Chapter 561 - 528: The Most Sought-After Ideal Son-in-Law (Part 1)

Chapter 561: Chapter 528: The Most Sought-After Ideal Son-in-Law (Part 1)

Song Jiao really couldn’t see what’s good about it, "Mom, a name stays with Duobao for a lifetime. You’re being too casual, aren’t you?"

Second Lang’s wife retorted, "In the countryside, we name kids after what we lack. Doesn’t our family lack a Champion Scholar? Just right, I named him Jidi, Champion Scholar’s Jidi, how magnificent! Your dad even said it sounds nice, it’s just you, you stubborn girl, always going against me, are you doing it on purpose?"

Song Jiao: "Dad doesn’t dare to express his opinion. Besides, how can you be like this, expecting a Champion Scholar when the child is just a tiny sprout? If he doesn’t become a scholar, won’t people make fun of him for the name?"

"Who dares to mock Mr. Song’s nephew?" Second Lang’s wife threw the cloth into the wooden basin and snorted, "I’m doing this to bring glory to the Old Song Family. Am I wrong?"

Seeing her mom genuinely upset, Song Jiao was a bit helpless, "Alright, whatever you say goes. The names of Qi Qi and I have already been given to my Third Uncle. As for Duobao’s big name, it’s indeed up to you and dad to personally choose it. Jidi it is, just make sure you and dad nurture him well, maybe he’ll really bring back an Advanced Scholar’s title for you."

Upon hearing this, Second Lang’s wife’s eyebrows finally relaxed, "At least you know your place."

Song Jiao dried her hands, affectionately hugged Second Lang’s wife’s arm, and sighed, "I have no choice but to know my place. Once the wedding date is set, I won’t be able to come back often to bicker with you, Mom, it’ll be very difficult."

At this point, tears welled up in Song Jiao’s eyes.

Second Lang’s wife felt uneasy hearing this, lifted her hand to dab at the corner of her eye, and looked at her, "What are you doing? The bridal sedan chair hasn’t even arrived, and you’re already crying. What’s wrong with marrying into the Liang Family? If you miss home, just come back. Does Liang Jun dare to stop you? If he truly dares, just bring up your Third Uncle and see what he can do."

Song Jiao was amused by her mother, laughing and saying, that’s no way to manage a household.

Of course, Second Lang’s wife was just joking. She knew city life was different from the countryside, and Liang Jun being a scholar probably meant his household adhered strictly to rules, not allowing their daughter to act unruly.

"By the way, Jiaojiao," Second Lang’s wife said, "Hongwen Academy is accepting new students. I heard your Third Uncle is busy and doesn’t have time, and your Third Aunt is heavily pregnant, making it inconvenient. When the time comes, could you accompany Qi Qi there? I’m afraid she might not be able to handle it alone."

Upon this reminder, Song Jiao suddenly remembered the spot at Hongwen Academy given to Song Qi by her Third Uncle.

Originally, Song Qi was supposed to start school at that time, but her Third Uncle recommended waiting, saying Duobao was still young, and she should stay home for another half a year to learn a few more words and help look after Duobao. Then, after the Mid-Autumn Festival, she could report to the academy.

Unexpectedly, time flew by, and Song Qi was about to enter Hongwen Academy.

Dragging her thoughts back, Song Jiao hesitantly said, "I’ve never been to Hongwen Academy; that place is quite foreign to me. How about I go back and discuss it with Big Brother, then ask him to show me the way?"

Second Lang’s wife looked delighted, "If Yuanbao is willing to help, that would be perfect. I heard he was given some title by the Emperor, is there any truth to that?"

Song Jiao nodded, "Big Brother is now the Emperor’s personally appointed Young Master Xiao Yao, and his reputation precedes him. Half the people in the Capital know his title."

Second Lang’s wife was thrilled, "Really? Then from now on, shouldn’t anyone dare to bully Qi Qi at Hongwen Academy?"

"Big Brother’s name certainly can shield her from many troubles." Song Jiao did not deny this since she herself married into the Liang Family through her Third Uncle’s connections, "However, whether Big Brother would be willing is another matter. Mom, it’s best to find an opportunity to talk with Qi Qi, remind her to treat Big Brother well."

"I know, I’ll remind her."

——

The next day, Song Jiao returned to the Song Mansion and mentioned the matter of Duobao’s big name to her grandparents and Third Aunt.

Wen Wan fell silent upon hearing.

Granny Song almost spat out her tea, "Jidi? What Jidi? Floral Tribute? Runner-up? Or Champion Scholar’s Jidi? What if he doesn’t pass, then what? Your mom’s really aiming too high, wanting a Champion Scholar. She should just keep it to herself rather than giving the child such a name. If he’s not into studying in the future, won’t he hate his parents?"

Song Jiao had nothing to say. She’d tried to persuade her mother at home, but she just wouldn’t listen. There was nothing she could do.

"Forget it, Mom," Wen Wan said, "Second Sister-in-law’s family already had two children named by the Third Son. Duobao is the son they’ve longed for for years. They should name him themselves. It’s their freedom; it’s not our place to interfere."

