Song Ke had not expected Xianglan to ask such a question and fell silent for a moment. Xianglan waited briefly, but when Song Ke still did not reply, her heart gradually sank. She withdrew her hand from his grasp and forced a smile, saying, "You shouldn't stay here too long either. Hurry back now."
Song Ke quickly grasped Xianglan's hand again and said, "About us... once things settle down a bit, I'll gradually bring it up with my mother."
Xianglan abruptly looked up and saw Song Ke smiling at her, causing her cheeks to flush slightly. Hesitantly, she murmured, "You..."
Song Ke reached out and gently tapped her nose, saying, "I'll send a matchmaker to propose marriage before I leave for the capital."
Xianglan felt as if a warm fire ignited in her heart. She wanted to speak but found herself at a loss for words. Tears welled up in her eyes, carrying a mix of sorrow and overwhelming joy, like a little bird chirping excitedly, ready to fly straight out of her chest.
Song Ke wiped the tears from her face and chuckled, "Silly girl, why are you crying? Is it tears of happiness?"
Only then did Xianglan realize she had been crying all along. She hurriedly wiped her eyes with her sleeve, lifted her face, and beamed at Song Ke.
Her smile was like the first rays of the morning sun, radiant as a blooming lotus, leaving Song Ke utterly captivated. Originally, he had been deeply hesitant. Since he had been selected as one of the top scholars in the imperial examination, many high-ranking officials and nobles in the capital, upon learning he was still unmarried, had eagerly sought matchmakers on his behalf. There were quite a few noble daughters from prestigious families. In the past, he would have carefully chosen someone with a compatible family background and character, preferably with a father-in-law who could serve as a support for his political career. Yet, for some reason, whenever he thought about it, his mind always drifted to Xianglan. He felt as though Xianglan was his wife from a previous life, who had simply drunk Meng Po's soup and forgotten her past, but fate had brought her to find him again in this lifetime. He had always held gratitude and respect for Madam Shen, and now he repaid it doubly to Xianglan. Moreover, he adored her intelligence and charm, making it impossible for him to let her go.
Today, when Xianglan pressed him for a decision, he had intended to ask for a few more days to think it over. But seeing the disappointment in her eyes, his heart stirred, and he unconsciously spoke those words. After blurting it out, he felt a vague sense of regret. Yet now, witnessing Xianglan's sheer delight, he suddenly felt that marrying her might not be such a bad thing after all—many scholars from humble backgrounds had married their humble wives and still climbed the ranks step by step. Song Ke was no less capable than others; relying on his own abilities, he was sure to achieve great things.
The two smiled at each other. Just as Xianglan was about to tell him about her past life, they heard Ludou whisper from outside the gate, "Master, Aunt Chen is about to come out from the neighbor's house."
Song Ke quickly said, "I must go now. I'll return in a few days." With that, he opened the door and slipped away.
A smile curled on Xianglan's lips as she plucked a rose and tucked it into her hair. Humming a tune, she headed back into the house, and for now, we shall leave her there.
Meanwhile, Song Ke rode back to the Song residence. As soon as he entered, he saw Juanhua inviting him to Song Yima's room. The moment Song Yima saw him, she said, "Where have you been all this time? Come here quickly. There are a few matters I need to discuss with you."
Song Ke sat down and asked, "What is it?"
Song Yima smiled warmly and said, "You've met Xian Jie'er from Duke Xian's family, haven't you? What do you think of her?"
Song Ke was taken aback.Aunt Song said, "This time when you achieved success in the imperial examination, Duke Xian specifically sent people with generous congratulatory gifts. His wife and great-great-aunt also came, praising you profusely. Between the lines, the great-great-aunt hinted that Duke Xian also favors you. If you're interested, just send a matchmaker to their door - I guarantee it will be settled with one visit." Zheng Baichuan had originally been quite disapproving of Song Ke, but Zheng Jingxian pestered him daily with coquettish pleas, extolling Song Ke's virtues. Now that Song Ke had become an advanced scholar, Zheng Baichuan saw that despite his youth, he had such remarkable achievements, appearing to be promising talent. With some support in his official career later, he could certainly bring honor to his wife and family. Moreover, being extremely doting on Zheng Jingxian and knowing her high standards - that ordinary people could hardly catch her eye - now that she had finally taken a liking to someone who wasn't without prospects, he silently acquiesced in his heart.
