The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 1)

Chapter 133 - Retribution

People tend to sympathize with those weaker than themselves, even knowing they have been hurt by them or those around them. Hongyu looked at Song Chuning's tear-swollen eyes, her heart melting, and she foolishly agreed, "Don't worry, don't worry, Eighth Miss, don't cry... I'll ask for you..."

Song Chuning held onto Hongyu's sleeve, reluctantly letting go after walking her to the edge of the courtyard. The more Hongyu saw, the more her heart ached, and she couldn't bring herself to look back at Song Chuning as she quickly ran into the night.

Behind her, Song Chuning wiped away her tears, a deeply mocking smile spreading across her face. Many things were different from her dream, but some things hadn't changed at all. Like the personalities of Song Chuyi's maids—Luyi, fiery and loyal; Hongyu, soft-hearted and steady.

As expected, it only took a few words to bring Hongyu to tears... That soft heart of hers, unchanged from the previous life, could be a sharp weapon if placed in the right hands, ready to strike at Song Chuyi. If Song Chuyi knew that her most trusted maid had connections to her rival, how would she feel? Song Chuning glanced at the brightening morning star and, with a flick of her sleeve, entered the room.

When Hongyu returned, Luyi was already in the room—tonight was supposed to be Hongyu's turn to stay on duty, but she had been nowhere to be found, so Ziyun stayed in Song Chuyi's room instead. Luyi, always close with Hongyu and deeply attached since childhood, asked with concern, "Where have you been? Miss was asking for you. It was your turn tonight; if Ziyun hadn't covered for you, how would you explain it to Miss?"

Knowing how protective Luyi was of Song Chuyi, Hongyu hesitated to admit she had been with Song Chuning, fearing Luyi's reaction. So, she made up an excuse to cover her absence.

Luyi didn't suspect anything but still scolded Hongyu, "You, you're just too soft-hearted, and you don't even distinguish between right and wrong! You know how much suffering our young lady has endured. If it weren't for Li Shi, would she and the young master have had such a hard time? Yet you don't believe it and even speak for them. Isn't that disheartening for our young lady?"

But Li Shi has already received her punishment; she's dead. When someone dies, all matters should be settled, and the guilt shouldn't extend to their children. Song Chuning is innocent.

Hongyu, as usual, hung her head in silence. Luyi didn't notice anything amiss and sighed, bending down to blow out the candle.

Song Chuyi, however, wasn't asleep yet. She sat by the window, resting her cheek on her hand. That Song Chuning could persuade Old Master Li to send a letter and clearly understand Song Yi's thoughts was unbelievable. She clasped her hands anxiously—if Song Chuning was really living a second life like her... But then she wanted to laugh coldly. If she was granted a second life because her suffering was too much for the heavens, what about Song Chuning? Was she brought back because her life was too blissful and detached from human suffering, and now she had to endure hardships?

Qingtao gently pushed the door open and, seeing Song Chuyi turn her head, softly reported, "Miss, Fourth Young Master has been sent to the Old Lady's room, and Sisters Zihui and Zilan are looking after him."

Letting Song Yan stay with Old Lady Song was not a long-term solution, and he needed trustworthy people by his side. These matters could no longer be delayed. After some thought, Song Chuyi quietly instructed Qingtao, "Ask your father to look for some reliable young servants on the estate and pick a few for me."

As for the maids, they'd have to be chosen from within the residence. Fortunately, there were already some bright and loyal young maids under the supervision of her senior maids, who could be assigned to Song Yan for now. Qingtao quickly nodded, "Yes, I will have my father expedite the selection. Miss, I just came from the Old Lady's place and heard Sister Yulan say... that Second Master wants to take Eighth Miss with him to his post..."

Seeing Song Chuyi's face change suddenly, she quickly reassured her, "Second Master only said that because he first heard one side of the story from the Li family. When he learns of your grievances and the truth, he won't do it..."

Song Chuning's cunning nature at such a young age was troubling. If she went with Song Yi to his post, she would not only escape punishment but also recuperate. Who knew how formidable she'd become in a few years? Qingtao, thinking of this, felt anxious for Song Chuyi.

Li family, Song Chuning... the game was getting more intricate by the moment.

Song Chuyi clenched her fists and let out a deep breath, expelling the stagnant air from her lungs.

The reason Li Shi dared to be so arrogant and reckless was that she relied on the power of the Li family and the indulgence of Old Lady Li. Although Old Master Li claimed ignorance, Song Chuyi didn't believe it for a second.

She had originally planned to take her time, but now it seemed that the Li family and Song Chuning were impatiently forcing her to take action.

She recalled what Sanniang by Miss Chen's side had said to her earlier, a cold smile playing on her lips— the struggle between the Xingfu faction and the Crown Prince's faction was already in full swing. Regardless of which side it was, both were determined to obtain the confidential letters surrounding Chen Jinxin.

Whether it was Chen Xiang, the Princess of Zhennan, or Duke Ying's household, they would be arriving within the next few days at most.

Did Song Chuning think that by avoiding this place and fleeing to Changsha, she could escape the consequences? She could only imagine what her feelings would be if she knew the Li family had fallen, leaving her without any external support.

Did she want to kill Song Yan and leave herself heartbroken? Song Chuyi stood up and watched Ziyun place a handful of lily incense in the burner, her eyes cold and devoid of any emotion.

Perhaps Song Chuning thought that avoiding Old Lady Song and Old Master Song meant she would be safe.

But she probably never calculated that she was no longer the powerless person she once was, and she didn't need to rely on Old Master Song and Old Lady Song to do what she wanted.

Since the Li family wanted to meddle in this, and since they wanted to quickly eliminate her and Song Yan, Song Chuyi held a cold smile. She would give them something to deal with. She believed that, regardless of which side it was, they would be more than willing to lend her a small hand.