FYM - 50

The moment the words left her mouth, the cheerful chatter in the hall abruptly ceased.

Song Shuyan had always been wary of her stepmother’s schemes. Catching the quick exchange between Su Mo and Lady Wan, she immediately understood the latter’s intent—to publicly link her with Young Master Wang in front of Lady Jiang and Fang Xianting. She wasn’t sure whether Wang Xu was an unwitting pawn or acting deliberately to complicate matters.

Frowning slightly, Song Shuyan instinctively glanced at Fang Xianting. This time, he was observing Lady Wan, his expression inscrutable. Meanwhile, her stepmother spoke up, smiling as she asked, “Why has Young Master Wang come? Didn’t he return to Xuanchou before the new year?”

“He says he misses Fourth Miss and insists on seeing her one last time,” Su Mo replied with a coy smile, sneaking glances at Song Shuyan as if mocking a pair of lovers. “He’s waiting outside with numerous gifts.”

“Is that so?” Lady Wan’s eyes narrowed into slits, her grin widening as she turned to Song Shuyan. “It seems he truly cares for you. Shall we let him meet you, Fourth Daughter?”

Such words were utterly inappropriate, treating her like anything but a proper noble lady. Though Song Shuyan usually disregarded these petty squabbles within the household, she now felt particularly uneasy with Lady Jiang and Fang Xianting present. Her earlier warmth faded, replaced by a cool detachment. Addressing Su Mo, she said, “I have no marital agreement with Young Master Wang. Meeting privately would be improper, and I need not accept any gifts. Please send him away on my behalf.”

She had always been deferential and accommodating toward her stepmother, but this time, her refusal was firm and decisive. Internally, Lady Wan cursed her as a “little whore,” realizing the girl born of Lady Qiao was showing her teeth in pursuit of Fang Xianting’s favor. Outwardly, however, she remained composed, waving dismissively. “Very well, very well. Send him away. Such an abrupt visit is indeed inappropriate. Next time, he should come with his elders…”

Su Mo bowed and left the hall. Song Shuyan knew her stepmother wouldn’t give up so easily and suspected there was more to come. Sure enough, Su Mo soon returned, this time holding a letter. Her expression feigned difficulty as she reported, “I tried persuading Young Master Wang for a long while before he agreed to leave, but he insisted on delivering this letter to Fourth Miss. This…”

The letter, sealed with a crimson ribbon, was clearly a love note. Song Shuyan’s revulsion deepened, and she vaguely felt Fang Xianting’s gaze return to her. It was hazy yet unmistakable, making her hesitate to look up, instead feeling an inexplicable timidity.

“This is rather amusing…”

Amid the tension, Lady Jiang suddenly spoke, her noble eyes casually glancing at the crimson-sealed letter, her expression ambiguously amused.

“They say gentlemen pursue fair maidens. A girl of Shuyan’s beauty and virtue naturally draws admirers, but the behavior of the Wang family from Xuanchou is far too reckless—it tarnishes their reputation.”

Her words carried weight, clearly defending Song Shuyan. Lady Wan’s lips tightened, unable to retort, merely nodding repeatedly in agreement. Lady Jiang picked up the teacup beside her, sipped slowly, then placed it back down. When she spoke again, her gaze landed on Lady Wan. “Raising daughters brings countless benefits, but it also requires careful consideration. You still have two daughters to marry off, Madam Song. Be diligent in choosing suitable matches and avoid letting ill-mannered suitors exploit the situation.”

Though Lady Jiang was generally kind, she was also the matriarch of the Fang family. She had shown no deference even to the late emperor during the mourning rites, so why should she hesitate to admonish a Jiangnan housewife? Lady Wan flinched as if slapped, her high cheekbones flushing red, then pale. Her gaze, when it returned to Song Shuyan, brimmed with resentment.

—Do you think Lady Jiang will protect you forever?

If your reputation suffers… don’t dream of entering the Fang family.

Meanwhile, Su Mo retreated from the Binwei Hall and headed to the front courtyard. Wang Xu was still waiting under the corridor. Seeing Su Mo return, his face lit up, and he eagerly asked, “Excuse me, was the letter delivered to Fourth Miss?”

Truly handsome and refined, his silver-red robe was striking. Standing there, he exuded the elegance of a scholar-poet.

Su Mo curtsied, her expression troubled. Finally, she replied, “I failed in fulfilling your request…”

Wang Xu understood, his eyes dimming. After a pause, he asked, “May I know the reason? Was it… the elders of the Song family who disapproved?”

Hearing this, Su Mo’s eyes flickered, her practiced demeanor revealing calculated difficulty. She was indeed skilled, having been trained under Lady Wan’s watchful eye.

“Young Master may not know, but our mistress originally hoped Fourth Miss would form a bond with you…” she hesitated, “…but…”

Wang Xu froze, his heart hanging in suspense. He quickly pressed her, “But what?”

