The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 1)

Chapter 12 - Deliberate

At that time, the Li family no longer held any official positions in the court and was on the verge of becoming commoners within three generations. Yet, Old Master Song did not hesitate and, despite the pressure, arranged the marriage with the Li family.

Later, the family of the Marquis of Huai'an, who had married Princess Jin'an, was exterminated, and the family of the Marquis of Jinbei, who had married Princess Xuzhou, was exiled and their property confiscated. Many noble families, believing that marrying the emperor's daughters would provide a shield of protection, ended up being wiped out. Absolute power was such that even the most honored princesses were of no use.

The Marquis of Changning was truly farsighted.

Li Shi no longer dared to use her connection to the Li family as leverage. She turned to Nanny Yu and began discussing the matter regarding Song Yan.

......

Lunch was served in Old Lady Song's quarters, where she had the small kitchen prepare a pot of black-bone chicken soup, with added ingredients like Codonopsis, Angelica Dahurica, and goji berries. The aroma of traditional herbs mixed with the rich broth was overwhelming.

"You're not in the best health; you should nourish yourself," Nanny Huang said with a smile as she ladled a bowl of soup into a jade cup for Song Chuyi. "This black-bone chicken was just sent over from the estate as part of the New Year's goods. There was an epidemic this year, and only about twenty were delivered in total. After dividing them among the various branches of the family, only three were left. Old Lady had two set aside for the kitchen to prepare when Second Master returns, and this last one was reserved especially for you."

Old Lady Song gave Nanny Huang a disapproving look. "You talk too much," she scolded but still encouraged Song Chuyi to finish the soup.

Song Chuyi felt a lump in her throat, coughing a few times before she could suppress her tears. She thanked them with a clear voice.

Her little granddaughter bowed her head without a word, holding the jade cup and sipping the soup slowly. But Old Lady Song noticed the large tears falling one after another into the cup.

After lunch, the First Lady came to discuss the evening's welcoming banquet.

"We had originally planned for a grand affair, especially with the timely arrival of the Duchess of Ying, but today is already the twenty-first day of the twelfth month. In just a few days, Third Brother and his family will be back as well. I thought, why not postpone the grand banquet until the New Year when everyone is present and it will be more festive? Today, let's just have a family meal..."

This made sense, and Old Lady Song nodded. Then, unexpectedly, she asked, "I heard you severely reprimanded several maids today?"

The First Lady hesitated briefly before admitting it outright. "Although our family has always treated the servants kindly, we can't prevent them from developing improper thoughts and disregarding their masters' instructions. Since last month, it's been rumored that some of the gatehouse maids have taken to gambling and drinking at night. A few sets of white porcelain dishes have gone missing from the kitchen, but who can trace them? I thought it was a good opportunity to discipline the servants and remind them to take their duties seriously."

Old Lady Song nodded. "In large households like ours, the greatest fear is when the foundation begins to rot. How many disasters start with turmoil within the family? Look at the Duke of Chengguo..." She coughed slightly before continuing, "You handled it well. Let it be done. Dock two months' wages from those maids and send them to work in the outer courtyard."

There were no good tasks in the outer courtyard, where the roughest jobs like washing the clothes of servants and stable hands were assigned. The First Lady was pleased that her approach had been endorsed without having to be the bad person herself, smiled, and nodded in agreement.

She then asked, "The Duchess of Ying also came to discuss attending the banquet at General Zhongyi's residence. Have you made any plans?"

Upon hearing this, Song Chuyi quickly glanced at her grandmother.

The General Zhongyi's Residence! Su Zhaohe!

The Su family's ancestors had been granted the title of the Marquis of Zhongyi by the founding emperor, not for military service or marital ties to the imperial family, but because Old Master Su Xin had given the founding emperor a place to live during his most destitute days.

Out of gratitude, when the emperor established his reign and distributed honors, he didn't forget the Su family and specially conferred the title of Marquis of Zhongyi on Su Xin. The family had since risen to its current position of General Zhongyi. However, without a capable successor, the Su family risked fading into obscurity.

Old Madam Song thought for a moment. "What date have they set?"

"The twenty-ninth of the twelfth month," the First Lady replied with a smile. "I've heard the Princess Consort of Zhennan will also be attending."

These matters didn't need to be kept from the younger generation, so Song Chuyi listened attentively.

Social banquets among noble families were common, meant to foster relationships, ask for favors, or, more importantly, seek suitable matches for their children.

But very few banquets could summon Old Lady Song. Her rank was exceptionally high, as one of only three remaining women with the highest imperial title, and even princesses and duchesses had to show her respect.

Song Chuyi was a bit confused. If she remembered correctly, in her previous life, there had been a gathering on the twenty-ninth of the twelfth month, but it hadn't been at the General Zhongyi's residence; it had been at the Prince of Zhennan's mansion...

"Since the princess consort will also attend, we shall go as well," Old Lady Song decided. "Bring Fourth girl and Fifth Girl along."

Fourth Miss Song and Fifth Miss Song were fourteen and thirteen, both of marriageable age.

"Very well. I'll send someone to inform the Duchess of Ying," the First Lady said as she stood up. "Shall we hold tonight's dinner in the covered pavilion? The narcissus flowers are in full bloom, and the pavilion is filled with them, perfectly fitting the season."

Old Lady Song, who had a fondness for elegance, smiled. "That's a lovely idea. Let's hold it there. But I don't like it too warm, so don't place too many braziers, or it'll feel stifling."

The two women chatted for a while longer, discussing plans for hosting another banquet after the New Year to return the courtesies they'd received.

Song Chuyi excused herself to prepare for the arrival of her father and brother.

Nanny Xu had been waiting for a long time and, upon seeing her return, immediately pulled her aside to remind her of all the auspicious words she should say when Song Yi arrived.

After a pause, Nanny Xu added curiously, "It's strange, though. The Second Lady actually quarreled with the First Lady today... I wonder what's gotten into her."

Song Chuyi smiled faintly.

Qingtiao, however, gave Song Chuyi a long, thoughtful look.

She had already heard about how Huang Yao had sneaked into the bedroom last night, causing Luyi and Hongyu to be punished.

Were these events too coincidental?

It seemed someone had accurately predicted the First Lady's temperament. The First Lady, deeply attached to her son, would naturally be upset and anxious upon learning that he was leaving for Qingzhou. And since she wasn't from a high-status family, her behavior inevitably reflected this, like when she reassigned Lin Hai, who was supposed to welcome the Second Master.

Li Shi couldn't stand seeing Song Yi being neglected and would always stand up for him...

With the Second Lady clashing with the First Lady, many things became much harder to accomplish.