"It’s not that the grandmother-in-law is not good, but the Marquis Mansion has always wanted to form another marriage alliance with our Prime Minister’s Mansion, and they’ve always been turned down. They even considered Su’er when it didn’t work out, and then downgraded to look at our third brother. This shows how much they want a marriage alliance," Song Ruqi said. "Now we want to form an alliance with the Duke Mansion, but you’ve invited the grandmother-in-law to help with the matchmaking. What do you think the Marquis Mansion will think? Would the grandmother-in-law feel at ease?"

Madam Song frowned and said, "Your grandmother-in-law is not that petty, is she?"

Song Ruqi sighed and said, "Mother, no matter how hurtful these words sound, you are well aware of the truth: between grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who is dearest to you? As the matriarch of a family, isn’t her concern about the interests of her mansion? It’s no one’s fault, just human nature. Even you or I won’t escape this reality in the future."

Madam Song looked at her in surprise: "You, child, have thought this far?"

Song Ruqi smiled slightly: "I have been married for so long and have learned through experience. If I can’t grow from watching people and matters, then I would be foolish."

Madam Song patted her hand, feeling some relief.

"Another point is that inviting the grandmother-in-law, which would bring unease, affects feelings. Why do it? It’s better to invite her happily for a drink in the future. And didn’t Father ask Grandmother? Think about it, Su’er is Grandmother’s most cherished eldest grandson, and she likes that Guan Liu. Wouldn’t she put effort into it? I’m thinking Grandmother will likely invite someone of prestigious status to arrange this matchmaking."

Madam Song raised an eyebrow: "Who do you think she’d invite?"

"Who is Grandmother’s closest connection?"

That goes without saying, it’s naturally the Empress Dowager from the palace.

Madam Song’s heart began to race. If they indeed invited her to matchmake, this marriage would truly be the icing on the cake.

"Isn’t the Lady still unwell?" she whispered.

Song Ruqi also lowered her voice: "If we can’t invite the Empress Dowager, then what about the Emperor or the Empress? At the very least, Princess Anping? Any member of the Royal Family would be prestigious."

"You’re right."

"So you should just relax and wait, Grandmother will surely consider it."

Madam Song smiled gladly: "Alright, I won’t dwell on these thoughts anymore."

Song Ruqi also smiled, then sighed: "In a few days, I must return to the Duke Mansion. Ah, I really don’t want to go back."

"That’s foolish talk. How can you live at your mother’s house forever? That’s not proper. Don’t say such things in the future, and make sure the son-in-law doesn’t hear it, or he’ll feel uncomfortable. Besides, the troublemaker has returned to their hometown. Once you have a child, pack up and go with your husband to Jiangnan. Live a happy life for a few years; why bother competing with that woman?"

Listening to this, Song Ruqi couldn’t help but feel a bit of anticipation. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

In Chunhui Hall, Song Ci was also discussing with the palace nanny about whom to invite for matchmaking.

"The Empress Dowager is unwell, so we definitely can’t trouble her. As for the Empress, if we shamelessly ask, she might arrange the betrothal. But if we just want to get a marriage proposal, do we need to ask? The eldest can easily earn a favor from the Emperor. After all, that lawsuit with the Wen family made the Emperor lose face. A marriage proposal could be compensation. But the eldest didn’t mention this, only asked me who was suitable, obviously not intending to seek this favor."

Song Ci said: "What rises must fall. Our Qi’er’s and the fourth’s marriages were already gifted; another would indeed stand out. We should find it ourselves. The Duke Mansion is prestigious, and showing them respect would demonstrate our family’s sincerity. Nanny, what do you think about inviting Princess Anping?"