It was not that a princess was impossible to marry; it was a matter of whether one could handle her.When the Great General Wei Qing married Princess Pingyang, it was perfectly fine.However, that case was somewhat unique. Princess Pingyang had already been married twice before, making it her third marriage.Generally speaking, having a princess for a wife was essentially a handicap.Even the heads of top-tier gentry families, like the Duke of Li or the Duke of Zhangping, were reluctant to have their legitimate sons enter into a marriage alliance with the Emperor.At most, they would send a younger son born to a concubine.For someone like Princess Changqing to marry the legitimate son of a noble family—especially one who had passed the metropolitan examination—was undoubtedly a case of her marrying up.Therefore, Song Shi'an did not quite agree with the idea.He also reminded Song Ce that he had to think this through carefully."..." Song Ce looked dazed. He glanced at Song Jing, then back at Song Shi'an. "If it is the Emperor's request, can it be refused?""The Emperor hasn't made it a formal request yet," Song Shi'an said directly. "We can completely pretend we haven't caught the hint. Besides, with so many people coming to propose marriage these days, we could easily choose a beautiful daughter from a prestigious family.""You really are obsessed with beauty..."After Song Qin muttered her small critique, she couldn't help but voice her own confusion: "It's true that the scholars from humble houses are unwilling to marry a princess because they can't afford to offend either the Emperor or the princess. It's like taking on a master instead of a wife. But our family... aren't we doing well?""If you marry Princess Changqing, you won't be bullied, and she won't be unfilial," Song Jing declared to Song Ce.His meaning was clear: the Song clan was not a small, insignificant house. They wouldn't be giving him a master to serve in his own home.His married life would not be unhappy.Since he put it that way, his intention was obvious...Song Jing wanted his son to agree."Father, if I marry Princess Changqing, will it benefit our family?" Song Ce asked.Song Jing didn't know how to face his son.It was truly difficult to say.He had been made a Marquis, and Song Shi'an had been made a Count. This meant the Emperor had already designated the successor of the Song clan.But the Emperor also knew that Song Jing's two sons were more capable than his own.If both were allowed to enter the political arena, working together as brothers, the imperial power would inevitably be threatened.If Song Jing remained alive under such circumstances, it would be a case of the "Three Songs consuming the Wei Dynasty."Therefore, the Emperor was applying pressure—Song Ce had to bow out."Don't ask how it benefits the family. You need to know how it harms you," Song Shi'an said, his expression remaining stern.Song Shi'an didn't care if the family's momentum was weakened by Song Ce being sidelined. He simply didn't want Song Ce to lose his future or give up everything he wanted to do.'After I'm gone, let the floods come if they must.'As a transmigrator, Song Shi'an was selfish; he had never thought about sacrificing for the sake of others' profit.However, he also didn't want Song Ce to sacrifice himself in silence just to protect him.'Brother, you deserve to have your own life.'"What are the harms?" Song Qin asked in a low voice.Song Ce knew the answer without anyone telling him. He murmured blankly, "I won't be able to hold any office with real power."Why?To prevent the families of imperial consorts from seizing power, an emperor would never allow his son-in-law the opportunity to meddle in high politics.If a man was both a Prince Consort and a high-ranking official with actual authority, what would his subordinates and colleagues do?Naturally, they would all flock to curry favor with him.If a Prince Consort used the name of the imperial family to engage in corruption, the money would roll in faster than a printing press.For a moment, the atmosphere became slightly subtle.Song Jing and Song Shi'an held opposing views.Yet, there was no conflict between them.Song Shi'an knew Song Jing was acting for the good of the family.Song Jing knew Song Shi'an was acting for the good of his brother.In fact, Song Jing was even a little pleased.The fact that Shi'an cared so much for his brother and hadn't thought for a second about riding on his brother's sacrifice to navigate the official world with a clear conscience... that was truly commendable.Song Shi'an, like Song Ce, was a good child."My status as a Jinshi... was earned for me by you, wasn't it, Brother?" Song Ce asked."You earned that yourself through the exams."Song Shi'an spoke dismissively, but knowing the other wouldn't believe it, he added, "Plus, our father spent half a year in prison despite his old age.""I know."Suddenly, Song Ce smiled warmly, as if he had reached an epiphany. "I don't know what kind of official I could become, and I don't understand what I could bring to this world, but I certainly cannot compare to my elder brother.""That's a separate matter...""It's the same matter."Interrupting Song Shi'an, Song Ce said, "No matter what choice I make, the Emperor will be wary. But the wariness from marrying the princess is far less severe than the consequences of deliberately defying the Emperor's wishes and rejecting the alliance. I do have some ambitions, but there is one thing that is more important to me."His words made everyone look at him intently."And that is,"After a pause, he said with resolve, "Peace within the household."Those four words warmed everyone's hearts.Song Shi'an even felt a bit ashamed.'Brother, who are you implying is the one disturbing the peace?'"Good boy. Your father will always be proud of you."Placing a hand on Song Ce's shoulder, Song Jing was deeply moved.'Father, who are you implying isn't a good boy?'"Besides, for Princess Changqing, she doesn't have any choice either," Song Ce added. "Even if marrying the princess ends my career, I won't have any