Since Liuzhou City was far away from the capital, just like the weddings of Prince Cheng and Prince Yong before, Prince Yu's wedding was also held in his mansion in the capital.
The family members of the Song Mansion had been arranged by Prince Yu in a villa in the capital long ago. Moreover, because Song Qinzhou had made outstanding political achievements, the emperor specially summoned the Song father and son before the wedding.
The emperor also bestowed a great deal of gold and silver. Seeing that the Song father and son were favored by the emperor, the nobles in the capital all intended to make friends with them. After all, the Song family had no foundation in the capital. If they could make friends with the Song family, it would be a good thing.
Many nobles in the capital were envious that the daughter of a prefect from a remote small town had become the Princess of Prince Yu. It was like a windfall.
Many noble girls in the capital didn't have the chance to marry into a prince's mansion. Especially in the mansion of Grand Tutor Shen. Because of Shen Yingyun before, there had been a lot of gossips in the capital. It was a pity... In the end, both of the Shen sisters had married into the Crown Prince's mansion.
Due to Rong Qing'er, the Duke of Rong didn't want to have any more connections with Prince Yu's mansion. Unfortunately... It wasn't up to him. He still sent gifts to congratulate Prince Yu on his wedding.
Rong Shuang'er watched her father's dilemma and sneered. The glory of the Duke of Rong would end here. Just having a queen in the family was like adding fuel to the fire.
Her father had once fantasized about a connection with Prince Yu's mansion. How could it be possible?
The emperor would never agree. The queen had made a futile effort last time. Not only was the Duke of Rong's mansion scolded, but also a concubine daughter was lost. The evaluation of the Duke of Rong's mansion by the nobles in the capital had become rather poor. It was almost impossible for the subsequent concubine daughters to marry well.
Under the arrangement of her mother, several concubine daughters had married junior officials as their first wives. It could be regarded as not losing too much face for the Duke of Rong's mansion.
But what about herself? Because of the scandal with the King of Zhongzhou, no one was interested in her anymore. Well, it was quite comfortable to stay at home.
Rong Shuang'er was open - minded. She dressed up in disguise with her maid and left the Duke's mansion. She headed straight for Mingyue Tower. "I heard that there's a new chef there. Let's go and have a taste."
The maid beside Mrs. Xiang was holding the young master Ling Yu. She had come to the capital specifically for the wedding. Since Song Chuyu was socializing with Song Qinzhou, only a few old women and maids were accompanying her.
She wanted to buy some fashionable jewelry in the capital for Song Jinyu today. Although Prince Yu had given a lot, as the bride's family, the Song family couldn't be too shabby.
While she was selecting the jewelry, someone suddenly attacked the maid holding Ling Yu from behind. It caused a panic for a moment. When she was about to turn around to take care of the child, her money bag was snatched by a thief.
"Catch the thief!"
Mrs. Xiang was anxious. Although she didn't care about the silver, there was her private handkerchief in it.
Rong Shuang'er had just passed by. She was quick - eyed and quick - handed and followed the thief. She had grown up in a rural manor all year round and had good skills. Maybe the thieves in the capital had eaten too well. They ran very clumsily. Soon, the thief was caught by Rong Shuang'er.
Everyone cheered. And Wang Ruyi, the King of Zhongzhou on the upper floor, also saw this scene.
"Here you are..." Rong Shuang'er was a little tired from running, but she still walked back quickly and found Mrs. Xiang.
Mrs. Xiang looked at Rong Shuang'er, who was dressed up as a "gentleman", and thanked her repeatedly. Rong Shuang'er teased Ling Yu in Mrs. Xiang's arms and then left with a smile. She still had to go to Mingyue Tower for dinner!
That "gentleman" had a noble temperament like the bright moon, and his eyebrows were full of heroism. Mrs. Xiang was very impressed. When she returned to the mansion and told Song Chuyu about it,
She found out that it was actually the eldest daughter of the Duke's mansion. "I think her personality is really similar to our Yu'er."
"Only Yu'er is a beauty, and she is more like a gentleman with a noble and open - minded character."
Song Chuyu laughed at her. "What kind of description is this?"
"Who would describe a girl like this?"
However, later, Song Chuyu still took Mrs. Xiang to the Duke's mansion to express their gratitude. Unexpectedly...
They were coldly received by the Duke of Rong.
Rong Shuang'er had no choice but to ask the Duchess of Rong to meet Mrs. Xiang. "Father really dotes on Rong Qing'er."
Thinking sarcastically, Rong Shuang'er still went to the study by herself and talked with the Duke of Rong for half a day.
"Prince Yu's mansion is in the limelight. Father, if you don't give face like this, aren't you going to offend Prince Yu?"
It was just the family of the queen. It was still uncertain who would occupy that position in the future. Moreover, the emperor was still in good health. The Crown Prince was still just the Crown Prince.
When she personally sent Song Jinyu to the villa, it was already late. Zhongli Mingye stayed to have dinner with the Song father and son.
Before leaving, he told Song Chuyu to take good "care" of Song Jinyu, and also told Song Chuyu what had happened on Tianmen Mountain.
The Song father and son were stunned on the spot when they heard this news. Their daughter/sister had actually been chosen by Miao Yunshen as the young master of Tianmen Mountain.
Song Qinzhou was so angry that he shouted, "Miao Yunshen has ruined my daughter!" Then he felt sad about Miao Yunshen's death.
Song Chuyu saw Zhongli Mingye's unhappiness and comforted him, "Jinyu has always been a person who values affection. But when it comes to love between a man and a woman, you are the only one in her heart." Zhongli Mingye knew this very well, but now Song Jinyu was full of hatred. How could he untie this knot in her heart?
"I won't let go!"
Looking at Song Jinyu's yard, he calmed down. He stopped walking. Song Chuyu said with a smile, "Your Highness, when have you ever been so hesitant?"
Well, Zhongli Mingye walked towards Song Jinyu. She was sitting on the swing in the yard at this time. The moonlight shone through the lush branches, making shadows.
Today, she didn't wear any makeup. There was just a small bunch of lilacs in her hairpin. They were picked from the blooming lilac bushes in the yard. Her expression was sad and lonely. Her skin was even paler and more transparent. The soft light was as smooth as fat. He couldn't help but caress her beautiful face.
Zhongli Mingye's eyes slowly fell into her eyes like water.
"Song Jinyu..."
"Aren't you best at making deals?" Song Jinyu looked at him in confusion. The water in her eyes touched Zhongli Mingye's heart,
Stirring the quietest mood on this spring night.
"You marry me peacefully. I promise to give you all the freedom. And... the power of the entire Prince Yu's mansion, together with myself, will help you achieve your wishes." His voice was cold, but there was a faint doting in it.
For a moment, Song Jinyu didn't understand Zhongli Mingye's meaning. She smiled bitterly. "Do I have any other choice?" She knew that he was doing this for her own good, but... she didn't want to involve him.
Zhongli Mingye leaned down. The posture became more and more ambiguous. He stared at Song Jinyu coldly. The atmosphere was stagnant. She took a step back slightly unnaturally, but unfortunately, the inertia of the swing sent her back,
This time, it sent her into Zhongli Mingye's arms.
"Ah..."
Holding her body tightly, "You have to marry me!"
Song Jinyu closed her eyes tightly and quietly lay in his arms. Smelling the faint sandalwood fragrance, the string in her mind seemed to loosen.