In the evening, Song Qiming returned from the Hanlin Academy.
Before he could even sit down, Song Shixue pulled him aside and quietly told him about the political marriage.
"What! They want A-jie to go for a political marriage?" Song Qiming sprang up like a frog, his eyes wide with shock.
Song Shixue nodded vigorously with a heavy expression. "The marriage proposal delegation is already on its way."
Song Qiming opened and closed his mouth repeatedly. He shook his head, then sprinted toward the apothecary without looking back, as if his pants were on fire.
A-jie could not be married off. Absolutely not.
With a loud bang, Song Qiming forcefully pushed the door open, startling Ye Liangyu, who was lying on his stomach on the sickbed reading a book.
He jerked violently and nearly fell off the bed.
"Panicking like this, where is the composure I taught you?"
Song Qiming's eyes burned with anxiety, his gaze as intense as a raging fire.
"Teacher, is what Shixue just said true or false? The Shuobei Kingdom wants A-jie for a political marriage. Can it be stopped?"
Looking at the anxious Song Qiming, Ye Liangyu couldn't help but recall what Song Jinzhao had said that afternoon.
Sixteen years old, and only twenty in four years. The Provincial Administration Commissioner of the Southwest—isn't he too young? Gender aside, it would make more sense for Song Jinzhao to take the position.
"Look at you, all in a panic. Your sister is much more composed than you; she didn't even furrow her brow."
Ignoring the scolding, Song Qiming began to analyze the situation.
"Teacher, A-jie's martial arts are highly formidable. Gong Lin is absolutely no match for her. The Emperor of Shuobei must have found out and wants to marry her for that reason. She might even be killed the moment she arrives in Shuobei. This marriage absolutely cannot happen."
Ye Liangyu rolled his eyes at Song Qiming. "Of course I know what the Shuobei Kingdom is plotting. Not only do I know, but the Emperor knows as well. Rest assured, this marriage will never go through."
Song Qiming furrowed his brows. After calming down, he sat on a stool and thought for a long time without speaking.
Seeing him like this, Ye Liangyu thought of what Fei Yanzhang had said and what Song Jinzhao had said, and gradually came to a decision.
"Your sister wants you to leave the Hanlin Academy and go to the Southwest to serve as an official. What do you think?"
Hearing Ye Liangyu's words clearly, Song Qiming suddenly raised his head, his eyes filled with surprise.
"A-jie wants me to go to the Southwest?"
Ye Liangyu gave a slight nod. "The Emperor's mind is hard to fathom, and the political situation in the court changes too quickly. If you want to avoid conflict, leaving the capital for a while is a good idea."
"The Southwest is vast and impoverished, with foreign tribes governing themselves. It can be said that danger lurks everywhere. But alongside danger comes great opportunity. The foreign tribes in the Southwest have always been a major threat to the imperial court. If you can solve this problem, it will be an unparalleled achievement."
"The County Princess has high expectations for you. She wants you to take over the position of Provincial Administration Commissioner of the Southwest in four years."
Song Qiming was stunned for a moment, but he didn't have to think long before saying, "Since it is A-jie's wish, I am willing to go to the Southwest."
With his decision made, Song Qiming began to ponder.
"Many officials are unwilling to go to the Southwest, so there should still be vacant positions. I will go ask around tomorrow and see what posts are available."
Seeing Song Qiming agree so readily, Ye Liangyu opened his mouth, somewhat at a loss for words.
"This concerns your future political career. Don't you need to think about it some more?"
Song Qiming shook his head. "Since it's A-jie's intention, she definitely has her reasons."
"To be honest, Teacher, I've been thinking these past few days. A-jie has offended Prince Qi and Prince Ying, and now the Emperor's attitude has changed as well. If they ever make a move against A-jie again, the outcome might not be like before. So, I think leaving the capital now is a good thing."
Their eyes met, and Ye Liangyu noticed that when Song Qiming spoke of the Emperor, his eyes no longer held the passion and reverence they once did.
They had been replaced by suspicion and wariness.
Thinking about how the Emperor had ordered him and Fei Yanzhang to be caned to protect Prince Qi, nearly costing them their lives, Ye Liangyu's finally eased mood became depressed again, and he looked somewhat dispirited.
"Since both you and the County Princess have this idea, then go do it."
"According to convention, you were supposed to stay in the Hanlin Academy for a full three years before being transferred or retained. Now it has only been two years, and the time for the imperial court's selection of officials has already passed this year. Even if there are vacancies in the Southwest, you can't just be transferred on a whim. This matter still requires careful planning."
"More importantly, the marriage proposal delegation is already on its way to the capital. Whether the Emperor wants to agree or not, as long as this matter is not resolved, he will not let your sister leave the capital."
Song Qiming knitted his brows tightly, his mind in turmoil.
Troubles came one after another. After coming to the capital, things were not as relaxed and happy as when they were in Anyang Prefecture.
His official rank was still too low; he couldn't help with anything.
