Chapter 897 - 852: Plans (2 Updates)

Chapter 897: Chapter 852: Plans (2 Updates)

Ningzhou.

Ye Ling was discovered to be pregnant, and right now in the main hall, Old Song, the Song Erlang couple, Song Yuanbao and his wife, Jinbao, Qi Bao, and the servants were all harmonious and happy.

Song Wei sat in the study, holding the letter sent by Wen Wan, but his mood was not good.

His gaze lingered especially on the line about her marrying into Bei Yan, and it was frighteningly heavy.

At this moment, someone knocked on the study door.

Song Wei said indifferently, "Come in."

The door creaked open, and it was Song Yuanbao who came in. He glanced at Song Wei, "Father, with Ah Yao pregnant, such a great event, why aren’t you joining us?"

Seeing Song Wei holding a piece of plum blossom paper, Song Yuanbao was a bit puzzled, "Who wrote you a letter?"

Song Wei leisurely put the letter into the box and replied, "A colleague from the Capital."

Song Yuanbao didn’t think much of it, recalling that Ye Ling would soon be adding an heir to the Song family, he put on a smile again, "I’ve already instructed the kitchen to make some good dishes, and later we’ll open the wine Grandpa Wen sent a few days ago and have a good few drinks."

Song Wei’s thoughts were obviously not on the family’s joyous occasion, he pondered for a moment and called out, "Yuanbao."

"Father, I’m here."

Song Wei said, "I have some matters to handle and may leave Ningzhou for a while, look after the family affairs for me."

Song Yuanbao was taken aback, "Is it His Majesty summoning you back?"

Isn’t it said that appointing court officials during mourning is an act of emotional deprivation?

Song Wei shook his head, "You don’t need to ask more, after I leave, take care of Jinbao and Qi Bao, especially Qi Bao, don’t let anything happen to her."

Song Yuanbao was very puzzled, wanting to ask more, but seeing Song Wei’s serious expression, he had to keep silent.

...

Wen Wan had been troubled by Fu Zichuan in recent days and hadn’t had the chance to visit the Western Marquis Mansion. Seizing an opportunity, she brought the bridal gifts prepared by Zhao Xunyin, and when she arrived at the mansion, she directly asked to see Jia.

Unexpectedly, before Xu Jia came out, she encountered Song Fang.

Song Fang pulled a face as soon as she saw Wen Wan, looking ugly, "What are you doing here?"

Her tone was full of hostility.

These days, she had heard a lot of rumors outside.

Saying the Princess Yong’an kicked away her aging husband Song Wei for the sake of the handsome young new emperor.

Saying the Princess Yong’an got tired of the young ones and changed her taste, now flirting with the Princely Heir of Bei Yan’s Prince Liang.

When she heard these rumors, Song Fang almost spitted blood.

Third Brother had lived a proper life, yet in the end was turned into a cuckold by such a shameless person, no matter how she thought, it was hateful! She couldn’t swallow this anger!

Now facing Wen Wan, her long-brewing anger uncontrollably surged to her head.

Wen Wan curled her lips, "Jia is just about to get married, and I’m here to bring her bridal gifts."

Song Fang gritted her teeth, suddenly sneering, "The position of the Western Marquis Mansion is low, probably can’t afford the grand gifts of a Commandery Princess."

Looking at Song Fang’s angry twisted little face, Wen Wan said nothing.

Her reaction undoubtedly incited Song Fang’s fury even more, she clenched her fists and yelled, "What’s wrong with my Third Brother? He’s already honored as the Imperial Tutor, in a position of supreme honor, there are countless luxuries and glory, what kind doesn’t he have, but you..."

"Sister-in-law!"

Song Fang’s words weren’t finished, interrupted by Xu Jia who just came out, "The Commandery Princess is here for me, what are you doing?"

Song Fang tried her best to suppress her emotions and eventually left in a huff, throwing down three words, "Shameless!"

Wen Wan lowered her long lashes.

Xu Jia stepped forward, took her hand, and smiled kindly, "Why did you suddenly come over?"

"To bring you bridal gifts," Wen Wan said.

"Let’s go to my room," Xu Jia said as she naturally took Wen Wan’s arm and returned to her courtyard.

After entering the room, the two sat down on the long couch. Linglong placed the brocade box containing the engagement gifts on the round table and said with a smile, "I must congratulate you on your upcoming wedding!"

Xu Jia smiled and handed over the golden hairpin from her head to her, "Look at you, sweet-talking; take it, consider it a token of goodwill."

An item touched by the joy of celebration must naturally be accepted; Linglong happily took it, leaned closer to Xu Jia, and whispered to her, "Earlier outside the Hanging Flower Gate, the Heir’s wife said some hurtful things. You must counsel our Commandery Princess well."

Xu Jia nodded almost imperceptibly, indicating she understood.

Linglong accepted the hairpin and tactfully withdrew.

Only then did Xu Jia look toward Wen Wan, originally intending to advise her not to take Song Fang’s words to heart, but Wen Wan spoke first, "Jia, I am going to Bei Yan."

"Huh?"

