The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 1)

Chapter 121 - The Storm

Hand them over to Shuntian Prefecture!

Old Lady Song trembled all over, then quickly looked toward Old Master Song. Shocked, she stood up and opened her mouth to speak, but years of understanding and tacit agreement finally calmed her down.

When Old Master Song returned, he had mentioned that the matter had already reached the Emperor's ears. Now, His Majesty knew about the unrest in their household. The fire incident needed to be dealt with openly, with a clear explanation to everyone.

Otherwise, rumors about the Marquis's residence would surely spread throughout the city.

She sat down, dazed, unable to comprehend how things had escalated to this point. The Marquis household of Changning had always had an excellent reputation, with few families in the capital daring to find fault with them. Yet, in just a few short days, everything had been thrown into disarray.

She knew this was partly Li Shi's fault, but she also realized that the ones truly to blame were her own son and herself. If Song Yi hadn't been so reckless with women, and if she hadn't overlooked and tolerated it...

She sighed heavily.

Old Master Song changed his clothes and came out, softening slightly when he saw her expression. After all, they had been together for many years as husband and wife. He sat in the rocking chair opposite Old Lady Song and spoke in a gentler tone, "What's done is done; thinking too much about it won't help. It's better to fix the problem as soon as possible."

"I understand that principle." Old Lady Song's self-reproach grew stronger with her husband's words of comfort. "In the past, when you warned me about troubles arising within our own walls, I never took it seriously. But after the incident with the Li family, I now realize you weren't exaggerating. But even though I know I need to mend things, I don't know where to start..."

She glanced at Song Chengru and sighed softly. "Xiao Yi is a clever child. I didn't realize it before, but now that I think about it, she must have sensed something was off with Li Shi ever since she had that dream. Yet, she never said a word to us... She single-handedly exposed the Li family's plot and traced it back to Lianyi. They say it was orchestrated by the Cui family, but we all know that Xiao Yi must have had a hand in this too. When she wanted to go to Tongzhou, it was for this reason..."

Old Lady Song's words were somewhat disjointed, but Song Chengru understood her meaning. Song Chuyi must have realized early on that something was amiss with Li Shi, even harboring suspicions about her malicious intentions. However, perhaps due to a lack of trust in him and Old Lady Song, or maybe out of caution, she only exposed the issue after confirming it with the Cui family to ensure nothing could go wrong.

She harbors an intense hatred for Madam Li, her mother's killer, but what about the father who bears some responsibility? What about Old Lady Song and himself, who neglected her for so many years, even putting her in harm's way? What about the entire Song family?

Does she also bear similar resentment, biding her time, waiting for the right moment to strike?

The thought chilled him, sending a shiver down his spine. But he quickly shook his head; everything Song Chuyi had done was for the Song family's benefit. After all, when the nest is overturned, no eggs are left unbroken. No matter that their mother's surname was Cui, both Song Chuyi and her brother Song Yan still bear the surname Song, meaning they must rely on the Song family.

A clever child like Song Chuyi would surely understand this.

"You once said she was a fortunate child." Song Chengru held his wife's hand, gazing at her aging face as he spoke softly, "And now it appears that she truly is. She's already shown the Song family remarkable loyalty. And besides, her brother shares our name. She is a child with both heart and loyalty and will know the right path to take. Don't worry so much; treat her sincerely."

"Don't worry so much..." Old Lady Song repeated his words, finally nodding, though still troubled. "For such a bright child, I wonder what the future holds..."

Before she could finish, Yushu knocked on the door and reported, "Old Lady, Lady Su has come again..."

Old Lady Song sighed, exasperated. "She was just here yesterday, insisting on taking Miss Chen back as a bride for her son... Everyone knows she's only after that dowry. Her son faces a ten-year exile, uncertain of a pardon. Isn't it clear she's trying to trap Miss Chen? I can't bear it..."

Song Chengru, however, thought further, asking with suspicion, "She already hit a wall once. How does she have the nerve to come back?"

The Su family has fallen so far that anyone can step on them. Where does she get the confidence to stir up trouble again and again at the Marquis's residence?

"I meant to tell you." Old Lady Song let out a bitter laugh and lowered her voice. "Our people have been keeping tabs on her. She was reportedly seen entering Yujing House."

Yujing House, Chen Xiang's property.

Song Chengru felt a chill. Thinking of the Tongzhou matter, a sense of worry surfaced. This time, it seemed like Xingfu was going to stumble. The recent political winds were not in his favor, and Chen Xiang, whose relationship with Xingfu was close, had suddenly appeared. It was hard not to think too much.

It seemed likely that the Song family's recent involvement in the Tongzhou affair had caught Chen Xiang's and Xingfu's attention.

But why was Chen Xiang using Lady Su to cause trouble? Song Chengru couldn't figure it out. Given Chen Xiang's status and abilities, he should have better ways of handling this.

Or perhaps Miss Chen held something he needed?

Regardless, Miss Chen was a descendant of a loyal family and entrusted personally to Old Lady Su. She must not be handed over to Lady Su.

She was now tied to the Song family, and if they dared to hand Miss Chen over today, the court's scholars would surely disgrace them publicly tomorrow.

Old Lady Song understood this, glancing at Song Chengru. "If we send her off lightly, she'll likely be back tomorrow. But if we handle her too harshly, we risk angering the Jinyiwei. Striking a balance is difficult."

"What's so difficult about it?" Old Master Song scoffed, his mustache twitching. "Hasn't she already been ordered to return to her hometown? Why hasn't she left? Is the Shuntian government so lax in their duties? Perhaps someone should remind them that it's past time for her to go."

Since Chen Xiang and Xingfu were already embroiled in this, he doubted they'd dare to cause more trouble at this critical moment.

Old Lady Song's eyes lit up, and a knowing smile spread across her face.

Lady Su's daily disruptions had been exasperating, but if they could finally send her off for good, it would certainly brighten the mood and dispel some of the lingering gloom of recent days.

She beckoned Yushu and whispered instructions into her ear, to which Yushu nodded and quickly departed.