Chapter 127: A Mediator

Chapter 127

A Mediator

Seeing Princess An Le returned, Bao Bao smiled widely. He scooted closer to her and offered the toy in his hand generously. Seeing his round face beaming with such a bright smile, An Le felt a wave of affection and patted his head, praising him for being a good boy. So, Bao Bao began to show her even more of his toys, without any hint of possessiveness. The two played together as if they were old friends. Nie Shuang watched the afternoon sun begin to set and spoke up:

"Your Highness, it’s getting late. If you’d like to play with Bao Bao again, perhaps you could visit another time."

An Le, understanding Nie Shuang’s concern for her safety, nodded in agreement.

"You’re right, it wouldn’t be good to stay too late. I’ve already disturbed you all enough today."

Everyone bowed to the princess, escorting her to the front of the manor. Nie Shuang instructed the children to wave goodbye. Da Ge watched as his new friend climbed into her carriage with a forlorn expression. In this new home in the capital, there was no father, no familiar faces like his grandparents, and—most importantly—no Aunt Yingying. He had just found a friend he liked, and now they were parting ways again.

After the princess left, everyone realized that Song Ren had brought his two younger brothers to wait at the quarters. Song Huo, sixteen, and Song Bai, fourteen, were both handsome young men. The three uncles had prepared gifts for the children, and while the rest of the family entertained the kids, Nie Shuang took Song Ren aside for a private conversation.

"Second Brother, before Qilin went to battle, did he come to see you?"

Song Ren smiled.

"Eldest Brother was troubled by my marriage situation, but I told him not to worry. I have no objections. If it helps our father maintain his friendship with his old comrade, then it’s for the best, isn’t it? I’ve known Young Miss Chen since we were children. She’s someone our father and mother have watched grow up, so I’m sure we’ll get along fine."

However, it seemed that Song Ren had heard of the conflict between Chen Yuelan and Nie Shuang, so he quickly added,

"Sister-in-law, I have a favor to ask of you as well."

He glanced toward the Hou and Xu Shi, who were playing with the children on the other side of the room, their faces full of joy.

"Please, would you consider moving back to the Hou Manor? I haven’t seen my parents this happy in a long time. Since Father injured his leg and hasn’t been able to walk properly, he’s become more withdrawn and temperamental, staying cooped up in the manor. Mother, too, has been lonely for years—first worrying about Father, and now also about Eldest Brother. Having the children around would bring her so much peace and comfort."

Throughout their conversation, Song Ren’s thoughts had been focused on others. He was three years younger than his eldest brother, and though he had received the same education and care, he understood how much more expectations his eldest brother had to carry as Yong An Hou Shizi. When they were children, Song Ren still had some time to play, but his older brother had to go to battle before he even turned fifteen. Though he always wished to lighten his brother’s burden, all he could do was manage the household affairs in his brother’s absence. After all, as the war dragged on, his brother rarely returned home, and their father had withdrawn into himself, leaving Song Ren to manage the Hou Manor’s affairs in his stead.

"Second Brother, when I married into the Hou Manor, no one welcomed me. You were the only one who treated me kindly, and I will never forget that. However, I can’t promise to move back into the manor. I’m happy for you all to visit the children, but I want to avoid getting involved in the manor’s internal troubles."

"Last night, Father and Mother argued about this. But Father refuses to break his promise to his friend. I already expected that you wouldn’t agree either, Sister-in-law, so I’ve decided that after my marriage, I’ll move out and live separately. Please, rest assured."

"You misunderstand, Second Brother. That Young Miss Chen doesn’t even cross my mind. I came to the capital to conduct business, and I’ll be meeting with many people. Staying in the Hou Manor wouldn’t be appropriate."

Seeing him go silent, Nie Shuang continued,

"Second Brother, I know you have a kind heart and always think about helping others. But don’t forget that your life belongs to you. You don’t need to sacrifice your own happiness for the sake of others. Having a compassionate heart is good, but only in moderation. Otherwise, you’ll be the one who suffers."

"I’ll remember that,"

Song Ren replied. Nie Shuang looked at him thoughtfully. This year, Song Ren was already twenty years old.

"Don’t you have a woman you like?"

For a brief moment, Song Ren thought of the strange woman who had stared at him so boldly in the garden, but he quickly dismissed the thought.

"No, I don’t. But Eldest Brother and you didn’t like each other at first, did you?"

Song Ren said with a smile. Initially, his eldest brother had been upset about being forced into marriage, but eventually, he had fallen deeply in love with his wife, even going so far as to break ties with their parents. To this day, he still refused to set foot in the house, and when he met Song Ren, it was at a tavern. Song Ren didn’t expect his own marriage with Chen Yuelan to be passionate or intense; as long as they both fulfilled their duties and respected each other, it would be enough.

Hearing her own situation reflected back at her, Nie Shuang cleared her throat and changed the subject. Since he wasn’t troubled by it, there was no need for her to meddle in his affairs. With that thought, she shifted the conversation instead.

"Have you heard any news about the Mu family lately?"

Song Ren looked at her curiously, surprised by her sudden interest in the affairs of a noble family.

"Mm, I heard they recently sent a niece to the palace. Upon entering, she was immediately promoted to royal concubine, ranked Zhao[1]."

"I heard that it’s the number one beauty named Mu Rongying, is that right?"

Nie Shuang pretended to ask, though she already knew the answer.

"I think her name is Mu Qiuxiang. She’s the daughter of the secondary branch. I heard Mu Rongying has been seriously ill and is confined to the family manor for treatment. But this Mu Qiuxiang is no ordinary person either—she managed to outmaneuver the Empress’s people shortly after entering the palace."Hearing the answer she had hoped for, Nie Shuang felt reassured. The Mu family seemed to be handling things well, preserving Mu Rongying’s reputation as expected.

[1] The royal concubine (嬪, pín) has 9 positions, ranking from Zhao (昭), Xiu (修) to Chong (充)—3 each.