Xu Jia was so shocked that her mouth couldn’t close, "What’s going on? Why on earth are you going to Bei Yan?"

"You know my situation," Wen Wan said. "To leave the Capital after separation is all for Third Son. In this matter, no one can help me; I can only find a way by myself. Recently, the Beiyang Delegation has arrived, and coincidentally, that Prince Liang has been pestering me repeatedly. I figured, why not use his name to go to Bei Yan and act accordingly when the time comes."

Xu Jia furrowed her brow, "Have you already decided, or are you here to discuss with me?"

"I have decided," Wen Wan nodded. "I was just thinking that by the time you get married, I might have already left for Bei Yan and won’t be able to see you off. I could only tell you these during the engagement gifts."

"Then... do the Eldest Princess and Your Majesty know?" Xu Jia asked. "And what about Lord Emperor’s Tutor? Will he agree to let you go? Plus, how are you going to use Prince Liang’s name? Do you have a plan?"

Wen Wan answered each question, "My mother and His Majesty already know, but my mother disagrees. His Majesty’s view is that as long as Third Son has no objections, he won’t interfere with me. As for how to go... it will probably be through an arranged marriage."

"An arranged marriage?!" Xu Jia was utterly dumbfounded. "Are you out of your mind?"

She’s a mother of two, yet she plans to marry into another family?

Moreover, Wen Wan and Song Wei are only pretending to be separated. If she marries someone else, what will become of Song Wei?

"I’ve sent a letter to Ningzhou," Wen Wan said, seeing Xu Jia was more agitated than she was, "Third Son’s reply should arrive in the next few days. I’ll see what he says."

"What can he possibly say?" Xu Jia was exasperated by her actions. "What man would watch his wife marry another man with open eyes? Even if you were truly separated, he wouldn’t agree, especially since your two children are still in Ningzhou! You might not consider your reputation, but you should provide them with a good name, shouldn’t you?"

Wen Wan lowered her eyelids.

If she cared about reputation, she wouldn’t have separated. When the rumors about Emperor Xuanjing came out, she might have already come forward to clear them.

A temporary reputation is indeed important, but changing Third Son’s destiny is her ultimate goal, isn’t it?

If the change doesn’t succeed, Third Son’s fate for this lifetime will be doomed, and there could be recurring troubles in the family.

Wen Wan still can’t forget watching her mother-in-law die right in front of her eyes; the thought of it chills her even now.

She didn’t believe Song Wei would bring misfortune to his family. The deaths of Da Lang couple were at worst unfortunate tragedies; later, when Jiaojiao died and so did Mother-in-law, one met a tragic fate, one died with regrets.

Everything seemed as if it was destined by heavens, and Wen Wan didn’t want to believe it was related to Song Wei’s fate, but she had to take it seriously.

It is precisely this seriousness that led her to today’s decision to pursue an arranged marriage.

Even if there were dangers and obstacles ahead, as long as she remembered her husband waiting for her return in Ningzhou, Wen Wan could risk everything.

Seeing her like this, Xu Jia furrowed her brows even deeper, "Hey, are you serious about this?"

"Jia, you are not me; you wouldn’t understand," Wen Wan looked at Xu Jia, remarkably calm, "If I could, I would want to announce to the world that my separation with Third Son is fake. I haven’t kicked him aside for anyone, nor have I fallen for someone new. When I visited Fahua Temple to meet Master Xu Yun, he said my path would be difficult. I was already mentally prepared for the hardships and insults along the way. As long as I succeed in the end, all the suffering and grievance in between are worth it to me."

Truthfully speaking, Xu Jia hadn’t experienced such profound feelings; she didn’t understand what it feels like to willingly give up everything for someone, how much courage it would take, or how much effort to put in. But at this moment, she no longer wanted to persuade Wen Wan.

Sighing, Xu Jia said, "No amount of my advice can compare to your ’It’s worth it.’ Since you’ve made up your mind, go ahead. Bei Yan is too far; I can’t help you much. When I have time, I’ll write to ask Sixth Son if he has any people there. If he does, when you arrive, I’ll have him arrange someone to aid you."

Wen Wan smiled gratefully, "Thank you."

...

In the carriage returning to the mansion, usually tight-lipped Linglong couldn’t help but complain, "What the Heir’s wife said was too hurtful. They used to be aunt and sister-in-law, how could she speak about the Commandery Princess like that..."

"Alright!" Wen Wan stopped her, "Third Son is her blood brother, after being separated like this, she is naturally upset. It’s only right for her to say a few words about me; there’s nothing to complain about."

Linglong pursed her lips. Although she didn’t know why the Commandery Princess had to separate, she understood very well that the rumors outside were false. The Commandery Princess did not do anything with His Majesty, nor had she had any relations with Prince Liang. It’s all baseless gossip spread by talkative people.

As Wen Wan returned to Liufang Courtyard, Zhao Xunyin announced the homing pigeon had returned.

Wen Wan felt nervous, her hands trembling as she took the bamboo tube containing the letter from Zhao Xunyin, and when she opened it, the line of small text stunned her.