The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 1)

Chapter 143 - Adding Dowry

That evening, Nanny Xu returned to report, her expression still grim but noticeably improved since the afternoon. She sighed, addressing Song Chuyi, "Miss, forgive me for saying this, but you've been too lenient with Hongyu and Luyi. Over at First Lady Cui's, Hongyu remained stubborn and refused to admit fault..."

She added with a cold sneer, "But First Lady Cui is not as forgiving as you. She had two palace-trained nannies teach her a lesson. According to palace rules, a servant who gossips behind her master's back could have her tongue cut out. First Lady Cui had a few of her teeth knocked out..."

First Lady Cui, having been raised in the palace, had a strict approach to discipline, rewarding and punishing clearly. There was no mercy for disloyal servants under her watch. Song Chuyi had anticipated this outcome, so she wasn't surprised. She nodded slightly and informed Nanny Xu about Qingfeng and Qingyu, then asked her to assign tasks to Ziyun and the others. "Our rules have indeed been too lax. Nanny, I will need your assistance in the future."

The incident with Hongyu had left Nanny Xu feeling deeply ashamed. She immediately agreed without hesitation.

Song Yan, who had grown impatient in the next room, burst in, eager to take Song Chuyi to the Old Lady's quarters. Yushu had visited in the afternoon, informing them that Old Lady Song had woken up and invited them for dinner. Song Chuyi took the opportunity to rise, teasingly tweaking Song Yan's nose. "You little glutton, you never seem this eager usually. Didn't you like the snacks in my room today?"

Song Yan shook his head, playfully waving at the sparrows in the corridor, causing them to chirp excitedly. Then he turned to ask Song Chuyi, "Sister, when can we move into the new house?"

Their new residence, only a bridge away, was much more convenient than his current journey from Third Brother's place. After the incident with Hongyu today, he was eager to have his own courtyard, thinking he could better support his sister.

"It's hot, and almost July. The work is slow, so we might move in around August," Song Chuyi explained, seeing his slight disappointment. She added, "But, why don't you cheer up Grandmother and First Aunt tonight? Maybe they'll push the workers to hurry, and you can move in sooner."

Yushu had spotted them and greeted them with a smile, lifting the curtain, "You've come at just the right time. The estate sent a cart of chilled watermelons. Come in, you must be hot from your walk."

The First Lady was indeed serving Old Lady Song chilled watermelon. She smiled, ordering more for them, and asked if they were hot. Old Lady Song reclined on a cushion, still slightly out of breath, looking frail. She beckoned Song Chuyi closer, gripping her hand tightly, "Don't worry... we can't keep this trouble around. Second Son took our people to Changsha. I'll have them find a way to handle it. If necessary, we'll have to take harsh measures."

Song Chuyi was surprised at Old Lady Song's resolve. She hadn't expected such a decisive stance from her grandparents—they still had to consider Song Yi. She had thought they might need to involve the Cui family in this matter.

Old Lady Song, bypassing Song Chuyi, instructed the First Lady, "Do what I asked earlier. Replace and dismiss the necessary servants. Last time we nearly cleared out Wang Shi's people; finish the rest this time. None of Li Shi's people are to remain, whether they guard the side gates or manage the carriages."

Determined to uphold the family's dignity, she refused to let any further incidents tarnish the Song name. The First Lady solemnly agreed and mentioned the arrival of two palace-trained nannies, ready to teach etiquette and protocol as soon as the weather cooled a bit. Old Lady Song approved, recognizing the need for Song Chumi and Song Chubin to begin their lessons.

The First Lady then turned to the matter of tomorrow's visit to Duke Ying's residence. "Since we've agreed, I'll take the fourth miss and the others with me."

"No outsiders are to be seen," Old Lady Song cautioned, casting a serious look at Song Chuyi before turning back to the First Lady. "Only pay respects to the Duke and Duchess Ying. Avoid other guests and return immediately after the seating ceremony."

These were all instructions that Old Lady Song had given before. The First Lady hurriedly responded and served her a small bowl of watermelon before turning to take her maid and bid farewell.

Li Qingzi was pregnant and a bit unsteady. Although she had passed the first three months, everyone was still very cautious. Old Lady Song didn't think much of it and waved her hand, telling her to go back.

Once the First Lady left, Old Lady Song smiled as she watched Song Yan finish the watermelon and turned to ask Song Chuyi, "I heard you sent Hongyu away? There's no need to send her to your aunt; handling such a maid yourself is only natural. In the future, you must be firm when necessary, or else indecision will lead to chaos."

Song Chuyi leaned against Old Lady Song's knee and sighed heavily, "Yes, granddaughter understands. But handing Hongyu over to my aunt for her to deal with is much more serious than if I handle it myself... Grandmother, if I have to deal with her personally, I'm afraid I won't be able to be harsh..."

Old Lady Song gently patted her head, "Well, after all, she has been with you for so many years, so it's fine not to personally take her life. By the way, you've chosen two maids for Yan'er; I will give him two more here. That will make a total of four maids."

Under Old Lady Song, both Yu Shu and Yu Lan were skilled in managing maids, and the second-tier maids they brought out were all good. Naturally, Song Chu Yi agreed on behalf of Song Yan.

Old Lady Song smiled and had these people come and bow to Song Yan, then laughed, "Little Four, you'll be an adult from now on. If these people behave well, reward them; if not, feel free to come to Grandmother to punish them!"

Seeing his sister nodding, Song Yan naturally had no objections. Hearing Old Lady Song say this, he leaned over and grabbed her hand, shaking it, "Yes, Grandmother! But Grandmother, you need to hurry and have someone clean up my courtyard..."

Old Lady Song laughed and poked his head, "You little rascal! Don't you want to spend a few more days with your grandmother? I know, I know. Tomorrow I'll have your aunt supervise them to start the repairs."