In the Ping Prince's Mansion, Song Yanzheng was dead drunk.
"Where is Yanzheng?"
After learning that Song Yanzheng had failed to seize his second opportunity, Shen Hua'er fumed in her room for a long time before reluctantly making her way to his courtyard.
After all, the Shen family had pinned their hopes on Song Yanzheng, and she feared he might never recover from this setback.
Standing outside his room, the strong stench of alcohol made Shen Hua'er seethe with anger.
"Your Highness, the Prince has locked himself inside to drink and forbids any of us from disturbing him," a servant replied anxiously, worried that Song Yanzheng might drink himself into serious trouble.
Shen Hua'er's gaze inadvertently fell upon the old maidservant standing like a statue outside the room. "Nanny, go prepare some sobering soup for Yanzheng."
This was clearly an attempt to send her away.
The servant quickly caught on. "Nanny, let me show you the way."
No doubt the Princess Consort wished to discuss matters concerning the Shen family and future plans—things the nanny shouldn't overhear.
Once the servant had led the nanny away, Shen Hua'er pushed open the door.
"Yanzheng, what’s the point of drowning yourself like this?"
Her words made Song Yanzheng lift his head. "His Majesty has ordered me to copy texts daily—three hours a day. Hua'er, I’ve completely fallen out of his favor."
"Failing the imperial exams is nothing. Who succeeds on their first try?" Shen Hua'er forced herself to console him. "If not this time, then next time. Yanzheng, you’re still young. There will be plenty of opportunities."
"I have no chances left..." Song Yanzheng poured another drink down his throat. "Ever since I sent the 'lucky star' to the Qin Prince's Mansion, everything has gone wrong. I went from being the Eastern Palace’s eldest grandson to a mere imperial descendant, married the daughter of a disgraced official, and the mother of my only child is of lowly status."
"The imperial exams were my last chance to earn His Majesty’s respect."
A glimmer of wetness flashed as Song Yanzheng collapsed onto the table, weeping.
"I’m useless. No one will ever believe in me again..."
"I believe in you." Shen Hua'er snatched the cup from his hand. "Song Yanzheng, from the moment I first saw you in Kunning Palace, I knew you were destined for greatness."
"If you think fate has been unfair to you, what about me?" She gripped his face, forcing him to meet her gaze. "As the Shen family’s eldest daughter, I could have had a harmonious marriage. My grandaunt originally intended me for you, Song Yanzheng, yet I ended up married to your father—and now I’m a widow."
Originally intended for you...
The revelation exploded in Song Yanzheng’s mind like fireworks.
If his grandmother had chosen Shen Hua'er instead of Gu Mingliu back then, would everything have fallen into place? Would everything be different now?
"Fate has brought us here, so we must seize what we can—"
Before she could finish, a warm, moist sensation pressed against her lips.
"Mmm..."
......
Ji'an Prefecture.
"Ahuan, your grandfather is urging us to return to the capital soon."
Song Yu grinned from ear to ear as he read the letter from the capital. "Look how anxious His Majesty is. Why don’t we make him wait a few more days, eh?"
Song Shihuan rolled her eyes. How filial of her father.
"Father, we should return as soon as possible. Have you forgotten your promise to the tutor?"
Song Yu’s smile vanished. Right—Shen Qingping was still stuck in the capital, holding the fort for him.
"Ahuan is right. Let’s pack up and head back."
But just then, an unexpected crisis arose.
"Your Highness, Princess, Master Guo has sent word requesting your immediate return to Guo Mansion."
Master Guo rarely disturbed Song Yu unless it was urgent, so both father and daughter set aside their tasks at once. "Liu Xi, go find out what’s happened."
An hour later, Liu Xi returned with a strange expression.
"Your Highness, Princess, the Guo Mansion is completely surrounded."
"Who dares blockade the Guo Mansion at a time like this?" Song Yu’s face darkened. Did they have no respect for the newly crowned top scholar of the provincial exams?
Liu Xi gave a pained smile. On the contrary—they respected him too much.
"Originally, there were two groups outside—scholars hoping to discuss academics with you, and... matchmakers wanting to arrange marriages for you. But the scholars left, saying they didn’t want to interfere with your... lifelong affairs."
"Matchmakers? For me?"
Song Yu felt as if he’d been struck by lightning, leaving him utterly stunned.
"Master Guo must be overwhelmed, which is why he’s asking for your help."
Song Shihuan glanced at her father. Guo Feng was handsome enough—it wasn’t surprising that matchmakers would come knocking. But if the Emperor heard about this, he’d probably laugh at her father for a month!
......
Outside the Guo Mansion.
"Master Guo is back! Master Guo is back!"
A sharp-eyed onlooker spotted Song Yu, and instantly, the crowd surged toward him.
"Master Guo, your late wife has been gone for years. It’s time you had someone to warm your bed. I have a young lady from a wealthy family—sixteen years old, beautiful as a fairy. What do you say—"
"Master Guo, the one I represent is a literary talent who could compose poetry with you—"
"Master Guo, mine is the daughter of an official family with connections to advance your career—"
The cacophony of voices made Song Yu’s temples throb.
"Enough!"
His thunderous shout silenced the matchmakers.
"Blockading our gates has disrupted our servants’ ability to purchase necessities. If you don’t leave now, I’ll report this to the authorities."
"Master Guo, we’re only trying to help. These are all respectable maidens from good families. How could you threaten us?"
One matchmaker spoke up, her conspicuous mole making Song Yu’s eyes twitch.
"Guo Feng met his wife in humble circumstances and stayed with her through thick and thin."
"One wife in this lifetime is enough."
With that, he strode through the gates, leaving the matchmakers gaping in confusion.
"Does Master Guo... not intend to remarry?"
"But he has no heir. Surely Master Guo won’t allow this."
Inside, Master Guo and Madam Guo were already in tears.
The real Guo Feng had long since passed away, buried beside his beloved wife.
