The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 1)

Chapter 120 - Heart-to-heart

The bamboo in Ningde Courtyard rustled in the wind, the lush green leaves shining under the lantern light, providing a sense of peace. It was nothing like the stormy chaos of tonight's Songtao Courtyard.

Song Yan straightened slightly and glanced out the window. His older sister, whom he had constantly worried about during his time in Jinzhong, now seemed tired, leaning against the window frame. Her long, curled lashes veiled her eyes, making it impossible to discern her expression.

However, Song Yan instinctively sensed that his sister was crying.

Suddenly, his nose felt as if it were blocked by something, a mix of sadness and fear welling up inside him. He looked up at Song Chuyi with a sincere and earnest expression, "Sister, are you... afraid of me?"

Over the past few months, Lady Li had often subtly hinted that Song Chuyi didn't like him, that she avoided him frequently. It wasn't true that she didn't like him, and she certainly didn't dislike him, but it was true that she often kept her distance.

He had spent much time wondering what life had been like for his sister in the household during his year in Jinzhong. Had she also been constantly reminded by Lady Li that the Cui family didn't care about her, that they didn't even bother with small gestures of kindness, leaving her to struggle alone in the Marquis household? Had these thoughts caused a rift in her heart, making her reluctant to get close to him?

Song Chuyi shook her head abruptly, but then stood there, stunned, like a piece of wood.

In her past life, she had often harbored resentment for not being taken to the Cui family, feeling abandoned, the sense of which haunted her day and night, turning into nightmares that soaked her pillow with tears.

But later, she realized that her neglected younger brother was the only one who still remembered and cared for her. During times when she was met with nothing but cold looks, he would spare what little money he had to help and support her.

In this life, every time she saw Song Yan's clear, pure eyes, she felt unworthy, tainted. He was her only brother, yet throughout all those long years, she had never been able to do anything for him. Even his life or death had been decided by others while she stood helplessly by. Her guilt weighed heavily on her, and this guilt made her fearful, causing her to avoid and retreat from him, even though they were supposed to be the closest people in the world.

Song Yan, still young but fiercely protective of his sister, had learned from the Cui family's teachings that while both bore the title of "sister," Song Chuyi was different from Song Chuning.

Even now, despite having narrowly escaped death, his first instinct was to comfort Song Chuyi. "Sister, I know what you've been busy with. Aunt told me everything yesterday. Don't worry, I was just joking..."

He reached out and grasped Song Chuyi's hand, smiling up at her in a way that was almost pleading. "The attendant you chose for me was great. He taught me how to hide in the water room and cover my mouth and nose with a wet cloth, and it was he who shouted for Uncle Qin to come. I know you care about me. Grandmother says we are siblings born of the same mother—there's no one in this world closer than us."

Song Chuyi choked on her words, sitting on the edge of Song Yan's bed, nodding repeatedly.

Yes, there was no one closer in this world than them.

"In the past, it was my fault..." Song Chuyi gently stroked his head as though she had done it a thousand times before. "But from now on, I won't do that again. Yan'er, the reason Grandmother's family only took you in back then is that you were still young and a boy, and thus needed more care. Don't think you owe me anything because of that. It was the right thing to do."

It would have been unthinkable for the Song family to send both children to be raised by their maternal family for over a year. The family insisted that one of the siblings stay behind, and the Cui family, with no other choice, had taken Song Yan, as he was younger.

But both the Cui family and Song Yan felt guilty for leaving Song Chuyi behind.

Song Yan's eyes brightened, filled with renewed vigor. He squeezed Song Chuyi's hand tighter, his voice now tinged with joy. "Then it's settled—we'll never bring this up again, okay?"

Song Chuyi patted his head, finally feeling a heavy weight lift from her heart. It was like carrying a burden for a thousand miles, only to realize it was unnecessary, and with newfound relief, she began to learn how to truly reconnect with her brother.

Song Chengru hurried back to the Marquis residence. With just a glance at Songtao Courtyard, waves of emotion surged within him. Without stopping, he rushed to Ningde Courtyard, exhaling deeply before addressing Old Lady Song with a solemn expression, "His Majesty has also heard about the fire at our home and specifically instructed me to return early."

Old Lady Song was in the middle of breakfast. Upon hearing this, her spoon paused mid-air. After a long silence, she nodded gravely and sighed, "Our household needs a proper reorganization."

"Tell the eldest daughter-in-law to take this opportunity to sell off what needs to be sold and release what needs to be released," Song Chengru said indifferently, as if nothing had changed. "It's been three or four months since the fifth son's wife passed away. It's time to start finding a new match for him. As for the second son..." Song Chengru let out a cold laugh, filled with endless sarcasm and disdain, "After what happened to him, losing two wives within six years, it's best not to think about marriage for now. I doubt any family would want to marry their daughter to him."

When Cui Shi's death occurred, Song Chengru was completely unaware of the situation from start to finish. Even though he had suspicions about the whereabouts of Cui Shi's close servants, Old Lady Song had covered it up by saying that Li Shi was already pregnant, thus diverting his attention.

Now, whenever he faced the Cui family, he felt ashamed and unable to stand tall.

He had personally gone to the Ministry of Rites to request a matchmaker to secure the marriage with Cui Shi, yet in the end, things had turned out this way.

Thinking of this, he harbored some resentment toward Old Lady Song as well. "When Li Shi married him, Cui Shi's body was not yet cold... Did you really think people in the capital didn't have anything to say about it? Now, only six years later, Li Shi has died under unclear circumstances as well. Since he can't manage the inner household, let it remain empty for now."

The concubines in the residence were all from the household and wouldn't be able to stir up any trouble. The second branch couldn't withstand any more turmoil.

Old Lady Song had been married to him for so many years that she knew all too well that he was utterly disappointed in the second son. Moreover, she herself had been involved in the matter, so she couldn't argue. She nodded dejectedly.

Song Chengru stood up and headed toward the cleansing room, but as he passed the screen, he paused and turned to look at Old Lady Song. "There's no need to interrogate those people any further. Regardless of what they confess, hand them all over to Shuntian Prefecture. Arson and attempted murder—they should learn what the law means!"