The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 1)

Chapter 141 - Caution

Song Chengru sat in his armchair, his face calm and unreadable. However, his inner turmoil did not match his composed exterior. As he glanced at the inkstone and brush rack on his desk, memories of Song Chuning's past actions and words flashed through his mind, leaving him to shake his head in dismay.

It was almost as if Cui Shi had blessed the second branch, as both of its daughters had dreams revealing the future. Yet, while Song Chuyi used her knowledge wisely, remaining righteous, prudent, and discreet, Song Chuning took the opposite path—willing to kill, commit arson, and manipulate Song Yi to defy his parents and take her to Changsha. Her ability to manipulate people was so profound that even Song Chuyi seemed less formidable by comparison.

Throughout his political career, Song Chengru had always remained steadfast, prioritizing his family's well-being, treating people with consistent respect, and never involving himself in factional disputes. This steadfastness had allowed him to maintain his position for so long. Yet despite his caution, Prince Duan had nearly ensnared him. Without Song Chuyi's foreknowledge, the Marquis's Residence might have faced calamity since the beginning of the year. The General's Residence served as a stark reminder.

In the political arena, he managed to navigate challenges with cunning and patience, but the battles within the household were beyond his control, proving just as perilous as the scheming in court. The Marquis's Residence had faced numerous scandals—Fifth Lady, Wang Jinsi's affair, Li Shi's murder plot, and Song Chuning's arson. Any of these incidents could set the Censorate's officials into a frenzy. Many families had crumbled due to internal strife. Reflecting on these matters, Song Chengru felt his heart pound. Just then, the door creaked open as Song Chuyi entered.

Recently, the Tongzhou incident had caused quite a stir in court. As a member of the cabinet caught in the eye of the storm, he was overwhelmed. Lord Chen insisted on a thorough investigation, while Lord Zhang maintained that it was the negligence of the commander, Yuan Hong. Stuck in the middle, Song Chengru barely had time to properly discuss the future with Song Chuyi, a conversation long overdue since the Cui family's ordeal.

"Sit down," Song Chengru pointed to a chair, cutting to the chase. "Your brother searched outside the city but found nothing. At the docks, he learned they took the water route." If it hadn't been for Hongyu's quick disclosure, Song Chuning wouldn't have hurriedly left with Song Yi. Song Chuyi's heart was full of regret and anger, her cold laugh betraying her frustration. Her repeated leniency towards Hongyu had backfired.

Song Chengru, having never seen this expression on her face, pondered for a while before saying, "I'll send someone to Changsha." Song Chuning was a menace; if she wasn't properly contained in a family temple, who knew what harm she might bring to the Song family? Li Shi's demise was deserved, but she was still Song Chuning's mother, who died under pressure from Song Chengru and Old Lady Song.

Song Chuyi, however, found no comfort in his words. Song Chuning's cunning exceeded her expectations—Song Yi followed her every word. Even if Song Chengru sent someone to Changsha, it might prove futile. Her scheming was just too deep...

"Forget it, Grandfather. Seeing that Father left without a word for us, even if you send Uncle, it probably won't make a difference." Song Chuyi shook her head with a bitter smile. "This is all my fault for underestimating her."

Song Chengru, however, felt that this was understandable. Who could have predicted that Song Chuning would have such an opportunity, especially with such a ruthless heart and extraordinary intellect?

Yet, he couldn't just sit back and do nothing—he couldn't let the Song family take on such a risk.

"There's only a thousand days of being a thief, but not a thousand days of guarding against thieves; you can't blame yourself for this." But then, Song Chengru changed the subject. "Your subordinates really need to be reorganized. You know the reason well enough; if it weren't for Hongyu beside you..."

She had been too kind-hearted, Song Chengru thought, though his expression softened somewhat—having compassion is better than being a soulless snake.

Song Chuyi nodded solemnly. She had indeed been too indulgent with Hongyu. If she hadn't always wanted to give her a chance, if she hadn't consistently let her guard down for the sake of their past life, today's incident would never have happened.

As evening approached, Song Chengru no longer wished to say more. The events of the day had served as a wake-up call, and his resolve to reform the inner household had never been so firm and urgent.

Song Chuyi first followed Song Chengru to Ningde Courtyard to see the old lady. When she found that the old lady was still asleep, she returned to her own residence. Song Yan was already waiting for her, and upon seeing her, he hurriedly ran to her side, gripping her hand tightly and looking nervous. "Sister, do you know about Father...?"

Song Chuyi patted his head, understanding that this little guy was probably holding back his grievances and resentment to comfort himself. She smiled and reassured him, "Yes, I've heard."

Song Yan's face instantly fell, and he worriedly squeezed Song Chuyi's hand.

At that moment, however, Hongyu suddenly emerged from somewhere, abruptly stopping in front of Song Chuyi and Song Yan. With wide eyes and a look of righteous indignation, she pointed at Song Chuyi in disbelief. "I told you before, none of that was what the Eighth Miss asked me. I said it all willingly. Why do you have to force her away?!"

Song Chuyi instinctively pulled Song Yan behind her, feeling both incredulous and somewhat amused. She coldly shot Hongyu one last glance.

Then she noticed Nanny Xu and several other housekeepers who had followed closely behind. She nodded toward them over Hongyu. "Take her away."

Song Chuyi really didn't want to look at someone like her again.

Hongyu was becoming somewhat hysterical. Even when restrained by several stout women beside Nanny Xu, she still struggled, glaring back at Song Chuyi.

She didn't understand why the culprit, Li Shi, was already dead. Why did Song Chuyi still have to attack a defenseless child? She also didn't know why the young lady she had desperately defended before had turned into someone like this.

Her patience had worn thin, and the frustrations of recent times surged to the forefront of her mind. Finally, Song Chuyi exploded with anger. "Shut up!"