Having transmigrated into a book, who would still want to be a secondary wife?

"Jiang Qinglan's methods to become Consort Xiao were dishonorable, and after marriage she became even more arrogant because of his favor. She deserves this fate."

Every time I saw her before, she was incredibly arrogant, constantly boasting that she would definitely become a princess someday, and even aspiring to go further. Now that she's fallen from grace and been sent back to her parents' home, there's absolutely no chance of her having a bright future.

Qi Yao's eyes were full of mockery. "I saw her clash with the Princess Consort of Chu that day. She's always been outspoken. The Princess Consort of Chu is the apple of the Prince's eye, and she dares to spread rumors about her."

I find this outcome truly gratifying!

The others nodded in agreement. Seeing their hated friend suffer misfortune and being united with their best friend in their hatred of the enemy made them feel exceptionally happy.

When Song Ruozhen arrived, she overheard the conversation of the girls, and a hint of surprise flashed across her clear eyes.

Jiang Qinglan was actually divorced?

Given how protective Xiao Wang was of her, she thought he might feel sorry for the fifty slaps she had taken. But she never expected to be divorced so badly.

When the group saw Song Ruozhen arrive, they were startled and quickly bowed.

"Greetings, Princess Consort of Chu."

Song Ruozhen smiled slightly, "No need to be so formal, I've heard about this matter as well."

Ruan Niantang also gestured to her girlfriends, saying that almost everyone in the capital was talking about this matter today, so there was nothing to hide.

As the eldest son of the legitimate wife, Prince Xiao originally enjoyed a good reputation among the people, but after this matter was spread, it was not a pleasant thing to hear.

"It was only right that Jiang Qinglan was sent back to the Jiang family. It's just a pity that Jiang Luxue, who was originally the Princess Consort of Xiao, has now been implicated and reduced to a concubine."

Qi Yao sighed and shook her head. "I knew Jiang Luxue before. She was gentle and never competed for anything. Who would have thought that she would be implicated by her own sister and demoted to a concubine?"

Song Ruozhen wasn't surprised by Jiang Luxue's current situation.

She had been married for two years without getting pregnant, which wouldn't have been a big deal in itself, but now that Jiang Qinglan had spread the word, everyone would subconsciously think that she really couldn't have children.

Furthermore, given that she, as a princess, failed to manage her concubines, and while Prince Xiao was at fault, she was equally culpable, it was perfectly normal for the royal family to make such a decision.

As Ruan Niantang listened to everyone's discussion, a hint of curiosity flashed in her eyes.

Is Consort Xiao truly infertile?

Everyone looked at each other, no one knew this, but Song Ruozhen did know, but... she didn't need to say it, it would be known eventually.

The Ruan family was very lively today. Grand Tutor Ruan's influence in the court was self-evident. The eldest son of the Ruan family also served as an official in the court, but his official position was not as high as that of Grand Tutor Ruan.

Lady Ruan has always been renowned among the elite circles of the capital, so the banquet she specially hosted today attracted quite a few guests.

"Did you see the faces of the second branch of the Ruan family? They all looked gloomy, as if we owed them money. I happened to bump into them and greeted them, but I was glared at instead."

"How can the second branch of the Ruan family have a right to raise such a son?"

Since leaving the Ruan family, Ruan Yuanwu has been speaking ill of them. Just now, the eldest son of the Ruan family said that Ruan Yuanwu plotted to frame the second son of the Ruan family.

As the second son's brother-in-law, he actually had an affair with the first son's sister-in-law; it's utterly shameful!

Ruan Niantang's expression turned sour as she listened to the discussion. However, the purpose of today's banquet was to clarify such matters. Although it was unpleasant to hear, it was to prevent everyone from being deceived by Ruan Yuanwu's nonsense again.

Looking at her expression, Song Ruozhen said, "Don't overthink it. A lot of things happen in the capital every day."

Although the matter concerning the Second Young Master Ruan is regrettable, Ruan Yuanwu was merely deceived; he made a mistake.

Ruan Niantang nodded. "Thank you, Ruozhen."

At a nearby table, Madam Ruan looked at Gu Ruyan beside her and sighed helplessly:

"With Ling Feng's situation escalating like this, he's lost all interest in getting married. I think it's good for him to calm down first."

"A man's marriage need not be rushed. Since he made a mistake before, he should calm down and think it through before choosing a suitable marriage. Good things come to those who wait."

Gu Ruyan understood Madam Ruan's feelings at this moment. Just like when she saw Ling Feng and Fan Siying, she thought that divorce would not sound good to her reputation. But now that Yan Zhou and Qingyin were living in harmony and even had a child, she had completely understood.

The good fortune is yet to come!

"Madam Song is right. I wish my son could have the same luck as General Song."

Madam Ruan truly envied Gu Ruyan, whose husband and wife were harmonious and whose children were all good. "It's alright for a man to get married a little later, but Nian Tang is now of marriageable age, so I'm thinking of finding her a suitable match."

Gu Ruyan's heart skipped a beat. They've arrived!

"Madam Ruan, my son Yi'an is still unmarried. What do you think?"

Upon hearing this, the two exchanged a glance and smiled knowingly; they were both very satisfied with the marriage!

"That would be excellent..."

Before Madam Ruan could speak, Madam Ling from the next table suddenly spoke up:

“Madam Ruan, I heard that Miss Ruan’s marriage is not yet settled. My nephew has been interested in Miss Ruan ever since he met her. I wonder what Madam Ruan thinks of my nephew?”

The sudden remark drew everyone's attention, and everyone turned to look at it with curiosity.

Ling Yuchen stepped forward and bowed to Madam Ruan.

"Greetings, Madam Ruan."

Madam Ling smiled broadly, "Yu Chen is an upright and kind person, and he studies very hard. It's just that he was with us in Pingyang City before, so he didn't participate in the imperial examination."

He is now enrolled at the Imperial Academy, and the teachers praise him highly. If he can marry Miss Ruan, he will cherish her dearly.

Everyone thought that Madam Ruan's biological son was dead, and now only Ling Qian'er remained, who had become Princess Che.

Although Ling Yuchen was born to the second branch of the Ling family, the first branch had no sons. It is very likely that he will inherit the Ling family's property and title in the future, which is indeed a promising prospect.

Once the Ling family and the Ruan family are united by marriage, along with the Che Prince's Mansion, their positions in the court will truly be unshakeable.

Madam Ruan was completely taken aback by this sudden turn of events. She had never heard of the Ling family's young master's interest in Nian Tang before, and his sudden declaration in front of so many people put her in a difficult position.

These kinds of things should be discussed privately first. It's not like he's suddenly proposing marriage when nothing's even started.

Her direct refusal was tantamount to making the Ling family lose face and offending them.

Ruan Niantang's face turned pale as she stared at the scene in disbelief. This Ling Yuchen was someone she had no recollection of at all!