Chapter Thirteen: One Reaps What One Sows

After persuading his own father, Song Mozi walked with an air of confidence, but just as he stepped out of the palace gates, he was met by Meng Zigui, who rushed over as if in a panic.

“Hey, hey, hey, Young Master Meng, are you in such a hurry to reincarnate?” Song Mozi teased.

Meng Zigui caught his breath, hands resting on Song Mozi’s shoulders, and took a moment before he could speak.

“You—did you just go to break off your engagement?” Meng Zigui asked anxiously.

“That’s right. And guess what, I just said a few words and Father actually agreed.” The thought of newfound freedom made Song Mozi unable to hide his delight.

“What! You mean His Majesty agreed?” Meng Zigui was taken aback.

“Hey, what’s with that look? Aren’t you on my side? Why do you look so unhappy about my freedom?”

“Happy? It’s exactly because I’m on your side that I’m not happy. Sigh!” Meng Zigui shook his head and continued, “But still, after what happened, even if you hadn’t said anything, your engagement to the Fifth Princess would likely have been annulled.”

“What do you mean by that?” Song Mozi frowned slightly, sensing he’d missed something important.

“The dignified Third Prince, caught by his fiancée at Mingxiang Pavilion, and even got slapped—tsk, tsk, tsk—just thinking about it is thrilling!” Meng Zigui looked at Song Mozi with a mischievous smile, inwardly marveling that the tables had finally turned.

“What nonsense! Who’s spreading these slanders about me getting caught and slapped?!” Song Mozi clenched his fists in anger, but a sudden realization struck him. “You—you mean the person who hit me at Mingxiang Pavilion yesterday was the Fifth Princess of Xining?”

Meng Zigui crossed his arms, his expression saying, ‘What do you think?’

“Wait, something must be wrong. Impossible, impossible!” Song Mozi staggered back, unable to believe it.

“I’ve already investigated. The eldest prince brought the Fifth Princess to find you that day. But you’ve always disliked diplomatic marriages—now isn’t this perfect? Congratulations! Don’t forget to treat me to a month of drinks!” Meng Zigui laughed, clearly savoring Song Mozi’s misfortune.

Song Mozi pounded his forehead in frustration, thinking how he’d finally developed feelings for a girl, only to ruin it himself. He wondered if he could still make amends by going to his father to admit his mistake.

As soon as this thought appeared, he clung to it.

How would he know if he didn’t try?

“Hey, where are you going?” Meng Zigui called after Song Mozi, who turned and headed back toward the palace gates. Surely, he wasn’t about to go back and change his mind in front of the king.

“Of course I’m going to change my mind!”

As expected. Meng Zigui couldn’t help but shake his head and laugh, surprised that Song Mozi, who always schemed against others, was finally ensnared by his own plans.

Meanwhile, Rong Jiu and Song Mian were enjoying a lively conversation. Song Mian grew fonder of this little girl, surprised at how she had resolved all his worries upon arrival.

A marriage alliance between two nations was a major affair, especially since Youzhou now depended on Xining and could not afford to slight the treasured princess of King Xining.

Rong Jiu had first publicly apologized for slapping Song Mozi, then requested—on grounds of Song Mozi’s unwillingness—that Song Mian allow her to choose her own future husband.

Of course, she hadn’t mentioned her interest in Song Moting, not wanting to bind him with an engagement. In her mind, Song Moting would eventually fall for her anyway, ha!

Song Mian was overjoyed. Not only did he save face, but he could easily explain to his ministers. After all, the Xining Princess had made her wishes clear; how could they force her against her will? If she refused the alliance, their nation would be doomed.

“Anyway, Jiu’er, you have half a year before you come of age. This year, get to know my sons well. If you fancy one, I’ll make the match for you,” Song Mian said, stroking his beard with a smile.

After their conversation, his regard for Rong Jiu had grown so much that he now addressed her affectionately as “Jiu’er.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty. But your sons are all outstanding, I fear I may have trouble choosing,” Rong Jiu replied, though in her heart, she believed only Song Moting was suitable.

“Ah, my sons are all handfuls. Whoever marries you will be truly blessed.” This last remark was sincere. If Song Mozi hadn’t fallen for someone else, Song Mian would have insisted on Rong Jiu as the Third Prince’s consort. In his eyes, no woman could match Rong Jiu in status, appearance, and character.

Of course, that was because he’d only seen her gentle and well-mannered side.

“Your Majesty, the Third Prince requests an audience.”

Rong Jiu was about to reply when Eunuch Ji hurried in to report. Rong Jiu could only change her words. “The prince must have important matters. I shall take my leave.”

She rose and bowed, genuinely wishing to avoid Song Mozi.

“Very well, Eunuch Ji, escort Jiu’er out.” Upon learning that Song Mozi had returned, Song Mian felt a headache coming on.