With Wen Wan’s words, Granny Song felt it was indeed none of their business, since the second family had already split off. There was no need to fret over it, so she changed the topic and asked Song Jiao, "Did your parents agree to keep the matter hidden?"

Song Jiao nodded, saying they agreed, "Actually, I think Granny might be overthinking. Even if Big Brother got some wind, he wouldn’t come to us and ask my parents."

"Who can say for sure?" Granny Song scoffed lightly, "It’s just a precaution."

Remembering the task her mother entrusted before leaving, Song Jiao said, "Qi Qi is about to start school; Third Uncle is not here and Third Aunt is indisposed. I’d like to ask Big Brother to help take her to report."

Wen Wan replied, "For such a matter, you don’t need to seek our permission. Just discuss it directly with your Big Brother. If he’s free, he won’t refuse."

Song Jiao looked delighted, "Thank you, Third Aunt."

——

In the evening, as Song Yuanbao returned from the Divine Soldier Bureau, he saw Song Jiao standing in the outer courtyard corridor from afar.

Seeing him, Song Jiao smiled, "Big Brother."

Her tone was very warm.

Yuanbao asked her, "Looking for me for something?"

Song Jiao replied truthfully, "Third Uncle is not at the mansion, Qi Qi needs to go to Hongwen Academy, after much consideration, I can only ask Big Brother to step in."

Hongwen Academy and Imperial College are across the street from each other, Yuanbao is studying at the Imperial College, though he has never been to Hongwen Academy, he at least has some understanding.

Besides, new student enrollment, both sides should be more or less the same.

Nodding, Yuanbao said, "Which day, so I can take leave in advance."

"I heard it’s three days later."

"Alright." Yuanbao readily agreed.

——

Three days passed, and it was the day for Song Qi’s enrollment at Hongwen Academy.

Early in the morning, Song Erlang sent his daughter over.

Because of the enrollment, Second Lang’s wife specially tailored new clothes for Song Qi, a white base with orange-yellow Little Flower coat, hair tied in a bun, matched with dangling pearl hairpins.

Compared to before, acting out, now she has a bit more of a delicate, refined maiden’s aura, standing there she surprisingly looks transformed.

When Song Qi first arrived in Capital, the impression she left on Yuanbao wasn’t very good, forming a subconscious bias, thus upon seeing her, Yuanbao’s face showed almost no expression, his tone was stiff, asking her to get on the carriage.

Song Qi was somewhat afraid of this cousin, she stretched her neck to look back, not seeing Song Jiao, timidly asked, "Is my sister not going?"

Yuanbao said, "It’s you who’s enrolling, not her, even if she went it wouldn’t be any use."

"Oh." Song Qi gently clenched her sleeve, her footsteps lightened as she followed behind Yuanbao.

The siblings got on the carriage one after the other.

Yuanbao has been feeling troubled lately, not wanting to talk, he closed his eyes for a light snooze as soon as he got on.

The boy’s eyelashes were long, gently sweeping down on his face creating a small circle of shadow.

The stuffy silence inside the carriage felt very uncomfortable.

Song Qi mustered up courage to speak, "Big Brother, when we arrive at Hongwen Academy, what should I do?"

Yuanbao opened his eyes, glanced at her casually, "New student enrollment isn’t hard, once inside there will be someone to guide you, they will instruct you on what to do, just follow what they say."

Speaking, he looked Song Qi up and down, asking her, "Recognize all the characters?"

Song Qi awkwardly said, "I don’t know if it’s all, but in the past six months, I’ve learned quite a few characters."

Yuanbao: "After so many years of hard work to get the fifth-rank and earn this spot, and we finally gave it to you, if you don’t make something out of it, you would be letting Third Uncle’s generosity towards you down."

"I understand, I will work hard." Song Qi lowered her head.

Not sure if it was an illusion, but Big Brother’s eyes looked especially frightening today, as if if she dared to retort, he would immediately use his gaze to chastise her.

Song Qi trembled, as they arrived at Hongwen Academy’s front gate, she followed Yuanbao off the carriage.

New student enrollment, there were quite a few carriages parked outside, the grand and solemn Hongwen Academy gate was bustling with people coming and going.

Song Qi had never seen such a grand school before, so nervous that her palms were sweating.

Initially, Yuanbao intended to ask if she needed him to accompany her inside, but seeing Song Qi’s reaction, he decided to swallow his words, stepping toward the gate.

A noblewoman who was sending her daughter to enroll recognized Yuanbao and exclaimed, "Isn’t that Young Master Xiao Yao? Why has he come to Hongwen Academy?"

Most importantly, who is the girl behind him?! A beloved person? A fiancée?

The noblewoman’s voice instantly drew the attention of many.

Besides looking at him, most people were sizing up Song Qi.

Currently, Yuanbao is the most sought-after bridegroom in the whole Capital, many prominent families rack their brains trying to win him over, now seeing him bring an ordinary girl to enroll, one can imagine how many people were disgruntled.

Yuanbao ignored the crowd’s gaze, looked at the crowded group ahead and loudly said, "I am here to send my younger sister to enroll, would everyone please make way, thank you."