The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 1)

Chapter 113 - Plan

However, regardless of the reason for her visit, the guest had already arrived at the door, and the host was at home. It was clearly unrealistic to refuse to see her.

Old Lady Song put down her teacup and personally went to the door to greet her.

The Princess of Zhennan was all smiles, and as soon as she saw Old Lady Song, she hurriedly came forward to support her, laughing in a way that lightened one's heart: "This is my fault for barging in without prior notice. Please don't blame me, Old Lady."

Old Lady Song smiled and shook her head, but she was still somewhat weary. The recent major incident in the residence had caused even the cleverest maids in Ningde Courtyard to become more subdued, and the atmosphere was much less lively than before.

The Princess of Zhennan immediately sensed something was off. Thinking about why Ye Jingchuan had urged her to come over today, she couldn't help but feel both angry and amused.

It seemed this matter had already occurred. After some contemplation, she understood that it must have been properly handled. She then shifted the conversation: "I came over today not for any other reason, but to apologize for my useless son. I really have to thank the Sixth Miss for taking care of this troublesome child in Tongzhou."

After Ye Jingchuan returned home, he insisted on her visiting the Marquis's residence to inquire about Song Chuyi's situation, fearing that she might suffer under her stepmother. He repeatedly urged her to testify for Song Chuyi.

At first, she scoffed at the idea, but even her usually steady eldest son said that they had been fortunate to have Sixth Miss Song's assistance in Tongzhou; otherwise, her younger brother Yuan Hong and her precious son Ye Jingchuan might not have easily escaped. Thus, she decided to pay a visit to the Marquis's residence.

When Old Lady Song heard that she had come regarding the incident in Tongzhou, she felt even more uneasy—Song Chuyi had mentioned that both Ye Jingchuan and Zhou Weizhao knew about the matter concerning Li Shi's hired killer, so the Princess of Zhennan was likely aware of it too.

It was always embarrassing when family scandals became known to others. She forced a smile and shook her head: "How can you say that? We should thank your son for his consideration on behalf of Xiao Yi. If it weren't for your son's connections and his kind heart, who knows if they could have survived the first night."

The Princess of Zhennan smiled and casually asked, "Is Sixth Miss not here today?"

"Second Lady was frightened and fell ill when Sixth Miss went to Tongzhou, and the imperial physician said she was in very poor condition," Old Lady Song replied, watching as the maidservant brought over hot tea. "That girl has the best heart and has been taking care of her all this time."

Since she was serving the sick, it was indeed inappropriate to meet others. Although the Princess of Zhennan knew in her heart that this was just an excuse, she also did not want to press too hard. She called the nanny beside her to present the gift list and smiled as she stood up to take her leave.

_____

First Lady Cui watched as Nanny Niu tidied up Song Chuyi and breathed a sigh of relief, pulling her close to look her over for a moment before lightly laughing, "Though there are some shortcomings, at least it can give your mother some comfort... we can consider ourselves justified to her."

As she spoke, there were already tears in her eyes.

Although Li Shi had died, Song Chuyi and Song Yan had to observe mourning for three years for this nominal mother who was actually their enemy. In First Lady Cui's view, this was an immense insult.

"Don't worry," First Lady Cui gently caressed her face, "I will inform your grandmother and say that a feng shui master was consulted. The death of Li Shi was ominous; she could not be buried in the ancestral grave. We can't let her disturb your mother!"

Song Chuyi also felt a huge weight lifted from her heart and leaned against First Lady Cui, nodding.

Li Shi dared to die simply because she was determined to cling to the position of Second Lady Song, wanting to make the siblings feel disgusted forever and to legitimize Song Chuning's status.

But things were not that simple.

Meanwhile, First Lady Cui called Nanny Niu to pass her a small box to hand to Nanny Xu, she looked at Nanny Xu and said, "Inside are the land deeds for two villas in Tongzhou, with your young lady's and your young master's names written on them. The profits from these properties are reported quarterly; you should take good care of them."

The Cui family had actually given two villas! Nanny Xu was surprised inside but did not show it on her face, responding respectfully.

Song Chuyi was a bit taken aback, looking up at First Lady Cui and saying urgently, "Aunt, how can this be...?"

"Don't be polite with us," First Lady Cui interrupted her, her gaze suddenly sharp as she noticed the bruise on Song Chuyi's neck. Then, as if nothing had happened, she gently stroked her wound and continued, "Although this matter is settled, who knows what your father is thinking? Your grandparents might also hold some grievances, feeling that you are getting close to us while distancing yourself from the family. This is only natural. I know you are a smart child, but having money in hand gives you more confidence. Your mother's estates, shops, and lands are still managed by your grandmother; you cannot touch them. Having these savings is always more convenient."

Song Chuyi pondered for a moment before slowly nodding.

First Lady Cui then talked to her about leaving: "It will take at least half a month. I have discussed it with mother this time. We will not stop until there is a result. Your uncle also wants to see some old friends... Your grandfather has been gone for four years and the period of mourning has passed. It is time for your uncle to return to his post..."

In her previous life, Cui Ying Shu had ultimately refused to return to office, but this time he was taking the initiative to be reinstated. As Song Chuyi was surprised, she began to understand the intricacies—although the Cui family currently had many legitimate descendants working in the court, most held positions that weren't of high importance. Even the Fujian governor, Cui Shaoting, who commanded the military power of a province, often found himself constrained by censors and high officials.

In such circumstances, as the top scholar of the 41st year of the Chenghua reign and having served as an editor in the Hanlin Academy and an inspector in Jiangxi, Cui Ying Shu naturally would not hesitate to return to office for the sake of the Cui family.

Seeing that Song Chuyi was in deep thought, First Lady Cui smiled and said, "You don't need to know all this. Right now, your uncle's mentor is the Grand Secretary in the cabinet, and he himself is a talented person. It seems he is indeed planning to stay in the capital. If he stays in the capital... many matters will become much easier."

Although the rules in Cuiyun Monastery were strict, if Old Lady Li managed things well, she wouldn't necessarily have to suffer too much. A strange smile appeared on First Lady Cui's face: "I will never let her live in peace."

Song Chuyi knew that First Lady Cui had a vengeful nature, so she didn't press her about Old Lady Li anymore: "Then where will you and Uncle stay for this half month?"

It seemed the Cui family had no property in the capital...

"The house that the emperor gifted me back then has been cleaned and tidied up, so we will stay there this time." First Lady Cui thought for a moment and then smiled, "But it's right next to the imperial city, it's too eye-catching. We'll have to go to the palace later and send out a notice as well, just to let people know that I've returned."

She was referring to the princess's mansion that the emperor had granted her when she was unmarried, located next to Princess Rongcheng's residence.