Chapter 1220: Chapter 1220: Madam, Prosperity Leads to Decline
In fact, given the current status and reputation of the Prime Ministerâs Mansion, inviting someone to arrange a marriage for the legitimate eldest grandson is simply too easy, second only to the Emperor and the Empress Dowager.
But if Song Zhiyuan wanted the Emperor to arrange the marriage, he wouldnât have asked Song Ci and the others to negotiate it, so itâs clear he wasnât considering that option.
The original Song Ciâs social interactions were also simple, with only a handful of close acquaintances. The current Song Ci maintains the original old ladyâs low profile and hasnât expanded her social circle. Her close contacts remain just a few people, with the Empress Dowager Wang first, followed by the old Wei family, Princess Anping, and others.
The intended marriage match for Song Lingsu is the noble lady of the Duke Mansion, so Song Ci thought of approaching Anping. A princess matchmaking is both dignified and full of sincerity.
"This old servant finds it excellent, just donât forget that in the first month, Commandery Princess Shou Ning is also getting married, so itâs uncertain if Princess Anping has the time to manage this matter," Nanny said with a smile.
Being a matchmaker isnât easy, as one must go back and forth between the two families to pass messages. The girlâs family wonât usually agree immediately upon the matchmakerâs visit. To appear reserved, they will certainly play hard to get a few times, causing the matchmaker to run back and forth several times until the girlâs family agrees.
Once the girlâs family agrees, the matchmaker must then arrange for both families to officially engage and exchange marriage details, which is not a simple task.
Princess Anping herself needs to marry off her daughter and will certainly be busy with many trivial matters, so itâs uncertain if she has the time.
"I will personally visit to ask. If she cannot spare the time, then I will boldly ask the Empress Dowager to arrange the marriage." The Empress Dowager arranging the marriage is not less prestigious than the Emperorâs arrangement, and it might not matter much.
Nanny thought that if Song Ci personally visited, no matter how busy Princess Anping was, she would surely spare some time to help matchmake, considering that the Princess Mansion also has children whose futures need attention, and forming a good relationship with the Prime Ministerâs Mansion couldnât hurt.
Despite her high status, a princess is still a person, with a husband. A favored princess is one thing, but a princess without favor is less than a noble lady from a regular aristocratic family.
Therefore, for the sake of her own family and children, or even the entire family, a princess will try to expand her network as much as possible. Who can guarantee lifelong favor and prestige?
Song Ci made her decision, and a few days later, Song Ruqi sent an invitation for Madam Guan and her daughter to visit, along with two old friends from the inner chambers as companions, staying in the Prime Ministerâs Mansion for half a day. Both sides were pleasant, and they waited for the matchmaker to come.
After Madam Guan and her daughter left, winter solstice and the small new year passed, various government offices were sealed, and Song Ci went out and presented an invitation to the Anping Princess Mansion.
When Madam Song heard her mother-in-lawâs destination, she knew her mother-in-law intended to ask Princess Anping for help in matchmaking. Although she felt a bit regretful, considering the princessâs status, the sense of loss wasnât too great. She couldnât help but mention it when Song Zhiyuan was leisurely in the main courtyard.
Song Zhiyuan wasnât surprised and said, "Princess Anpingâs status is noble, her help in matchmaking would indeed be excellent."
Madam Song carefully said, "Noble as it may be, is it nobler than the Empress Dowager and the Emperor?"
Song Zhiyuan looked over and said, "The Empress Dowager is unwell and not suitable. As for the Emperor, he is not aware, and I havenât mentioned it. Suâerâs intended match is a noble lady of the Duke Mansion, which is prestigious enough, so thereâs no need to trouble the Emperor for an arrangement. Madam, great prosperity begets decline."