Chapter 1001: Chapter 1001: One of the Factors in the Engagement Decision
The young man was shy, and after speaking a few words with Song Ci, he was full of concerns and was sent away by his perceptive grandmother.
Song Lingsu stood in front of the gate of Chunhui Hall and headed towards the outer courtyard. Instead of returning to his own courtyard, he turned towards the Double Lin Hall, where his third brother and others were.
Unexpectedly, Song Lingjie had already set up a small wine table in the courtyard, warmed a pot of wine, and placed various mooncakes and fruits on the table, as though waiting for someone to arrive.
Song Lingsu was somewhat surprised and said, "It looks like youâre expecting me, arenât you?"
"Certainly not expecting Zhouâer, right?" Song Lingjie chuckled and gestured to a chair nearby, saying, "So, have you and Grandmother had a talk?"
Song Lingsu was surprised again, knowing his cousinâs sly cunning, he replied, "Do you know what I talked about with Grandmother?"
"Itâs nothing more than talking about our marriages. Grandmother had you escort her back to the courtyard and lingered for a while, so she must have talked about you first." Song Lingjie poured a cup of chrysanthemum wine, pushed it in front of him, and said, "Perhaps there is a future sister-in-law arranged for you in the Sunflower Garden?"
Song Lingsu blushed and said, "With your schemes, if you donât become a government official in the future, youâd be doing your cunning mind an injustice."
Song Lingjie raised an eyebrow, "Looks like even if my guess is off, itâs not far off."
Song Lingsu spat at him, took the wine cup and clinked it against his, saying, "There is indeed such a person, but Grandmother said weâll talk after the match is decided. I didnât look closely, just felt it was a bit sudden."
He did not name the person, and Song Lingjie did not ask, as this matter was still uncertain, and spreading it recklessly could harm the reputation of the lady.
Actually, even without saying it, he vaguely guessed who it might be from the words he heard in the study room.
"Turning a year soon, youâll be sixteen, it should be decided. Once youâve decided, I suppose after I finish my exams and earn a title, mine will be decided too," said Song Lingjie.
Song Lingsu was surprised, "Are you so sure?"
"Itâs just an engagement, not a marriage. First, have someone engaged, so at least thereâs a fiancĂ©e in case of unexpected situations..." Song Lingjie hesitated for a moment and said, "Actually, Uncle asks about Grandmotherâs health every time."
Song Lingsu was shocked, his eyes widened, "Grandmother is she...?"
"Grandmother will be sixty next year, looking hale and hearty now, but is getting old, and she had chronic illnesses when she was young."
Song Lingjie spoke evasively, but Song Lingsu understood, fearing that Song Ci might suddenly become unwell while this generation of them hasnât even settled their marriages, let alone have a fourth generation born.
If they have someone engaged, in case of emergency, getting married urgently wouldnât be impossible, but if thereâs no one and they marry someone randomly, it would be more passive.
If Song Ci were here, sheâd probably be frustrated to the point of being powerless to complain, worrying that she might suddenly pass away without even seeing her grandson getting married!
"Letâs see, if the adults think itâs good, having it decided is also fine. From a family like ours, the girl chosen wonât be too bad," Song Lingsu smiled and said, "Itâs just the second brother who has temporarily escaped this ordeal."
People not present, no relationship to settle.
When mentioning Song Lingzhao, a trace of worry flashed in Song Lingjieâs eyes, wondering how that guy was doing now, and accustomed to military life? During such a festive season, would he be homesick?
Naturally, there would be homesickness. Song Lingzhao was also a young man, just a person; how could he not? Yet despite missing home, he felt leaving was the right choice.
Military life, too exhilarating!
Lying on the grass heap, gazing at the bright moon, Song Lingzhao nibbled on the corner of a cold, hard mooncake, with his hands behind his head, one leg crossed over the other, thinking the moon here was lower, easier to reach than in Shangjing.
He murmured to himself, "Iâm doing well, donât worry!"