Springtime Affairs in a Noble Family

Rumors spread, but were quickly suppressed.

However, after this incident, the seemingly perfect egg has developed a crack, and others will realize that the Jiangyuan Marquis's mansion is not as glamorous as it appears.

Cui Lingrong hadn't visited Shou'an Hall for half a month, but on the fifteenth, she had no choice but to go and pay her respects.

Old Mrs. Song was resentful and left Cui Lingrong waiting for a long time before letting her go back.

As the days grew warmer, the time for the county examination arrived in the blink of an eye, and Xuan-ge'er from the manor was to take the exam.

Song Shulan was still very concerned about his son's imperial examination. A few days in advance, he went to Qiushuangzhai to instruct Cui Lingrong on what she needed to prepare for the county examination.

"Don't be nervous. This is your first time taking the county exam. It doesn't matter whether you succeed or not. The main thing is to get used to the exam environment. Next year will be the most crucial time," Song Shulan said to her son.

Cui Lingrong also said, "The teachers all praise your academic performance, so just keep a calm attitude."

Song Yu especially hoped that his younger brother could pass the imperial examination and achieve fame. "I believe you can do it. Although you are young, you are very steady."

Song Mingxuan himself also wanted to pass the county examination first. He was considered one of the best among his classmates. If he couldn't even pass the county examination, wouldn't he be laughed at?

Another point is that his mother has a strained relationship with his grandmother and father. If he achieves success, he can also speak up for his mother.

Unfortunately, he was too young.

Only Song Mingjin, who is a year older, is still saying that the lotus seed soup is delicious. "It's so delicious! Big sister, you like it too? Hurry up and have a bowl!"

"You little piggy, still thinking about food at a time like this." Song Yu chuckled and tapped Jin-ge'er's head. "In a few years, when you're old enough to take the imperial examinations, let's see if you're still so playful."

Song Mingjin, her cheeks bulging from eating, said, "We'll see. There's still a long time before I take the county exam. I'm not in a hurry at all, so why are you in such a rush, big sister?"

"I hope you can become the top scholar in the imperial examination, so you can support me and bring me glory, you know?" Song Yu looked at Jin Ge'er, who only knew how to eat, shook his head, and then looked at Xuan Ge'er, "Xuan Ge'er, we can only rely on you."

When faced with a problem, Song Mingxuan is most like his mother, calmly nodding.

At this time, Old Madam Song also sent someone to give some instructions. After all, he was the eldest grandson, and Old Madam Song still cared about him quite a bit.

To their surprise, the people from Wutongyuan sent two sets of writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, as well as knee pads.

Chen De's wife said, "When the county princess learned that Xuan-ge'er was going to participate in the county examination, she specially had someone prepare the best writing materials and also prepared a set for Jin-ge'er, hoping that Jin-ge'er would also make progress."

As she spoke, she glanced at the eldest mistress and then looked at the lord. "Lord, the county princess has been grieving these past few days and is so haggard that she can't sleep at night. She hopes that the eldest mistress can put aside past grievances and that everyone can live a good life together from now on."

Song Shulan hoped for this most. He turned to look at Cui Lingrong and said, "Since the county princess has lowered her stance, you should have Xuan-ge'er bring along what the county princess has prepared."

Cui Lingrong didn't believe that Princess Rongjia would really reconcile, and even if Princess Rongjia were willing, she wasn't.

Why should the magistrate of Rongjia County just settle things? The harm that Yu Jie'er and Ze Yu suffered is not worth the death of the magistrate of Rongjia County.

Cui Lingrong gave Caixia a wink, then looked at Chen De's wife, "Since it's the county princess's kindness, please thank her for me. However, the examination materials were prepared long ago, and it's not convenient to change them now, lest something is overlooked."

She said she would accept it, and Song Shulan visibly breathed a sigh of relief. He was worried that Cui Lingrong would kick Chen De's family out.

Chen De's wife, however, did not give up. "These things that the county princess sent are items that can only be used in the palace. There's no need for the eldest mistress to change a few things; just use them directly." She looked at Xuan-ge'er and said, "Xuan-ge'er, the county princess is hoping that you will pass the imperial examination and bring glory to the Marquis's mansion."

Song Mingxuan was not old, but he had matured a lot in recent days and could understand the meaning of Chen Dejia and Princess Rongjia.

Seeing that his mother was still pondering, Song Mingxuan stepped forward and said, "Thank you for thinking of me, Princess. However, the luggage that Mother prepared for me is a token of her affection, not because of the preciousness of the writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones. As for what the Princess prepared, I can use it in the future, and Jin-ge and I will cherish it."

Song Shulan nodded with satisfaction, "Alright, since Brother Xuan says so, let's listen to him."

Since the Marquis had spoken, Chen De's wife couldn't bring up the matter again, so she changed the subject and said, "My lord, the county princess has painted a portrait of you and looks at it day and night. If you have time, please go and see her; she is devoted to you."

Instead of using tricks, it's better to just say it directly.

After hearing Chen De's story, Song Shulan's eyes showed emotion. "Is it really so, County Princess?"

"Your Excellency will know once you go and see for yourself," said Chen De's wife.

Song Shulan glanced at Cui Lingrong subconsciously. Seeing that Cui Lingrong had no expression, he coughed twice to clear his throat and cover up his embarrassment.

Chen De's wife then asked, "Madam, you wouldn't mind if the Marquis went to see the County Princess, would you?"

"Your legs are your own, Marquis. What good would it do if I said it was okay?" Cui Lingrong smiled indifferently. "If Your Majesty wants to go, then go. Just ask Your Majesty."

Song Shulan was caught in a dilemma, so he could only say, "Go and tell the county princess that I will go to see her after her confinement ends. Tell her to take good care of herself; life still goes on."

He stayed.

Cui Lingrong didn't go to see Song Shulan, but continued to instruct Xuan Ge'er on how to enter the examination hall.