Chapter 96 : Declaration

Seeing that Fifteen’s brows and eyes somewhat resembled Song Jinzhuo’s, Song Ying chuckled and shook her head.

“Why do you think the two of us can destroy the Song family? Do you think that because you’ve been with Grandfather for years, you’ve learned enough skills? Or do you think Song Shihe is useless and you can replace him just like that?”

“Fifteen, I’m sure grandfather must’ve taught you not to speak recklessly. You should learn to stay humble until you have the strength to back it up.”

Fifteen replied, “Sister has been keeping her tail tucked for so many years, wasn’t that just to wait for the right opportunity? Now that I’m here, why are you backing off?”

Song Ying said, “You’re just a kid living in the Marquis’ Mansion. How can I believe you’re capable? I don’t want to do something rebellious only to be dragged down by someone who talks big but does nothing.”

Fifteen rubbed the tip of his nose and said, “I understand. I’ll prove it to you, Sister.”

Song Ying: “How will you prove it?”

Fifteen’s eyes burned with intensity. “What do you think of me becoming the heir of Songs household and head of the Song family?”

Song Ying covered her mouth and laughed silently. “Let’s talk after you’ve done it. It’s getting late, I’ll ask the driver to take you back.”

Fifteen lifted the curtain and got off the carriage. “No need. I remember the way.”

Song Ying raised her eyebrows and said meaningfully, “It’s fine to lose your way on the road, just don’t lose your way in your heart.”

Fifteen turned back and smiled. “Got it, Sister. Goodbye.”

This time, Fifteen walked confidently in the direction of the Marquis’ Mansion.

—

Song Ying returned to the private room in the restaurant and bumped straight into Huo Zhen’s chest as soon as she stepped in.

“What are you doing standing here?” Song Ying rubbed her forehead.

Huo Zhen: “You weren’t back yet, so I was just about to go downstairs to find you.”

Song Ying: “Now that I’m back, are you relieved?”

Huo Zhen nodded. “Yeah. What were you talking about with Master Yu? Why did it take so long?”

Song Ying: “He left the capital. I don’t know when we’ll see each other again, so we naturally chatted a bit longer.”

Huo Zhen was a little surprised. “He left? Wasn’t he taking care of that person’s pregnancy?”

Song Ying: “Master Yu has a temper, he’s not a servant I have to constantly manage.”

Huo Zhen nodded in understanding. “Oh, it’s good that he left. Come on, the roast duck just arrived, I saved the duck leg for you.”

Han Zhu laughed and said, “Aying, your husband is really biased. He even fought with a child over a duck leg.”

Dali nodded and added, “I wanted to get one for my sister and me.”

Liu Lingyan patted his little head and said, “Uncle Huo is treating us. Why don’t you ask him to order another one?”

Dali suddenly lit up. “Right! Uncle Huo, can we get another roast duck?”

Huo Zhen said generously, “Of course, no problem, eat as much as you want!”

As everyone chatted lively, Song Ying glanced outside at the dusky sky.

“It’s going to get windy.”

—

After saying goodbye to Han Zhu and Liu Lingyan’s family, Song Ying and Huo Zhen rode home in a carriage.

On the way, Huo Zhen asked, “Master Yu just left like that, won’t Yue Shaozhi regret it and call him back?”

Song Ying: “Why are you so concerned about Master Yu?”

Huo Zhen: “He’s your friend and your teacher. He’s been good to you, so I care too.”

Song Ying: “Don’t worry, it’s fine. We should be preparing to leave the city soon. The less you know, the better. That way, you’ll never regret anything.”

Huo Zhen: “Since you say so, then that’s good enough for me. I just thought if you were worried, I’d send someone to escort Master Yu.”

Song Ying placed one hand on his shoulder and teased with a sly smile, “Hey, I mentioned Yue Shaozhi just now, aren’t you angry? Wen Jun even said in front of you that Yue Shaozhi and I are bound by love for a hundred days”

Huo Zhen clicked his tongue. “If I cared about that, why would I marry you? Getting angry over things like that is just a waste of time and energy.”

Song Ying grinned and playfully punched him. “General Huo is truly impressive.”

Huo Zhen: “Was marrying me the right choice?”

Song Ying: “Yes! I married the right person.”

Huo Zhen cupped her face and leaned in to kiss her, only to be interrupted by Faer’s coughing.

The little maid blinked mischievously. “General, Princess, I’m still here.”

Uh… forgot about that.

—

That night, Huo Zhen returned from visiting.

Song Ying picked up a coat and handed it to him. “Here, try this on.”

Huo Zhen looked at it and felt it looked familiar. “Isn’t this the one that sad guy Wen Jun ruined?”

Song Ying nodded. “Yeah. I patched up the hole. Take a look.”

Huo Zhen examined it closely. “There are so many clothes at home, why bother mending it?”

Song Ying: “Oh? Then take it off.”

“No, no, no.” Huo Zhen hurriedly put it on. “All the other clothes were made by others, but this one was sewn by you! I have to wear it and show it off. Let them see how skilled my wife is!”

Song Ying: “You don’t mind that it’s ugly?”

She wasn’t good at embroidery, but she could manage simple sewing.

Huo Zhen looked at the patch of thread, which was nearly the same color as the fabric. “Why should a patch be fancy? It’s not like I’m a peacock.”

Song Ying: “So you’ll wear it to court tomorrow?”

Huo Zhen: “Of course! Not only will I wear it, I won’t take it off!”

“When it needs washing, you’ll have to take it off.” Song Ying helped him take it off and hung it on the rack.

Huo Zhen walked over smiling, hugged her from behind, and said, “Look, the door’s shut. From now on, it’s just our life together. His Majesty granted both of us mansions… tell me, should we move to yours or mine?”

Song Ying: “You’re really going to move out of the General’s Mansion?”

Huo Zhen: “I said I would, so I will.”

Song Ying: “Did your father agree?”

Huo Zhen: “I brought it up and he agreed.”

‘In truth, Huo Leiming didn’t agree at first, but Huo Zhen acted like a rebellious son until he gave in.’

—

The next day, before heading to court, Huo Zhen put on the outer robe patched by Song Ying underneath his soft armor.

After court ended, they exited the hall.

Mo Qi noticed the different stitching on Huo Zhen’s shoulder. “Hey, brother, was this sewn by your wife?”

Huo Zhen beamed with pride. He had deliberately worn it to show off.

“Of course.”

Mo Qi gave him a thumbs-up. “Sister-in-law really has great sewing skills!”

Fu An commented, “It’s just a piece of clothing. Why bother sewing it? Just get a new one.”

Huo Zhen shot him a glare. “What do you know? No wonder you still can’t find a wife.”

Fu An: …

Huo Zhen shook his head slightly as he walked with the others. “Let me tell you, this isn’t just a sewing job. This is Aying’s declaration. She’s telling the world, Huo Zhen is her one and only man!”

Huo Zhen didn’t raise his voice, but his words echoed clearly through the empty hall.

Naturally, they were heard by the lesser-known ministers walking behind them.

“It’s just a piece of clothing. If it’s torn, it’s torn. No need to fuss over it.”