I Became the Mother of His Child-Chapter 493: What do you want to discuss
"Sister-in-law, Yuanying told me that you are the most reasonable person in the family, so please feel free to speak openly with me!" Ever since Song Qian first met Xu Xiuxiu, she had felt a strong affinity for her. Although both women and soon to be sisters-in-law, their lifestyles and everything else were different enough to avoid disputes. Faced with someone like Xu Xiuxiu—who had both a son and a daughter, a successful career, and a beauty that even stunned a fellow woman—Song Qian acknowledged that even if Xu Xiuxiu said something offensive, she would not overreact.
In any case, she had to admit something to herself: she was somewhat vain about appearances. For someone who cared deeply about looks, it meant if you were attractive, you were right; wrong? No, if you were attractive, you couldn't be wrong. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂
"Well then, I'll speak!" Xu Xiuxiu said with a smile, nodding her head. She was quite pleased with Song Qian's broad-mindedness. When she had arrived, she was somewhat nervous because the issue she wanted to discuss seemed somewhat unreasonable and a bit feudal. She had feared a strong reaction from Song Qian. But seeing her calm now, Xu Xiuxiu felt somewhat relieved.
Even if Song Qian was unwilling, it shouldn't lead to any unpleasantness.
"Okay, sister-in-law, please go ahead! Your hesitation just makes me more nervous," urged Song Qian, slightly impatient, as she observed Xu Xiuxiu's composed demeanor.
"Well, the thing is, back in our hometown we have a custom where a married couple should not share the same surname; it's deemed illogical. Mom really likes you, but she always feels that if you and Yuanying both have the surname Song and get married, it might lead neighbors and relatives to gossip, which wouldn't be good for either of you as a couple, considering how people can be. This custom and rationale come from the traditions of our hometown, and it's not easy to break these precedents. Moreover, since your parental home is also quite far, marrying a bride from outside has always been seen as fashionable. Breaking the tradition of not marrying someone with the same surname seems improper," Xu Xiuxiu explained her concern gently. In fact, if Song Qian could understand the reasoning, it would just be a minor issue, but if she felt uneasy about it, it could very well affect her relationship with Song Yuanying.
"The same surname is not allowed?" Song Qian, who was not very familiar with these matters, furrowed her brows slightly upon hearing Xu Xiuxiu: "Then sister-in-law, what should Yuanying and I do? A surname is passed down from generation to generation; it's not something we can just change!" Song Qian spoke with a tone of difficulty and exasperation.
How could such a complication arise all of a sudden? Though she felt it was a silly inconvenience, Song Qian didn't become unhappy straight after hearing Xu Xiuxiu out. Every place has its own rules and customs. She had prepared herself for overcoming many obstacles when deciding to follow Song Yuanying back to his house, especially since the Song Family was large, and her own family background might drag her down. She was worried that the Song family might look down on her because of this issue.
"I understand, but Qianqian, we also know that you and Yuanying have a good relationship. We had dinner together today and Mom was very pleased with you, even pulling me aside to immediately find someone to match an auspicious date for the two of you. But the issue of having the same surname could be a big deal or a small one. I just wanted to ask you, if you want to marry Yuanying smoothly without any other issues, then I suggest you change your surname, or you could take your mother's surname," Xu Xiuxiu suggested. Considering Qianqian had siblings, following her mother's surname was completely justifiable.
Xu Xiuxiu spoke politely, understanding that if Song Qian truly cared for Song Yuanying, changing her surname shouldn't be a major issue. It all depended on whether she could accept it. If she couldn't, she might think the family was dissatisfied with her and deliberately making things difficult, which would be unpleasant.
"Take my mother's surname?" Song Qian was slightly surprised and hesitant, especially since she had thought that everything was going smoothly with Song Yuanying, only to now be troubled by the issue of surnames, which seemed somewhat absurd.
"Yes, Qianqian, if you follow your maternal uncle's surname, it could work too! As long as your maternal uncle doesn't share the surname Song, why not change to your mother's?" Xu Xiuxiu nodded, trying to convince Song Qian. "Actually, I've discussed this with Mom already. If you really don't agree, we can persuade Yuanying to change his surname and follow his mother, but we're worried that after you two get married and have children, they would have to take the mother's surname as well, which would ultimately distort things. You wouldn't seem like you are marrying into our old Song family, but rather, it might seem like we are losing the Song family's youngest son because of the marriage," Xu Xiuxiu explained, having more progressive ideas from modern times, and she wasn't overly concerned with surnames. But she was worried Song Qian might overthink it. The girl seemed obedient but also quite stubborn in her own ways.
But she didn't say it outright; if Song Qian disagreed and asked Song Yuanying to change his surname, he would likely agree, but she couldn't guarantee how Father Song would react. That old man might not talk or make decisions often, but if he found out his son had to change his surname just to get married, he might blow up.
"If we really have Yuanying change his surname, it might also make it hard for you to handle social relations. Moreover, hasn't it always been said? 'Marry a chicken, follow the chicken; marry a dog, follow the dog.' In ancient times, women would assume their husband's surname upon marriage. So, if you do not wish to face more troubles later, heed my advice; call home tomorrow to discuss with your uncles what they think. After all, changing a surname isn't a small matter, so you can consider it for a couple of days before getting back to me," Xu Xiuxiu suggested, calming Song Qian further.
"Alright, sister-in-law, I'll think about it today, and I'll also ask my parents for their opinion when I call home tomorrow, to see what they say. After all, changing my surname isn't a small matter; I really need their approval," Song Qian replied, her expression somewhat gloomy. She was afraid her parents might also disapprove. Although it's common for a daughter to belong to another family after marriage, changing her surname beforehand could, if misconstrued, make it seem like the Song family was dissatisfied with her and intentionally causing trouble.
In fact, Xu Xiuxiu could somewhat tell that Song Qian was slightly uncomfortable, but she might also have a sense of proportion, knowing that Xu Xiuxiu was just the messenger. This matter was difficult because Song Qian hadn't yet entered the family, and men and women not sharing a surname was a traditional local custom, after all. So she somewhat restrained her emotions and did not lash out.
