Though Song Ruwei is young, she is not a fool, especially since her mother has subtly guided and nurtured her in everyday life, so she is not as ignorant as other children.
What Madam Lu said, she naturally analyzed and calculated.
To endure for years to ascend to the position of Marchioness, or to become a Marchioness immediately upon marriage, which is more impressive, how could she not know?
Some Heirs’ wives may not even see such an outcome. Like the Heir’s wife of the Zhongchuan Marquis’s Mansion, didn’t her husband die, and the title passed on to his brother instead?
Marrying into the position of Marchioness from the beginning is akin to winning at the starting line.
"Have you figured it out?" Madam Lu, seeing her deep in thought, felt somewhat gratified, hugged her, and continued, "The title of Marchioness alone is enough for many girls to yearn for. But do you know what the greatest advantage of becoming the Duke Cheng’en’s Marchioness is?"
Song Ruwei seemed a bit confused.
"It means becoming the head of the household right at the doorstep, with no in-laws above you, living your own life behind closed doors." Madam Lu sighed slightly: "This is the life many women wish for after getting married."
"Mother!" Song Ruwei was startled. Wasn’t she afraid these words would be overheard and relayed to her grandmother?
This was outright rebellion.
Madam Lu smiled wryly and said, "I know what you are thinking, but who doesn’t want to be the one in charge, Wei’er? The Prime Minister’s Mansion is fine, but it’s your Aunt who runs the household. Our third house, including your second uncle’s family, don’t we all live under her rule? Making decisions for yourself as you wish rather than begging others every step of the way."
"With a mother-in-law above, no matter how much control you have, you sometimes have to see her mood. Otherwise, an accusation of being unfilial will weigh you down. Look at your Aunt, she’s quite majestic and comes from a prominent family, yet even she has to mind your grandmother’s demeanor. When your grandmother criticizes her, she must listen."
Song Ruwei remained silent.
"So Wei’er, Duke Cheng’en is a coveted catch; who knows how many have their eyes on him. You really have to seize this opportunity. You and he are of similar age, childhood playmates, it’s quite rare. Mother is sincerely hoping you will have a suitable spouse." Madam Lu patted her on the head.
Song Ruwei blushed and said, "Mother, it’s too early to talk about this, I’m only eight years old."
"A girl’s time to discuss marriage comes in the blink of an eye, just a few more years. By then, if you look at him again, you may have missed the chance."
"I’m even older than him, besides, it may not be as you say, that things will really go that way." Song Ruwei said bashfully.
Madam Lu chided, "What difference does two or three years make? Didn’t your grandmother marry your grandfather even though she was older by a few years? Mother is not asserting that you will definitely come to fruition but telling you, with such a good opportunity, you must strive to grasp it. What if it really happens?"
Song Ruwei remained silent.
"If in the future, you both truly have such an intention, even if I must kneel before your grandmother, I will plead for you." Madam Lu gritted her teeth.
Song Ruwei hurriedly said, "Mother, it’s something so distant, don’t think too much about it."
"In any case, what mother said tonight, do you remember it? Love is cultivated bit by bit."
Song Ruwei nodded somewhat absent-mindedly.
What her mother said was too sudden, making her heart feel a bit jumbled, with a touch of panic and shyness.
Madam Lu wanted to say a few more words, but seeing her confusion mixed with a slight panic, knew that too much was as bad as too little, so she restrained herself.
In any case, the Duke Cheng’en would often come to visit the mansion, and she could constantly offer guidance, not fearing that her own naive daughter would remain unenlightened.
As for considering small schemes beneath one’s dignity, well, as long as there’s a good marriage prospect, what is dignity worth?