The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Song Ci, mindful of his eldest grandson’s marriage, fulfilled the promise made on the Mid-Autumn Night. While the weather was still mild, he sent invitations to Princess Anping and several Madams.

Duke Dingguo Mansion.

Madam Guan received the invitation, opened and read it repeatedly, feeling a bit hesitant. Duke Dingguo, seeing her expression, couldn’t help but be curious.

"What is it? Is there something amiss with the invitation?"

Madam Guan laughed, "You jest. Although the Song Minister’s Mansion rose only two or three decades ago, that Madam from the Marquis Mansion has been managing the household with marquis rules since she entered the door. Over the years, with such immersion, the Song Family’s rules and etiquette are all well-established. How could there be a mistake on an invitation?"

Duke Dingguo took the invitation she handed over, flipped through it casually, and said, "If that’s the case, why the uncertainty in your expression?"

"I was thinking whether to bring Xiao Liu along as a guest," Madam Guan glanced at him.

Duke Dingguo was momentarily stunned and immediately understood the implication of her words.

After returning to the capital for mourning this year, Madam Guan had attended several banquets, naturally for the sake of their youngest daughter’s marriage.

The youngest daughter is already fourteen this year, and can’t be delayed any longer. Otherwise, at this age, not only is marriage not set, even a marriage arrangement would be too late.

"Why, are you afraid of attracting attention?"

Madam Guan said, "On the Mid-Autumn Night, I overheard Old Lady Song seemed to have intentions to find a wife for her eldest grandson, the eldest son of Prime Minister Song."

Duke Dingguo was moved, jokingly, "Are you interested in that boy?"

Madam Guan also smiled, "What’s strange about being interested? You, Duke, haven’t met that child. At fifteen or sixteen, he’s very upright and composed, knowing how to advance and retreat appropriately, and is extremely cultured. Even if not him, that third young master of the Song Family is also very well-bred."

Among the noble families in the capital, she had attended banquets and seen quite a few young lords in their youth. Some, although noble, behaved flamboyantly and arrogantly. Of course, there were good ones, but none pleased her as much as the two young men of the Song Family.

"You need to think it through. That boy is the legitimate eldest son, whereas our Xiao Liu is the youngest daughter, pampered since childhood. Can she shoulder the responsibilities of the legitimate eldest son’s wife?"

Madam Guan snorted, "Even though she’s the youngest daughter, I haven’t skimped on her education. She’s been helping me manage household affairs for three years now."

Due to a major mourning, Madam Guan fell seriously ill, and the household affairs were managed by Guan Liu, which she handled remarkably well for years.

What made Madam Guan proud was that even as the youngest daughter, her Xiao Liu could handle being the wife of the legitimate eldest son. 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Duke Dingguo laughed, and said, "Did Old Lady Song take a liking to Xiao Liu? For this banquet, they must have someone in mind already."

"I think she showed some interest in the legitimate eldest daughter of the Wen Family. However, the expression of that Old Lady made it hard to be sure, as if not entirely satisfied either."

Madam Guan sighed, "This is what troubles me. Should I still take Xiao Liu to the banquet? Wouldn’t it seem like a competition? It’s not appropriate. Yet, I feel the Song Family is a good match. You wouldn’t know, but Old Lady Song mentioned implementing a rule that only men over forty without sons could take concubines."

Although the Song Family isn’t extremely wealthy, they’re noble. What I admire is the Song Family’s moral conduct. If this rule is established, the boys of the Song Family will become more sought-after.

Duke Dingguo responded, "If that’s the case, there’s no harm in taking her along. Just pretend you don’t know the purpose of the banquet and simply attend for the feast. The wonder of destiny lies in its unpredictability."

Madam Guan raised an eyebrow.