Song Ke lowered his head, then after a long while raised his face and said, "The Zheng family's young lady still acts quite childish and somewhat willful. I'm not very fond of her."
Aunt Song said casually, "Oh, a pampered young lady - it's reasonable for her to have some minor temper. She can be taught gradually later. I think she's quite good - well-educated and sensible."
Song Ke said seriously, "Mother, have you forgotten when we were orphan and widow? After father died, people turned cold immediately. Duke Xian didn't even come for the proper burial. When I went to seek his help regarding the family division, he wouldn't even see me. With such old grievances, I truly cannot marry his daughter."
Hearing this, Aunt Song deflated and sighed, "Well, that makes sense when you put it that way. I just thought Xian Jie'er was a good match, and the family status is excellent too..."
Song Ke softened his voice, "As the saying goes, 'Marry a wife from lower status, marry a daughter to higher status.' If we bring in a daughter-in-law from such an eminent family, you wouldn't be able to direct her - wouldn't we have to treat her like royalty?"
Aunt Song laughed, "Why would I need to direct her? As long as you two get along well, I'd be willing to work like an ox or horse for you." Seeing that Song Ke wasn't agreeing to this matter, she felt somewhat disappointed but thought she could persuade him gradually later. After pausing, she continued, "There's another matter. After the first month, a matchmaker came to propose marriage for Tan Jie'er - it's for Wu Liang, the only son of Provincial Surveillance Commissioner Wu Youwei from Zhejiang. I heard it's Commissioner Wu's family, which is quite respectable, but when I inquired with several women from the Lin Family's inner chambers, they all said we should carefully examine his character. After all, it's our family matter, so they couldn't say much, but seeing how they hesitated in their speech, I became worried... Later, that Wu Liang came to visit once, bringing many gifts. I saw that he wasn't very tall, but handsome and spirited, with an extremely sweet tongue - so I worried whether he might be slick... I heard his family plans to purchase an official position for him, and he said himself that he has fields and land, lives in a three-section compound, and has a modest-sized garden."
Song Ke pondered briefly and said, "The Zhejiang Provincial Surveillance Commissioner - though not a high-ranking position, holds real power and can report directly to the Emperor. The family status is quite respectable, but we don't know about Wu Liang's character. I'll have someone look into it."
Aunt Song nodded repeatedly.The next day, Song Ke went to visit the Lin Family. After paying respects to the elders, he had tea with Lin Jinting. During their lighthearted conversation, the topic turned to Wu Liang's marriage proposal. Lin Jinting laughed and said, "So Wu Liang has finally developed worldly desires, even going so far as to propose to your family. That fellow has always been a playboy among flowers, but taking a fancy to your cousin shows he finally has some taste."
Hearing this, Song Ke frowned and asked, "What do you mean by 'playboy among flowers'?"
Lin Jinting explained, "He has a reputation as a libertine, with several lovers in the pleasure quarters. He's fond of drinking and gambling. Yet he's no ordinary man—he's quite clever. Don't be fooled by his father's somewhat pedantic nature; Wu Liang knows how to amass wealth. Using his father's influence, he's made quite a bit of silver and gets along with everyone. Recently, he caught a salt merchant dealing in illegal salt, which would normally lead to exile at the very least. Somehow, that merchant connected with Wu Liang, who, being ruthless, demanded almost half the merchant's family fortune as tribute. After some maneuvering with the authorities, guess what? The merchant was back home in no time, with some unlucky soul taking the blame instead. Though that poor fellow was also involved in minor illegal salt trading, who would have expected to be saddled with such a serious charge? His family was bankrupted trying to save him, and he was tortured into confessing before being exiled to Zhangzhou. The case was thus closed."