complaints."'Is my brother actually a sweetheart?'"No, we have to find a chance to meet her," Song Shi'an said very seriously. "Jingming is so handsome and such a refined gentleman; he can't marry an ugly woman.""She's not ugly," Song Qin chimed in. "I've heard about this princess. She's quite pretty."The gossip network among noble daughters was indeed efficient if she even knew that."That's good." Song Ce gave a thin smile, looking quite easygoing.The atmosphere gradually became harmonious.However, everyone knew that Song Ce couldn't possibly be feeling good in his heart.It wasn't about the princess herself, but in ancient times, the ultimate ideal of a scholar was always to achieve high ministerial honors and leave a legacy of statecraft."What about you? Your brother is getting 'married off,' but you aren't?" Song Qin asked.As soon as she finished, Song Jing gave her a flick on the forehead. She immediately shrunk back, clutching her head in pain.The Song family did not allow for comedy routines."Didn't I say it already? I'll only marry Sun Jinhu. Go propose to Minister Sun," Song Shi'an said.This was undeniably the attitude of a modern youth rejecting blind dates.Because it was impossible for Song Jing to go and propose to Minister Sun.And it was even more impossible for Minister Sun to take the initiative.Hearing this, Song Jing didn't humor him at all, saying dismissively, "Marry her or don't, I don't care."..."My heart yearns for her virtue and beauty, yet it trembles with unease. Lacking a worthy matchmaker to join our joy, I entrust these words to the gentle waves..."Lying on the veranda of the Prince of Wu's mansion, holding a copy of the text, Ye Changqing didn't know how many times he had read it. Every time he did, he felt his heart stir like spring waters. "This Song Shi'an... he's pretending to write about the river, but he's really writing about a woman.""Does this divine maiden truly exist in reality?" the Prince of Wu asked, sitting nearby."I believe she must exist. In fact, Song Shi'an likely wrote this piece specifically for that woman to see," Ye Changqing said with certainty, as if he were a fly on Song Shi'an's wall. "What kind of woman could resist such a confession? To be the divine maiden in a masterpiece that will last for eternity... who wouldn't want that kind of vanity?""Forget about women; if Song Shi'an wrote a great article praising me, I'd be moved and feel vain too," the Prince of Wu joked.Ye Changqing sat up and looked at him with a smile. "If Your Highness wishes, I can write an essay to sing your praises.""What's the point of our own people praising each other? That's going too far." The Prince of Wu waved his hand."It seems Your Highness prefers a new flame.""No, no." After a laughing rebuttal, the Prince of Wu changed the subject. "So, do you think this Spirit Maiden is Minister Sun's daughter?""There are such rumors, saying the divine maiden is Minister Sun's youngest daughter. She is, after all, the famed beauty of Jiangnan," Ye Changqing mused. "But why use the word 'Spirit'?""What does that word signify here?" the Prince of Wu asked.Ye Changqing explained, "Usually it's used for 'soul' or 'spirit.' A 'Spirit Maiden' could mean a female ghost, which is one explanation, but using it to describe a living person like Minister Sun's daughter would be quite rude.""Then it's not her, or the word doesn't mean 'spirit.'""Furthermore, the character can also mean 'dregs' or 'remnants,' which is derogatory.""That's even more impossible.""Wait, there seems to be another meaning, though it's rarely used."Ye Changqing suddenly thought of something. "The lightless part of the moon's disk can also be called 'Po,' or spirit."Hearing this, the Prince of Wu's eyes suddenly widened in surprise.Ye Changqing's eyes widened as well.The Prince of Wu asked, "You know something?""I don't, but Your Highness looks very surprised. Do you know something?" Ye Changqing countered."I think I might actually know. There was a woman traveling with the army, a guard for Wusheng," the Prince of Wu said, searching his memory. "I think her name was... Xinyue?"As soon as that name was spoken...Their eyes met!Then, simultaneously, their mouths formed an "O" shape as they raised their fingers.'Look what secret we just uncovered, brother!'This was truly a massive piece of gossip.Interesting, incredibly interesting...At that moment, Zhao Yi came running over joyfully. However, he was somewhat baffled by their behavior. "Your Highness, what are you two doing?""We just learned something very interesting..." The Prince of Wu was already dying to share.But Zhao Yi's curiosity wasn't strong; he even interrupted the Prince of Wu's attempt to explain. "Your Highness, whatever it is can wait. I've brought good news.""But what Changqing and I found is also very..." The Prince of Wu couldn't resist his urge to talk, but he eventually gave in. "Fine, you go first.""I just ran into an official from the Secretariat who personally revealed something to me," Zhao Yi said. "There's going to be a major reshuffle of officials."When those words came out, both men immediately tensed up."The former Vice-Director of the Department of State Affairs has been promoted to Chief Minister of the Supreme Court. And the new Vice-Director of the Department of State Affairs will be Song Jing," he announced.Although the Vice-Director of the Department of State Affairs was only a Standard Second Rank position, its authority exceeded many of the First Rank Nine Ministers. it was an exceptionally vital post.It was a position that could influence the appointment and dismissal of officials."That is indeed good news," the Prince of Wu nodded."But Your Highness, Changqing, do you know who the new Sheng'an Magistrate is?" Zhao Yi asked."Who?" the Prince of Wu asked seriously.Zhao Yi smiled, then pointed at Ye Changqing, who was sitting on the ground. "You.""?!"Upon hearing this, both men were stunned.Ye Changqing stood up abruptly, his face still full of shock. "The Emperor gave such an important position to the Prince Wu Faction?!"