Having transmigrated into a book, who would still want to be a secondary wife?

Chapter 896 First Meeting with My Cousin

“Jingheng is my cousin after all. This matter concerns his marriage, so I will help him take a look,” Song Ruozhen replied.

Gu Ruyan didn't think much of it. Since her daughter had agreed, she must have had a plan in mind. Besides, Huang Xiangxiang only liked one of the Qi family's illegitimate sons.

The Qi family has several legitimate sons, so there's no need to worry about a son born out of wedlock who won't have a high status.

Song Lin was having a pleasant conversation with Chu Junting. He had always known how capable Chu Junting was, and he was also very clear about his methods and strength.

Now that he has become the crown prince, it seems to him that this is only natural.

Song Ruozhen instructed the kitchen to prepare some snacks and appetizers, and Song Lin and the others insisted on drinking together again.

Song Yi'an doesn't usually drink much, but since today was such a celebratory day, he also had a few drinks.

“Your father is really happy today. You can tell from his expression. He’s worried about his sensitive status and the possibility of accidentally causing trouble. Otherwise, given his usual personality, he would have been showing off to everyone by now.”

Gu Ruyan shook her head, her expression showing a hint of helplessness, but mostly a joyful smile.

"It's rare for Father to be so happy, so let him drink."

Song Ruozhen handed the pastry in her hand to Gu Ruyan, "Mother, try this."

Gu Ruyan looked at the unfamiliar food in front of her, her eyes showing surprise. "Zhen'er, what kind of dessert is this? I've never seen it before."

"This is a new treat I made—peach shortbread."

Song Ruozhen blinked. She suddenly remembered to make this dessert because the elders seemed to prefer sweet things. She couldn't think of anything suitable for the time being, so she suddenly thought of this one.

This peach shortbread is loved by both elders and children, so she thought she would make some, since it's not difficult to make anyway.

"Peach shortbread?"

Gu Ruyan took the food and tasted it. Her daughter's cooking was always excellent and never disappointed.

After tasting it, Gu Ruyan's eyes lit up immediately. "This is the first time I've ever tried such a crispy pastry. It's delicious!"

“I had the kitchen make quite a lot. These things don’t spoil easily, so I’ll take a lot back with me later,” Song Ruozhen said.

"Then your mother won't stand on ceremony with you. I'm sure your maternal grandmother and Qingyin would like to eat this."

Gu Ruyan really liked the crispy texture and the subtle sweetness; it was so delicious that she couldn't stop eating it.

Song Ruozhen responded, but still reminded, "Although this tastes good, it's easy to gain weight, so you should pay attention to the portion size when you eat it."

Snacks and pastries are inherently fattening, and if you indulge in them without restraint, it can be quite disastrous.

Gu Ruyan nodded, "Let everyone have a taste."

……

The next day.

Chu Junting went to court early in the morning; today was his first time attending court as the Crown Prince.

Song Ruozhen stayed at the mansion to prepare medicinal herbs. Her grandmother's illness required her to have acupuncture every three days, and the pills she made herself were more effective for her grandmother.

She didn't reveal the recipe directly to the palace because the process was too complicated, and even if she did, the people in the Imperial Hospital would probably have a hard time making it successfully.

So she simply spent more time brewing the herbs herself after she returned. These herbs were not hard to find; you could find almost everything at a herbal medicine shop.

"Your Highness, someone outside requests an audience," Chenxiang announced.

Song Ruozhen raised an eyebrow. "Do you know who it is?"

“He said he’s your cousin, named Gu Jingheng,” Chenxiang replied.

Song Ruozhen understood immediately. "It seems he really likes his childhood sweetheart. He just told my father about it yesterday, and he couldn't wait to come to our door today."

Chenxiang, unaware of the matter, couldn't help but say, "Should I have someone refuse them?"

“No need.” Song Ruozhen stood up. “He’s my cousin after all. I promised to help. Let’s go take a look.”

Song Jingheng paced back and forth outside the gate of the Chu Prince's mansion, his hands clenched together, his heart filled with unease.

He had almost no interaction with this cousin. He only knew her in name, but they rarely met in person. Even when they met at poetry gatherings, they hardly spoke to each other.

He came here because he had no other choice, and he didn't know if he would be rejected.

Song Ruozhen walked outside and immediately saw Song Jingheng.

He looked somewhat similar to Song Biyun, but he was more handsome, tall and slender, with a refined and elegant air; he was a handsome young gentleman.

"So you are Song Jingheng?" Song Ruozhen asked.

Song Jingheng bowed respectfully and said, "Greetings, cousin."

Song Ruozhen nodded, "I heard about your matter yesterday, but I don't know the specifics. Tell me about it in detail first."

Upon hearing this, Song Jingheng knew that Song Ruozhen was willing to help him, and he was overjoyed. He immediately told her the whole story.

I don't think it's possible for Xiangxiang to suddenly fall in love with him.

Although he had previously expressed his feelings for Xiangxiang, Xiangxiang had told me at the time that she found Qi Yunxi quite annoying.

Therefore, I even told Qi Yunxi directly that Xiangxiang and I were already engaged, and I hoped he would stop bothering me.

"But that guy is shameless by nature, and even after we've put it this way, he doesn't seem to budge."

Song Jingheng grew angrier and angrier as he spoke, and he couldn't stop feeling regretful.

I knew from the beginning that the guy was no good, and I should have married him as soon as possible. I never expected such a change to happen.

Looking at Xiangxiang's indifferent face, he felt an indescribable pain in his heart.

"Then why did you come to see me so eagerly today? Is something wrong?" Song Ruozhen asked.

Song Jingheng nodded, "I heard they're planning to discuss their marriage today. I'm worried that if I don't come up with something soon, I'll miss out on Xiangxiang forever."

At this point, a trace of sadness appeared on Song Jingheng's face.

"Cousin, I know it's really wrong of me to come and bother you like this, but I really don't want to give up like this."

I need your help. If Xiangxiang truly doesn't like me anymore, I won't pester her. But if Qi Yunxi used underhanded methods, then I…”

Song Ruozhen raised her hand, "I understand, take me to see it first."

Song Jingheng's eyes lit up, revealing a look of joy, and he said gratefully, "Thank you, cousin! Thank you, cousin!"

Song Ruozhen accompanied Song Jingheng to the vicinity of the Huang family.

"Qi Yunxi is supposed to come with a matchmaker to propose marriage today, but it's still early, so they shouldn't have arrived yet."

Song Jingheng clenched his fists. Once the marriage was settled, he feared he would have no chance.

After all, the Qi family's status is what it is; even if Qi Yunxi is just an illegitimate son, they are still not someone they can contend with.

However, if the marriage is not settled, the Qi family cannot force it.

"What is your relationship with the elders of the Huang family?" Song Ruozhen asked.