The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 1)

Chapter 77 - After Autumn

In April, the capital had a temperate climate, neither the scorching heat of June nor the severe cold of February. The peach trees that the Marquis's residence had planted earlier finally began to bloom in a flurry, beautifully embellishing the estate.

Song Chengru, having worked all night, finally returned home. His temples were grayed, adding a touch of weariness to his appearance. Although he had dealt with Xiao Ding and Fang Deng, he didn't show much excitement on his face.

This morning, the cabinet issued an official document stating that Su Yi was sentenced to be executed by beheading, with the punishment to be carried out in the autumn. Meanwhile, due to the righteous act of denouncing her own kin, the matriarch of the Su family, along with the other female members of the Su residence, had their death sentences commuted, but they could no longer stay in the General's residence; they had to return to their hometown in Taiyuan.

Old Lady Song sighed but didn't have much sympathy or energy left to spare for this old friend with whom she had some past ties. Regardless of whether Old Lady Su had been aware, Su Yi had genuinely attempted to drag the Marquis's residence down with him.

"Send someone to check on her," Old Lady Song finally said after a long sigh. "At least she served as a reminder to us in the end. She's getting old..."

Song Chengru had no intention of making things difficult for the women, so he nodded at Old Lady Song's words. After a moment of thought, he added, "If that Miss Chen is recovering well, it wouldn't hurt to have her meet with Old Lady Su."

Chen Jinxin was likely the one Old Lady Su was most concerned about, and arranging a meeting would be a form of consolation. Old Lady Song agreed and instructed Yulan to tell the Third Lady to prepare. Then, with a serious expression, she asked Song Chengru about Xiao Ding and Fang Deng: "This matter has already reached the emperor's ears, and it should be time for a thorough investigation. Why does it seem that His Majesty is reluctant to delve deeper... Xiao Yi said that Fang Deng and Xiao Ding have already become pawns; wouldn't they be too scared to turn on us to save their lives?"

Old Lady Song shook her head, asserting that Xiao Ding and Fang Deng didn't have the courage to do so.

Given the connections Prince Duan had cultivated over the years, if they dared to expose him, they would only meet a quicker demise. Instead, they would likely clench their teeth and take all the blame upon themselves, as that would give them a glimmer of survival rather than facing total annihilation.

"Prince Duan is so treacherous and cunning; if he ever gains the throne, it will be the day we face ruin as well," Old Lady Song sighed, turning to look at Song Chengru. "Does the Old Master have any plans in mind?"

After several recent events, Prince Duan's attempt to win over the Song family had failed, and the conspiracies behind it had also been thwarted. Given the Prince's nature, if he ever gained a position of power, he would surely seek revenge in the future.

Therefore, the Marquis's residence had to do everything in its power to prevent the Prince from growing stronger.

The urgent matter at hand was to deal with Xiao Ding's situation. Xiao Ding and Fang Deng, now desperate, would undoubtedly follow the previous plan to drag the Marquis's residence into trouble. Fortunately, preparations had been made; the Marquis's residence had the Fifth Lady and Qi Shengyuan, as well as female officials sent by Lady Xiao on hand, all of whom were solid evidence. As long as these individuals were handed over, the Fifth Lady wouldn't dare implicate Prince Duan, but would certainly push all the responsibility onto Xiao Ding and Fang Deng. This time, Xiao Ding and Fang Deng were doomed.

This would also sever the Prince's influence. Moreover, after this incident, anyone else contemplating the Marquis's residence would have to reconsider their plans.