"Miss, the Second Young Master has always been aloof and reserved. Yet last night, despite his recent recovery from illness, he went directly to that wretch Gu Qianying. Not only that, but the two of them were embracing in the back garden. It's even said that the usually stern Second Young Master was willing to go to such lengths. Do you think Gu Qianying seduced him?"
Xia Zhu, seeing Song Yu'er in a fit of anger, seized the opportunity to add fuel to the fire, spewing out words designed to infuriate Song Yu'er and provoke her.
As expected, Song Yu'er became angry, but after a short while, she calmed down again.
"It's fine. I can't move against Gu Qianying yet. I'll endure a little longer."
Xia Zhu, disappointed that her plan had failed, added, "Miss, you are not yet married to him, and he dares to meet women openly at night like this. If you were to marry, how would you conduct yourself in the future?"
Xia Zhu was furious, as if she were the one who had been betrayed.
Unexpectedly, these words actually had an effect. A flicker of anger ignited in Song Yu'er's eyes.
"Gu Qianying!"
Song Yu'er clenched her fists, her chest heaving with anger.
Why was it that after knowing Baili Su for so many years, she couldn't gain his approval, yet Gu Qianying, who had only been here for half a month, was already favored by Baili Su?
He had even disregarded his reputation and health to secretly meet Gu Qianying in the middle of the night.
"I ask you, did anyone else see last night?"
Xia Zhu hesitated for a moment, then seemed to realize something and said, "No, only this servant saw."
Song Yu'er, consumed by jealousy, understood Xia Zhu's implication. Her face might have already been disgraced, with many already aware that the future wife was not favored by her future husband.
"Go and bring Gu Qianying to me, this county princess!"
Song Yu'er commanded again. To her surprise, the maidservant returned shortly, running.
"Miss, that woman has gone out."
"Prepare the carriage. This county princess is also going out."
Gu Qianying was the type of woman who loved to seduce men. She couldn't allow Gu Qianying to continue seducing Baili Su.
Her intention to go out was obvious: to seek revenge on Gu Qianying. Xia Zhu, following behind Song Yu'er, secretly chuckled.
...
Meanwhile, in Gu Qianying's courtyard, little Yi Hao naturally did not obey Gu Qianying's instructions to stay put.
Having failed in his plans so many times, he needed to consult with Baili Mengran again.
In Baili Mengran's courtyard.
Baili Mengran was swinging on a swing with a few maids. Seeing little Yi Hao approach, she smiled.
"Why are you here?"
Little Yi Hao was also delighted. He pulled Baili Mengran and whispered, "Do you know? My mother met your elder brother last night."
After saying this, he felt quite proud, believing his plan had worked and was beyond the capabilities of ordinary people.
"Ah?"
This time, it was Baili Mengran's turn to be bewildered. Last night, she had been practicing with Song Wuji. She heard they practiced until late at night, so where would he have had time to see Gu Qianying?
"What's wrong?"
Seeing her strong reaction, little Yi Hao was also surprised and asked again.
"Last night, my elder brother was discussing weapons with Song Wuji and didn't go out at all!"
Baili Mengran spoke the truth, recounting the events of the previous night. Now it was little Yi Hao's turn to be surprised. It seemed his mother was right; he had indeed returned by himself last night.
Thinking that his plan had failed again, the two children became dejected. What should they do? If this continued, how could they ever have a father?
Little Yi Hao was worried sick about his mother.
"Why do you two little ones look so glum?"
As they were feeling down, a white figure appeared before them. It was Song Wuji, dressed in a white robe and holding a folding fan, looking like an unmatched elegant young gentleman.
"Why are you here?"
Baili Mengran looked at him warily. She hadn't forgotten the look in his eyes last night, as if he wanted to devour someone. She dared not provoke him further.
"I'm trying to find a husband for my mother and a father for myself, but I can't find one, and I always fail."
Little Yi Hao felt quite favorably towards him and blurted this out directly, completely ignoring Baili Mengran tugging at his sleeve. Baili Mengran felt this man was unfathomable, and she was surprised that little Yi Hao had revealed it.
After speaking, little Yi Hao became even more distressed, resting his chin in his hand with a hint of worry.
Unexpectedly, Song Wuji sat down beside them.
"Do you need something?"
Baili Mengran was wary. She felt this man was not a good person and had ulterior motives.
However, Song Wuji seemed to pay no attention to this, completely unconcerned.
Baili Mengran became even more vigilant.
"Well, do you think I'll do? Can I be your father?"
Song Wuji said softly, a smile gracing his lips.
"The first time I met your mother, I liked her very much, so, do you think I'm suitable?"
Little Yi Hao turned and looked at him, appraising him from head to toe. The man was indeed handsome and tall, and he would likely look quite good standing next to his mother.
"I think you're suitable."
Little Yi Hao's eyes lit up. He thought this was quite good, and this man seemed much better than Baili Jingxuan.
He would also be able to find a father for himself.
Baili Mengran wanted to interject and advise him, but Song Wuji glanced at her, rendering her speechless. She could only stammer.
She had a premonition that this man had no good intentions. If she introduced little Yi Hao's mother to him, it would likely be disastrous. She had to find a good opportunity to warn her.
"Then who were you planning to matchmake before?"
Song Wuji asked little Yi Hao again.
"I was planning to matchmake the eldest young master Baili with my mother! But it seems to have failed."
Little Yi Hao was frustrated. After all, the schemes he came up with were from storybooks, and storybooks were supposed to be the summaries of previous generations' experiences. Why did they fail?
He didn't understand.
Song Wuji, however, said, "Let's matchmake. I will definitely treat your mother well."
Little Yi Hao thought carefully and felt it made sense. This man seemed not too bad.
However, little Yi Hao completely forgot that there was another man who had shared an unusual experience with his mother last night, and today, his good son had delivered him into the wolf's den.
Song Wuji stroked his chin. This matter still needed to be kept from Song Panyang.
Baili Mengran felt unhappy.