A look of delight flashed across Prince Song's eyes.
If A Yu could marry the Second Prince, they wouldn't have to fear the Crown Prince's wrath.
Moreover, no matter whether the Crown Prince or the Second Prince ascended the throne in the future, he would be the father - in - law of the emperor.
By that time, let's see who would still dare to look down on the Song family and the Prince Song's Mansion!
Hearing what Prince Song said, Ruan Jiu barely held back the urge to roll her eyes.
She pretended to say softly, "Father, although the Second Prince is indeed a fine man, he is not the right match for your daughter."
"Why isn't he a good match?" Prince Song immediately retorted. "If both of my daughters marry into the royal family, and both of their husbands are potential heirs to the throne, it would be such a glorious thing to talk about."
After hearing this, Ruan Jiu took a deep breath.
No wonder the Prince Song's Mansion was gradually declining. Prince Song's head was clearly full of nonsense.
She had to quickly dispel this ridiculous thought from Prince Song's mind.
"Father, precisely for this reason, your daughter absolutely cannot marry the Second Prince."
Seeing that Prince Song still looked puzzled, Ruan Jiu continued to explain, "Think about it. If there is a struggle for the heir - apparent position in the future, which side will you take? And how will the Prince Song's Mansion handle the situation?"
Ruan Jiu's words woke Prince Song up from his daydream.
Yes, wouldn't this be like putting him on the spot?
Then Ruan Jiu continued, "Moreover, the Second Prince's mother, the current Empress, do you think the Prince Song's Mansion as it is now can still catch her eye?"
As soon as she finished speaking, Prince Song's fantasy was instantly shattered.
After a moment of stunned silence, he hurriedly asked, "Then what should we do?"
Ruan Jiu let out a long breath. Finally, he asked the right question.
"Father, have you heard about the matter that the Young Marquis Xie was thrown into the imperial prison today?"
Prince Song shook his head, looking puzzled.
What did the Young Marquis Xie being thrown into the imperial prison have to do with their Prince Song's Mansion?
"Today, His Majesty bestowed a marriage on the Young Marquis Xie, but the Young Marquis Xie refused it. In a fit of anger, His Majesty threw him into the imperial prison."
After hearing this, Prince Song frowned even deeper.
He still didn't understand what this had to do with the Prince Song's Mansion.
"Father, do you know why the Young Marquis Xie refused the imperial marriage?"
Prince Song shook his head again.
He understood the question, but he didn't know the answer.
"Because of me."
After hearing this, Prince Song's eyes showed surprise, and then he exclaimed, "Although the Prince Song's Mansion is not what it used to be, you are still the legitimate daughter of the mansion. What's wrong with you that he would refuse the marriage!"
As he spoke, a bit of dissatisfaction welled up in Prince Song's heart.
However, the Young Marquis Xie had attended Song Qingyu's son - in - law selection banquet that day, right?
How could he still refuse His Majesty's bestowed marriage and end up being thrown into the imperial prison because of it?
Ruan Jiu helplessly rubbed her forehead.
It was really tiring to talk to someone without a brain.
So she continued to explain, "The Young Marquis Xie refused His Majesty's bestowed marriage because of me."
"What?" Prince Song stared at her in disbelief with wide - open eyes. "Could it be that you two..."
Ruan Jiu pursed her lips and nodded. "After the son - in - law selection banquet that day, the Young Marquis Xie and I fell in love with each other. He had long planned to come to our mansion to propose marriage, but the matter was delayed because I was ill."
After hearing this, Prince Song suddenly understood. He stroked his chin and thought carefully.
Marrying into the Marquis Chengen's Mansion would be a good match.
Moreover, since the Young Marquis Xie dared to refuse His Majesty's bestowed marriage, he would surely not be afraid of the Crown Prince's wrath.
Then the daughter he had painstakingly raised for many years would not be "stuck" in his hands.
But...
