"Eldest Young Master, the meal has been set in the front hall. The County Princess asks you to go over," a maid ran over and reported.
At the same time, the servants from the kitchen happened to bring over the food.
Ye Liangyu could not get up; these past few days, he had been taking his meals alone in the apothecary.
Song Qiming took a deep breath, trying to dispel the stifling feeling in his chest, but the heavy feeling returned right after he exhaled.
Unable to shake off his gloom, Song Qiming bid farewell to Ye Liangyu in a depressed mood, "Teacher, I will go eat first. I'll come find you later."
Arriving at the front hall, Song Anhao, who had been waiting for a long time, raised his chin and complained, "Brother, what took you so long? The chicken claws are freezing cold."
Song Qiming was in a bad mood. After a brief, perfunctory reply of "I had something to discuss with my teacher," he cast his gaze upon Song Jinzhao.
Seeing her calm expression, just like usual, Song Qiming's heart grew even heavier.
The meal was eaten without any taste. Just as they put down their chopsticks, Song Jinzhao stood up and said, "Come with me to the study."
Song Anhao, who was still gnawing on a chicken claw, looked at Song Jinzhao and Song Qiming in confusion.
How did they finish eating so quickly? He had just started, only taking two or three bites from his bowl of rice.
"Second Sister, what's wrong with Big Brother and the others? They seem to be in a bad mood."
Song Shixue's throat felt tight.
She blinked, picked up her chopsticks, and placed some food in Song Anhao's bowl. "They have matters to discuss. Second Sister will eat with you."
"Bang, bang, bang."
Someone knocked on the manor's gate. The gatekeeper opened it just a crack. "Who is it?"
The sky was almost dark; who would come visiting at this hour?
Dongfang Yukun was wearing a cloak. Seeing the door open, he pulled down the veil covering his face.
"It's me. I'm looking for your Eldest Young Master."
The gatekeeper raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Young Master Dongfang, why are you dressed like this?"
Dongfang Yukun turned sideways and squeezed in through the gap in the door.
"The wind outside is strong and a bit cold, so I wore a little extra. Where is Qiming? I have business with him."
The gatekeeper closed the door and slid the latch into place.
"The Eldest Young Master is in the front hall having dinner with the County Princess. I will take you there."
Dongfang Yukun nodded as he walked inside, his steps so fast he was almost running.
The gatekeeper quickened his pace to lead the way, a trace of doubt in his heart.
What was going on? Walking so fast, as if fleeing for his life.
As they neared the front hall, a sharp-eyed maid immediately went in to report.
"Second Miss, Young Master Dongfang is here."
Song Shixue put down her chopsticks and stood up to look outside.
The orange candlelight shone on his face; his entire being radiated the word anxious.
Seeing an outsider arrive, Song Anhao also put down his chopsticks.
He jumped down from his chair to greet him, "Brother Dongfang."
Not seeing Song Qiming and Song Jinzhao, Dongfang Yukun immediately asked Song Shixue, "Second Miss Song, where are the County Princess and Qiming? I have an urgent matter for them."
Song Shixue replied, "They just finished eating and went to the study. Sit down and wait for a moment, I will have someone call them right away."
Dongfang Yukun nodded.
He did not sit, but kept pacing back and forth at the door.
The two who had not yet reached the study were called back by Heye.
Seeing them arrive, Dongfang Yukun rushed up at lightning speed and pulled Song Qiming to the side of a pillar.
He covered his mouth with his hand and whispered, "My father just told me that the Emperor of Shuobei wants to marry the County Princess and make her his concubine. The marriage proposal delegation is already on its way. The Emperor hasn't made a decision yet and said he will wait to discuss it when the delegation arrives. There is still more than a month left. You must quickly have the County Princess find a good husband and marry him, so she can avoid being sent to Shuobei for a political marriage."
"Do this secretly. The faster, the better. You must make it a done deal."
