Song Ruqi felt a bit speechless at her elder sister’s question. Which woman in this world doesn’t want to be an Imperial Concubine? It’s noble, exalted, and envied by countless women.
But, do I really want it?
Song Ruqi didn’t reply immediately. To say she really wanted it wasn’t entirely accurate; she just felt that her status dictated that she ought to be paired with a Prince or the like.
"If it were you, elder sister, wouldn’t you want it?"
Song Ruqian smiled, "As you know, when the Eldest Prince was choosing a concubine back then, father did ask me."
However, she refused and later chose the eldest legitimate son of the Gu Family.
Song Ruqi was at a loss for words.
"Qi’er, being a Royal Wife is not easy. It’s not that your elder sister wants to belittle you, it’s just that there are too many rules and restrictions. How could someone like you adapt?"
Song Ruqi retorted, "By saying so, are you suggesting that I should marry into a poor family? Certainly, there would be no rules there, and I can do as I please."
Before Song Ruqian could speak, she continued, "You’re always saying I’m not suitable, that my temperament is no good. I haven’t even become one yet, so how do you know I can’t change? You’re just looking down on me."
"Don’t you dare say that choosing a lower status would make me content and easygoing. It’s easy for you to say that; you’re already a clan leader’s wife."
The Gu Family is a renowned and noble family, of scholarly lineage, with a solid reputation. Although not many of them hold official positions in court, their reputation outside is impeccable. Gu family daughters never worry about marriage, and Gu family sons are highly sought after.
Song Ruqian seemed taken aback, looking at her in astonishment.
As soon as Song Ruqi spoke, she regretted it. Seeing her elder sister’s shocked and hurt expression, she lowered her head guiltily and said, "I, I didn’t mean to be jealous of you or say you were wrong, just, just... Elder sister, I was wrong."
She lowered her head and lightly slapped her own mouth.
Song Ruqian sighed, "Qi’er, being a clan leader’s wife is not that easy either, especially as the matriarch. You have to learn, to think, and to have more shrewdness than many others. It’s exactly because I’ve already walked this path that I know the hardships involved."
"Qi’er, if being a noble family’s matriarch is already , what about being a Royal Wife? Once you enter the Royal Family, you’ll have to consider your husband’s prospects, to calculate people’s hearts, and in the future, contend with concubines. Don’t ever say that the other side adores you; how many Royal Sons don’t have a concubine?" Song Ruqian’s voice lowered, "If, by chance, the one you marry is fortunate enough to ascend to the throne one day, there would be countless concubines. What would you do then?"
Song Ruqi was silent.
"You have a proud nature, yet you’re naïve and simple. As your elder sister, I only hope you can find a good husband, someone who loves and cherishes you. Even if the family is slightly lower in status, you could live contentedly, have children, and pass your days smoothly. That would not be a life lived in vain."
This sincere hope from her sister brought tears to Song Ruqi’s eyes. She leaned her head against her sister’s shoulder and choked out, "Sister."
Song Ruqian patted her head.
"Sister, I also envy you and brother-in-law’s harmony. I hope that in the future, my husband will be the same. When you and brother-in-law were engaged, father was not yet the Prime Minister, but still he chose the Gu Family. As for me, I’m the daughter of the Prime Minister’s Mansion. Sister, I don’t even know who would be worthy for me."
The unknown future is the most terrifying.
Being a Royal Wife is not her lot, so what kind of family would be enough to match her status as a daughter of the Prime Minister’s Mansion?
"Matches are destined by the heavens, Qi’er. When you can’t figure it out yourself, listening to your parents will never go wrong. Father has been in office for many years, has a lot of experience, sees far beyond us, and would never harm you."
Song Ruqi was silent again.