Song Yiluo had no choice but to reveal the matter; of course, she didn’t say everything, just that she admired Xu Ancheng, felt unjust for him, and his wife had a bad reputation in Huaixi County, having used some means to marry Xu Ancheng, even witnessing someone push Yi Roujing into the water, although their interactions weren’t much.

As for her threatening Xu Ancheng and in turn being threatened herself, Song Yiluo didn’t mention it, because if she did, she couldn’t stay in the Song family anymore.

"Tsk—" Song Cenran finally understood why Song Yiluo had been speaking ill of Yi Roujing all along; it was out of jealousy. Although she wasn’t too familiar with Xu Ancheng and Yi Roujing, she’d seen them twice, and the deep affection between them was palpable. It’s unconvincing to say she wasn’t envious; they were so much in love, and yet she wanted to intervene.

Wanting to intervene in itself isn’t an issue, but after failing to do so, she resorted to speaking ill behind their backs, which was truly distasteful.

"Don’t say people used tricks to succeed in marrying; success means they have the capability, and not a small one at that. I saw Xu Ancheng was completely devoted to Yi Roujing. No matter how it started, now it’s a success; what’s your gripe?" Song Cenran said disdainfully.

"If you’d succeeded in stealing him today, I’d have to commend you, but what happened instead? Hmph, such trivial matters of love and jealousy have put our Song family in hot water; are you out of your mind?"

Song Yiluo’s face turned pale instantly; no matter how she said it, it was her fault. Song Enping was somewhat disappointed looking at Song Yiluo; truly, one raised by a side branch couldn’t hold their dignity. His biological granddaughter Song Cenran’s words today made perfect sense, clearly different.

"What was the Xu family’s reaction?" Song Enping asked.

"I didn’t notice anything; I think Minister Xu probably doesn’t know about this." Song Jinfeng analyzed, "During our meeting, neither Xu Ancheng nor Ding Anguo said they knew Yiluo from before. If it weren’t for Cenran’s words, I wouldn’t know either and would’ve thought they were strangers."

"It seems they don’t even consider this an issue; they simply don’t care. That’s a good thing for us. Yiluo, go home for a while and come back later. Don’t appear in front of the Xu family; they might forget about this in a few days." Song Enping told Song Yiluo.

Song Yiluo felt like her entire being was swaying; she had been abandoned.

"Yiluo, you saved your great-grandfather; he remembers it deeply and has arranged jobs for you and your siblings. Do them well, and you’ll find a good family to marry into; for a girl, a life would then be quite complete." After speaking, Song Enping looked towards Shen Qing.

"Daughter-in-law, go pack Yiluo’s things and take everything I gave her." With those words from Song Enping, the situation was set.

Hearing this, Shen Qing left.

Song Yiluo was led out by Song Cenran, looking utterly dejected, which made Song Cenran upset again. "If you have the heart, can you look at better prospects? There are many good families in Jing City; surely you don’t plan to cling to Xu Ancheng without letting go."

"Third cousin, I, I’m just a bit shocked, that’s why," Song Yiluo explained.

"You’re not young anymore; it’s time to talk marriage. My grandfather and father will help with this matter," Song Cenran said to Song Yiluo.

Song Yiluo slightly bowed her head and nodded, but behind her lowered eyes flickered coldness and sarcasm. Their so-called help is really just using her marriage as a stepping stone for the Song family; whatever benefits arise won’t be hers to enjoy. What would she gain?

"Of course, if you find someone better, grandfather and they would be happy to see it," Song Cenran added, empathizing as a woman herself; after all, love is something to yearn for, "Even if you can’t find one yourself, many people marry through introductions nowadays. The ones grandpa chooses wouldn’t be bad at all."

Song Yiluo couldn’t process this now; whenever Xu Ancheng, a member of the Xu family, crossed her mind, it’s like claws scratching her heart, accompanied by deep regret for not being proactive earlier. When she joined the Dingping Production Team as a youth, Yi Roujing hadn’t even met Xu Ancheng; why didn’t she act sooner?

If Yi Roujing knew what Song Yiluo was thinking, she would certainly sniff derisively: Ultimately, she just didn’t think much of him at first and only regrets after knowing his identity; previously, it was just unresolved dissatisfaction. If this were true love, who would dare to love?

The matters of the Song family were unknown to Yi Roujing and company; even if they knew, they wouldn’t care. After a tiring banquet reception concluded, sending off the guests, they returned home to catch up on sleep.

When Yi Roujing opened her eyes again, Xu Ancheng was not there by her side. She checked her watch and was surprised to find it was already eight o’clock; she’d missed dinner.

Yi Roujing got up, dressed, washed up, and upon going out, saw the dining table in the living room was lined with dishes and utensils. Mrs. Kang was busy in the kitchen, with Li Hongying guiding her. The others were in the living room, reading newspapers or listening to the radio, while Xu Zongyin and Xu Ancheng were playing Go.

"Roujing, you’re awake? Are you feeling alright?" Xu Zongyin asked with a smiling concern when Yi Roujing came out.

"I slept very well, don’t feel uncomfortable at all," Yi Roujing honestly replied.

"That’s good, that’s good. Wait a bit longer, we can eat soon. If you’re hungry, have some snacks first." Xu Zongyin pointed to the osmanthus cake on the coffee table, giving a thumbs up, "Your mom made it by hand; it tastes just right."

"Haven’t you all eaten yet?" Yi Roujing asked in a low voice as she sat next to Ding Anmin and Xia Xingchen.

"No," Ding Anmin nodded, somewhat embarrassed. "To be honest, I also overslept and didn’t wake up until seven."

"That’s why godfather said let’s eat later; if hungry, just have something to tide over," Ding Anmin said. "Since it’s late already, big brother checked on you multiple times, and you slept so soundly, so we decided to wait a bit. After all, dinner is best enjoyed together, those are godfather’s words."

Because of the late dinner, after eating, everyone went out for a stroll to digest the food.

Having slept too much, they couldn’t fall asleep again. After returning, Yi Roujing and the others began preparing things to take to the Xia family the next day. Knowing Xia Xingchen’s situation, Xu Zongyin specially arranged for Uncle Cao to drive them over tomorrow to show support for Xia Xingchen.

"Don’t bring your luggage; stay here. After all, we will return to Huaixi County together; your father won’t mind, I think," Yi Roujing suggested.

"He probably wishes I stayed often, best to use this opportunity to come over and visit, to strengthen ties," Xia Xingchen scoffed derisively. "He personally sent things over this morning; couldn’t get into Baiqian Village, left them at the gatehouse. The gatekeeper told me when I returned earlier."