The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 1)

Chapter 137 - Human Heart

Sparrows hopping about under the corridor seemed joyous, yet those like Luyi, who usually sat in the corridor, felt their hearts sink. Song Chuyi had just returned to her room in silence—a rarity. Luyi, familiar with the bond between Song Chuyi and Hongyu, knew how lenient Song Chuyi usually was, making them uneasy. Even when Hongyu committed such a grave mistake, Song Chuyi had only lightly scolded her. Luyi couldn't fathom how Hongyu had managed to provoke Song Chuyi this time, leaving her both confused and worried.

Qingtao closed the door softly and, seeing Luyi's anxious state, knew she had been waiting. Not delaying any further, she explained everything to Luyi. Finally, Qingtao couldn't help but voice her support for Song Chuyi, "Eighth Miss may be young, but she's as cunning as any lady or madam. She was likely behind the fire at Young Master's place. Hongyu personally witnessed Nanny Yu taking clothes from Eighth Miss before her suicide... While we're all wary of Eighth Miss, Hongyu sympathizes with her. Miss only scolded her lightly, yet Hongyu has caused her immense pain this time."

Recalling how Hongyu hesitated last night, Luyi's heart chilled. Listening to Qingtao, she stood abruptly. Her mother had always told her to take care of Song Chuyi, and in that instant, a rush of betrayal and disappointment surged within her. If she felt this bad, how much worse must it be for Song Chuyi, who always treated them like sisters?

"When did Miss find out?" Luyi's voice trembled slightly, carrying a hint of barely concealed anger. "Was it last night?"

"This morning," Qingtao responded, casting a glance at Luyi, unsure of herself. "Hongyu was distracted while combing Miss's hair and dropped the comb. When Miss asked, she revealed she'd gone to see Eighth Miss and even pleaded for her..."

Luyi seethed with frustration, wishing she could yell some sense into Hongyu.

Qingtao, noticing Luyi's tension, softened her tone. "Miss didn't say much, just told her to rest in her room and said she'd have Nanny Xu send her to your mother's place... But as we were returning from the Old Lady's room, we heard Second Master mention Hongyu was at Eighth Miss's place again..."

As they spoke, a flash of lake-green fabric appeared at the courtyard gate—Hongyu hurried in. Luyi, torn between anger and disappointment, sneered coldly, "Oh, you're back? I thought you'd decided to stay with Eighth Miss for good. Seems our small temple can't hold such a big Buddha like you."

Luyi had never spoken to her in such a tone before. Hongyu paused in her steps, and seeing Qingtao beside her, she couldn't help but take a step back in panic, lowering her head and saying nothing.

Luyi, however, was even more incensed. She strode a few steps forward, her finger almost poking Hongyu's forehead, unable to hold back her harsh words: "Are you stupid?! Do you even know who she is that you dare to go to her room?! Do you have to harm the young lady before you're satisfied?!"

Hongyu was pushed back a bit further, biting her lip in defiance. She glared at Luyi and finally couldn't help but retort, "If the young lady doesn't harm her, then..."

Luyi could hardly believe it, her eyes wide in disbelief as she really wanted to slap Hongyu in the face to wake her up.

But Qingtao was completely disheartened. She grabbed Luyi and, without even looking at Hongyu, coldly pointed towards the room: "The young lady said if you come back, go in. She has something to say to you." After saying that, she pulled Luyi aside, treating Hongyu as if she didn't exist.

What could be said about this? Hearts were hidden behind a person's skin; who would have known that Hongyu, who was always thought to be loyal, would change her mind in just a few days? She even thought that Song Chuyi was being aggressive and unyielding.

Luyi's eyes turned red with anger, gritting her teeth as she cursed, "Hongyu, you've betrayed your mistress and are ungrateful! You're not human!"

Hongyu shrank her head and ignored her, burying herself in Song Chuyi's room. Although she still felt a bit flustered, a greater sense of justice for standing up for others took precedence in her heart. Therefore, she wasn't very afraid and, upon entering, saw Song Chuyi and her companion, Ziyun, with unchanged expressions.

Song Chuyi spoke calmly, not showing any rage. She even pointed to a chair beside her and asked Hongyu to sit down. "Did you go to the Eighth Miss's room?"

By now, she held a faint hope for Hongyu—she had suffered greatly in her previous life, had wronged too many people, and always felt a pang of guilt towards the maids who had suffered because of her. Perhaps because of this, she had spoiled Hongyu, leaving her without any sense of propriety.

Hongyu, with her neck stiffened in a stubborn refusal to admit wrongdoing, nodded her head. What she said made Ziyun want to step forward and pry open her head to see if she had any brains.

"Yes, the Eighth Miss was worried I would be punished for what happened last night, so she specifically called me to ask," Hongyu said, pouting her lips and feeling no remorse for her actions. Instead, she thought Song Chuyi was too hard-hearted. "Didn't you want to send me away?"

She seemed to be full of grievances.

All the words Song Chuyi had prepared vanished in an instant. It was when she trusted the wrong person and turned a blind eye that she had kept this ungrateful wolf by her side for so long.

"What did she say to you?" Song Chuyi closed her eyes to quell her anger, and when she opened them again, she wore the same calm demeanor as before. "Tell me truthfully."

Hongyu had been by her side for so long, even accompanying her to Tongzhou, and knew far too much. Any information that Song Chuning knew, even if limited, could pose a significant threat.

Hongyu lowered her head and remained silent, resolute in her vow not to speak. Song Chuning was so young and currently unpopular in the manor; if she revealed what she had discussed with Song Chuning, the young lady would definitely not spare the Eighth Miss.

Song Chuyi finally let out a cold laugh, feeling an icy chill in her heart.

"I originally planned to send you to the manor in Tongzhou," Song Chuyi said, looking at Hongyu, her eyes devoid of any ripples. "But now it seems that you're not suited for that place anymore. Pack your things and return to the Cui family."