The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 1)

Chapter 40 - Shocking Revelation

Luyi's temper was worse than Hongyu's, and she couldn't hide her dissatisfaction.

Song Chuyi looked at her with amusement, "If you keep this temper, even I won't be able to control you."

She couldn't let Hongyu and Luyi's loyalty excuse their outbursts. The tragic events of her past life were still vivid, and she didn't want to repeat them.

Luyi remembered Song Chuyi's recent admonitions to think before acting and felt a bit embarrassed, sticking out her tongue, "I forgot again. But Nanny Wang is really annoying. She lies without blinking, and I can't swallow this anger."

Song Chuyi put the thread ball back in the basket and said earnestly, "You have to swallow it. I can't always protect you and cover for you. This house isn't impenetrable, and Nanny Wang has disliked you for a long time... Especially after today's events, the Second Lady probably hates me even more and will target you. If you're not careful, there won't even be bones left!"

Luyi was actually a very clever little maid; otherwise, in her previous life, she wouldn't have stayed by Song Chuyi's side until the end. After considering the pros and cons, she nodded heavily, "I understand, Miss. I will definitely change."

Hongyu had put away the thread balls and shoe patterns in the box before continuing, "Miss, what about her?" She pointed outside, clearly referring to Qingtao.

Qingtao was different from Huangyao. She used to bury herself in work, but after Song Chuyi fell ill and changed, she became particularly cautious and sensitive, not even visiting the main courtyard of the second house anymore.

Such a clever and perceptive girl, if used properly, would be much more valuable than being beaten to death.

As they were speaking, Nanny Xu came in, holding a basket full of fresh bamboo shoots. She handed the basket to Luyi with a joyful expression, "This year, Luyi's father went to the mountains to dig bamboo shoots and got several large jars full. I brought some back for Old Lady to taste."

Song Chuyi also smiled, "That's great. Grandmother will probably come looking for you soon. You can take these to her."

Nanny Xu's cheerful expression turned serious, and after a moment, she asked, "Did Miss Yushu really complain to Old Lady? Will this work? Won't Old Lady just punish Huangyao by docking her monthly allowance for a few months... If that's the case, won't our situation become even more awkward?"

"Just do as I say, and Huangyao won't get away with just a docked allowance." Seeing Nanny Xu's clenched fists and uneasy expression, Song Chuyi reassured her softly, "Don't worry, Nanny. I wouldn't have stirred things up if I wasn't confident. Just follow my instructions."

Nanny Xu instinctively believed Song Chuyi, took a deep breath and carefully reviewed what she should say when Old Lady asked her questions, ensuring there would be no mistakes. Old Lady was a shrewd person; any inconsistency might arouse suspicion.

Sure enough, after a while, Yulan came in with a delicate lamp, smiling, "Sixth Miss, come and see this new thing!"

She handed the lamp to Song Chuyi, smiling, "Look, this is a horn bead lamp from Yunnan. The wax inside can be replaced when it burns out, and it's seven or eight times brighter than ordinary lamps, making it easier on the eyes at night. Plus, it's beautifully made. Old Lady only got two, kept one for herself, and asked me to bring the other to you."

Song Chuyi quickly took it, examined it, and smiled, "I didn't know Yunnan had such good things. This is my first time seeing one."

She thanked Yulan for the trip and gave her a pouch as a New Year's gift.

"I'll accept this New Year's gift, but Miss, please do me a favor in return. I need to borrow Nanny Xu. I heard she makes excellent egg custard, and the First Lady wants to make this dish for Old Lady today, so I'll need to trouble Nanny Xu."

"Of course," Song Chuyi laughed, "It's no trouble at all. Nanny Xu loves cooking. Besides, I'll get to taste it tonight too."

Nanny Xu had already put down her work and accompanied Yulan out, chatting and laughing along the way.

The main courtyard was quiet, with the sun half set, and only the red clouds could be seen from under the eaves.

Old Lady was reclining on the couch, looking at something. When she saw them come in, she handed the item to Nanny Huang and pointed to a chair for Nanny Xu, "Sit down."

Nanny Xu was so startled that she took a few steps back, repeatedly saying she didn't dare.

Old Lady Song didn't insist and instead asked, "Who is in charge of Xiaoyi's room now?"

Nanny Xu answered cautiously, "Currently, Nanny Wang is in charge of Sixth Miss's room, and I take care of Miss's daily needs."

"I remember when Tingting... I had the major items she left put into the main house's storage. The remaining jewelry, clothes, fabric, prescriptions, and snack recipes were kept for Xiaoyi to use when she grew up. Where are these things now?"

Here it comes!

Nanny Xu became even more cautious and replied almost without thinking, "These things were originally kept by me, and I have the inventory. But later, Nanny Wang said it was inconvenient for her to manage, so Second Lady had these things handed over to her. As for the jewelry, they are locked in a box by the head maid, Huangyao, who keeps the key."

"How can a maid who hasn't even been promoted yet manage the valuables?!" Old Lady Song's tone was displeased, "What does she know?"

Nanny Xu lowered her head even more, not daring to respond.

Old Lady Song pondered for a moment and instructed Zilan, "Go bring Nanny Wang and Huangyao here."

Nanny Xu hesitated, "Nanny Wang has already taken leave and gone home... Huangyao is still at Second Lady's place and hasn't returned."

Old Lady Song was truly furious now. During the New Year, the housekeeper took leave?! What kind of leave, and for which master?!

These people were not only lazy but also hid the master's property. And now they wanted to take leave whenever they pleased. What did they take the Marquis's Mansion for?

Old Lady Song's chest heaved violently, and after a long while, she let out a cold laugh.