The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 1)

Chapter 98 - Preventing Disaster

As soon as they returned to the room, the package was taken out by Nanny Xu, who carefully searched through it. However, the truth was that it was completely empty, containing only a few pieces of clothing and some snacks—nothing else at all.

Hongyu looked at the pile of things and felt her eyelids twitch; she disdainfully picked them up and tossed them into the courtyard outside.

"Is it meant to be shown to the old master and old lady?" Qingtao also felt puzzled as she poured a cup of tea for Song Chuyi and handed it over, mumbling, "But why choose this particular time..."

Song Chuyi's brows twitched slightly as she tilted her head and instructed Hongyu, "Hongyu, go find the other Nanny Xu and ask her to inquire who the Second Madam sent to deliver these items."

Li Shi wouldn't act without reason. It was harder for her to believe there was no ulterior motive than to believe that pigs could fly.

The fiery clouds in the sky faded, turning the once bright golden clouds into a deep, dark green, contrasting with the darkening sky and adding a touch of eerie beauty.

Due to the recent unrest, dinner was prepared especially early. While it was still not completely dark, someone from the kitchen came to ask if they could serve the meal.

Song Chuyi was indeed a bit hungry. Just as she nodded to signal it was okay to serve the food, she heard that Miss Chen had arrived again.

Nanny Xu paused her movements, looked up at Song Chuyi, and said, "Miss, she came by when you went to see the heir."

Perhaps she was here to inquire about what they talked about last time? This Miss Chen looked like a clever person; she wouldn't just be coming for a free meal, would she? Song Chuyi raised an eyebrow and signaled for Qingtao to lead her in.

Miss Chen entered with a smile, her dimples more pronounced, and her apricot eyes gleaming with joy as she smiled at Song Chuyi. "I hope you won't laugh at me, but I had a nightmare after my afternoon nap, and the more I think about it, the more anxious I become. I originally thought to come to talk to you and ease my mind, but now I feel even more uneasy."

The kitchen had already sent the meal to the adjacent room, and Song Chuyi didn't want to press for details at that moment, so she smiled and said, "Since you came so quickly, you must not have eaten yet? Why don't we eat together?"

Miss Chen seemed to eagerly welcome this suggestion, her smile deepening as she nodded slowly: "If that's the case, I'll trouble you then."

However, after finishing the meal, Miss Chen had already recounted the details of her nightmare at least four or five times, showing no signs of wanting to leave. All she talked about was how terrifying her dream had been.

As night fell, Hongyu led the others in lighting the lamps in the room, and the lanterns at the entrance of the courtyard were also lit.

Only then did Miss Chen shyly take Song Chuyi's hand: "Sister, can I stay with you tonight? I used to have my wet nurse with me at home..."

Her wet nurse had been killed by the Tartar soldiers while trying to protect her.

Song Chuyi finally understood what Miss Chen was planning. She probably heard about the gathering of the Tartar soldiers and was worried about her own safety, so she decided to come here instead.

However, Miss Chen was actually overthinking it. After all, she was the legitimate granddaughter of Chen Cifu; how could she not be valued by Song Ren and even Ye Jingkuan?

Moreover, there were already no fewer than forty people patrolling the back courtyard. From any perspective, the small courtyard where she stayed and the one where Miss Chen stayed were practically indistinguishable.

But since she had already said as much, it wouldn't make sense to send her away. Song Chuyi looked at the sky and nodded in agreement.

The moon hung high, and the surroundings grew increasingly tranquil as the houses stood empty, the stillness broken only by the sounds of insects.

Miss Chen insisted on staying by Song Chuyi's side, propping her head up with one hand while reading a book.

It was hard to tell how long had passed when suddenly sounds of commotion and footsteps erupted outside, followed by the thunderous noise of battle.

Startled, Miss Chen stood up with a pale face and began to pace nervously.

"Something's happening over there with the heir apparent..." Miss Chen looked at Song Chuyi with a ghastly expression. "Could anything have gone wrong?"

At this point, she was clearly frightened, yet she still had the presence of mind to worry about Zhou Weizhao's safety. Song Chuyi found it somewhat strange but smiled reassuringly at her: "The heir has so many elite Yulin Guards with him..."

Before her words could finish, there was a sudden loud bang from outside, and the courtyard door immediately trembled as if it would collapse.

Miss Chen was so frightened that her face turned pale. She grabbed Song Chuyi's hand tightly and stared at the door in terror.

Nanny Xu, Qing Tao, and Hong Yu were all startled and quickly shut the door of the room.

At that moment, the air was filled with the sound of arrows slicing through it, as sharp projectiles flew in through the window paper into the room.

"Get down!" Song Chuyi reacted instantly, pulling the panicking Miss Chen down to the ground with her.

These people were not Tartar soldiers! The Tartar soldiers didn't carry bows and arrows at all!

As Song Chuyi's mind raced, she noticed that Miss Chen was staring at her with an extremely strange expression.

After a flurry of arrows, the courtyard door began to rattle again, followed by a loud crash, indicating that the door had likely been smashed.

Before Song Chuyi could even process Miss Chen's gaze, she was suddenly yanked up by her.

They were crouching next to the round table in the center of the room, very close to the door. Miss Chen gave Song Chuyi one last look and suddenly reached out, yanking the door open and pushing Song Chuyi out of the room with both hands!

She must have already guessed that this force was not the Tartar soldiers but was coming for her. As Song Chuyi's mind raced, she saw the courtyard door completely burst open...

"Hey!" Ye Jingchuan's playful, cheerful voice suddenly rang out, followed by Song Chuyi catching sight of his face, which had grown large right in front of her: "With all this chaos outside, are you stupid? Why are you running out here?"

Song Chuyi's brain was momentarily in a haze, and she couldn't react in time, staring blankly at Ye Jingchuan's face.

"Get inside!" Just as she began to comprehend, she was ruthlessly shoved, being pushed directly back into the room.

It was Zhou Weizhao's voice!

Her eyes widened as she got up, immediately surrounded by Nanny Xu, Hong Yu, and Qing Tao.

"Miss!" Qing Tao was so anxious that her voice trembled, looking her up and down repeatedly.

Nanny Xu, also shocked, rarely displayed emotion, trembling as she pulled Song Chuyi behind her, cautiously watching Miss Chen standing by the round table.

This Miss Chen, who appeared so soft and weak, had just pushed Song Chuyi out to take the brunt of the disaster! If it hadn't been for the Heir Apparent and Ye Jingchuan...

Nanny Xu felt dizzy, almost unable to stand from the urgency of the situation.

Such a turn of events had occurred in less than half a cup of tea's time. Song Chuyi glanced at the sky outside, illuminated red by the fire, and coldly cast a look at Miss Chen, following Nanny Xu's gaze.