Binding Spring Love

Jiang Xingjian pursed his lips tightly, refusing to respond to Song Lan'an's words.

The Marquis's mansion can no longer withstand the slightest wind or rain, and Song Wan cannot leave at this time.

In his heart, Jiang Xingjian was also reluctant to part with Song Wan in the slightest.

He lowered his voice and said, "The Marquis's family is in dire straits, and Grandmother is ill. It would be of no benefit to Wan'er or the Song family for her to leave home at this time."

"Father's intentions are clear and simple. I will treat Wan'er with extra care in the future and this situation will never happen again."

Song Lan'an placed the teacup beside her and sat quietly without saying a word.

Madam Song was led into Lan Courtyard by servants from the Marquis's residence. Song Wan had already received the news and changed into her guest attire, waiting respectfully to the side.

As soon as they entered the hospital, Song's mother warmly grasped Song Wan's hand: "My child, I haven't seen you in so long, you've lost so much weight."

Song Wan smiled gently: "Mother feels sorry for me and has noticed that I have lost weight. A few days ago, Hengzhi said that my old clothes were half an inch too tight. I guess it's because of the leisurely life in the Marquis's mansion that I have actually gained some weight."

The mother and daughter were very affectionate, and you could tell they had a very close relationship at first glance.

Madam Song had her personal maid give the reward money to the old woman in the Marquis's mansion, and Song Wan also said a few heartfelt words. The old woman was overjoyed and, singing and laughing, said that the two were very close as mother and daughter, before reluctantly leaving.

After welcoming Song's mother into the Lan Courtyard, Song Wan then instructed Xiangcao and Luzhu to prepare tea and snacks in the small kitchen.

With no servants from the Marquis's mansion in the room, Song Wan and Madam Song became rather indifferent. One sat quietly drinking tea on an embroidered stool, while the other sat by the table looking out the window at the scenery.

After a long while, Madam Song said, "When your father came today, he took your marriage certificate from his study."

Song Wan's hand, which was under the table, tightened suddenly. After a moment's thought, she said, "This summer is terribly hot. Wan'er remembers that our family has an estate in the suburbs. Although it is not large, it is quite exquisite and it is located by the river."

"That estate is surrounded by mountains and water, it must be a good place to escape the summer heat. And I am successful, so there is no need for you to worry about me."

Madam Song lowered her eyes: "There is indeed such an estate, but it is not far from the capital. Even if there is a river, how cool can it be? Moreover, the place is cramped and the surrounding villages are mixed, so it is not safe. It is not as spacious and comfortable as the Marquis's mansion."

"Mother is right."

Song Wan slightly curved her lips, but the smile did not reach her eyes.

Madam Song sighed, "Your two younger sisters are now of marriageable age and it's time to start looking for a husband. Song Yao is alright; with her gentle nature, she'd be a good match for a scholar."

"Song Nian is a real headache. She has read a few books since childhood and has a straightforward personality. It would be fine if she were born a man... but it's not good for a woman to develop such a personality."

"My sisters are naturally beautiful and kind-hearted, so their marriages will not be difficult. Mother, please rest assured."

Madam Song smiled and said, "Wan'er is really good at comforting people."

After a brief pause, Madam Song continued, "Your sisters are daughters after all, so their marriages are relatively easy to arrange. What Master is worried about now is the marriage of our eldest son."

"The other day, the eldest son went to the Ministry of Personnel against the master's wishes, which caused a great unpleasantness between the father and son. You know your father's temperament; he will not tolerate anything that is detrimental to the household."

"But the old man is stubborn, and the father and son haven't spoken for a long time. I don't know how to persuade him."

"Don't blame the master for being angry. I don't know what's wrong with the young master. He gave up his good job as the supervisor of the Imperial Academy and insisted on becoming a lowly clerk in the Ministry of Personnel, where he is ordered around all day and is no different from a waiter."

"I don't know why Fu'er has to suffer like this, it's such a disgrace to his skills."

Song Wan's face was pale, and she didn't say a word.

Madam Song sighed, "Some time ago, your father took a fancy to the eldest granddaughter of the Shang Chong family. He said that the girl had inherited the true teachings of Master Shang. He originally wanted to propose this marriage to you, but when the other party heard that you were now a vice minister in the Ministry of Personnel, they never mentioned it again."

Song Wan clenched her handkerchief tightly, her eyelids drooping slightly.

"But if it doesn't work out, it doesn't work out. The merchant's daughter has an aunt who suffers from a serious illness and has never married. This is not a good thing for the clan or the family's fortune. Noble families value this."

"In recent years, the marriages of the children of business owners have indeed been unsuccessful."

Xiangcao brought over tea and snacks, and Hengzhi poured tea for the two of them. Madam Song took a small sip and said with regret, "But this can't be blamed on her. She has a serious illness and didn't want to be like this. If given a choice, how many women in this world would be willing to be a burden on their fathers, brothers, and sisters at home?"

"Mother is absolutely right."

After eating two tea snacks, Madam Song smiled and offered a few words of praise, then said, "Did you like the estate you mentioned earlier? If you really like it, I'll have someone send you the land deed tomorrow."

"It just suddenly occurred to me; it's not that I particularly like it."

Madam Song nodded: "I also have an estate with a lot of farmland there. It was originally part of my dowry. If you want to see some scenery, you might want that place. It's just a bit far away, though, it's near Yancheng."

Upon hearing this, Song Wan chuckled softly: "Wan'er hasn't seen her mother for a long time, how can she ask for her mother's things as soon as they meet? My two younger sisters probably don't even have such a fine estate yet, how can I, as their elder sister, compete with them?"

"Those two girls can't compare to you no matter what."

"Mother is too modest. You have raised your sisters very well; everyone in the capital knows that."

Madam Song smiled faintly, said a few more random words, then got up and said that her father was still waiting outside, asking if Song Wan would like to see him.

Song Wan nodded and followed Madam Song to the garden in the mansion.

A messenger was sent to announce their arrival, and after a short while, Song Lan'an and Jiang Xingjian appeared.

Song Wan bowed to her father with restraint and propriety, and then inquired in detail about his recent diet and daily life. Song Lan'an answered her questions one by one, his tone loving.

After speaking for a while, Song Lan'an said, "There are some rumors circulating outside..."

Song Wan covered her lips and chuckled: "When did Father start believing rumors? They're all baseless. It's unfilial of me to make Father worry about such things."

That's good.

Song Lan'an gave the two a few more instructions, urging them to have children soon and to pay close attention to the affairs of the court before leaving with his wife.

Watching Song Lan'an's figure disappear through the hanging flower gate, Song Wan suddenly felt a lump in her throat.

Jiang Xingjian, standing to the side, felt uneasy and said in a low voice, "I really am sorry..."

"I noticed that Consort Lin was quite frightened the other day. Has my husband seen the imperial physician these past few days?"

Jiang Xingjian pursed his lips: "I have seen it, and it's not good."

"Perhaps that imperial physician is not skilled in this art. I will go back to my room later and write a letter to see if I can invite Elder Xu to come to the mansion to examine Consort Lin's pulse."

The two were talking in front of the garden when Lingyun arrived in a hurry.

"This servant greets Your Excellency and Madam..."

"The old lady is looking for you two masters and requests that you go to Fuhe Hall immediately."

Jiang Xingjian frowned deeply: "Has something gone wrong?"

Lingyun lowered her voice and said in a deep voice, "The old lady... is not well."