Apart from expressing her gratitude, Song Chaoyu didn't know what else to say to the old madam.
In truth, everything had happened too suddenly, leaving her unsure of how to cope.
Moreover, it had disrupted all her plans.
Perhaps the only thing she felt fortunate about was that fate had kept her in the capital, sparing her the arduous journey.
In the future… she would be able to do more.
—
Although there were still more than half a year until Song Chaoyu and Mu Changxi's wedding, the Song family had already begun preparations in full swing. The first order of business was to have Song Chaoyu formally adopted under the First Madam's name, with the clan elders as witnesses. This way, Song Chaoyu would become a legitimate daughter of the Song family.
However, this matter encountered a snag.
There were three elders in the Song clan, all highly respected senior members.
All three resided in their ancestral home in Jiangzhou. The old madam's intention was to take Song Chaoyu and the First Madam back to Jiangzhou to finalize the matter. It had been many years since they last visited, and it was only fitting they go see their ancestral home.
Initially, the First Madam was reluctant to go. Jiangzhou was a long journey, and Song Yanjiao had only recently married. The First Madam wished to stay by Song Yanjiao's side.
But the old madam insisted. Since Song Chaoyu was to be adopted, how could the First Madam not accompany them?
The First Madam could not refuse. She made arrangements for her household, leaving her two most capable maids behind at the Song residence, before preparing for the journey to Jiangzhou.
Jiangzhou was far from the capital, and the old madam was advanced in age. The carriage could not travel too fast, so the journey would take about ten days, making the round trip a month.
Song Chaoyu entrusted Liu Yiniang and Xiao Qing'er to Fan Jiangyue. Liu Yiniang's two maids were also capable and devoted, so Song Chaoyu was not worried about them.
The old madam mentioned that Song Yanrou should have been brought along as well.
However, Song Yanrou's wedding was fast approaching, and they would not be able to make it in time for Song Yanrou's marriage.
But Song Chaoyu also understood the old madam's ulterior motive: by taking the First Madam away, Song Yanrou's wedding arrangements would be much smoother.
Whether it was the First Madam or Song Yanjiao, they likely still held a grudge against Song Yanrou for ruining Song Yanjiao's wedding night.
Therefore, with Song Yanrou about to get married, the First Madam would likely "take action" against her. Now that the First Madam was gone, and with Song Yanjiao's status as the Princess Consort of Ning, it would be difficult for her to act too brazenly.
Moreover, with Song Yuan managing affairs in the Song family, major disruptions were unlikely.
The old madam was certainly not acting out of concern for Song Yanrou. It was more likely that she did not want the Song family to lose face in the capital again.
With two princesses now from the Song family, countless eyes were on them.
It was a done deal, and Song Chaoyu could only obey. She had never imagined that so many events would unfold after returning to the Song family from the estate, not even a year ago.
Before leaving the capital, the old madam sought out Song Chaoyu. "Fourth girl, you haven't seen Prince Chang since you returned from the palace that day, have you? Would you like to see him once before you leave? I can take you to Prince Chang's manor. You are now betrothed, and with me accompanying you, I doubt anyone would say much."
Song Chaoyu shook her head. "Grandmother, it's fine. I won't see him. We'll be back in a month anyway, why stir up more trouble?"
The old madam affectionately stroked Song Chaoyu's hair. "You are such a thoughtful girl!"
However, without the old madam needing to do anything, it seemed the Crown Prince's manor, having heard of Song Chaoyu's impending departure, sent an invitation early one morning. It stated that the Crown Princess had invited Song Chaoyu to discuss certain palace etiquette.
In the future, Song Chaoyu would be the Crown Princess's "sister-in-law," so it was only natural for her to extend such an invitation.
When Song Chaoyu arrived at the Crown Prince's manor, the Crown Princess had already prepared tea and refreshments for her and Mu Changxi.
This time, Song Chaoyu no longer had to meet Mu Changxi in a secluded corner courtyard. Instead, she could sit openly in the main hall.
Seeing Song Chaoyu sitting somewhat stiffly, the Crown Princess smiled and stood up. "I know you two have much to discuss. I'll go to the back and see if the winter jasmine they bought this year is doing well. You two can talk here; no one will disturb you."
"Thank you, Crown Princess."
Mu Changxi, seated in his wheelchair, cupped his hands towards the Crown Princess.
After Song Chaoyu also rose to respectfully see the Crown Princess off, she looked up at Mu Changxi. "What… did you do?"
Mu Changxi smiled slightly, gestured for Song Chaoyu to sit, and then asked, "Does your knee still hurt?"
Song Chaoyu instinctively touched her knee and then shook her head. "It doesn't hurt anymore. Physician Fan's medicine is very effective."
"I'm sorry."
Mu Changxi unexpectedly apologized to Song Chaoyu. "If not for my stubbornness, you wouldn't have had to kneel in my mother's palace all night. You wouldn't have had to endure gossip, nor would you be in this situation now, marrying me without knowing anything."
So… he knew what was in her heart?
Song Chaoyu lowered her gaze, feeling a genuine sense of grievance. "You know. You are not Han Xi, and I am not the Song Chaoyu of the past. With your status, you shouldn't be marrying me."
"I know."
He became more open with Song Chaoyu. "I was just thinking, if I don't seize this opportunity, will I regret missing you for the rest of my life?"
He looked up, his gaze earnest. "I've asked myself many times, and the answer is yes, I would regret it. So even if I'm being selfish and haven't asked for your consent, I want to try. But Yu'er, why did you choose this path?"
This was something Mu Changxi didn't understand. "My mother gave you two options. You could have chosen the more stable one, couldn't you? Yet you knelt in Dengque Hall all night. My mother said… you have feelings for me. But I always felt that your desire to stay in the capital wasn't entirely for me, was it?"
Was he a mind reader, knowing everything?
For some reason, Song Chaoyu knew that they were soon to be husband and wife, and that the man before her was the current Prince of Ning. She should be coaxing this man, making him protect her in every way.
Yet, there was a strange discomfort in her heart.
She nodded. "My staying in the capital… does indeed have another purpose."
Mu Changxi closed his eyes. Even though he had expected this answer, he couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment.
However, this disappointment was fleeting. "It doesn't matter. Regardless of why you are staying in the capital, or whether you believe me or not. A'yu, I may not be able to give you a stable life. But I will do my best to cherish you. Believe it or not, I will do so. No matter what you think of me… my feelings today will not change."