The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 1)

Chapter 60 - Clarification

Nanny Xu came to bid farewell to Song Chuyi, tears streaming down her face. She cried somewhat messily; the thought of the girl she had raised, who had lost her mother at a young age, facing future hardships made her feel guilty toward her former master.  

Song Chuyi smiled, helping her up, her expression calm and inscrutable. Having experienced countless separations in her previous life, she understood that in this world, there were no perfect outcomes. While separations could lead to future meetings, those who passed away would never reunite. Other than death, everything else was trivial.  

After comforting Nanny Xu for a few moments, she handed her several hundred-tael silver notes.  

Nanny Xu hurriedly waved her hands and stepped back, anxiously clutching her clothes. "How can I accept the young lady's money?"  

"This money isn't just for you, Nanny," Song Chuyi patiently extended her hand, speaking gently. "As I mentioned before, since I'm leaving, it's only right for you to help me find those from back in the day... I'll need money for everything. If you say I can't use my money, am I supposed to rely on your money instead?"

Nanny Xu hesitated for a long time but finally accepted the silver notes, solemnly assuring Song Chuyi, "Rest assured, young lady, I will find out everything once I leave."

Although she came from the Cui family, she married Zhang Side, a servant of the Song family. After nearly ten years, she has accumulated some connections.

Song Chuyi nodded and then asked her to bid farewell to Luyi and the others.

Before long, the new nanny came in with her bundle, followed by a little girl of similar height to Luyi. The little girl had her hair styled in double buns, with clear brows and bright eyes, looking healthy and calm. At this moment, she stood respectfully beside them, her head bowed but not nervous.

Nanny Huang's granddaughter certainly followed good manners.

Song Chuyi exchanged a few pleasantries with the new Nanny Xu before saying, "Then, Nanny, you can rest in the room that used to belong to Nanny Xu."

It was evident that this young lady held a respectable position before Old Lady Song and Master Song, so Nanny Xu readily agreed, smiling as she called the girl forward to greet Song Chuyi: "The old lady said you should give this girl a name."

The little girl obediently stepped forward to bow to Song Chuyi, looking very well-behaved.

"Let's call her Ziyun," Song Chuyi said, thinking for a moment before unable to suppress a laugh. "You'll have the full spectrum of colors: red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, and purple."

Ziyun was taken aback for a moment before recalling the names of the other girls in her room, unable to hold back a smile.

Nanny Xu went to hand over some items to the new Nanny Xu, while Ziyun followed Hongyu to get familiar with her surroundings and pay her respects.

Taking the opportunity, Qingtao approached Song Chuyi and whispered, "Last night, there was quite a big commotion over there. I heard that Sister Su Zhi and Sister Su Xin returned to their rooms with weak legs."

It had been expected that Old Lady Song wouldn't let Li Shi off lightly for using Song Yi as a tool. At the very least, she was withholding permission for her to accompany Song Yi on his official assignment, and now it was proving to be the case.

Song Chuyi smiled slightly. She couldn't allow Li Shi to roam freely with Song Yi.

Three years could bring about too many changes; it was possible they would decide her future from a thousand miles away. Moreover, being by Song Yi's side day in and day out would deepen their bond, and they might even have a son...

She had a whole pile of accounts to settle with this stepmother; how could she let her enjoy a carefree life?

Qingtao's network of information was indeed expanding, and after pondering for a moment, Song Chuyi asked her, "Which girl in their courtyard are you close to? Nanny Yu is very strict with her servants, so be careful not to get anyone involved."

"Rest assured, my lady," Qingtao said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I was trained by Nanny Yu herself; she doesn't know about me yet..." She awkwardly scratched her head before continuing, "She still thinks I'm the cautious and reserved type, hoping to gather information about you through me. Since I came from the Second Madam's courtyard, I'm quite familiar with the other girls there. It's easy for me to gather news. The girl I'm closest to is a little servant named Lushan, whom Sister Su Zhi is currently in charge of."

"Lushan is with Sister Su Zhi?" Song Chuyi asked, suddenly laughing.

She remembered this Lushan; later on, Li Shi would assign her to serve Song Chuning. She was quite a clever girl and had been the one to fetch help when Song Chuning nearly drowned in the Duke of Ying's garden.

Qingtao didn't understand why she was laughing and nodded apprehensively. "Lushan and I entered the manor at the same time. Our homes are directly opposite each other, and we've played together since we were young."

Did this slippery little girl already have the maturity of the future? Regardless, she would still be useful, so Song Chuyi smiled and said, "Since you two get along well, that's perfect. You should be even closer in the future."