"Marriage is a significant matter and should not be taken lightly. You know that your father always listens to your mother; if she doesn't agree, your father's approval means nothing.
"Look at the state of the household—everyone fears your mother. Behind her stands the Yun family, a house of Grand Tutors personally appointed by the Emperor. Even though the late Grand Tutor has passed, the Yun family's foundation remains. You are about to take the imperial examinations; whether you pass or not, you will rely on the Yun family to establish yourself. You must not provoke your mother and ruin your own future."
Yao Yun'er spoke with earnest instruction, appearing to have Song Jingcheng’s best interests at heart, while skillfully shifting the blame and sowing discord against Yun Feiwan.
She had known about Song Jingcheng’s infatuation with a courtesan for some time and naturally disapproved. Though she was anxious, she knew that with Yun Feiwan around, the matter wasn't hers to worry about. Given how much Yun Feiwan doted on Song Jingcheng, she would never agree to such a match. As long as Yun Feiwan stood in the way, she wouldn't have to play the villain.
Clearly, Song Jingcheng had come here now because he had been turned away by Yun Feiwan and hoped to persuade them instead. She could not let the fire spread to herself, nor could she allow Song Mingjian and Song Jingcheng to fall out.
As she spoke, she shot a look at Song Mingjian.
Song Mingjian caught her meaning, cleared his throat, and said, "It is hardly an honorable affair to make such a fuss that everyone knows. Your mother has always been in charge of this household; she will absolutely not agree to this. If you ruin your reputation, it will do you no good."
Song Jingcheng’s heart leaped at these words, and he probed, "Does Father mean that as long as Mother agrees, you will not object to Cen Yanran entering the residence?"
"You rebellious son..." Song Mingjian was so incensed his whiskers twitched, but Yao Yun'er pulled him back quietly.
"Chenger, your mother will not agree."
"And if my mother does agree?" Song Jingcheng persisted.
Yao Yun'er frowned. "Your mother will not agree."
Song Jingcheng looked displeased. "Why is Aunt so certain? Do you have an issue with my mother? Or do you look down on Yanran so much that you hope my mother refuses?"
"No, no, that’s not it," Yao Yun'er said, panicked by his reaction and fearful of damaging the mother-son relationship.
Seeing this, Song Mingjian stepped in: "Your mother won't agree. Don't take your frustrations out on your aunt; it’s unseemly."
Song Jingcheng replied, "I cannot agree with Father. I will naturally go to Mother, but Aunt’s words were too rash. I am merely standing up for Mother. Why does Father side with Aunt? Anyone who didn't know better would think the affection you and Mother shared in the past was all an act."
"You... look at him!" Song Mingjian pointed at Song Jingcheng, looking at Yao Yun'er in fury.
Yao Yun'er’s expression darkened as well. It stung that Song Jingcheng was siding with Yun Feiwan and treating her like an outsider.
"Chenger, you’ve misunderstood. That is not what your father meant, nor is it what I meant."
Yao Yun'er wanted to explain, but Song Jingcheng had no patience for it. He didn't care what they meant; he only wanted Cen Yanran to enter the residence as soon as possible.
"Aunt, you need not say more. I only want to ask Father: if Mother agrees, will you not stand in the way?"
Seeing the atmosphere grow increasingly strained, Yao Yun'er tried to smooth things over. "Chenger, don't be so impatient. Your father will discuss this with your mother properly, and we will give you a satisfactory answer. Your marriage is not something to be rushed; there must be a proper process."
Song Jingcheng looked annoyed by her evasiveness. "Why does Aunt keep muddying the waters? It's as if you're afraid Father will agree."
Yao Yun'er paused, then smiled. "That is not the case."
Song Jingcheng didn't want any further mishaps and waved his hand dismissively. "This is a matter for the Second Branch; I ask that Aunt does not interfere."
At these words, Yao Yun'er stiffened, a chill running through her heart. She looked visibly wounded. "Chenger..."
"How is that any way to speak to your aunt? You have no manners. She has always treated you like her own son. Apologize to her at once," Song Mingjian said, coming to her defense.
Being treated with such cold distance by his own son brought tears to Yao Yun'er’s eyes.
"I didn't want to be this way, but Aunt keeps preventing Father from stating his position, which made me anxious. I just want to know: if Mother agrees, will Father no longer obstruct us?"
Yao Yun'er dared not speak further, her eyes rimmed with red as she looked at Song Mingjian, anxious and worried.
Cornered, Song Mingjian could only say, "I will discuss this matter with your mother."
Song Jingcheng replied, "I have already spoken to Mother before coming here. I have just come from her courtyard. I told her what was in my heart, and she has already agreed."
"What?"
Song Mingjian and Yao Yun'er spoke in unison, their eyes filled with disbelief.
Yao Yun'er’s expression was bewildered, then, upon further thought, she grew fearful. How could that be? Yun Feiwan had only this one child; she had always valued him, cared for him, and guided him with the utmost attention. How could she possibly permit a courtesan to enter as a primary wife? The Yun family was a Grand Tutor’s residence; their upbringing would never allow Yun Feiwan to agree to this. Was it perhaps a stall tactic because Song Jingcheng’s stance was too firm? Or did Yun Feiwan know something?
Thinking of this, Yao Yun'er grew agitated. "What exactly did your mother say?"
"Whatever she said, she has agreed. Why do you look so displeased, Aunt? You seem unhappy that I got my wish."
Yao Yun'er realized she had been too hasty and forced a smile. "No, no, not at all."
"So, Aunt agrees too, right?"
Yao Yun'er turned pale. She dared not say she disagreed, but she could not bring herself to agree, so she answered vaguely: "Naturally, if your mother agrees, I have no reason to oppose it."
She looked toward Song Mingjian. He, however, thought much more bluntly. He believed Song Jingcheng was lying through his teeth, and his eyes filled with disappointment. "To get that courtesan into this house, you have resorted to lying to your elders? Song Jingcheng, have you forgotten everything you’ve studied?"
Seeing Song Mingjian’s genuine rage, Song Jingcheng grew nervous and rushed to explain, "I have not, Father! Mother really did agree. I went to see her; she only agreed after I spoke to her, and then I came to find you."
Song Mingjian stared at him, as if trying to find a crack in his story. "Hmph, you act your part well. We shall see if it is true once I go and ask her myself."
He refused to believe Yun Feiwan would agree to this marriage. Song Mingjian gathered his robes and turned to leave.
"I’m coming too," Yao Yun'er said, starting to follow, but Song Jingcheng blocked her path.
His gaze fell upon a button that had come loose on her collar.
"Aunt, perhaps you should tidy your clothes first. If Mother sees you like this, she might get the wrong idea. It is truly inappropriate."