Song Ke's face darkened. "This is unacceptable. Does Wu Liang have no regard for justice or law? A toad lusting after swan's flesh—with such character, he must never be allowed to marry my sister! Otherwise, not only would my mother and sister resent me forever, but being related to such a man would be utterly shameful. He has no real ability, only a belly full of sinister schemes. Being a dissolute rake is bad enough, but dragging his father's name through the mud, engaging in corruption and crime—sooner or later, he'll meet his downfall. As the saying goes, 'A child not taught is the father's fault.' Yet his father indulges him."
Lin Jinting said, "Wu Youwei had his son late in life, and the family treasures him like the apple of their eye. Even if he wanted to discipline him, he couldn't bear to... Besides, Wu Youwei is busy with official duties, and Wu Liang is good at sweet-talking and pretending to be obedient. His father probably doesn't know about his misdeeds. Yifei, if you reject him, find a polite excuse. This man bears grudges over the smallest slights—don't make an enemy of him."
Song Ke smiled. "I understand, and thank you for telling me the truth." After chatting a while longer, he took his leave. Later, he declined the Wu family's proposal on the grounds that Song Tanchai was still young and that, as her elder brother, he had to marry first.
The matter should have ended there. However, while they were drinking tea in the study that day, Lin Jinting's servant boy, Lu Er, was serving tea and overheard their conversation. Lu Er was loose-lipped and later, after getting drunk outside, embellished the story and shared it with others. At the time, it was just gossip for amusement, but somehow the tale spread, twisting and turning until it reached Wu Liang's ears. Wu Liang immediately flew into a rage, thinking, "How dare you, Song Ke! You're just a minor official who recently passed the advanced scholar exams. What do you mean by 'a toad lusting after swan's flesh'? You openly look down on me, Master Wu, spreading such vile rumors about me everywhere. Just wait until I get a chance to teach you a lesson—then you'll know my power!" He secretly nursed a grudge from that moment on.
But enough of this digression.After returning home, Song Ke spent the first few days busy with social engagements and selling off properties. While mentally preparing how to broach the matter of Xianglan with Song Yima, his hectic schedule was further disrupted by an unexpected incident. It turned out that Song Ke intended to sell a Manor in Jinling to a buyer named Li Jia. Although the price had already been agreed upon, Li Jia suddenly reneged and insisted on purchasing it at a lower price. Naturally, the Song family refused to sell. Li Jia then came to their residence to make a scene, throwing tantrums and rolling on the ground. During the ensuing argument, the Song family’s steward accidentally injured Li Jia. Song Ke promptly ordered gifts to be prepared and went to visit him. Once Li Jia received compensation, he quieted down.
What should have been a resolved dispute took an unexpected turn when rumors began circulating a few days later, accusing Song Ke of "failing to discipline his servants, allowing arrogant subordinates to cause trouble" and "bullying commoners by flaunting his power." Song Ke initially dismissed it as idle gossip, but since the rumors somewhat tarnished his reputation, he personally prepared gifts and visited Li Jia’s home. However, Li Jia refused to see him and repeatedly proclaimed his innocence to the public.
To Song Ke’s greater surprise, the matter even prompted Censors and other officials to submit memorials impeaching him, accusing him of "becoming arrogant upon success and being unfit for important duties." Song Ke had no solid foundation in the court to begin with. Having achieved success at a young age, he had already attracted considerable envy and jealousy. Consequently, numerous Spirits and demons seized the opportunity to kick him while he was down. While there were indeed righteous officials in the court who spoke up for Song Ke, there were also those with ulterior motives who used the situation to attack their political rivals. Thus, this minor dispute quickly escalated like a spark igniting a prairie fire, growing more intense by the day.
Thank you to yu21yu21 and RoseSZY for the Peace Talismans, and to cbbca for the little yellow chick~ Apologies if I missed anyone in my thanks~ Also, thank you all for the pink votes. As these chapters mark the beginning of major turmoil and the plot pace accelerates, writing has become a bit more challenging, so updates have slowed slightly. Please bear with me. There will be another update today.
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