The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 1032: Candidate’s Moral Conduct in Question?

Song Lingjie quickly received a report from his trusted servant. Upon hearing which young lady it was, his handsome face darkened immediately."Well, today the Eldest Madam is hosting a banquet, and both Madam Wen and Miss Wen are on the guest list," Tian Hai replied cautiously, watching his master’s expression.

Song Lingjie acknowledged with a hum, his slender fingers playing skillfully with a wolf-hair brush, turning it in his nimble fingertips. Rolling his eyes slightly, he said, "Go and find a few idlers. Inquire about Prince Zhou’s recent whereabouts, who he’s met with. If you can find out what they discussed, that would be great. If not, let it be. Be careful not to expose any tracks; the main goal is to see who he has been in contact with."

Tian Hai cupped his hands in agreement and added, "Shall we inform the Young Master about this matter?"

Song Lingjie glanced at him and said, "Big Brother is studying at the Academy, so why bother him with such trivial matters? They don’t concern him. Grandmother merely invited a few ladies to admire the autumn scenery, nothing more."

As for matchmaking, unless it’s seriously discussed and formalized, it’s not set in stone. Even if it were finalized, who could say it couldn’t be undone?

Especially if someone’s personal ethics are questionable, not even an Emperor’s decree can force it, right?

Tian Hai quietly withdrew, leaving to make arrangements without further mention.

...

Meanwhile, the banquet had reached its conclusion, and both the hosts and guests were satisfied. The female guests were seeing off by Madam and a few others.

Madam, with a broad smile, held Madam Wen’s hand and said, "It feels like we have known each other for ages. Next time, shall we go together to offer incense?"

Such words were unspoken hints that both parties understood.

Madam Wen naturally comprehended, smiling as she replied, "Then I shall await Madam’s invitation."

Beside her, Wen Zishan was smiling, but her eyebrows moved subtly, too quickly for anyone to notice.

Madam watched them board the carriage and only when they were out of sight did she take her handmaid, Fang Mama’s hand, and walk back.

With a glance at the smile on Madam’s face, Fang Mama commented, "It seems Madam is quite fond of Miss Wen."

Madam pursed her lips in a smile, "She indeed hails from such a prestigious family; her maternal family is the renowned Wang family of Langya, and her paternal lineage is also distinguished. You can hardly find fault with her education—graceful, dignified, and talented. Madam Wen has taught her well."

Fang Mama played along with a few compliments and then asked, "So, Madam intends to continue engaging with them?"

"Yes, after some time, I’ll find an excuse to invite her to offer incense and probe further." Madam seemed to envision a hopeful future of holding a grandson.

Fang Mama hesitated for a moment before suggesting, "Should you perhaps inform the Eldest Madam about it too? I noticed she didn’t seem particularly keen."

Madam furrowed her brow, having observed at the banquet that the old lady wasn’t particularly warm towards Wen Zishan, nor was she overly indifferent. She treated her just like everyone else, leaving it uncertain whether she approved or not.

"Let’s go chat with the Eldest Madam."

At this time, Song Ci was also pulling Song Ruwei aside, asking her about her interactions with the other young girls and their personalities.

Song Ruwei replied, "Miss Guan is bright and cheerful; Miss Qian is gentle and sweet; Miss Zhang is lively and spirited. As for Miss Wen, she is dignified and graceful..."

"Who do you like most? Who do you find the easiest to get along with?"

"Each of the sisters has their strengths. I talk more with Miss Qian since our personalities are somewhat alike," Song Ruwei said shyly. "Miss Guan is also nice; she can converse with anyone."

"Miss Wen is so dignified; she should be someone easy to get along with, shouldn’t she?"

Song Ruwei hesitated for a moment before saying, "Miss Wen perhaps doesn’t quite like Manun and Miss Zhang."

Song Ci’s eyes narrowed.