The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 1)

Chapter 30 - Malice

Early the next morning, Nanny Xu came together with Yulan to ask if Song Chuyi had finished her morning dressing. Old Lady Song was waiting for her to come and join breakfast.

Since Song Chuyi was new to her residence, Old Lady Song was concerned that she might not be accustomed to things yet.

Song Chuyi, already forced by Nanny Xu to apply Pearl White Jade Cream, quickly responded, "I'm ready."

Yulan glanced around the room, her gaze lingering noticeably longer on Huang Yao than the others.

Song Chuyi was well aware of this but didn't show any reaction, instead cheerfully asking, "Isn't Grandmother going to the General's residence for a banquet today?"

Yulan looked her over from head to toe, noting Song Chuyi's attire—a rose-colored crossover blouse paired with a frosty-colored skirt, her waist cinched with a blue palace ribbon, and a jade double-fish pendant hanging from it. She was dressed both festively and elegantly. 

Yulan's eyes revealed a hint of admiration, and she smiled, nodding. "Sixth Miss is indeed a natural beauty; no matter how you dress, you always look lovely. Actually, Old Lady Song sent me to help you pick an outfit today for the banquet, but it seems you've chosen perfectly yourself!"

In just a few short days, the attitude of everyone in Ningde Courtyard toward Song Chuyi had shifted dramatically. 

Qingtao had become increasingly docile, merely hoping for a peaceful life.

Huang Yao, however, felt differently. She believed Song Chuyi treated her with special care, and the fear she had felt the previous day over the inkstone incident had disappeared after Yushu's promise. Now, hearing that Song Chuyi was going to the banquet as well, she couldn't help but blurt out, "I thought only Fourth and Fifth Misses were going, how come Sixth Miss is going too?"

Yulan cast a discreet glance at her but didn't engage with her words, pretending not to hear. Instead, she smiled and helped Song Chuyi to her feet. "Old Lady Song must be getting impatient by now!"

As they walked along the covered corridor, small maids were feeding the birds, creating a lively and chattering atmosphere. Upon seeing Song Chuyi, they flocked around to compete for the chance to hold the curtains open for her.

Old Lady Song had just finished her morning wash. When she saw Song Chuyi arrive, she smiled and pulled her to sit beside her. "Did you sleep well last night? Did the early morning snow-clearing frighten you?"

Song Chuyi quickly replied, "Not at all. They didn't start using the ice picks to clear the snow until after I woke up."

Old Lady Song nodded, her gaze seemingly unconsciously sweeping over Qingtao and Huang Yao, who had followed Song Chuyi. She remarked, "These two maids are always by your side, so they must be your favorites?"

Qingtao and Huang Yao, hearing their names mentioned, immediately straightened up.

Song Chuyi smiled and replied, "They've been with me for a long time. One takes care of my hairpins and jewelry, the other manages my clothes. They're both excellent."

Hairpins and jewelry...

Old Lady Song's gaze suddenly sharpened, but she quickly resumed her casual demeanor and instructed Yulan to prepare breakfast.

After they had finished eating, the First Lady arrived with her eldest daughter-in-law to pay their respects, followed by the Second Lady and others, making Ningde Courtyard lively and bustling.

Old Lady Song glanced at Song Chumi and Song Chubin, feeling the urge to frown.

Song Chumi was dressed appropriately in a bamboo green crossover robe paired with a jade-colored gauze skirt, modest yet dignified. Song Chubin, however, was overdressed in a bright red magnolia-print robe with a matching pleated skirt. Her head was adorned with numerous jewels, and her hair ornaments swayed uncontrollably.

But considering Song Chubin's irresponsible mother, such mistakes were understandable. Old Lady Song thought for a moment before smiling at the sisters. "There are a few pots of narcissus in the side room that have just bloomed. If you like them, take one to nurture."

At the same time, she subtly signaled Yulan.

Yulan immediately smiled and led the young ladies to the side room to admire the flowers.

Song Chubin noticed Old Lady Song's disapproval when she looked at her and nervously glanced at her wet nurse.

Yulan, however, had already ordered the little maids to bring over candied fruits and several types of cakes. She turned to Song Chubin and said with a smile, "Fifth Miss, we have a shoe pattern that isn't quite right. Could you spare some time to take a look for us?"

Raised by her unreliable and sharp-tongued mother, Song Chubin had grown timid and indecisive. Upon hearing this, she quickly nodded. "I've just shown a new pattern to my wet nurse..." But she trailed off and glanced timidly at her wet nurse, letting Yulan lead her away.

Song Chuyi turned her head to glance at Song Chubin's wet nurse. If she remembered correctly, in her previous life, Song Chubin never successfully married. Her wet nurse had colluded with the son of the village head to steal Song Chubin's intimate clothing...

Song Chubin had been left defenseless, and before Old Lady Song could intervene, she hanged herself with a white silk ribbon in her room.

Song Chubin's wet nurse was also quietly observing her. This Sixth Miss had indeed changed—her gaze was sharp, and she rarely spoke unless necessary. It seemed that Fifth Madam's misfortune in dealing with her wasn't just a matter of bad luck.

After some thought, she smiled and approached to refill Song Chuyi's tea. "Sixth Miss, now that you've moved in, are you getting used to your new place?"

The maids serving Song Chumi and Song Chuyi's sisters only stayed during the formal greeting before retreating to wait outside. Only Song Chubin brought her wet nurse into the side room, likely because of their close relationship. Given that Song Chubin's mother was unreliable, Old Lady Song had allowed her wet nurse, Nanny Qiu, to stay by her side.

Because of this, Nanny Qiu had gained some respect from the ladies and young ladies of the household.

Song Chuyi smiled and replied, "Thank you for your concern, Nanny. Grandmother has been very kind to me, and I'm quite comfortable here."

Nanny Qiu moved closer, looking Song Chuyi up and down again before asking curiously, "Why aren't you wearing the agate and pearl bracelet our young master gifted you?"

The fact that Third Brother had given her a gift had only happened the previous night, yet Nanny Qiu already knew about it—and even knew the exact details of the gift!

Song Chuyi's inner alarm went off, remembering how aggressive this nanny could be. She kept her expression calm and shook her head. "It was quite late when I returned last night, so the gifts are still with my nanny. I haven't had the chance to open them yet. But how did Nanny know it was an agate and pearl bracelet?"

Nanny Qiu hesitated for a moment, then quickly laughed, "Third Young Master didn't know what to choose and asked our young lady for advice. I happened to overhear a few words."

Song Chuyi didn't press further, simply nodding and turning her attention to talk with Song Chumi.

Not long after, Yulan returned with Song Chubin. While her clothes hadn't changed, her jewelry had been significantly reduced, and her hair was now styled in a simpler twisted bun, making her look fresher and more refined—an obvious improvement from her earlier, overly elaborate appearance.

It was clear that Yulan had taken her out to have her hair and makeup redone.

Everyone in the room noticed this and turned to look at Song Chubin, seemingly a bit surprised.

Song Chuyi observed that when Song Chubin glanced at Nanny Qiu, there was a clear look of unease and fear in her eyes.