The fierce wind howled past, its wailing echoing through the courtyard.
While the others could not hear what Dongfang Yukun was saying, Song Jinzhao, with her keen hearing, heard every word clearly.
The Ministry of War had received the news at the hour of Wei, and the Dongfang family found out in just an afternoon. Even with Xiao Chengjing's gag order in place, they must have someone planted in the palace.
Hearing Dongfang Yukun say this, Song Qiming's first reaction was one of deep gratitude.
For the other party to willingly and secretly pass on a message about something the Emperor had forbidden to be spoken of was already taking a great risk.
"Getting married right now definitely won't work. No matter who we find, the news will spread, unless it's someone with no parents who doesn't need to host a wedding banquet."
Dongfang Yukun scratched his head in frustration.
The idea of marriage was something he had thought up on the spur of the moment on his way here; he truly hadn't considered it too deeply.
"That's true. As long as a wedding is being prepared, the news will get out, unless we discuss it with the other party, close the doors to bow to heaven and earth, and then go straight to the bridal chamber."
The more Dongfang Yukun thought about it, the better the idea seemed.
He let go of the arm he had wrapped around Song Qiming's shoulder and, ignoring the others, began pacing in circles. He ran through every unmarried young man he knew in his head, and finally grabbed Song Qiming's arm, his eyes shining.
"What about Cui Zhengyang? His age is suitable, his looks are passable, and he can barely be considered a match for the County Princess."
Song Qiming's mouth twitched, somewhat at a loss for how to answer.
Song Jinzhao walked over, her face full of helplessness.
"You two are playing matchmaker here, but have you asked the person involved?"
Dongfang Yukun, looking slightly awkward, put his hands behind his back. "County Princess, you heard all of that?"
Song Jinzhao nodded solemnly. "Don't even think about Cui Zhengyang."
"If he marries me at a time like this, he can forget about his official career for the rest of his life. After so many years, the Cui family has finally managed to send an heir into the court; let's not ruin the man."
She still had many things to do, and getting married was not within her current considerations.
Dongfang Yukun pursed his lips. "If Cui Zhengyang won't do, then we'll find someone else. The Shuobei Kingdom is not a good place. If the Emperor decrees that you must go for a political marriage, I'm afraid you will never return in this lifetime."
Anyone with a discerning eye knew that the two countries would eventually go to war again. Marrying over there meant, at best, losing your husband and becoming a widow, and at worst, dying without a trace.
As Song Qiming's best friend, Dongfang Yukun truly did not want Song Jinzhao to be sent off for a political marriage.
Song Jinzhao smiled faintly. "Things haven't reached that point yet. Let's wait and see."
Dongfang Yukun looked at Song Qiming.
Song Qiming shrugged, an expression on his face that said since his older sister disagreed, they had no choice but to drop it.
Dongfang Yukun understood and sighed helplessly. "Alright. At worst, when the time comes, I'll have my father lead the civil and military officials to oppose it together. They still have some prestige in the court."
Song Jinzhao smiled gently, shaking her head, the emotion in her eyes akin to looking at a younger generation.
Dongfang Yukun left not long after.
In the study, Song Jinzhao looked at the map on the wall.
Routes, cities, and local factions all seemed to begin reconstructing before her eyes.
Song Qiming said with some remorse, "If I had known the Emperor would turn out like this, it would have been better if he never had a child in the first place. That way, Teacher and Lord Fei wouldn't have been beaten."
Song Jinzhao reached out and brushed her hand over the southwest section of the map. "The father and his two sons are cut from the same cloth. The result would be roughly the same, only the targets of their attacks would be different."
Song Qiming sighed helplessly. "Going to the southwest to stay for a few years is fine too. It would be best to wait until the other princes grow up before coming back; maybe things will be better then."
Song Jinzhao turned around and looked at Song Qiming, her face completely serious as she said, "Rather than relying on others, it is better to rely on oneself. I proposed going to the southwest not to stall for time, but because I have other plans."
