Song Chaoyu did not know that Princess Anyang possessed such abilities.
Princess Anyang also noticed Song Chaoyu's surprise. She patted her chest and assured, "Don't worry! I've already thought of a plan. Your status, in any case, is not worthy of Prince Chang. If you are unwilling, I will help you! Then you can go wherever you please, far away from the Emperor, and never see Prince Chang again. Can you do that?"
No, I cannot.
This was the first thought that surfaced in Song Chaoyu's mind.
Seeing Song Chaoyu's silence, Princess Anyang understood her meaning and sneered, "Hmph! As expected! Even as a mere concubine's daughter born of an outer chamber, your eyes are still fixed on the imperial wealth, aren't they? More than anything else, the title of Princess Consort Chang, perhaps you like that even more?"
Song Chaoyu's heart did not feel that way, naturally.
But she felt there was no need to explain anything to Princess Anyang.
She simply said, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. However, since Prince Chang's marriage has been decided, it has truly shocked the capital and confused everyone. We have already troubled others too much. If we were to break off the engagement now, it would likely incur the wrath of the palace and disturb the peace of all the noble houses. Please rest assured, Your Highness. Although I am foolish, I know how to take good care of His Highness Prince Chang."
Princess Anyang felt as if she had punched cotton.
Song Chaoyu's reply, though soft and making her helpless, was still a reply.
Princess Anyang stomped her foot unhappily, "You... everything you say is so good! I truly don't know what Prince Chang sees in you! Do you know that Prince Chang might never be able to have children in the future? Are you sure you can live a widow's life forever?!"
Although she knew Princess Anyang was speaking out of anxiety, Song Chaoyu's brows still furrowed deeply.
How could a princess speak so distastefully?
But this question, surprisingly, received a definitive answer in Song Chaoyu's heart once more: Yes.
Although she knew now that Mu Changxi's health was likely very good, she was certain that even if Han Xi were to have an accident and truly become the current "Mu Changxi," she would still be willing to stay by Han Xi's side.
No matter what the future held, she had to try according to her own heart to know the outcome, right?
She raised her head and suddenly looked at Princess Anyang, "Your Highness, this humble one also wishes to ask you a question. Since Your Highness admires His Highness Prince Chang so much, if you were to marry Prince Chang, could you, as you just told me, take care of His Highness Prince Chang and remain devoted to him even without children?"
Princess Anyang had previously thought she could definitely do it.
Since childhood, she had liked to follow behind Mu Changxi.
And during the three years she lived in the Southern Kingdom, it was also thanks to Mu Changxi.
At that time, she had decided in her heart to follow Mu Changxi for a lifetime!
But at this moment, being asked by Song Chaoyu, she actually began to consider many other things.
Even if she were willing, would her family be willing?
Clearly, after hearing that Mu Changxi's engagement was set, Princess Anyang's mother breathed a deep sigh of relief.
There were always people in the family advising her to choose other good men in the capital.
Thinking about it now, she indeed had too many concerns, and indeed... she truly could not do it.
But Song Chaoyu was different.
She knew what Princess Anyang's silence represented.
She simply smiled slightly, "Perhaps Your Highness is willing, but your family and clan will certainly not be. Now, if I tell Your Highness that I am willing to marry Prince Chang, Your Highness probably won't believe me. But whether I can take good care of His Highness Prince Chang in the future, Your Highness can see for yourself!"
With these words, Princess Anyang finally lost her temper.
She finally stood up and snorted, "Fine! Then I will wait and see! If you treat Prince Chang badly, don't blame me for being impolite to you!"
After saying that, she glared at Song Chaoyu and then turned to leave.
This made Tiaohong, who was behind Song Chaoyu, smile helplessly, "Did this Princess come specifically today just to say this to you, Miss? Then she didn't need to say anything. When will your marriage be something you can decide for yourself?"
No, in this life, she was already much better than in her previous life.
There were not so many things one could not control in this world; it was simply that people were unwilling to try.
Song Chaoyu did not speak. After seeing Princess Anyang off, no one like Princess Anyang ever came to her door to speak ill of her again!
The days passed as if a white steed flashed past a crack.
—
Song Chaoyu's residence continued to be bustling with visitors, and the congratulatory voices made her ears calloused.
Madam Liu could not hold on for two days. As expected, she returned everything she had taken from Song Yanrou and personally brought Zhuzi to beg and plead for Song Yanrou to be taken back home.
In the days that followed, although Song Yanrou often ran back to the Song mansion, they dared not control her, let alone punish her.
Only then did Song Yanrou's life improve somewhat.
However, during this period, apart from the imperial banquet and occasional summons from the Noble Consort, Song Chaoyu had not seen Mu Changxi again.
Everything seemed calm, but a matter of no small significance occurred in the court.
The Emperor handed over a salt administration, which rightfully belonged to the Crown Prince, to Prince Ning to handle. The political climate in the court thus changed.
Some said this represented the Emperor testing Prince Ning, and perhaps the Emperor truly had thoughts of changing the heir.
Others said this meant the Emperor was probing Prince Ning to see if he possessed such ambition.
This matter, however, put Prince Ning in a bit of a predicament.
He only accepted the imperial decree and then left the capital. He would likely need about a month to return to the capital after handling this salt administration.
By the time he returned, it would probably be the wedding day of Song Chaoyu and Mu Changxi.
Song Chaoyu had been too busy with her own affairs these days.
Unexpectedly, the day after Prince Ning left the capital, Song Yanjiao returned to the Song mansion.
She was now the Princess Consort Ning, and even Song Yuan had to bow to her status.
But after returning home, she went straight to the First Madam's room and spoke with her for a long time.
Song Chaoyu did not see her immediately, but she heard from Tiaohong that after Song Yanjiao left the First Madam's room, her eyes were a little red.
Not long after, a message came from the First Madam stating that Song Yanjiao would be staying at her maternal home for the night and that the kitchen should prepare good food and wine for the evening, inviting Song Chaoyu to attend as well.
After asking Tiaohong, she learned that they had even called back Song Yanrou, who had just returned to Madam Liu's place. She wondered what new trouble Song Yanjiao was up to this time.