Song Fanghua was inexplicably scolded, and ten thousand mythical creatures galloped through her mind. The words "speechless" were etched onto her forehead as she listened to the reprimand with a blank expression.
"…You are the legitimate daughter of the Ministry of Personnel's mansion. Every word and deed reflects the reputation of the mansion. Such attire… those who don't know might think I've mistreated you. You are not allowed to dress like this again."
Song Fanghua: "...Yes, daughter understands."
If she argued with her, she might be accused of disrespecting her stepmother. As long as her stepmother didn't go too far, she could grudgingly cooperate.
"It's good that you understand." Madam Song picked up her tea and took a sip. "I asked you to come over to discuss your marriage. Ling'er, as the second young lady, is already engaged. You should also be engaged soon. Do you have any opinions on this?"
Song Fanghua: "..." She was only nineteen.
At this time in her previous life, she was still buried in medical books at medical university. Now she had to get married?
"Is there a problem?"
Seeing her in a daze, Madam Song asked.
Song Fanghua quickly snapped back to attention. "No, it's just that daughter… daughter doesn't want to get married yet."
Madam Song's eyes immediately widened. "You've been of age for three years, nearing twenty. Many girls your age already have children. Why don't you want to get married? Are you resentful that I didn't arrange suitable matches for you earlier?"
Song Fanghua: "...No, Mother misunderstands. Daughter simply doesn't want to marry just anyone. If life becomes difficult later, I will inevitably harbor resentment. Please, Mother, allow me a few days to consider."
Hearing this, Madam Song softened her tone. "It's not that I'm forcing you. Ling'er will be married in a few days. As the elder sister, if you are still not engaged, the Ministry of Personnel's mansion will have to endure so much gossip. You should also consider the mansion."
Song Fanghua could only smile outwardly, while inwardly…
"Sigh."
Song Fanghua couldn't help but sigh.
The devious thoughts of ancient people were truly a headache.
And this matter of marriage.
She was only nineteen… twenty years old, it was too difficult!
—
On the other side, Zhu Ling, an ancient demon who had lived for tens of thousands of years, was charming a young girl in her teens, wearing the guise of a sixteen-year-old.
It was incredibly endearing that this person had come to the Song mansion to find her.
She pushed the wheelchair into the back courtyard. Those behind her followed at a considerable distance, not daring to approach and disturb them.
"Did you come to find me after hearing what I said?"
Baili Chongyan's earlobes turned slightly red, and he replied with a voice tinged with shyness, "Yes."
"A'yan is so well-behaved."
Baili Chongyan felt his face beneath the mask grow warm, a flutter of emotion he had never experienced before.
It was quiet, and inadvertently, she occupied all his thoughts.
"We will be officially married in a few more days. Then we can be together always, eating together, living together, sleeping in the same bed. A'yan, are you looking forward to it?"
She was too good at charming him, and Baili Chongyan simply couldn't handle it.
The system was astonished: [Miss, isn't this your first time dating? How are you so good at this?]
"Good at what?"
Charming people!
The system felt defeated. Could this be the advantage of humans?
He remembered that every year he attended the system blind dates held by the Time Management Bureau, and for over a thousand years, he still hadn't found a partner.
The host was initially unwilling. After finding a partner, she spent every day charming him. How long had the mission been active? She and her partner were about to get married!
This was too unfair!
Baili Chongyan, with a blush, whispered, "You, don't… don't be like this."
He didn't feel embarrassed, only shy.
This person spoke too frankly, leaving him completely unable to respond.
"Don't be like what? Saying these words? A'yan doesn't like to hear them?"
Baili Chongyan couldn't bring himself to say he disliked them.
He actually liked them, but he was not used to it, and he was timid, afraid it was all a dream.
"No, no."
"Then you like it." Zhu Ling leaned close to his ear, her tone light and suggestive, "I like A'yan too, I wish I could eat A'yan right now."
Her breath, like orchids, kept wafting into Baili Chongyan's ear, making him feel both ticklish and restless.
The earlobes beneath his dark hair were flushed red, but he dared not speak again.
She was too bold. Baili Chongyan feared that if he said anything more, she would steer the conversation in that direction again.
In the past, in the army, he had heard many vulgar jokes from others, but he had never experienced them firsthand. After returning triumphant, before he could marry a princess, he was framed and thrown into prison.
He endured and did not speak out for the sake of his soldiers, unable to die. However, they, relying on the Emperor's favor, subjected him to harsh interrogations and torture.
If it weren't for General Cheng arriving in time with his men, they would have killed him after torturing him to their heart's content, faking a suicide to cover up their crime, and thereby targeting the border troops.
When the birds are gone, the good bow is put away; when the enemy country is gone, the minister is lost.
Moreover, would those soldiers necessarily obey the Emperor?
Naturally, they became a thorn in his side, a nail in his flesh…
"What are you thinking about?"
Zhu Ling's words pulled him back.
He silently told himself that those were just the past, and he should not be bound by them.
"Nothing."
"Lying." Zhu Ling walked in front of him, picked him up, and said to those behind them, "Wait outside. No one is allowed in."
The guards seemed somewhat accustomed to this, a sense of relief washing over them. Zhu Ling's maids, however, were instantly flustered, all thinking of reporting to Madam Song.
The captain of the guards stepped back, blocking their path. "Miss Song will not do anything to His Highness. There's no need to trouble Madam with such a small matter. If the two young ladies are tired, they can rest here."
The two maids wondered if they had misheard.
Exchanging glances, they realized they had heard correctly and were instantly filled with dread.
What if Miss did something to Prince Yan of Rong?