Song Zhiyu’s prediction was spot-on. When he learned how selfish the third brother was and that he upset Song Ci, Song Zhiyuan immediately summoned him and gave him a stern lecture, then sent him to oversee the renovation of the new guest courtyard at Xingshan Temple. He suggested this would also be an opportunity for him to cultivate his mind, with even his leave already taken care of.

Dare Song Zhiqing oppose?

He did not dare, so he obediently packed his things and went to Xingshan Temple, to let the Zen sounds there cleanse the ghosts in his heart.

He certainly wouldn’t admit it was due to the eldest brother’s intimidating pressure.

With Song Zhiqing absent from the home, Song Ci felt the air was noticeably fresher, improving his mood as well.

With winter days short and nights long, in no time it was mid-December. Song Lingsu, who was studying at the academy, returned to the Prime Minister’s Mansion for vacation. After entering the mansion, he first went to see Song Ci, exchanged some idle talk with the old lady, and then went to pay respects to Madam.

Madam’s eyes crinkled with laughter as she looked at her eldest son, who had grown taller, repeatedly saying that he was getting older and should start his own family, which made Song Lingsu blush bright red.

Seeing this, Madam smiled with her mouth closed, "What, are you feeling shy? Silly child, this is a matter of course. In just a few days, it will be the New Year, and you will be sixteen."

Song Lingsu was born in January, with the eighth being his birthday, so indeed he would soon turn sixteen.

Some boys married early and were fathers by sixteen, yet he hadn’t even gotten engaged.

Song Lingsu said, "I have no academic honors yet. How could I start a family or establish a career?"

"My son, you are undeniably talented. What are academic honors to us?" Madam said proudly, patting his head, "Moreover, we can arrange the engagement first. If you desire a more honorable wedding, you can wait until you earn your title first."

With his ears turning red, Song Lingsu cautiously asked, "Has mother found someone in mind?"

Madam nodded, "It’s someone you know, Miss Guan Liu, the youngest daughter of Duke Dingguo Mansion."

Song Lingsu was greatly surprised, Guan Liu?

An image of a girl with an oval face and apricot eyes immediately sprang to his mind. He remembered her eyes being bright and spirited.

Blushing, he stammered, "Is this your decision?"

Reading the expression on his face, Madam chuckled, "This is just a thought. Whether it works out depends on whether you both fancy each other. Your father said he’ll arrange for you to visit Duke Dingguo Mansion to meet the Duke."

What, he has to meet with Duke Dingguo before they even consider each other?

"Go wash up and take a rest first. Your father will talk to you later," Madam urged him.

With mixed steps, Song Lingsu returned to his courtyard. No sooner had he sat down than a servant reported that Second Sister had come, prompting him to promptly greet her.

"Second Sister, why are you here? Be careful on the slippery roads; you’re carrying a child now."

Song Ruqi smiled warmly, "I hadn’t seen you in a while and came to check on you. I was carried by servants, so don’t worry." She looked him up and down, "You’ve grown taller, even taller than Second Sister now. Seems your time at the academy was well spent?"

Song Lingsu replied with a gentle smile, "The teacher treats me well, and my classmates are all kind."

"That’s great! Eldest sister and I are counting on you to become a scholar and bring honor to our family someday!"

Song Lingsu said, "Eldest sister and second sister’s high hopes shall be remembered by me."

As they were speaking, Song Lingjie and Song Lingzhou arrived.

Song Ruqi stood up, "I’ll not interrupt you brothers catching up. See you at the family feast tonight."

Song Lingsu escorted her out, watched her get into the sedan chair carried by the servants, and only then turned back inside, where he was immediately grabbed in a hug by Song Lingzhou.

"Big brother, I missed you so much."