Madam Wang was a bit awkward after Ming Shu silent answer.
She also knew how abrupt she was, but she really didn't had any other option. Although Wang Fangyi and Ming Shu were not seen together for a long time she didn't see her daughter as close to anyone now as she was with Ming Shu.
Madam Wang didn't really know why they stop talking or did she care. She assume that was only a minor attrition between these two stubborn girls that permeated until now. She wanted them to make up, but after her daughter messing here and there she really didn't had any tome to think about their relationship anymore.
But remembering the common attritions in her house due to her daughter, Madam Wang also had an headache. She hoped that Ming Shu could illuminate her daughter since she couldn't go through Fangyi at all.
"Xiao Shu, why don't you accompany auntie to a tea in the parlor nearby?"
Ming Shu raised her eyebrow for the unexpected invite but still agreed with Madam Wang's proposal.
After seating down and asking for her maid to bring some appetizers, Madam Wang went straight to the matter.
"Xiao Shu do you know about Fangyi's recent matters?"
Ming Shu nodded.
"Well. What do you think then?"
Ming Shu was stumped for a moment. She couldn't tell her that she thought Fangyi was foolish right? Although they still maintained a good relationship between families, it's still a big no to curse other's daughters.
Seeing Ming Shu embarrassment, Madam Wang smiled. Of course she knew it was hard to tell the truth in this situation.
"Foolish and idiotic no? She thinks she can marry and be happy with all she is doing... sigh. Maybe being too sheltered by us all her life didn't do her good"
Ming Shu didn't answer and Madam took it as an agreement.
"You see Xiao Shu, we don't have any plans to marry to the Imperial Family. An honest man with a not so complicated background is what me and mother think are the best for Fangyi. Unfortunately that girl just don't listen to us. If only someone else who knows her as we do talked some sense to her, I'm sure it would make a difference"
Ming Shu was a bit surprise hearing that the Wang didn't hope to affiliate themselves to Prince Song. She thought that with the incident coupled with his high reputation, it was only natural for them to engage. She even wondered why they were taking so long, but hearing that Grandma Wang didn't plan to pick Zhao Song's side, Ming Shu could only say that old ginger it's still the most spicy.
But as for helping Wang Fangyi by talking to her...
"Aunt, it's not that I don't want to help, but I'm afraid that if I were to talk with Fangyi it would only cause the opposite effect"
Wang Fangyi had her previous life experience and memories. She probably would think she (Ming Shu) was jealous of her and was trying to stop their marriage. Plus their relationship was already not great, even if she didn't misunderstood, Ming Shu was sure Fangyi wouldn't follow her advice.
But it also didn't mean she wasn't willing to help the Wang.
"What about the new friends that she has?"
As far as she knows, Fangyi has been lobbying for Zhao Song and made new connections with several households through their young misses.
Madam Wang shook her head. Those little girls were all bewitched with that scheming prince and supported with hands and feet's her daughter relationship with him. If they didn't push this boat forward, she was already pleased.
Ming Shu was about to ask if Wang Xizhi tried, but stopped the words. Would they try an outsider if the problem could be solved internally? Obviously not.
"What if instead of convincing her we worked on the on the opposite side instead?"
Madam Wang looked at Ming Shu with surprise. Is this little girl suggesting to start with Prince Song? Since when girls got so bold?
Ming Shu ignored Madam's surprise and continued.
"If someone else marries as his Wangfei, Fangyi would have to give up"
Although this is not necessarily true since she can be his concubine, but Ming Shu thought that was impossible for Wang Fangyi accept being a concubine when someone with the same status as her was Wangfei.
Madam Wang also thought the same. Plus even if her daughter did accept be a concubine there was no way her family would.
"But I'm afraid that this is a bit too difficult"
Madam Wang said with pity in her voice. She really liked the idea, but is it easy to move a imperial member? And what girl should they push to the Prince that makes him give up pulling the Wangs to his side?
"I'm sure is less than you think Aunt. The Prince has someone in his heart. Isn't the obvious to have her as his wife?"
"Oh? Is there such a person?"
"Yes, and not only do you know her, but Fangyi also know their affection..."
"Wouldn't be..."
"Yes, the Gu Miss. They are secretly in touch for some time now"
Although both parties try to masquer their affection towards each other, those with sharp eye like Madam Wang can see some clues. Added to the fact that Ming Shu was constantly in the palace and should know more about royal gossip than the average, Madam Wang didn't doubt Ming Shu words.
"Even so, I'm afraid that the Gu Family is not going to accept easily this union"
"We just to not give them a chance to refuse right?"