Shen Zhaoli pondered for a moment. “Madam Zhou does have a point. Jingyi is to marry the eldest son of the Lu family. Why not see his attitude before making any plans?”
Zhou Qingyun nodded, having the same thought.
“The eldest son of the Lu family invited me to go on an outing during the Shangsi Festival. I will ask him clearly then.”
In truth, Shen Zhaoli was not satisfied with the Lu family and privately did not wish for Zhou Qingyun to suffer such grievances.
Although Madam Lu spoke beautifully, with such a precedent, life after entering their household would likely be difficult.
Jingyi was an extraordinary woman, not only skilled in poetry but also well-versed in military strategy.
During the battle between Dajing and Beiliang at Yuquan Pass years ago, Dajing suffered repeated defeats and lost three border cities.
If not for Jingyi anonymously offering strategies, Yuquan Pass would have long fallen.
Dajing would not have had the chance to recuperate and rebuild.
If women were allowed to serve as officials, Jingyi would undoubtedly possess the talent of a military strategist.
Now, watching as Jingyi was about to be confined to the inner courtyard, entangled in daily scheming and rivalry, Shen Zhaoli felt regret for Zhou Qingyun and a pang of sorrow.
Leaving the Taifu Mansion, Shen Zhaoli took a carriage back to the Princess’s Mansion.
On Vermilion Bird Street, at Tianxiang Lou.
Everyone had prepared a grand feast to welcome Song Chen back.
Amidst the clinking of cups, the guest of honor was nowhere to be seen.
Leaning lazily against the railing outside the second-floor door was a man dressed in a purple-blue robe with auspicious cloud patterns, his dark hair tied high into a ponytail.
His long legs slightly bent, he gently swayed a jade pot in his hand, the indigo hair ribbon fluttering in the wind.
His eyes lowered, his gaze following the slowly passing carriage downstairs.
The pattern of a dragon and phoenix was painted on the rosewood carriage body, with exquisite tassels hanging around it, swaying gently as the carriage moved, emitting pleasant bell chimes.
The carriage curtain, made of high-quality silk, was embroidered with exquisite peonies, fluttering lightly in the wind, occasionally revealing a glimpse of the breathtaking beauty inside.
Suddenly, Wang Zhong, the assistant commander of the Court of Imperial Stud, came over from the room and draped an arm over Song Chen’s shoulder.
“You rascal, we’re here to welcome you back, and you’re hiding alone for some peace and quiet.”
“Eh? Isn’t that the Princess’s Mansion carriage? Recently, rumors have been spreading in Yujing City that Princess Changle has fallen out with Prime Minister Xie. I think it’s nonsense.”
“You’ve been stationed at the border for three years, so you wouldn’t know how infatuated Princess Changle is with the Prime Minister…”
Before he could finish, Wang Zhong felt a chill on the back of his neck. Looking up, he saw Song Chen’s icy expression, seemingly angered, and quickly stopped himself.
Song Chen had gone to the battlefield at the age of ten to gain experience, cultivating an aura of fierceness.
He was not like the young masters of noble families in Yujing. Those who held low-ranking positions in Yujing City were all comrades who had fought alongside Song Chen on the battlefield.
The Song family was loyal and devoted to the imperial Shen family.
Usually, Song Chen was quite approachable, but disrespect toward the imperial family was his red line.
Wang Zhong patted Song Chen’s shoulder. “I know you are the most loyal and righteous. I was wrong; I shouldn’t have spoken carelessly about Princess Changle behind her back.”
Song Chen withdrew his gaze, watching the Princess’s Mansion carriage disappear at the end of the long street with a distant look.
Suddenly, an exquisitely embroidered pouch was thrown from somewhere, landing steadily in front of Song Chen.
On the second floor of the teahouse opposite, a veiled woman in a pink dress lowered her gaze and looked away, seemingly somewhat embarrassed.
Seeing this, everyone couldn’t help but tease.
“Ah Chen, three years ago, when you were honored as General Feiyu, becoming the youngest general in Dajing’s history, you captivated countless women in Yujing City, driving them to distraction.”
“No matter where I go, I always get hit by sachets.”
“Even though I’ve spent three years at the border, my charm hasn’t diminished in the slightest. It’s only been a few days since I returned, and already another young lady has thrown a sachet at you.”
“Exactly. If you ask us, Ah Chen, you’re not young anymore—it’s time to get married. Why not go over to the teahouse and meet that girl?”
