Chapter 26: Returning to the Top Scholar's Residence

"Father, the struggle between the Third Prince and the Crown Prince is relentless, and the Emperor's health is steadily declining. Daughter knows that you do not wish for the Song family to be dragged into this turbulent storm. You hope to remain neutral in the imperial court, neither leaning to one side nor the other." Song Xirui lowered her eyes. "You are doing everything in your power to protect the Song family."

Song’s father felt a stir in his heart. He had always been reluctant to let Song Xirui know too much, wishing only for her to live a life of peace and carefreeness. Since when had his precious daughter, whom he held in the palm of his hand, begun to make such calculations?

It seemed that her life at the Su household must have been truly miserable.

Song Xirui, unaware of her father’s thoughts, offered him a faint smile. "To keep oneself entirely out of it is truly too difficult; I fear Father will only end up offending both sides. This matter was initiated under the coercion of Xiao Yunci, but upon careful reflection, what he said holds some truth. If the Crown Prince ascends the throne, he will inevitably settle scores with the court officials, and the Marquis’s estate will not be safe. As for the Third Prince, he is not a man to be trifled with, either."

"I choose Xiao Yunci because, although he is a court official, he is a man who treats the people with kindness."

With Xiao Yunci in power, the Song family could be guaranteed peace for a hundred years.

In truth, she did not care much for all of this; she only wished for her father and mother to be safe and sound.

Yet, this simple word "peace" was as difficult to achieve as ascending to heaven.

Song’s father remained silent. He understood the state of the imperial court better than anyone.

However, to let him participate in the struggle between Xiao Yunci and the Crown Prince meant there would be no turning back.

Song Xirui watched her father quietly, not daring to disturb his thoughts.

After a long while, Song’s father looked up, his voice tinged with a sigh. "Rui’er, you have grown up. In the past, you never considered such matters. I cannot make a decision on this right away; I wish to ponder it further before telling you my conclusion."

"Father!" Song Xirui smiled slightly, her expression carrying a hint of childlike tenderness. "I am married now, so naturally, I have grown up quite a bit. Father, there is no need to rush; just take your time to consider it."

Over the next few days, Song Xirui no longer mentioned the matter, choosing instead to take this opportunity to spend quality time with her parents.

Her mother, doting on her daughter, thought of ways to have the kitchen prepare delicious meals for her every day. Her father, wanting only to see her happy, brought her many storybooks, which made Song Xirui laugh with delight.

Consequently, she gained four or five pounds in her cheeks.

Every day, she would complain that her face was getting rounder and refuse her mother’s constant feeding.

This relaxed and carefree life came to an abrupt end the moment Su Yun arrived.

"Your son-in-law pays his respects to Father-in-law and Mother-in-law." Su Yun bowed slightly, a layer of gloom hidden in his eyes.

Across from him, the Song family wore cold expressions, clearly unwelcoming to this uninvited guest.

Su Yun was inwardly furious, but he dared not act rashly. He was forced to maintain his bowed posture for a long time. After half an incense stick had burned down, and drops of sweat from his forehead had landed on the ground, Song’s father finally spoke.

"Sit down."

Only then did Su Yun feel as if he had been granted an amnesty, and he sat down with a hunched posture.

Before he could even speak, Song’s mother was quick to retort: "Scholar Su, what brings you to our door today? I suppose you don't need to spend time with that mistress of yours?"

"Father-in-law, where does such talk come from?" Su Yun immediately stood up, a fawning smile on his face. "The rumors about her and me are nothing more than gossip."

"Gossip?" Song’s father’s face darkened. "It has spread throughout the entire capital, and you dare call it false? Fortunately, Rui’er has some backbone and knew to run back here; otherwise, would she not have been bullied to death? Su Yun, do you remember the promises you made to me that day? And now you stand here pretending to be innocent!"

He had been an official for many years, and his authority was ingrained.

Before him, Su Yun looked like a chick facing an eagle, not daring to let out a full breath.

These days, he had been attacked in the imperial court like a stray dog. If he did not bring Song Xirui back, his political career would be completely finished!

Just then, Song’s father said again: "Enough. If you wish to take Rui’er back, you must show your sincerity."

Su Yun looked up, a smile on his face. "Father-in-law, please speak your mind. As long as it is within my power, I will do everything I can, if only my wife can return home."

Having said this, he looked expectantly at the cold-eyed Song Xirui.

"Xirui, what do you say?" Song’s father also looked at Song Xirui.

If Song Xirui was unwilling, he would definitely drive this scoundrel out!

Song Xirui lifted her eyelids slightly, her gaze falling upon Su Yun’s nauseating face, and she spoke with a tone of grievance: "This wife is willing to return with my husband."

"Really?" Su Yun immediately laughed triumphantly.

He knew that Song Xirui was deeply in love with him and could not bear to see him beg.

Beside them, the two elders of the Song family looked grim.

How could their own daughter be so foolish?

Song Xirui nodded, her eyes rimmed with red. "Really. It is just that I fear my husband will treat me as he did in the past, so I must ask my husband to agree to one condition."

She wanted to give Su Yun a way down, but it could not be made easy.

Last night, Xiao Yunci had sent word.

Su Yun was already in secret contact with the Third Prince.

This matter was unusual.

Su Yun had always been with the Crown Prince’s faction; how could he suddenly have ties with the Third Prince?

She needed to return to the Su household to investigate.

Su Yun smiled. "Wife, I can swear to the heavens that there will be no more deceit."

Song Xirui nodded. "Very well. Then please swear upon the plaque of the Song family: if you betray me, Song Xirui, your political career will surely falter, and your life will be filled with misfortune. How about that?"

"This!" Su Yun’s face immediately darkened.

He knew that Song Xirui was holding him captive; if he dared to act out again, he would be completely finished.

"What is the matter, Scholar Su? Is this request from Rui’er too difficult for you? If you are unwilling, we will not force you!" Song’s mother said coldly.

Some "Scholar."

Her daughter had ended up with such a character!

Helpless, Su Yun had no choice but to comply.

For some reason, news that the Scholar Su had come to pick up his wife had gathered quite a crowd in front of the Marquis’s estate.

Under the watchful eyes of all, Su Yun gritted his teeth and swore to the heavens: "If I, Su Yun, fail Song Xirui, may my career falter and my life be filled with misfortune!"

As his voice fell, a roar of laughter erupted from the crowd.

"Hahaha, a dignified Scholar forced to this point by his wife—how shameful!"

"What do you know? If it weren't for the backing of the Marquis’s estate, could a poor boy like him have risen to become a Scholar?"

"I heard this Scholar is not an honest man; he’s been keeping a mistress behind his wife’s back. He only came to pick her up because he was caught and the daughter of the Marquis was so angry she returned to her parents' home!"

"Oh my, you really can't judge a book by its cover!"

Song Xirui watched from within the gates for a long time before bidding farewell to her parents and walking gracefully toward Su Yun.

She said with deep affection, "Husband, as long as you treat me well from now on, I will surely stay in the Su household and will not return to my parents’ home lightly."

Such a submissive gesture surprised the onlookers.

The daughter of the Marquis was truly devoted; even after all this, she held no resentment!

Su Yun gritted his teeth. "Wife, you can return to the Su mansion now. Since you left, Mother has even fallen ill."

"Is that so? It is truly my fault." Song Xirui quickly covered her mouth, feigning shock. "Husband, let us go home."

In her heart, she sneered.

—

In the carriage.

Song Xirui and Su Yun sat opposite each other.

"How does my husband intend to deal with Miss Yun'er?" Song Xirui asked with a cold, mocking smile.