The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 1)

Chapter 28 - Preparation

The Eldest Young Mistress's face turned as red as an apple, and she hurriedly waved her hands, saying, "It's nothing; as long as Sixth Sister likes it!"

She was always so considerate, treating everyone in the household with kindness and warmth. The First Lady had once worried about her timid nature and sought advice from Old Lady Song, saying, "She's always so shy, and she easily gets soft-hearted and tears up. How will she manage people in the future?"

Old Lady Song had been concerned at first, but ultimately thought it was a good trait. It was better to be soft-hearted than overly shrewd, so she comforted the First Lady, saying, "She'll gradually improve. Who starts off knowing everything? Just for her genuine affection for you as her mother-in-law and for our household, you should teach her well!"

Having received Old Lady Song's assurance, the First Lady didn't force Li Qingzi to change. The First Young Master and others spoiled and respected her, so after nearly two or three years of marriage, she still blushed easily.

Seeing her bashful demeanor, Old Lady Song couldn't help but smile, "I'm complimenting you! Why are you so shy?"

When Song Chuyi noticed Li Qingzi's face becoming even redder, she quickly chimed in, "I like the clothes my sister-in-law gave me; I'll wear them for the New Year!"

"Oh!" The First Lady lifted the curtain and entered, smiling at Song Chuyi. "Then it seems you won't be wearing the set from your aunt!"

She had heard Song Chuyi's words from outside and pretended to be annoyed as she entered. "Your sister-in-law's stitching is good, and she has a clever mind. It seems you don't think much of your aunt's gift."

As she spoke, she laughed and took a long, yang wood box from Jin Huan, handing it to Song Chuyi. "Your aunt's craftsmanship may not be as delicate as your sister-in-law's, so don't look down on it."

In her past life, the First Lady had ignored her, but recently, she seemed particularly warm towards Song Chuyi. It was unclear whether it was due to the incident in the garden where Song Chuyi had helped the First Lady reprimand the Fifth Lady or because of Old Lady Song's favoritism. Regardless, Song Chuyi was delighted to receive such kindness. She smiled, holding the box with both hands, and blushed as she thanked the First Lady.

The First Lady glanced at Old Lady Song, who was chuckling, and waved her hand with a smile. "Don't thank me just yet; see if you like it first. If it doesn't suit you, I'll change it."

Old Lady Song then lifted the clothes to inspect them—there was a peach-red top embroidered with green bamboo and a primrose yellow eight-panel skirt. The embroidery was exquisite, and the design was both intricate and festive, clearly made with great care.

"This is too precious..." Song Chuyi felt a bit uneasy as she glanced at Old Lady Song and Old Master Song, appearing quite flustered.

The Second Lady's smile gradually faded as she hadn't expected the Eldest Young Mistress and the First Lady to present such heavy gifts. In comparison, her gift of a scholar's inkstone seemed rather insignificant.

The one feeling the most embarrassed was the Third Lady, who had brought only a gold ring, probably weighing less than a coin, and its design wasn't particularly beautiful. The lavish gifts from the First Lady and the Eldest Young Mistress made her appear particularly stingy.

The Third Lady, having just been scolded by Old Lady Song, felt restless. Even though no one openly criticized her, she felt the weight of scornful glances.

Just then, someone came to report that the banquet was ready, and Old Lady Song led everyone to the banquet hall, adorned with vibrant decorations.

At the entrance of the banquet hall, two large red lanterns had been lit, adding a festive atmosphere. The inner courtyard was already beautifully arranged, with the moon rising above the willow trees in the sky.

The Young Master had been waiting there with several gentlemen and young masters, and upon seeing them, he quickly approached to offer his respects.

Song Jie immediately spotted Song Chuyi standing next to Old Lady Song. He stepped forward and took out a pouch from his sleeve, handing it to her. "Sixth Sister, I heard you moved. This is a housewarming gift for you. May you find peace and success in the future."

He wore a gentle smile, sincere and heartfelt, making the scar on his handsome face stand out even more.

Song Chuyi felt a bit guilty and lowered her head, refusing to take it. "Third Brother, how can I accept your gift?"

In the household, where the Fifth Lady was arrogant and domineering, Old Lady Song and the First Lady often ignored her antics. Though they felt pity for Song Jie and his siblings, they couldn't afford to quarrel with the Fifth Lady every time. Song Jie and his siblings were not in a good situation either, and with Fifth Lady's harshness, Song Chuyi felt empathy for them.

Gradually, the smile faded from Song Jie's face, and he hung his head, seeming at a loss.

The Duke of Cheng's family had been exterminated, and Wang Jinsi was a person without a maternal family. In comparison, Song Jie, Song Chubin, and Song Chuyou also lacked maternal relatives.

Moreover, Wang Jinsi looked down on the marquis's household, treating them with even more indifference than strangers. This led to a certain degree of inferiority complex among them. Although the marquis's household maintained good family values and Old Master and Old Lady Song never withheld anything from them, it was still different.

Noticing Song Jie's disappointment, Song Chuyi realized he might have misunderstood her intentions. She quickly looked up and said, "Third Brother, don't overthink it. I just thought you already gave me ointment yesterday and are now giving me something else..."

Song Jie revealed a broad smile, seemingly relieved. He pushed the item into her hands. "What's the big deal? It's perfectly natural for an elder brother to give a gift to his younger sister!"

Song Chuyi had settled in the side building next to the main house in Ningde Courtyard. Old Lady Song had initially wanted her to stay in the Bisha kitchen and wait for the east wing to be ready before making further arrangements, but she later changed her mind.

By the time she returned, Nanny Xu had prepared warm water, taking off her ice-cold embroidered shoes and quickly assisting her in soaking her feet.

When Song Chuyi noticed that Huang Yao wasn't there to greet her, she asked Hongyu, "Where's Huang Yao?"

"She's in the room crying," Hongyu replied, unusually agitated. "I don't understand how she has the face to cry! Miss, keeping her around will definitely bring endless trouble. This troublemaker is bound to cause problems sooner or later!"

Huang Yao was far less scheming and cunning than in her previous life; her manipulations were still superficial.

Song Chuyi smiled at this and, while drying her feet with a handkerchief, turned to Hongyu and said, "Go and bring her here."

The groundwork was laid, and it was time to reel her in.

Huang Yao soon stood in front of Song Chuyi, fear evident on her face. She knelt down and cried, "I truly didn't mean to today; please spare me, Miss!"

She buried her head on the ground, sobbing so hard that she could barely catch her breath, looking genuinely pitiful.

Song Chuyi maintained a warm smile. "Spare you? Spare you from what?"

Huang Yao cried, sniffling, "I clumsily broke the inkstone that the Second Lady sent you, and I embarrassed you in front of Old Lady Song and the other ladies..."

Song Chuyi nodded, sighed, and extended her hand to help her up. "I know you were being careless, but Old Lady Song thinks that you couldn't handle even a small task in front of so many people, and she plans to send you to the outer courtyard as a servant."