"Really?" Song Qingshu was overjoyed. Li Shouchong had served as Grand Administrator of the Imperial Academy for so many years; he was well-connected and intimately familiar with the rules of the court. He might truly have a solution.
"Please come with me, Prince." Seeing how excited he was, Li Wan breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed she had indeed guessed his trouble correctly.
Li Wan wore a plain, long dress, with almost none of the cosmetics or jewelry common among women. Yet her entire person possessed an indescribably elegant and dignified air. Following behind her and looking at her graceful back, Song Qingshu could not help but sigh.
Li Wan asked curiously, "Why does Prince sigh?"
Song Qingshu replied, "I merely lament that Madam is in the bloom of youth and so dignified and beautiful, yet must spend the rest of her life alone with blue lamp and ancient buddha. It truly seems such a waste."
Li Wan's expression changed. "Please mind your words, Prince!"
Seeing her reaction, Song Qingshu could not help but smile bitterly. "It seems my reputation in this regard is indeed poor. Madam has misunderstood me as flirting with you. In truth, I merely thought of how, back in my homeland, it is perfectly normal for a woman to remarry after divorce, let alone when her husband has passed away through circumstances beyond her control."
"Is Prince's homeland not near Wudang in Jingzhou? That too is Great Song territory. I have never heard of such customs there," Li Wan replied seriously, shaking her head. "Besides, how can a virtuous woman serve two husbands? I hope Prince will not say such troubling things again."
Although he knew she had been poisoned by the rites and teachings of this world, he still felt deep respect for her