Blossom

Tao Qizhong responded with a smile and brought up the matter of the betrothal gifts with Song Yichun: "...The Wang family has been heavily involved in commerce these past years. Once the Duke has made a decision, it will be easier for me to discuss matters with the Yan'an Marquis's household."

Song Yichun replied with slight displeasure, "This concerns the dignity of the Duke of England's Mansion. Would I ever mistreat my own daughter-in-law?"

This was precisely the assurance Tao Qizhong sought. He quickly apologized and discussed a rough estimate with Song Yichun. Just as he was about to leave, Chang Guard requested an audience.

Song Yichun signaled for Tao Qizhong to stay and had the pages usher Chang Guard in.

Chang Guard bowed respectfully to Song Yichun and Tao Qizhong before speaking in a low voice, "Yan Chaoqing from the Hall of Cultivating Will has taken a large number of gifts to Ningde Princess's residence."

Song Yichun's gaze sharpened.

He was on good terms with the third princess's husband, Shi Chonglan, while Song Mo, due to his mother—the late Madam Lu of the Duke of England's Mansion—was well-liked by the entire Lu Family. When rumors of discord between Song Mo and his father spread, Lu Fuli and Lu Zhili had even come personally to inquire. Though Song Yichun had brushed them off, he couldn’t very well criticize Song Mo in front of the Lu Family. Song Mo, aware of this, would often seek the help of Ningde Princess, who was married into the Lu Family, to relay his requests to the Empress Dowager or the Empress whenever he needed something.

What could Song Mo be asking of Ningde Princess this time?

Song Yichun pondered.

Tao Qizhong stood up and bowed respectfully. "Duke, I will investigate Yan Chaoqing's purpose for visiting the Princess's residence."

Song Yichun nodded, and Tao Qizhong and Chang Guard withdrew.

The room fell silent once more.

Song Yichun's gaze returned to Song Han's homework booklet.

Frowning, he flung it angrily into the corner of the kang.

※※※※※

Meanwhile, Gu Yu dragged Wang Qinghuai out for drinks, intending to withdraw a portion of the funds allocated for repairing the old Yellow River course.

No one understood better than Wang Qinghuai the financial struggles of noble families—outwardly prosperous but inwardly strained. This was why he gritted his teeth and dealt with officials from the Six Ministries. Moreover, Gu Yu was notoriously extravagant, having once gambled away half a street in a single night.

"Of course!" he replied without hesitation. "Will ten thousand taels be enough?"

In Wang Qinghuai's view, autumn had already arrived, and winter would begin in two months. By then, the manor heads and chief stewards of various households would return to settle accounts. Ten thousand taels would be more than enough to tide Gu Yu over until winter.

To his surprise, Gu Yu shook his head. "Is there any way to allocate fifty thousand taels?"

Gu Yu wasn’t asking tentatively if fifty thousand taels could be arranged—he was demanding it with an air of inevitability.

Wang Qinghuai's first thought was that Empress Wan needed the money.

But he dismissed the idea immediately.

Xie Jincheng, the Salt Tax Commissioner, was Empress Wan's man. If she needed funds, Xie Jincheng would handle it—why involve Gu Yu?

Unless Gu Yu was offering his help voluntarily.

His mind raced.

If he could use Gu Yu to establish a connection with Empress Wan...

Wang Qinghuai smiled. "The entire repair project for the old Yellow River course only holds ninety thousand taels. What urgent matter requires so much? It might be difficult to withdraw from there, but I have some personal savings, and my father could contribute as well. We just need a good reason—otherwise, he’ll think I’m trying to swindle him!"Gu Yu was well aware of the situation. After some thought, he said, "How about this—both Tianci and I withdraw. But to outsiders, we’ll still say we’re partners. As for the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Revenue, I’ll continue helping to expedite payments as before."

Wang Qinghuai was stunned.

By next May, the repairs on the old Yellow River course would be completed, bringing in at least 120,000 taels of silver. Gu Yu and Song Mo had initially invested 60,000 taels, with 50,000 taels yet to be recouped—and now all future profits would go to him alone... This was akin to severing a limb to save one’s life.

What could have happened to Gu Yu and Song Mo to force them into such a desperate situation?

His ability to navigate both civil and military circles stemmed from his understanding of always leaving room for compromise. Even without considering that the Duke of Yingguo intended to ally with the Wang family through marriage—making Song Mo a potential brother-in-law—or that Gu Yu was Empress Wan’s own nephew, he couldn’t simply dissolve the partnership with any official so abruptly. Doing so, while justified, would come across as callous, breeding resentment and possibly cutting off future opportunities for mutual benefit.

But was this Gu Yu’s trouble or Song Mo’s?

If it was Gu Yu’s, and even the shrewd Song Mo was willing to help without hesitation, why should he hesitate? If it was Song Mo’s, it was likely tied to the Duke of Yingguo... In that case, he’d need to investigate carefully.

"This is unacceptable!" Wang Qinghuai refused firmly. "It’s just 50,000 taels—hardly worth such drastic measures. I still have a residence in Baoda Lane worth at least 10,000 or 20,000 taels." Here, he feigned embarrassment and chuckled. "But everyone knows I’m in business. If word gets out that I’m selling private property, they might think I’m strapped for cash. I still have several unsettled payments pending. Best to quietly sell it through a broker, though that might only fetch around 10,000 taels..."

Gu Yu knew Wang Qinghuai was currying favor, but he still found the man quite honorable. After a pause, he said, "Your Highness, I must tell you something—but you can’t breathe a word to anyone."

