Song Fanghua waved her hands repeatedly, "No, no, I wouldn't dare!"
She didn't have someone she liked, and while her ideal type wasn't a gentle and refined scholar like Zhang Yicheng, she could accept someone like him to spend her life with.
Madam Song huffed, finally satisfied.
Seeing this, Minister Song said, "Since that's the case, then it shall be Yicheng. I watched you grow up, and I trust him. If your relationship sours in the future, once this matter passes, you may divorce."
Zhang Yicheng reaffirmed his loyalty, "I am fond of my cousin Fanghua and will surely treat her well."
Everyone had initially assumed he was stepping forward to resolve their urgent predicament out of familial obligation. Upon hearing his words, they were all visibly surprised.
Madam Song was the most astonished, seemingly unable to believe that her capable nephew would be interested in her perpetually disheveled stepdaughter. She scrutinized Song Fanghua for a long while.
Minister Song, however, said nothing.
The immediate issue was temporarily resolved. While they planned to summon Zhu Yin back for discussion, it wasn't strictly necessary for her return.
But since she was back, other matters needed to be addressed.
"Uncle, I have conveyed your intentions to my father, but he remains hesitant."
Their plan was to bring the Prime Minister's mansion into their alliance, contingent on the Prime Minister's willingness, of course.
Minister Song sighed, "My elder brother is loyal to the sovereign. However, even a good bird chooses its perch. The Emperor's reign is already faltering, and he has appointed a completely inept Crown Prince. This empire will surely fall into chaos sooner or later; we must make plans early."
And now, there was a very suitable candidate: Prince Yan, Baili Chongyan, who was present.
They were in-laws, and Song's daughter was his savior. Even if she were to lose his favor in the future, he would not harm her, nor would he harm the Song or Zhang families.
Zhang Yicheng understood this as well, but he also sighed, "My father was once the Emperor's companion during his studies, and he often recalled the lofty ambitions the Emperor spoke of back then. Now, he merely laments these memories, yet he refuses to shift his allegiance. Convincing him will likely be very difficult."
Zhang Yicheng was well aware of his father's stubbornness.
"My brother is truly foolish," Madam Song complained when speaking of her elder brother. "If everyone could remain true to their original intentions, would there be such troubles? The Emperor once had lofty ambitions, hoping for a world without impoverished scholars. But now, he only cares about how to live longer and indulge himself more. Does he still consider the welfare of the people and the nation? He was the one who forgot his original intentions; why must my brother be so steadfast?"
Madam Song hailed from the Prime Minister's mansion. Her elder brother was once the Emperor's most trusted confidant, and she naturally had insights into these matters.
But people's hearts are prone to change. The current Emperor was no longer the Third Prince who had once sworn to work for the good of the people.
Hearing this, Minister Song and Zhang Yicheng both sighed.
Baili Chongyan interjected at the opportune moment, "Cousin, is Grand Chancellor Zhang in good health?"
Upon hearing the term "cousin," Zhang Yicheng was momentarily taken aback, a little overwhelmed. He replied, "My grandfather is in good health. Thank you, Your Highness, for your concern."
Baili Chongyan had to prompt him again, "I recall Grand Chancellor Zhang retired specifically because he disagreed with the Emperor's promotion of the 'Zhongzheng' system and suppression of scholars from humble backgrounds. If he knew of the current actions of the Emperor and the Crown Prince, he would likely be even more disheartened."
Grand Chancellor Zhang was a veteran of three reigns and one of the key supporters of the Emperor's ascension. Later, however, he grew increasingly dissatisfied with the Emperor's policies.
The reasons for his retirement were not solely his dissatisfaction with the Emperor's promotion of the 'Zhongzheng' system; it was also to create an opening for his son, which led to his decision to retire.
Zhang Yicheng finally understood. While he agreed, he was also surprised by the Prince's stratagem.
In his mind, Prince Yan was an invincible general, a noble and upright gentleman who did not resort to cunning tactics, which was why he had been so easily framed.
Now, it seemed he might not be without his schemes, merely unprepared at the time.
Brothers who had always been amiable and loving had stabbed him in the back; such betrayal was hard to guard against.
Madam Song also understood and exclaimed with delight, "Yes! We can inform Father about this. Father will definitely support it, and my brother, being filial, will not defy our father."
Everyone agreed.
Thus, they had temporarily formed a united front.
The group exchanged more information about court affairs and then, after dining at the Song residence, Zhu Yin and her companion departed.
The next day at court, the Emperor did indeed question Minister Song about the matter.
Minister Song, citing his daughter's betrothal to the Prime Minister's eldest son and Grand Chancellor Zhang's approval of this strengthening of ties, refused the Emperor.
Although the Emperor was displeased, hearing Grand Chancellor Zhang's name commanded a degree of respect. He regretfully withdrew his proposal.
He then asked the civil and military officials if they had any other candidates.
The Second Prince was clearly nearing his demise. Which family would willingly send their daughter or sister into a wolf's den? The court was silent, and the officials remained reticent.
Seeing this, the Emperor, enraged, stormed away.