Yao Yun'er looked toward Song Jingcheng, but Song Jingcheng did not spare her a single glance. She knew he held a grudge against her. Yao Yun'er's heart sank heavily, yet what could she do? In her mind, Cen Yanran was absolutely unfit to be a wife, and even as a concubine, she was completely unacceptable. However, she also knew that this was the best possible outcome. She felt a shred of relief that she had come today; otherwise, the shortsighted Yun Feiwan might have gone ahead and finalized the marriage, and by then, it would have been truly too late.
Even though things had become strained with Song Jingcheng, this gave her some small comfort. Still, she hated Cen Yanran with a visceral intensity. It was that little vixen who had led Song Jingcheng to this state. Given the chance, she would certainly make her pay. Her mind already raced with countless ways to deal with Cen Yanran.
After speaking with Song Jingcheng for a while, Yun Feiwan finally turned to Yao Yun'er. She stood up, walked over, and grasped her hands with a look of gratitude. "Sister-in-law, I truly don't know how to thank you. With this settled, the matter is finally resolved."
Song Jingcheng glanced over, and the thought of Yao Yun'er's recent suggestion made him snort coldly. If his mother had not been willing to hand over control of the household, he would not have known how to appease Yanran. The more he thought about it, the more he felt an aversion toward Yao Yun'er.
Meeting Song Jingcheng’s gaze, Yao Yun'er felt deeply wounded. "I had no other intentions; I only wish for the best for the Song Estate."
Yun Feiwan nodded quickly. "Yes, I feel the same."
Song Jingcheng snorted again. Unable to bear it any longer, Yao Yun'er found an excuse to leave. She secretly comforted herself, telling herself that in time, Song Jingcheng would understand her good intentions. But despite these thoughts, her heart remained bitter.
Once she had gone, Song Jingcheng could not help but say to Yun Feiwan, "Mother, don't trust the Eldest Aunt too much. I don't think she's a good person."
Yun Feiwan wore a look of mild reproach. "You child, you must not misunderstand your aunt. Her words have always shown care for you."
Song Jingcheng sighed. "Mother, you are simply too kind. She only speaks of caring for me, but when something actually happens, she says one thing and does another. It’s not as she claims."
Yun Feiwan did not probe for details and continued, "Your aunt is the most gentle and kindhearted person; there must be a misunderstanding. Perhaps the servants relayed something incorrectly. It surely wasn't her intention."
"Oh, Mother, you don't understand—I heard it with my own ears."
Yun Feiwan looked surprised. "Ah, surely not? It must be a misunderstanding. Besides, your father has always respected her."
"Mother, Father, he..." Song Jingcheng stopped short, recalling his recent visit to Yulan Courtyard. He hadn't thought much of it at the time, but now, looking back, he felt that everything about it had been off. "Mother, regardless, you should guard against the Eldest Aunt. I don't believe she is a good person."
Yun Feiwan didn't take it to heart and waved her hand with a smile. "You child, your words grow more mysterious by the moment. Enough, don't overthink it. If there is a misunderstanding, just clarify it. If you have a moment, let us set the arrangements for Miss Yanran to enter the estate."
At the mention of Cen Yanran, Song Jingcheng’s spirits lifted. "Yes, Mother. But... what about Father?"
Yun Feiwan let out a long sigh. "Even as a concubine, I fear it will be difficult to speak to your father about this."
Song Jingcheng’s heart tightened. "Mother, I truly love Yanran. Since she cannot be my wife, we must not let anything go wrong with her becoming a concubine."
"Mother knows your heart, but your father... alas..." Yun Feiwan wore a look of distress, looking at Song Jingcheng and leaving the rest of the sentence for him to finish.
Anxious, Song Jingcheng’s eyes darted around, and he spoke up: "Why don't you, Mother, make the decision for me? Let's just finalize it and bring Yanran into the estate. That way, when Father wakes up, it will be a done deal. For the sake of the Song Estate's reputation, he won't oppose it. You can put in a good word for me then, and the matter will be settled."
Hearing him spout these words without the slightest hesitation, Yun Feiwan felt nothing but disdain. His own father had been angered to the point of fainting and remained unconscious, yet Song Jingcheng didn't even go to look at him, thinking only of his lover and ignoring the consequences. He even wanted to push her forward to act as a shield, hiding his shameful, selfish nature behind high-sounding words. Such a self-serving, petty man—he was indeed the child of those two wretches.
Yun Feiwan lowered her eyes, pondering for a moment, then followed his lead. "My son’s plan is excellent. This way, it is the best of both worlds; Miss Yanran can enter the house, and your father will have nothing left to say."
Seeing Yun Feiwan agree, Song Jingcheng’s eyes lit up. "Mother thinks so too?"
Yun Feiwan frowned slightly, as if remembering something. "It is just..."
Song Jingcheng asked quickly, "Just what?"
"It is just that you were not here earlier—your father would not listen to a word I said. He kept demanding that I go back on my word. No matter how gently I spoke, it had little effect. However, even so, for your sake, Mother will do it."
Song Jingcheng looked moved. He had feared his mother would shirk the responsibility, but he hadn't expected her to consider his every need. "Thank you, Mother."
Yun Feiwan nodded. "I will speak to your father, but Mother thinks there is a better way."
"Please, Mother, tell me."
Yun Feiwan: "Have your Eldest Aunt step in."
Song Jingcheng frowned. "But Eldest Aunt doesn't approve of this..."
"Chenger, do not be so quick to object. Mother has her reasons. First, your father has always respected her. Second, this entire affair was her suggestion. Third, she has always been attentive to your matters; she will certainly handle it well."
"But, what if the Eldest Aunt refuses?"
"Do not worry, Chenger. If your aunt refuses, no matter what, Mother will stand by you and ensure you get what you want. However, if your aunt manages the arrangements, your father will respect her, and once Miss Yanran enters, he will not make things difficult for her. If I were to do it, I fear your father might agree to my face but shame Miss Yanran behind my back. That would be a great injustice to her."
"Mother is right," Song Jingcheng nodded in agreement.
"Then go find your aunt in a while. We must do this as soon as possible..."
Yun Feiwan gave Song Jingcheng her instructions. Having become completely reliant on her, Song Jingcheng agreed to everything she said. He followed her wishes and went directly to Yulan Courtyard.
Inside Yulan Courtyard, Yao Yun'er was feeling deeply sorrowful, but hearing that Song Jingcheng had arrived, she quickly composed herself and invited him in.
Song Jingcheng got straight to the point. Yao Yun'er was stunned, never expecting Song Jingcheng to ask for this. "That is a matter for your mother to handle."
Song Jingcheng: "I mean for the Eldest Aunt to oversee Yanran entering the house. When the time comes for Yanran to be pregnant and we elevate her to wife, Mother can step in then."
Yao Yun'er’s expression stiffened. "Your mother can manage the entry into the house now. She is your mother; it would be proper and legitimate."
"Although the Eldest Aunt does not manage the household accounts, she is the oldest elder in the house. Moreover, the Eldest Aunt has a reputation for virtue and kindness. Having the Eldest Aunt oversee Yanran’s entry will silence the tongues of outsiders; it is the greatest honor I can bestow upon Yanran."
Yao Yun'er clutched her heart in distress. "Honoring her? Then what about me?"