Song Ci’s expression was somewhat unpleasant, her wrinkled lips pressed together, making her appear a bit more serious and stern than usual.
Had she not known about this matter, it would have been fine. But knowing it now, she must mention it to Madam Wei. Surely, she couldn’t knowingly let Wang Qiuman be thrust into a bad situation with a scoundrel.
However, she didn’t act impulsively. Madam Wei genuinely cared for Wang Qiuman and, to have found such a person for her, would have certainly conducted thorough investigations. If nothing improper could be found about that person, either he was hiding it well, or Shi Lang made a mistake?
"Nanny Gong, to what extent do you think Shi Lang’s words hold truth?"
Nanny Gong pondered for a moment: "Madam, you know, Fourth Master never involves himself in these matters and doesn’t make baseless claims. He is often outside, so he might have truly overheard something."
So it was to trust Song Zhiyu’s words.
Song Ci pursed her lips and said, "Indeed, to ruin someone’s marriage is to harm one’s karma. It is not in Shi Lang’s nature to be so indiscreet. However, if this matter is true, then Wei Cheng is quite the actor."
Even she hadn’t noticed anything amiss. Damn, Oscar owes him a little golden man!
"It is just so. The old servant sees that Young Master Wei is also so cultured and refined. I didn’t expect..."
Song Ci sneered, "Knowing a person’s face but not their heart, that’s the phrase indeed. I was just saying, wasn’t it odd how that Madam Marquis Weiyuan, who is willing to be so gracious as to find a match for the illegitimate son, hadn’t it been said that after she lost her legitimate son, she suspected his untimely death was the doing of Wei Cheng’s biological mother? If that is the case, why would she be so magnanimous and find a match for him? Surely there’s some underhanded intrigue here."
Nanny Gong nodded, indeed finding this situation quite peculiar.
"Could it be that Madam Wei would not be so negligent, might we be overthinking this?" Nanny Gong hesitated a bit.
Song Ci shook her head, "Old Wei sincerely wishes to find a good husband for this grandniece. There is a saying that concern leads to confusion. In her haste, it wouldn’t be unusual for her to misjudge. And if Madam Marquis Weiyuan and that illegitimate son have a tacit agreement, they might help cover for him, making it even harder to uncover."
Nanny Gong, seeing her analysis was so logical, laughed and said, "Madam, you have a clear mind."
Song Ci sighed with a bitter smile, "It’s just being clear from an outsider’s perspective. Nanny Gong, do you think I should remind Old Wei about this matter? Would she blame me for meddling, especially if she knows but pretends not to?"
"Impossible. Madam Wei is genuinely planning for her grandniece. If she knew, she certainly wouldn’t proceed with the match, as it’s not a good one." Nanny Gong shook her head in refutation.
The Longyang affair doesn’t have a good reputation; a woman marrying into such a situation would only suffer hardship and torment.
"You’re right." Song Ci made her decision, saying, "Send someone over to Old Wei’s estate to inform her that I’ll visit tomorrow to have a talk with her."
Nanny Gong agreed and then asked, "Madam, aren’t you afraid of offending the Marquis Weiyuan’s residence?"
After all, if this matter were truly investigated, not only would the marriage between the two families not happen, but it could potentially turn into enmity.
"Would I be afraid?" Song Ci pointed to herself, her face filled with astonishment, "Who am I, a first-rank Imperial Decree Lady, the legitimate mother of the current Prime Minister, and I am even best friends with the Empress Dowager. Do you think I would be afraid of them? Even without such a powerful background, I wouldn’t be afraid. It is their family who is involved in the Longyang scandal; if they’re doing it, they shouldn’t fear it being known. Actually, there’s nothing wrong with their doing but deceiving in marriage is lacking in morals and virtue. If this gets out, the first one to lose face would be their Marquis Weiyuan’s residence. Would I, Song Ci, be afraid?"
This display of reliance on a strong backing was indeed amusing.