I just got divorced, and this cold, ruthless, and powerful minister is begging for a third child eve

After Song Linyuan left, Old Madam Song stared at the doorway with a somber expression.

The old woman standing nearby advised:

"Madam, things have come to this point; we must look to the future."

"Now the whole capital knows that the Marquis's direct descendant is only the heir, and if any rumors spread, it could be detrimental to the Marquis's family!"

Old Madam Song said coldly:

"Only the Meng family treated him like a precious gem. Before, he had the Gu family by his side who could support the family business, so the Marquis's mansion still had hope. But look at what he's done!"

"To offend the Gu family to this extent for the sake of a scheming Xie Lanyu! I don't think he's a decent person at all!"

"If my manor needs him to survive, then I will truly lose all face!"

The old woman frowned and said:

"But... now that he's the heir apparent, didn't the old lady say before that she would pave the way for him and help him get a sinecure in the Ministry of Works?"

Old Madam Song lowered her eyes indifferently.

"A prince can be granted a title or deposed at will. Madam Meng thinks she can bring this child back just because she's in charge of the Marquis's mansion? She's dreaming!"

As she spoke, Old Madam Song glanced at the nanny and said in a low voice:

"During this period, they would go to a branch of the Song family and pick a few boys to bring to me, just to keep me company and relieve my boredom."

The old woman opened her eyes wide in astonishment.

"Madam, what are you doing...?"

She finished speaking, then the old woman frowned solemnly.

"This old servant understands."

She knew her master too well. Born into a military family, he was ruthless and decisive, and it was clear that he wanted to abandon Song Linyuan.

However, the old woman's face darkened as she thought of the secret of Song Linyuan's background.

In truth, the children from the collateral branches of the Song family are indeed more qualified than him!

As she spoke, the old woman sighed:

"Speaking of which, the manor has been in complete chaos since the former princess left. Everyone used to praise that cousin for her noble demeanor, saying she was much better than the princess. This old servant was almost scared off by the rumors."

"The birthday banquet was such a farce. If it weren't for the Princess of Zhennan suppressing it, the Marquis's mansion would probably have become the laughing stock of the entire capital."

Madam Song said calmly:

"I checked, Xie Lanyu also owns two shops that even the Meng family doesn't know about: Hengwu Bookstore and Jinyu Pavilion."

The old woman was startled.

"Hengwu Bookstore? Jinyu Pavilion? These two shops have been the hottest in Kyoto these past two years! They're actually owned by Miss Cousin?"

"The jewelry in the Golden Jade Pavilion is all of unprecedented style and design, and the bookstore has a rare book called something like 'A Dream of Red Mansions,' which has sold out like hotcakes."

"Could it be that we've misunderstood Miss Cousin? Is she truly a woman of unparalleled talent and genius?"

Old Madam Song said coldly:

"In all my years, I have never been wrong. Xie Lanyu is arrogant and self-important, and could never have such a background. However, these two shops are indeed mysterious and should be kept in close watch."

The old woman nodded solemnly and then asked:

"Since the old lady is so curious, why did she lock up the young lady?"

"Besides, isn't she going to participate in the selection process of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion? If she is selected, wouldn't that be an honor for the Marquis's mansion?"

Madam Song said sarcastically:

"The fact that she is taking advantage of the Princess of Zhennan's influence to leave this time is enough to prove that she must have planned to leave the Marquis's mansion long ago."

The old woman was astonished.

"So, all these years, that young lady has been in the Marquis's mansion just to pave her own way?"

Madam Song said in a deep voice:

"In short, we can't let her leave until we find out her background!"

At this moment, Song Linyuan passed by Qingwu Garden and saw the desolate garden at a glance. His heart felt as if it had fallen into an ice cave in the middle of summer, chilled to the bone.

This should have been his and Mingshuang's new home, but now it's deserted and forgotten.

She altered the layout of Qingwu Garden, making it somewhat similar to the courtyard where Qingzhou and the others had lived together.

But by then he had no patience to listen to her anymore; his mind was on other people.

Song Linyuan gritted his teeth and slammed his fist heavily against the wall.

He took a deep breath; he had to go tell Mingshuang.

He has already cooperated with the old lady to lock Xie Lanyu up, and judging from the old lady's expression, she will not agree to let Xie Lanyu enter the house.

Song Linyuan immediately turned around and rushed outside.

But when he arrived at Qinghe Lane, Du Cang stopped him at the door.

"Uncle Du, I'm here to see Mingshuang. I have something important to tell her! If she doesn't want to see me now, I'll wait at the door until she calms down before I go in!"

Just as Du Cang was about to leave, he said irritably:

"Your Highness need not waste your time, my young lady is not in the manor."

Song Linyuan frowned and said:

"She doesn't know anyone in Kyoto, where did she go? I'll go find her!"

Du Cang stared coldly at Song Linyuan without saying a word, then turned to leave.

Song Linyuan anxiously stepped forward to greet him.

"Uncle Du, I truly know I was wrong. Even if your daughter doesn't want to associate with me, I am still a member of the Ningyuan Marquis's household. I owe her so much, and I'm willing to risk my life for her!"

Du Cang had a slight reservation about what his daughter was going to do.

If the Marquis of Ningyuan's mansion could intervene, it might reduce a lot of trouble.

He looked at Song Linyuan, and after a moment said:

"Are you truly willing to atone for your sins?"

Song Linyuan raised his hand and said:

"I, Song Linyuan, swear here and now that if I cannot protect Ming Shuang, I should no longer serve as the heir apparent!"

Du Cang frowned and said:

"Come with me!"