Seeing Yan Zisheng’s handsome face turn pale with fright, Song Zhiyuan touched his nose — was he that scary?
He coughed and said, "Changsheng, there’s no need to be afraid. We’re just having a casual chat."
Yan Zisheng awkwardly smiled, "Prime Minister, this student is not afraid."
Song Zhiyuan glanced at his feet, "Is that so? Then why did you step back so far?"
"Tell me, what are your thoughts on your future wife? You’re nineteen now, and in a couple of months, you’ll participate in the autumn exam. With your literary talent, passing the exam should be no problem."
Joy surged in Yan Zisheng’s heart, and he suppressed his happiness, humbly saying, "This student will not disappoint the Prime Minister’s expectations."
Song Zhiyuan chuckled and said, "Whether it’s the spring or autumn exams, there are always people looking to find a son-in-law from the successful candidates. With your talent and handsome appearance, and as you are still unmarried, you are likely to be highly sought after. I hear that Scholar Qian’s family also has a granddaughter of the right age who is unmarried. Also, although there is no Marquis Yongchang’s Mansion, there is Marquis Yongqing’s Mansion and many aristocratic official families. If they are interested in you, then according to your standards for choosing a spouse, what would you do? I tell you this to remind you that there are likely many families wanting to find a husband ."
Yan Zisheng remained silent.
"Actually, if it weren’t for the Emperor’s arrangements, I would have liked to betroth my daughter to you as well."
Yan Zisheng was startled, "Prime Minister, how could this student be worthy?"
"Your morals are exemplary. From what you just said, you didn’t insult Miss Qiu behind her back — just explained indirectly. This shows your character, so there’s no need to be modest."
Yan Zisheng laughed in spite of himself, "Prime Minister, you are also like a father to me; thus, this student dares to speak frankly. In truth, as a child of a poor family, how could I dare to set any standards? If I could hope for someone like Second Miss Song, it would be a blessing of three lifetimes, but I never dared to dream because I am undeserving."
"Second Miss Song has been raised in luxury and affection since childhood. Marrying her means I would need to spend a significant amount of time and effort to accompany, coax, play music, drink, and admire the flowers and the moon with her," Yan Zisheng said with a wry smile. "But Prime Minister, this student has ambitions, wishing to serve the country and the people as a good official. How could I be confined to the back residence, discussing only frivolities? Wouldn’t that waste my ten years of studying?"
"You’re calling my daughter spoiled, yet you don’t fear that I’ll be annoyed?" Song Zhiyuan teased deliberately.
"This student only wishes to speak honestly with the Prime Minister. As you mentioned, a smooth and peaceful household without worries allows one to strive forward. This student only wishes to find a virtuous wife who can perform filial duties for me, manage the household affairs, even if her family background is not prestigious, as long as she is courteous, sensible, and pure-hearted. That would be the greatest blessing for this student."
"What if she is an orphan?"
Yan Zisheng was taken aback, something flashed in his mind, and he said, "If she is courteous, sensible, and pure-hearted as I mentioned, this student is willing."
Song Zhiyuan: "Make sure you’re certain. An orphan means she has no family elders at home, only herself, and you cannot rely on the wife’s clan."
"In such a case, this student will spare no effort to strive forward."
Without relying on the wife’s clan, he would rely on his own hard work. If not in one year, then ten, if not ten, then twenty.
He couldn’t believe he couldn’t develop connections. If he really couldn’t, then he was not cut out to be an official and should resign early and farm the land.
"Good, the Grand Madam asked me to arrange a marriage. That young lady is the niece of Deputy Minister Wei of the Ministry of Industry, an orphan currently living with Grand Madam Wei. She is past the age for marriage discussions and desires a husband of outstanding character, who knows warmth from cold. I’ve checked; she is a decent, virtuous woman, though her fate has had its hardships. If you are willing, would you like to meet her?"