Chapter 105: Chapter 105 Oh, Seduced
Song Zhiyuan spent the evening with his elderly mother at Chunhui Hall, only slowly making his way back to the main courtyard afterward. On the way, his mind was preoccupied with the marriage of his second daughter.
Song Ciās words echoed in his mind: if they werenāt planning to send their daughter into the royal family, they would need to find another suitable match. Since their family leaned towards civil service, it was best not to choose a military family, lest it cause discomfort to those in higher positions.
If avoiding military families, the choice would have to lean towards aristocratic families. Why was that?
If chosen from a poor family, not only would Song Ruqi kick up a fuss, even Madam Song might also end up wailing and weeping.
At the moment, Song Zhiyuan couldnāt figure out what kind of family would be suitable for his second daughter, which troubled him greatly.
Never mind, this matter couldnāt be rushed, careful selection was necessary.
Song Zhiyuan suddenly paused in his steps, recalling a casual remark made by Song Ci, and started rubbing his fingers.
Perhaps, it might be possible to bring it up with that person above?
Having made up his mind, Song Zhiyuan stopped thinking about it further, striding boldly into the main courtyard.
Madam Song was just being attended to by the maids, drinking her medicine, when she noticed her husbandās return and turned her thoughts around.
"Donāt get up, let the maids attend to it," he said, walking into the cleansing room.
Madam Song signaled Furong to assist with the washing up.
Furong was secretly delighted, approaching with lowered eyes to help Song Zhiyuan remove his coat and undo his belt, her slender hands inadvertently brushing against Song Zhiyuanās chest.
Song Zhiyuan frowned slightly, glancing down to see Furong kneeling beside him, looking up with a shy gaze and saying gently, "Prime Minister, please raise your foot, this servant will help you remove your shoes."
That tender voice was as soothing as honey.
Song Zhiyuanās lips curled slightly; was Madameās attendant also playing at seduction?
Housekeeper Ma happened to enter with water, catching this scene, couldnāt help but glance at Furong kneeling on the ground, her heart skipped a beat.
Song Zhiyuan removed his coat and said, "All of you, leave. I can manage on my own."
Furong hesitated, wanting to speak, but caught Housekeeper Maās glance and retreated quietly, her head lowered.
Housekeeper Ma watched keenly, silent yet inwardly on guard.
After freshening up, Song Zhiyuan was lying lazy in his undergarments on the bed, a foot propped up, engrossed in reading a scroll.
Madam Song, having freshened up, returned to her dressing table, picked up the face cream, and while applying it, asked, "What brought you to spend the evening with Mother today?"
"Motherās invitation is rare, so I joined her," Song Zhiyuan replied without lifting his head. "She inquired about the marriage prospects for our fourth brother. I heard a lady from the Wei Mansion was brought along; have you met her?"
"Oh, was it really for the sake of the fourth brotherās marriage?" Madam Song was a bit surprised. "That girl seems older than the fourth brother, has Mother taken a liking to her?"
"She believes the girl is steady and dignified, which suits our playful fourth brother, who needs someone solid to support the household. However, she also mentioned it must be our brotherās own choice. Mother is getting on years and unwell; pay more attention to this matter of our brotherās marriage, listen to what Mother says, and see to it that she is well settled when necessary."
Madam Songās heart skipped slightly, she smiled and said, "If Mother doesnāt mind my interference, I would be pleased to take charge of the fourth brotherās affairs. Iāll send someone to inquire about the girl."
"Also check if there are other eligible girls from good families, especially those with good looks, as I believe our fourth brother prefers beauty."
After applying the lotion, Madam Song walked over, plucking his book, sitting down beside him and leaning on his arm, "My lord, any families youāre considering inviting for my birthday feast?"
Song Zhiyuan clasped her hand, pulling her closer: "Iāll prepare the list for you later. Madam, itās getting late, letās settle in."