The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 1)

Chapter 41 - Acceptance

Nanny Xu was trembling with fear from Old Lady Song's anger, feeling cold all over on the way back to the house. At this moment, she couldn't help but feel a bit useless and began to miss the senior maids who used to serve beside Lady Cui. They were true descendants of the prestigious Boling Cui family, well-versed in rules, etiquette, and cunning.

Unfortunately... thinking of them only made her feel a heavy weight on her heart.

When she returned to the room, Song Chuyi was resting on the couch. Today had been busy, and with the major event of the Su family's downfall, she must have been exhausted. Nanny Xu felt a pang of sympathy and gently adjusted the fallen blanket over her.

The slight noise woke Song Chuyi, who sat up with the blanket around her and asked, "Nanny Xu, what did Grandmother say?"

Nanny Xu recounted her conversation with Old Lady Song in detail, ending with some concern, "Old Lady was really angry. In all these years, I've never seen her so furious..."

"Don't worry, Nanny," Song Chuyi smiled slowly, "Grandmother's anger isn't directed at us. It's Nanny Wang and Huangyao who will suffer..."

Before she could finish, Qingtao suddenly burst in and knelt on the ground without a word.

The floor was not carpeted, and the smooth, cold tiles made a cracking sound as Qingtao knelt down, which even Nanny Xu seemed to hear.

Over the years, while Huangyao was detestable, Qingtao had always been decent. Although Nanny Xu guarded against both of them like thieves, she had a much better impression of Qingtao, who never gossiped and just focused on her work, rarely currying favor with Lady Li.

Nanny Xu hesitated, glancing at Song Chuyi's expression, wanting to speak up for Qingtao.

Qingtao had already started pleading with Song Chuyi, "Miss, please save me. I'm not like Huangyao... Ever since you recovered, I haven't gone to the Second Lady's place. My parents work on the Second Lady's estate, and she ordered me to serve you. I didn't dare refuse. But I've always avoided trouble and never done anything against you, Miss!"

Qingtao's parents indeed managed the estate that came with Lady Li's dowry, which Song Chuyi knew from her previous life. 

In this life, Qingtao's honesty had lessened her resentment towards Qingtao and her parents considerably

Although she was reborn with a heart full of bitterness and hatred, she was not someone who couldn't distinguish right from wrong. 

In her previous life, although Qingtao had betrayed her, she had never actually done anything to wrong her. She had merely chosen to protect herself when Song Chuyi needed help.

If she were in a different position, she would probably have done the same.

Thinking of this, she leisurely got off the couch, put on her shoes, and looked for the lamp Yulan had brought on the multi-treasure shelf, while asking Qingtao, "You know your parents work on the Second Lady's estate. How can I trust you?"

Li Shi had naturally made thorough preparations when placing Huangyao and Qingtao here.

Qingtao hesitated for a long time before making up her mind and kowtowing, "Miss, I know you have a way... I dare not say anything else, but I swear to the heavens, if I ever do anything to wrong you, may I be struck by lightning and die a horrible death!"

Nanny Xu hurriedly tried to cover Song Chuyi's ears, spat on the ground three times, and scolded, "What are you saying?! How can you say such things in front of the Miss?!"

Song Chuyi smiled and brushed Nanny Xu's hand away, finally looking at Qingtao, "I don't need you to be struck by lightning and die a horrible death. I just happen to have something I need your parents to do. If they can do it well, I will naturally trust you. Actions speak louder than words, don't you think?"

Qingtao knew that the task Song Chuyi had for her parents was not ordinary. This was an olive branch from Song Chuyi. If they truly decided to side with her, they should seize this opportunity and completely sever ties with the Second Lady.

There was no way back. If they wanted to pledge their loyalty, they had to show their sincerity.

Nanny Xu watched Qingtao's face turn pale and felt a bit sorry for her. But she was on Song Chuyi's side and knew that what Song Chuyi was doing was right.

Qingtao had never felt her heart race like this before. She felt as if her entire heart was suspended in mid-air, unable to settle.

If she didn't agree, the Sixth Miss would surely use this opportunity to get rid of her. If she agreed, it would mean betting her entire family on Song Chuyi's success.

Was this Sixth Miss Song worth betting her entire family on? Qingtao repeatedly asked herself, her mind filled with Song Chuyi's actions over the past few days. In less than a month, she had not only moved into Old Lady's Ningde Courtyard and won the favor of both Old Lady and Old Master, but she had also meticulously laid the groundwork to eliminate the people the Second Lady had placed around her...

She also thought of Song Chuyi's attitude towards Hongyu and Luyi. They never lacked clothes or jewelry throughout the year and were often given small gifts. Moreover, Song Chuyi never treated them as outsiders and was always straightforward with them when they encountered difficulties.

To be honest, she envied Hongyu and Luyi for having Song Chuyi's trust and affection.

A person who treated those around her so well would surely not let those who had pledged their loyalty to her suffer in the future, right?

After thinking it over, Qingtao finally decided to bet everything she had.

"At your command, Miss. I will make sure my parents do their best!" Qingtao wiped the sweat from her forehead and knelt properly on the floor again.

Perceptive, brave, and clever—Song Chuyi needed a confidant like this. She smiled with satisfaction, personally helping Qingtao up, and said, "Very well. Since you say so, I will trust you."

Nanny Xu also breathed a sigh of relief.

The clock in the room chimed, indicating that Yushu would soon come to invite her to the main house for dinner. Song Chuyi tilted her head and looked at Qingtao, "If Grandmother asks about Huangyao later, you know what to say, right?"

Qingtao sighed inwardly. She had warned Huangyao several times not to be so ostentatious, but Huangyao wouldn't listen. When Huangyao went to Yushu's place, Qingtao had already foreseen her fate. Old Lady, who valued rules so much, would never be easily bribed by someone like Yushu.