Su Mo didn’t answer immediately, prolonging the suspense before finally speaking. “Since Fourth Miss returned to Jinling, other matchmakers have frequently visited. Perhaps… perhaps…”

The implication was clear: Many suitors sought Song Shuyan’s hand. Perhaps she had already set her sights on someone else.

Wang Xu muttered a response, his heart sinking. Recalling the fleeting glimpse of her in the Song family hall, he remembered her beauty vividly—a sight unforgettable after just one meeting. Since then, all other women seemed lacking in charm. Even the famed beauties of Pingkang Lane in Jinling failed to excite him. If this delicate flower were truly plucked by another…

Su Mo observed the crestfallen look on this dashing young man and grew more certain of her strategy. With exaggerated sympathy, she sighed, “Our mistress said that the Wang and Song families are old acquaintances. She trusts your character implicitly but fears Fourth Miss may make a regrettable mistake. She hopes you’ll act decisively and secure this union soon.”

Decisively…?

Wang Xu puzzled over her words, bowing earnestly for guidance. Su Mo obliged generously, advising, “Tomorrow, Fourth Miss will accompany the ladies on an outing in Jinling. They’ll dine at the Jiangyun Pavilion around noon. Perhaps you should seize this opportunity to ensure Fourth Miss understands the contents of today’s letter…”

Today’s letter?

Mostly passionate verses, it ended with a carefully crafted, romantic poem—widely celebrated in Xuanchou, where it was hard to come by.

Perhaps tomorrow…

He caught on, immediately thanking Su Mo with a deep bow, convinced that the Song family elders favored him. His confidence soared, and he exclaimed, “Please convey my gratitude to the mistress. I understand, I understand…”

________________________________________

The next morning dawned bright and clear. As expected, Lady Wan had meticulously arranged the outing to accompany Lady Jiang. They planned to visit historic sites in Taicheng before noon and make further arrangements later.

Nearly all of the Song family’s children were present, except Song Shuyan and Song Shuqian. Brothers Song Mingzhuo and Song Mingzhen accompanied them as well. The women traveled by carriage, while the men rode horses, attended by numerous servants—a sizable entourage. By Fang Xianting’s side, Lin Ze appeared solemn, surrounded by burly guards who were clearly not ordinary servants. Their fierce demeanor was intimidating.

Having witnessed Fang Xianting’s perilous encounter with assassins a year ago, Song Shuyan found the display unsurprising. Lady Wan, however, felt uneasy, glancing nervously at Lady Jiang and Marquis Fang before timidly asking, “This… this…”

Rarely had Song Mingzhen seen his stepmother so cowed. Amused, he exchanged knowing glances with his youngest sister, finding humor in the situation. Recognizing the alarm among the Song women, Fang Xianting feared scaring the townsfolk with his military escort. After some deliberation, he waved Lin Ze away. Though reluctant, Lin Ze obeyed.

“My apologies, Madam, for alarming you with my men’s brashness,” Fang Xianting addressed Lady Wan.

His commanding presence was unprecedented in Jiangnan. Third Miss Song felt her heart flutter, imagining a future where she could marry into the Fang household and live harmoniously with her beloved Yi Zhi. Eager to ingratiate herself, she cozied up to Lady Jiang in the carriage, displaying a charming, endearing demeanor.

Song Shuyan spoke less but harbored a deep affection for Lady Jiang—not only because she was Fang Xianting’s mother but also because she sensed kindness from her. Though reserved by nature, she genuinely reciprocated goodwill, much like she did with her grandmother, second brother, Cui Mama, and Zhui’er.

That day, she stayed close to Lady Jiang, quietly handing her a cup of tea when conversations with Lady Wan and Third Miss tired her. Intending to step down first to assist Lady Jiang, she was startled to see Fang Xianting arrive early. As the carriage curtain lifted, she saw him standing tall, like a towering pine or bamboo.

Caught off guard, she hesitated, unsure whether to step out or remain inside. His expression softened as he extended his right hand, palm up, offering support for her descent.

This…

She hesitated.

Behind her, Lady Wan’s impatient voice urged her to hurry, annoyed by the delay. Smoothing her hair, Song Shuyan bent low to exit the carriage, lightly placing her left hand on his arm. The brief contact, though proper, still brought a blush to her cheeks.

He must have noticed, his gaze lingering on her face. Feeling uneasy, she met his eyes, detecting a faint smile.

This person…

…Was he teasing her?

Retracting her hand, her fingertips tingled with warmth. She thought him bewitching, for how else could he so effortlessly unsettle her? Lowering her head slightly, she inclined her body and murmured, “…Thank you, Brother San.”

Unbeknownst to her, his thoughts mirrored hers. A simple “Brother San” stirred emotions beneath the bright sky. Maintaining a composed exterior, he nodded before turning to help his mother alight. Lady Jiang’s eyes darted between her son’s overly serious expression and Song Shuyan’s flushed cheeks, thinking that if not for the three-year mourning period, they might already consider proposing a match to Lord Song.