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Eunuch Ji saluted and followed Rong Jiu out.

Just as they reached the entrance, they saw Song Mozi waiting anxiously. Rong Jiu sped up, hoping to avoid him, but he spotted her anyway.

“Princess, please wait,” Song Mozi called out.

Rong Jiu rolled her eyes in silence, suppressing her impatience. “What guidance does Your Highness have for me?”

“Well, actually, there was a misunderstanding yesterday…” Song Mozi reached out, intending to take Rong Jiu’s hand, wanting to explain he wasn’t as she imagined.

“There was indeed a misunderstanding.” Rong Jiu sidestepped, dodging his hand. Song Mozi, hearing this, was secretly glad but was immediately doused with cold water.

“But sometimes, misunderstandings are more appealing than the truth.”

With these words, Rong Jiu strode off, leaving Song Mozi feeling unsettled.

What now? It seemed he’d been completely misunderstood. Song Mozi sighed, withdrew his awkward hand, and watched Rong Jiu walk away, feeling an inexplicable emotion.

It wasn’t until she was well away that Rong Jiu’s tense body relaxed. Truth be told, the thought of Song Mozi touching her with hands that had caressed courtesans made her skin crawl; she had her own traumas.

“Does the Fifth Princess dislike the Third Prince?” Eunuch Ji, who had followed Rong Jiu, couldn’t help asking.

“Not dislike, just not fond of him.” After a pause, she asked, “I’ve heard the Third Prince spends his days drinking and seeking pleasure among the courtesans?”

“That’s true, but…”

“No need to explain, I understand.”

Eunuch Ji was embarrassed; he hadn’t finished his words and realized he might have misspoken.

“What are you here for?” Song Mian fiddled with the lid of his tea, not bothering to look up.

“Father, after careful consideration, I realize the marriage alliance concerns the fate of two nations. It can’t be hindered by personal feelings. To spare you any difficulty, I’ve decided to marry the Fifth Princess after she comes of age,” Song Mozi knelt, speaking as if in deep anguish.

“Out!” Song Mian, enraged, threw his tea lid at Song Mozi, who dodged, fueling Song Mian’s anger. He hurled both teacups, and this time Song Mozi failed to dodge, taking the hit. Only then did Song Mian feel somewhat relieved.

“Father, please calm your anger! Don’t harm your health!” Song Mozi rubbed his sore knee, thinking his father didn’t hold back at all.

“Hmph, you’ll be the death of me someday, you little rascal!”

“How could that be? I’ve come to relieve your worries, haven’t I?” Song Mozi forced a smile.

“Relieve my worries? When have you ever? Why can’t you be more resolute? You were so adamant about breaking the engagement, now you’re willing? I’ve told you, don’t regret, but you wouldn’t listen. Now, even if you’re willing, Jiu’er isn’t anymore!”

Song Mian snatched up the documents on the table and threw them at Song Mozi’s head.

“Jiu’er is so considerate—she knew you weren’t happy with the marriage and came to plead on your behalf, volunteering to dissolve the engagement and choose another. Look at you! Enough, I don’t want to see you now. Get out!”

Song Mian rubbed his aching temples and waved Song Mozi away. Seeing him hesitate, he shouted, “What are you waiting for? Want me to scold you?”

Only then did Song Mozi leave reluctantly, his heart heavy—not from being scolded, which was commonplace, but because he’d finally met a girl who stirred his heart, only to push her away himself. He was filled with regret.

But who else could he blame? It was all his own doing!

“La la la~”

Back at Rongyuan, Rong Jiu happily hummed a tune. The two who had been anxiously waiting saw her cheerful demeanor and immediately gathered around.

“So? What did the emperor say?” Rong Le asked.

Rong Jiu took a sip of tea and recounted her conversation with Song Mian, including his response.

“Little sister, you’re brilliant!” Rong Le praised, giving a thumbs-up.

“So now, everyone will say our little Jiu’er is magnanimous and generous for letting others go. Even if rumors spread, no one can blame her,” Rong Xian smiled.

“I told you, leave it to me! Now, I’ve finally escaped that playboy Song Mozi.” Now I can wholeheartedly pursue my domineering prince!

Of course, that last thought Rong Jiu kept to herself. If she said it aloud, her brothers would surely bombard her with endless chatter.

“So, now there are only the eldest prince, the fourth prince, and the fifth prince left. Don’t worry, Jiu’er, none of them have bad reputations. We’ll help you choose—the best one will deserve to be your future husband,” Rong Le mused, stroking his chin.

“Exactly, big brother is right,” Rong Xian agreed, nodding.

“Actually… well, thank you, brothers.” Rong Jiu had wanted to refuse, but seeing their goodwill, she couldn’t say no.

Now, it was up to her to fight for her own future!