Finally, the heart of the matter!

Wang Qinghuai’s spirits lifted, though he maintained a composed expression. "We’ve dealt with each other long enough. You know what kind of man I am, don’t you?"

Gu Yu smiled. "Naturally, I trust you. But this matter isn’t settled yet. If word leaks, it could cause trouble—best to be cautious." Lowering his voice, he continued, "Ning Fei has taken a liking to Tianci, and the Emperor approves. He’s already summoned Tianci for a talk. An edict will likely be issued in the next couple of days. Since the wedding date is uncertain, Tianci wants to prepare more funds in advance to avoid last-minute chaos..."

A thunderclap seemed to explode in Wang Qinghuai’s ears, his voice cracking with shock. "Are you serious? Yantang is to marry into the imperial family?""Mm!" Gu Yu laughed. "The Duke of Yingguo's Mansion is illustrious in reputation, and Princess Jingyi has reached marriageable age. My aunt never even considered this possibility. I heard it was Ning Fei who pleaded with the Emperor, and now she's full of regret. Though it's still unclear whether Tiance will marry Princess Jingyi or Jingfu Princess—marrying a princess is certain either way." He teased further, "Right now, Tiance is utterly vexed—my aunt is fiercely protective of her own, and he fears he might end up with Princess Jingyi. He even asked me to whisper a few words in my aunt's ear at the palace, promising to buy me a house by Shichahai if it works out..."

Wang Qinghuai couldn't sit still any longer!

"In that case, I'd better hurry and help Yantang gather the silver."

He hastily finished his meal with Gu Yu and rushed home, immediately grabbing a page to ask, "Where is the Marquis?"

The page quickly replied, "The Marquis is speaking with Mr. Tao from the Duke of Yingguo's Mansion!"

Sweating profusely in agitation, Wang Qinghuai hurried to the study where the Marquis of Yan'an was receiving guests. He called to the page waiting outside, "Quickly go in and announce me—tell him I have urgent business and must see him immediately. I'll wait for him in the small study at the back."

The page scurried off.

Wang Qinghuai paced anxiously in the small study until his father arrived.

Soon, the Marquis of Yan'an entered with a beaming face.

"Dahai, what's so urgent?" he said, clearly pleased. "The Duke of Yingguo's Mansion has come to propose marriage again, offering twenty thousand taels of silver as betrothal gifts—a clear sign of their regard for your sister. I was thinking we shouldn't let the Song family look down on her, so we'll prepare forty thousand taels for her dowry. I was just about to discuss this with you—"

"Father," Wang Qinghuai interrupted urgently, dismissing all the attendants and even instructing them to "hold off on tea." He then lowered his voice and relayed the news he had just heard. "How did your discussion with the Duke of Yingguo's Mansion go? Did you agree?"

"Impossible!" The Marquis of Yan'an stared blankly before exclaiming. "Song Yantang is the heir of the Duke of Yingguo's Mansion—how could he possibly marry a princess? Years ago, perhaps, but these days, who would willingly marry into the imperial family?"

"Don't forget—the relationship between the Song father and son is far from harmonious!" Wang Qinghuai reminded him.

The Marquis suddenly understood.

"Did you agree to the Song family's proposal?" Wang Qinghuai pressed.

The Marquis looked embarrassed.

After a moment's thought, Wang Qinghuai said, "Didn't the Right Commander-in-chief of the Five Armies Commandery, Dai Tianyi, send matchmakers to propose to our sister a few days ago? When you return to the study, say you didn't know Mother had already accepted the Dai family's proposal, and let the matter drop. Once the imperial decree is announced in a few days, the Song family will understand. Meanwhile, we'll finalize the engagement with the Dai family before the decree is issued. If any rumors arise later, we can distance ourselves from them."

Had the Duke of Yingguo not suddenly proposed to the Wang family, they would have already settled the marriage with the Dais.

The Marquis nodded and returned to the guest study.

※※※※※

"You're saying the Marquis of Yan'an had already agreed, but as soon as the heir returned, they reneged?" Song Yichun widened his eyes at Tao Qizhong, disbelief written all over his face."Yes!" Tao Qizhong felt deeply ashamed for failing such a simple task and said quietly, "I've already sent someone to investigate what happened. We should receive news within the next couple of days."

"Hurry!" Song Yichun's expression darkened. "I fear this matter isn't as simple as it seems."

Tao Qizhong lowered his head with mixed emotions and responded, "Understood."

※※※※※

In the side chamber assigned to Song Mo at the imperial summer retreat, Gu Yu lounged on the heated brick bed by the window, munching on an apple while surveying the furnishings. He clicked his tongue in admiration. "Looks like the Emperor truly intends to make you his son-in-law. Just look at this room—south-facing, spacious, and bright. I doubt even Yao Shizhong has accommodations this nice."

While the Emperor was at the summer retreat, Chief Grand Secretary Liang Jifang had been ordered to assist the Crown Prince in overseeing state affairs. Meanwhile, Yao Shizhong, Minister of Revenue and Grand Academician of the Jinshen Hall, accompanied the Emperor to handle political matters.

Seated at the writing desk practicing calligraphy, Song Mo chuckled.

His handwriting couldn't compare to that of the Grand Secretariat's Presented Scholars who had passed the highest imperial examinations, but it had its own strengths—bold composition and vigorous strokes. The Emperor was particularly fond of it and had frequently summoned him these days to transcribe Buddhist scriptures or travelogues. In his spare time, Song Mo practiced his calligraphy in his chamber.