daughter of the Shandong aristocracy, of the Lu family.

Above Qi Zhen is an elder legitimate brother, Qi Rui, whose wife is a niece of his legitimate mother’s family, from the Liao family, showing his favored status.

Apart from the three legitimate sons and two legitimate daughters, the Duke also has four illegitimate sons and three illegitimate daughters, a truly populous family.

In such a complicated and large family, conflict is inevitable once she enters the door. Can Song Ruqi, from a simpler family, manage it?

There’s another point, Qi Zhen’s reputation gives her a headache.

He was engaged twice, and both of his fiancées died. People don’t know the truth and only think he has a fate that curses wives. Because of such rumors, other noble families dare not propose to him. Moreover, Qi Zhen’s character is somewhat cold and deep, not fond of speaking much.

Song Ruqi, on the other hand, has a cheerful personality, grew up being pampered, and can’t endure the slightest grievance. Her husband-to-be is cold, a military man, not one to say sweet words to appease, and would slam the door and leave during a quarrel. Can Song Ruqi bear such a situation?

Alas.

The more Madam Song thought about it, the more bitter her mouth felt.

Their characters are completely opposites, and it would take a long time just to get used to each other. Her husband-to-be is also a Court Guard, leaving early and returning late, sometimes not coming home for days. That new marriage would be a lonely room, and she’s afraid Song Ruqi couldn’t endure this grievance.

And that whole family of sisters-in-law and illegitimate daughters, truly a headache.

The curse of the wife thing could be dismissed as rumors spread by outsiders, but with such a large and complex family, she’s afraid Song Ruqi, being naive, would be taken advantage of.

Thinking of this, Madam Song suddenly recalled that poor family child, thinking that if matched with him, life would be comfortable and leisurely, at least not stuck in between, unloved by both father and mother.

This is unbearable!

”Oh dear, my head hurts. Prime Minister, can’t the Emperor choose a simpler match?” Madam Song held her head in pain.

Song Zhiyuan was both crying and laughing, helplessly saying, ”Madam, in this world, who is perfect? Everyone has their advantages and disadvantages, marital matters are no different. If not willing to join the Duke Ying Mansion, would she be willing to marry into a poor family?”

Madam Song laughed bitterly, knowing that proud daughter of hers surely wouldn’t.

”Since the Emperor is intent, the marriage is inevitable. The Emperor also mentioned he wants to employ Qi Zhen. You should talk to Qi’er, in a few days the Duke Ying Mansion will hold a banquet, bring her along. I’m sure the Duke’s side also received the message, let the young ones meet then.”

”What if Qi’er is unwilling...”

Song Zhiyuan’s face darkened: ”If she’s unwilling, we’ll match her to a poor family.”

Madam Song immediately said, ”I will thoroughly explain the pros and cons to her.”

”Hmm. Also, the Duke Ying Mansion’s banquet, mother will attend too, try to get a list of the female guests ahead of time, then you and mother can observe the young ladies from various families.”

Madam Song was surprised: ”Prime Minister, is this for...?”

Song Zhiyuan: ”Fourth son’s marriage can’t be delayed, keep an eye out, if there’s a suitable match, feel them out.”

The more he thought about it, the more he felt Song Ci was unreliable, better to let his own wife handle it.

Song Ci: I’ve been dismissed, no comment!