Springtime Affairs in a Noble Family

Before anyone inside could react, Princess Rongjia's laughter wafted in. As she stepped over the threshold, her gaze first fell on Cui Zeyu and his son.

"Lord Duke, it's been a long time! Congratulations! Why didn't you send out an invitation to celebrate your good news?" Princess Rongjia stood next to Song Shulan, asserting her authority.

Having already experienced the hypocrisy of Old Madam Song, the Duke of Dingguo instinctively looked at his son when Princess Rongjia spoke.

Cui Zeyu said, "There will be plenty of opportunities in the future, and we will send invitations to our sister."

The implication was that it would not be given to Princess Rongjia.

Princess Rongjia was furious to learn that Cui Zeyu had been adopted by the Duke of Dingguo and had even come to visit today. Seeing the old lady smiling obsequiously only made her feel worse.

She said jokingly, "Why did you only give it to your sister and not to us?"

Most people would just casually say "I'll give it to you," but Cui Zeyu remained silent.

Seeing that his son remained silent, the Duke of Dingguo dared not respond.

The room fell silent instantly.

It felt as if several invisible slaps had landed hard on Princess Rongjia's face.

Song Shulan couldn't stand it any longer and cleared his throat. "Since the county princess is here too, let's have a meal together."

Only then did Mrs. Xu seize the opportunity and order the dishes to be served.

At this point, it was too late for Princess Rongjia to leave, so she could only bite the bullet and sit down.

Seeing Princess Rongjia's stiff face, Cui Lingrong felt a sense of satisfaction. After exchanging glances with her younger brother, she smiled from the bottom of her heart.

After the meal, Princess Rongjia couldn't sit still any longer and made an excuse to leave.

Old Mrs. Song had been keeping her company for so long, and she was tired too. Only Song Shulan had no choice but to stay and drink tea with her.

Taking advantage of this moment, Cui Lingrong brought up Jin-ge'er's desire to learn martial arts, saying, "I'm not hoping he'll become particularly skilled, but Jin-ge'er likes it. He didn't have the opportunity before, but now that the Duke is here, I wonder if the Duke could recommend an instructor?"

Since these words were brought up in front of Song Shulan, Song Shulan couldn't refute Cui Lingrong in public, so he could only frown and look at her.

Cui Lingrong pretended not to see Song Shulan's gaze.

Upon hearing Cui Lingrong speak, the Duke of Dingguo immediately said, "Since Jin-ge'er is interested, I happen to have a young child at home who is about the same age. They can practice martial arts together and keep each other company."

After a pause, the Duke of Dingguo, remembering that he had a woman named Qin in his household, added, "The martial arts training ground of the Duke of Dingguo's mansion has a separate courtyard, with its own gate and entrance. People from the inner courtyard are not allowed to go to the training ground."

Cui Lingrong then looked at Song Shulan, "What does Your Excellency think?"

With things having come to this point, what could Song Shulan say? He couldn't afford to offend the Duke of Dingguo any further, so he had no choice but to bite the bullet and agree.

"Alright, I'll arrange the best instructors and teachers for them later. Leading troops into battle isn't just about martial arts skills; one must also be well-read." Duke Dingguo was very happy; the fact that Lady Cui took the initiative to make the request actually put him at ease.

The Cui father and son sat for a while. When they left, Cui Zeyu deliberately slowed down and whispered, "Sister, don't worry. I was raised by you, and I know about the affairs of the inner quarters. I will never let Qin Shi scheme against me."

"And what about you in the future? What arrangements will the Duke make for you?" Cui Lingrong asked.

Cui Zeyu plans to pursue a literary career. "At my age, it's too late for me to take up martial arts. Fortunately, I've attended school before, and my father will help me find an official position, step by step."

He still wasn't used to calling his father "father" and almost blurted out "Duke of Dingguo" again.

Cui Lingrong nodded. "Whether you pursue literature or not, you are very smart, and I believe you can achieve great things. But you must remember that no matter what, you must have your own bottom line and be a good official who serves the people, the country, and your family."

"I will, sister." Looking at his sister's relieved expression, Cui Zeyu couldn't help but smile. "When I'm promoted and granted a title, I'll definitely get you an official rank!"

Cui Lingrong laughed, "What nonsense are you talking about? If you're going to give an imperial title, it'll be for your mother or wife, not for your sister who doesn't share your surname. Alright, go back now and take good care of yourself."

Cui Zeyu was thinking that others were others, but he was determined to give his sister this honor.

Cui Lingrong watched her younger brother walk away, then turned back to meet Song Shulan's dark face and asked directly, "Does Your Excellency wish to speak of Jin'er's matter?"

"Why didn't you discuss it with me?" Song Shulan was very unhappy. "Didn't I tell you before that we are a scholarly family? How could we let Jin-ge'er go into martial arts?"

"Your Excellency is being unfair. I did ask for your opinion just now, why didn't you object then?" Cui Lingrong retorted. "I only thought of it because I saw the Duke of Dingguo. If you're not satisfied, you can go see the Duke of Dingguo now, it's not too late."

She bet Song Shulan wouldn't go, otherwise she would have refused just now.

Song Shulan's face turned ashen. He felt that Cui Lingrong had done it on purpose, but he couldn't find fault with Cui Lingrong because Cui Lingrong had indeed asked for his opinion. He was afraid of angering the Duke of Dingguo, so he didn't dare to make a scene.

"I... I mean, such a big thing, even if you thought of it at the time, you should have discussed it with me afterwards before going to see the Duke of Dingguo." Song Shulan felt a tightness in her chest.

Having achieved her goal, Cui Lingrong stopped arguing with Song Shulan. "Yes, Your Excellency, I will remember that. But Your Excellency should also remember this: if there are any decisions to be made regarding the children in the future, please let me know first. Let's do things as you said, discussing and consulting each other."

Song Shulan felt that something was wrong, but Cui Lingrong's reasoning was sound, and he still couldn't figure it out after Cui Lingrong left.

Having achieved her goal, Cui Lingrong was just waiting for her two sons to come home for vacation. Before that, she received some news.

"Er Shun said that the Marquis sent Qingshan to keep an eye on Princess Rongjia. He estimates that the next time Princess Rongjia goes to see Madam Luo, the Marquis will go with her," said Mama Qiu.

"Then let's wait. I've waited so long, a few more days won't make a difference." After saying that, Cui Lingrong saw a letter from Suzhou on the table. Seeing that it was signed by her cousin, her long eyebrows furrowed slightly.