"However, His Majesty has already bestowed a marriage on the Young Marquis Xie." Prince Song looked complicated.
This marriage was indeed a good one, but now His Majesty was extremely angry. He didn't want to get involved in this mess and end up in trouble.
"Precisely because of this, His Majesty needs you to step in and help him out of this awkward situation. Think about it. His Majesty doesn't really want to punish the Young Marquis Xie. He's just angry that the Young Marquis Xie publicly embarrassed him.
If you go to the palace to plead at this time, you can not only help His Majesty out of the predicament but also gain a good son - in - law. Why not do it?"
Seeing the hesitation still in Prince Song's eyes, Ruan Jiu decided to play her trump card.
"Father, the Young Marquis Xie told me that he is willing to marry into our Song family. In the future, our children can inherit your legacy."
As soon as these words were spoken, Prince Song's eyes lit up.
The biggest regret in his life was that he had no sons.
If the Young Marquis Xie was willing to marry into the family, the Song family's lineage could be continued.
By that time, his own grandson, backed by the prince's mansion and the marquis's mansion and in control of the Xie family's wealth, would bring such glory!
Thinking of this, Prince Song couldn't wait to reply, "Good, good, good. I'll go to the palace early tomorrow morning."
Ruan Jiu finally got the result she wanted.
She nodded slightly. "A Yu is willing to accompany Father to the palace tomorrow. If His Majesty blames anyone, Father can just put all the blame on A Yu."
After hearing this, Prince Song was in a great mood.
Why hadn't he noticed before that Song Qingyu was so obedient and sensible?
He really had a wonderful daughter!
-
In the imperial study,
Prince Song and Ruan Jiu were kneeling on the ground, while His Majesty was sitting upright on the dragon throne with a serious expression.
After hearing what Prince Song had to say, there was not the slightest ripple on his face.
Ruan Jiu couldn't help but sigh secretly. So this was the demeanor of an emperor.
Just then, Prince Song quietly tugged at Ruan Jiu's sleeve.
He whispered, "Why didn't you tell me that this marriage was personally requested by Grand Tutor Zhao?"
There was a bit of complaint in his tone.
Ruan Jiu murmured to herself. If I had told you, would you still have come to the palace?
But on the surface, she showed an innocent look. "Father didn't ask, so A Yu didn't say."
After hearing this, Prince Song couldn't help but glare at Ruan Jiu.
Grand Tutor Zhao was a vital minister, while he was just a non - hereditary prince without a fief or real power.
Compared with him, it was like an egg hitting a rock.
If he had known earlier, he definitely wouldn't have come to the palace to make a fool of himself today.
"Prince Song, is what you just said true?"
His Majesty's deep voice came from above Prince Song's head.
Prince Song quickly lowered his head. "Your Majesty, every word I just said is true. However, since Grand Tutor Zhao personally asked Your Majesty to bestow this marriage, I don't want to take what others desire. I'll take my little daughter back now and break her thoughts."
The Prince Song, who had just looked so determined, now had second thoughts. Even his voice lacked confidence.
He looked like he was waiting for an opportunity. As long as His Majesty said a word, he would immediately slink away with Ruan Jiu.
However, Ruan Jiu wasn't going to leave like this.
She immediately said, "Your Majesty, your subject's daughter knows that she is not worthy of the Young Marquis Xie, but your subject's daughter really can't bear to see the Young Marquis Xie suffer in the imperial prison. So I came to the palace today to explain the truth to Your Majesty.
The Young Marquis Xie didn't mean to refuse the marriage on purpose. It was because he and I are deeply in love and couldn't control ourselves. I beg Your Majesty to release him. I'm willing to take his punishment!"
Her words were sincere and full of genuine emotion.
But as soon as she finished speaking, a shrill voice came from the door.
"The Crown Prince is here!"
Ruan Jiu squinted her eyes slightly, remaining calm.
They sure came quickly.