The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 1)

Chapter 31 - Encounter

This Nanny Qiu was not a simple character. Thinking about how she had inquired about the gift Third Brother had given her with such a concerned attitude, Song Chuyi had an instinct that something was off.

After some thought, she turned her head and asked Song Chumi, "Why does Fifth Sister seem so afraid of her wet nurse?"

Song Chumi had clearly noticed it as well. Seeing Nanny Qiu whispering something into Song Chubin's ear, while Song Chubin's expression grew increasingly distressed, Song Chumi frowned and called out, "Fifth Sister!"

Song Chubin shuddered, as if startled, and nervously nodded in response, "Yes, Fourth Sister."

Nanny Qiu, who had been interrupted mid-sentence, looked displeased and was about to speak, but realizing that they were in Old Lady Song's residence, she forcefully suppressed her anger. She smiled, "Fourth Miss is calling for you, you should hurry over."

Song Chubin breathed a sigh of relief and quickly moved to sit beside Song Chumi and Song Chuyi.

Before they could exchange more words, Zimei came in with a smile and glanced at them, announcing, "It's time to leave."

Old Lady Song shared a carriage with Song Chuyi, riding in a grand red-canopied vehicle, while the First Lady took Song Chumi and Song Chubin in a separate, blue-canopied Eight Treasures carriage.

Their group arrived at the General's mansion on Zhongshun Road, only to find that the area was bustling with activity. The road was lined with carriages, and people were constantly arriving to present their calling cards.

Old Lady Song, seated in the carriage, observed the lively scene in front of the Su residence with some displeasure. The Su family had risen due to a minor favor granted by the founding emperor, but by now, their title was merely that of a third-rank general, without any real power. So why were they behaving so ostentatiously?

If it weren't for the fact that Old Lady Su held a high-ranking title, and out of respect for the Duchess Ying, Old Lady Song would not have come.

The sharp-eyed Lady Su had already spotted the carriage from the Marquis' estate and hurriedly instructed a servant to help Old Lady Song down. With a bright smile, she exclaimed, "Ah, Old Lady Song, you've arrived! You're still as healthy as ever. How is the Old Master? It's a pity he's too busy to honor us with his presence. The men in our household would love to learn from him!"

Lady Su was known as a master of etiquette among the noblewomen, quick with her words and skilled in managing affairs.

Old Lady Song responded with a polite smile, "Don't try to pull one over on me. Others might not know, but surely your family does. He's been so busy he barely has time to stop by for a drink! Lately, hasn't it been First Son or Second Son attending in his stead whenever there's a feast?"

Lady Su pretended to scold herself, stretching her neck to look past Old Lady Song and grabbing the First Lady with a laugh. "You're right, I should be scolded for that! Imagine, even poking fun at the Old Master!" As she turned to look at Song Chumi and the others, she widened her eyes and exclaimed, "No wonder the whole city says no one raises girls better than you. Just look at them—each one more beautiful than the next. I can't get enough of them!"

Noticing that Song Chuyi was standing close to Old Lady Song, holding her hand, Lady Su guessed that she was the closest to the Old Lady. She warmly took Song Chuyi's hand and said with a smile, "Especially this young lady, so composed for her age! Quite different from the restless girls in our family."

Lady Su kept talking the entire time, managing to keep the conversation lively without becoming overbearing, which was no small feat.

The First Lady teased her, "You never stop talking! Even the birds in the trees are quieter than you." She then introduced the girls, "These are our fourth, fifth, and sixth girls."

By this time, Lady Su had led them into the flower hall and quickly instructed servants to bring out gifts for the girls as they expressed their gratitude.

Soon, a maid came to announce that the Princess Consort of Zhennan's Mansion had arrived. Lady Su immediately excused herself to Old Lady Song, "I'm terribly sorry, Old Lady Song, but I must go welcome the Princess Consort."

Old Lady Song smiled and nodded.

The flower hall was beautifully decorated with a twelve-panel screen of painted golden maidens. The six doors of the hall were wide open, with tall white porcelain vases filled with fresh flowers placed beside each one.

The setup was quite tasteful, but the extravagant use of luxurious items was a bit much. The Su family's title had become an empty one, and no one in the family had achieved any success in the imperial exams, yet they still acted as if they were on par with a marquis or count's estate. It was bound to draw envy.

Duke Ying's heir's wife, Lady He, soon arrived as well. Upon seeing Old Lady Song, she rushed forward to greet her and said with a smile, "It's a wonder how well Yunniang has managed everything today. Just look at the number of guests! The women's banquet alone will need several tables."

Sensing the praise directed at Lady Su, Old Lady Song smiled and nodded, "It's no easy feat."

Lady He, not wanting to overdo the compliments, turned her attention to the young ladies. "So the Old Lady Song has finally brought out her treasures today? Usually, you keep them hidden away like you're afraid they'll be stolen!"

Banquets, tea parties, and flower-viewing gatherings were common in the capital, but the Song girls rarely attended.

Old Lady Song laughed and had Song Chumi lead her sisters to pay their respects to the Duchess, saying, "Other people may not see them often, but surely you've seen enough of them. They're homebodies who don't like going out."

Lady He had expected Song Chumi and Song Chubin to attend, given their age and readiness for marriage, but she was surprised to see the much younger Song Chuyi as well. Realizing she had underestimated this Sixth Miss, her smile grew warmer, and after praising Song Chumi and Song Chubin, she turned her attention to Song Chuyi, engaging her in small talk.

Meanwhile, Lady Su returned with the Princess Consort of Zhennan. She was busily attending to the Princess Consort, looking like a spinning top that couldn't stop.

Song Chumi, who had remained silent, couldn't help but feel amused. She tugged at Song Chuyi's hand but quickly noticed the warning glance from the First Lady, which made her drop the thought of enjoying the spectacle.

In the room, Old Lady Song held the highest rank and title, so the Princess Consort of Zhennan sat beside her. She first paid her respects to Old Lady Song: "How have you been recently?"

The title of Zhennan Wang (King of Zhennan) was unique, being the only non-imperial prince since the founding of the dynasty. The current King of Zhennan held significant military power, and even those in the court had to show him respect.

Old Lady Song had agreed to attend this banquet largely because both the Princess Consort of Zhennan and the Duchess of Ying would be present.

Seeing the Princess Consort now, Old Lady Song's smile deepened, and she nodded: "All is well. You look healthier than ever."

The Princess Consort of Zhennan chuckled: "I don't always believe what others say, but if the Old Lady says it, then it must be true. I'll gladly accept the compliment this time."

She then turned and called for her two daughters to come forward and greet the guests: "These two always give me so much to worry about. I still need to punish them for what happened last time."