The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 1)

Chapter 25 - Bait

Old Lady Song quickly decided on a date, setting the move of Song Chuyi to Ningde Courtyard for the twenty-seventh of the twelfth lunar month.

As the New Year approached, there were numerous matters piling up at the Ministry of Revenue. The military supplies from the northwest had also come in, and the ten-year census records needed to be re-registered. Song Chengru was almost too busy to take a break.

Finally, after a brief respite, he heard Old Lady Song instructing someone to arrange the small building at Ningde Courtyard, causing him to raise an eyebrow. "Why are you getting involved in this matter?"

Since Song Linlang, Old Madam Song had only raised one Song Chuchen, and that was because she knew the girl would definitely enter the palace, so she had to gather her spirit to guide her. Now, as Old Lady Song mentioned raising Song Chuyi, he found it a bit strange.

Old Lady Song shot him a reproachful glance. "I sent someone to inform you about this a few days ago. Surely, you didn't take it to heart again?"

Song Chengru smiled. "You know how busy I've been lately. I just spent an all-nighter discussing matters regarding the northwest with Wu Yuan, the head of the warehouse department. I really didn't know about these family affairs."

Old Lady Song knew he had indeed been busy lately and nodded with a smile, continuing on with her words. "I think Xiao Yi is quite likable. She's a little bundle of energy, and she has her own way of dealing with people. What's rare is that she can remain composed. It's been years since I've seen such an outstanding child. Keeping her close will make life a bit more pleasant."

In the past, he had never heard of Song Chuyi having these advantages; she was indeed known for causing trouble. Wasn't it just recently that she had a quarrel with Fourth Girl?

Due to past disputes over inheritance that led to demotion, Song Chengru placed great importance on family conduct. Once he learned that these two young girls disregarded sisterly affection and fought each other, he had already developed an aversion to both.

Now, hearing Old Lady Song mention Song Chuyi's strengths, he shook his head in disbelief. "Don't try to deceive me. You must have seen her throwing a tantrum and felt the need to personally discipline her, right?"

Most men seldom intervened in the affairs of the inner chambers. From his observations over the years, he thought Li Shi was a decent stepmother who treated the children left by the original wife well enough. However, Song Chuyi's bad temper and excessive indulgence spoiled her character.

In this situation, it was normal for Li Shi, as a stepmother, to seek help from Old Lady Song to take charge of the discipline.

Old Lady Song remained noncommittal and instructed Nanny Huang to bring Song Chuyi in.

As soon as Song Chuyi entered, Song Chengru's gaze naturally fell on her. She was wearing a duck-egg blue jacket, tied with a frost-colored pleated skirt underneath. Although she had yet to fully blossom and still appeared small, her eyes sparkled like two black grapes in clear water—bright and translucent, with the corners slightly upturned, making her seem ethereal and elegant.

She was indeed different from before. It wasn't just the clothes; her entire aura had changed. Song Chengru noticed this immediately, his gaze deepening.

Song Chuyi approached to pay her respects, her movements steady and graceful, flowing like water.

Song Chengru was strict in teaching his children. Even before she married, Noble Consort Song would always be a little tense around him. He never expected this seven-year-old girl could remain composed while performing her formal greeting, her expression serious and her gaze firm, unlike before when her eyes would wander aimlessly, adding a touch of frivolity.

He couldn't help but feel a bit satisfied, softening his tone. "Sixth Girl, you'll be living with your grandmother from now on. She's much stricter than elsewhere; can you handle it?"

Song Chuyi understood that if she could get past Song Chengru, it would truly mean securing Old Lady Song's support. She nodded earnestly and met Song Chengru's gaze with determination. "Without rules, there can be no order. Sixth Girl will learn the rules well with Grandmother."

Old Lady Song was very pleased and smiled as she pulled her close to sit down.

Since assuming a high position, Song Chengru had rarely encountered young relatives brave enough to look directly into his eyes like this.

After a moment of surprise, he realized Old Lady Song had indeed found a treasure, laughing heartily. "Then you remember your words! Your mother came from a prestigious family, and her manners and etiquette are impeccable. You must not fall behind!"

Old Lady Song signaled to Yu Shu and Yu Lan. "Today, our sixth miss is moving. Go inform the other households and ask the ladies to come to Ningde Courtyard for dinner to celebrate with our sixth miss!"

Yu Shu and Yu Lan both smiled and complied, leading people out.

Only Nanny Huang and Nanny Xu remained in the room, and Old Lady Song found an excuse to send them away before turning to Song Chengru. "Do you still remember the incident when the Duke of Cheng's mansion was exterminated?"

Song Chengru was taken aback, glancing at the bowed-headed Song Chuyi, feeling inexplicably puzzled as to why Old Lady Song would bring this up in front of her. However, after years of marriage, he knew her well and nodded. "Of course, I remember. At that time, their young Miss Jiu was quite mad, claiming she dreamed of the Duke's mansion on fire... It even caused a stir with the Empress Dowager."

The capital was in an uproar, and it was said that Miss Jiu was possessed.

At that time, both Song Chengru and Old Lady Song were not at ease—this was already a time of unrest, and the Duke of Cheng's family supported the then-Prince Tai...

Sure enough, Prince Tai was later exiled, and the entire Duke of Cheng's family was consumed in flames. Besides one Wang Jinsi who was protected by the Empress Dowager, no one was left in the Duke's family.

"Xiao Yi has also been having frequent dreams lately," Old Lady Song said, lowering her voice slowly. "The omen is not good, and I'm a bit worried. Since you have time today, let's discuss it together."

Song Chengru's expression didn't change much, but the atmosphere in the room instantly grew cold, so quiet that even breathing could be heard.

Song Chuyi knew that Song Chengru was likely suspicious that she was engaging in supernatural activities. If she didn't explain herself, all her previous efforts would be in vain.

Taking a deep breath, she lowered her head and knelt in front of Song Chengru, repeating what she had said earlier in front of Old Lady Song.

However, the emphasis was different.

When speaking to Old Lady Song, she focused on the unfortunate marriage with Shen Qingrang, detailing the hardships she would face in the future. This was to plant a seed of doubt about Li Shi in Old Lady Song's mind.

Now, in front of Song Chengru, she spoke more about the future trials the Song family would encounter.

Upon hearing her mention that in her past life, Song Jue died in a hunting accident, Song Linlang also passed away, and that the Noble Consort in the palace died violently while pregnant, Song Chengru's face turned ashen.

This could definitely not be something Song Chuyi fabricated! Song Chengru knew in his heart that a little girl absolutely couldn't possess the capability to concoct such a tale