Song Chen’s sharp gaze fell upon the sachet before him. “What an eyesore of an ugly thing.”
With a flick of his slender hand, a gust of wind from his palm sent the exquisitely crafted sachet flying, landing forlornly on the long street.
The young woman in the teahouse opposite paled, glared at Song Chen, stamped her foot, and left.
The onlookers couldn’t help but shake their heads.
“Ah Chen, you really haven’t changed a bit. Can’t you be gentler with young ladies?”
“Exactly. Did you see how that girl was almost in tears just now?”
“All the women in Yujing who admire Ah Chen are truly casting their glances at a blind man. He’s just utterly clueless about romance.”
Song Chen paid no mind to their words, lifting the jade pot to drink.
“The affections of the masses are like wind passing by my ears—not what I seek. What I love stands firm and unmoving, like mountains.”
Leaning against the railing, Song Chen gazed into the distance, his eyes seemingly piercing through the splendid towers and jade halls to see the direction of his heart.
He already had the brightest moonlight in his heart—how could he care for those common powders and rouges?
Upon hearing this, Wang Zhong and the others were momentarily stunned before understanding dawned on them.
“Leading troops into battle doesn’t mean you have to become a monk. No matter how loyal and patriotic you are, you still need to marry and have children.”
“Your family only has you as the sole heir. If you keep dragging your feet like this, the old general must be getting anxious.”
Song Chen’s expression darkened. Since his return to the capital these past few days, the old man hadn’t given him a single day of peace, constantly pressuring him to go out and meet young ladies.
Today, it seemed he had even specifically arranged for a matchmaker to visit.
“Gentlemen, today’s drinks are on me. There’s something urgent at the mansion—we’ll catch up another day.”
With that, Song Chen vaulted over the railing, landing steadily on the ground.
The others were unfazed, accustomed to Song Chen’s temperament. They turned and went back inside to continue drinking.
As soon as Song Chen returned to the Zhenguo General’s Mansion, he hurriedly packed his belongings and headed for the gate.
Zhenguo General Song Yingwu was a pillar of the Dajing nation.
Having spent his life on the battlefield, he had no interest in romantic affairs and only married Meng Qianlan, the daughter of a royal merchant, after turning thirty-five.
The following year, Meng Qianlan gave birth to a son—the present-day Song Chen.
Although he had a son late in life, General Song never spoiled Song Chen; instead, he was extremely strict.
At this moment, in the courtyard of the Zhenguo General’s Mansion, the eight-foot-tall General Song stood before the arched gate, blocking Song Chen’s path.
Song Yingwu, with his graying temples and wrinkles at the corners of his eyes, still possessed a sharp gaze.
“Where are you going?”
Song Chen’s eyes flickered slightly as he lifted his bundle with a light laugh.
“I just went out for a drink. Wang Zhong mentioned that his youngest son wants to learn martial arts and asked me to go teach him for a couple of days.”
Song Yingwu stared at Song Chen and snorted coldly.
“Do you think I don’t know what you’re up to? The matchmaker has already taken your portrait. For the time being, no matter what excuse you have, you are not to leave the Zhenguo General’s Mansion.”
Song Chen frowned, a flash of displeasure crossing his face.
“Father, I am grown now. I can decide my own marriage matters.”
“Besides, I currently have no plans to marry.”
A vein throbbed on Song Yingwu’s forehead. “Marriage is a matter of parental decree and matchmaker’s words. How can you act so recklessly?”
“This matter is not up to you. You’ve been gone for three years, and now that you’ve returned, your marriage must be settled!”
Song Chen tightened his grip on the bundle in his hand, his dark eyes lowered, concealing the emotions within.
“In recent years, while guarding Cangyun City at the border, I have come to understand the long-standing grievances between Dajing and Beiliang. Though there have been no major conflicts, minor skirmishes have been frequent.”
“Now, Beiliang has sent envoys to the capital for peace talks. This is suspicious, and I fear they harbor ill intentions.”
“With the country still unsettled, I have no mind for marriage.”
The old general Song Yingwu stood with his hands behind his back, pacing back and forth, his hawk-like eyes filled with anger.
“Nonsense! If you truly cared about the nation’s affairs, you should have stayed and guarded Cangyun City. Why rush back to the capital?”
“Song Chen, I don’t care why you returned, but your marriage can no longer be delayed! Tomorrow, you will go and meet the second daughter of the Minister of Revenue.”
“If you dare run away, I’ll break your legs!”