The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 1)

Chapter 161 - The Eunuch

The autumn night carried a slight chill, prompting Old Lady Song to add an extra layer of clothing. As she watched Yu Shu close the window, she turned to look at Old Master Song. "What do you think?"

Given Old Lady Song's current thoughts, she was certainly unwilling to push Song Chuyi out. Who didn't know about that woman, Empress Dowager Rongxian? She had caused a citywide uproar over Wang Jinsi's situation, even risking a confrontation with the Emperor. If they followed Noble Consort Song's suggestions now, how could there be any way for Song Chuyi to survive?

Old Master Song frowned as well and turned to the eldest son who appeared to have changed color. "Is this your idea?"

The eldest master looked somewhat flustered and confused. He shook his head, his expression blank. "When did this happen? I didn't hear a single rumor about it."

A father knows his own son well. Old Lady Song's expression softened slightly as she addressed the eldest son, "I have nothing much to say. Your wife's thoughts are understandable. After all, the noble consort is her own flesh and blood, naturally more precious than Xiao Yi. But let me be clear: Xiao Yi is also a girl from the Song family. It's unreasonable to ask a girl to suffer on behalf of our family! If this is truly done, people will point fingers at you behind your back!"

They were talking about a nine-year-old little girl. While her family knew her capabilities, how could outsiders understand? They would only think that the Song family was overly ambitious, desperate to curry favor with the Empress Dowager to the point of pushing a mere nine-year-old girl out to take the blame for the family, sacrificing her to seek glory and wealth for the Song family.

Eldest Master Song's expression darkened. Even setting aside this concern, he knew he wasn't the type to step on others to gain benefits. The noble consort was his daughter, and he took pride in her but would never think of using his niece's sacrifice in exchange for his daughter's glory and wealth.

"She's just being emotional!" Eldest Master Song shook his head decisively. "I don't agree with this. I'll talk to her when I get back."

It seemed that Eldest Master Song and First Lady Song couldn't come to an understanding on this matter. Old Lady Song exchanged glances with Old Master Song and said, "I'll handle this with her. If you truly don't intend to do this, then that's for the best."

Old Master Song's expression was somewhat serious as he nodded to the eldest son and said, "This matter is not up for discussion. Isn't there a single man in this family who can be useful? Why push a girl out? People will truly laugh at our Song family if we do that."

Moreover, everyone knew the thoughts of Empress Dowager Rongxian. She simply disliked the current Emperor and Empress. However, since the situation had become a reality, she had temporarily held back her hostility. Now that Prince Duan and Prince Gong were causing a commotion, she was not shy about fanning the flames behind the scenes.

In light of this, it was unwise for him to decide to curry favor with the Crown Prince while also trying to play both sides.

They had only been talking for a short while when someone from the Lin family hurriedly sought an audience, their face showing undeniable panic. "A nobleman from the palace has arrived, saying it's the Empress Dowager's decree..."

So soon! Old Lady Song's expression changed drastically, almost losing her footing on the steps as she shouted at Old Master Song, "Old Master!"

"Tell Lin Hai and the others to set up the incense table and open the main door to welcome them! Make sure the guards at the entrance are on high alert and don't let any irrelevant people disturb the noble guests!" Old Master Song quickly stood up while instructing Lin Hai. "Call the first branch of the family to the main hall!"

He himself went to support Old Lady Song, comforting her, "Don't be afraid. Our family has received imperial decrees before. We'll deal with whatever comes our way."

Old Lady Song nodded and changed her clothes to go out with Old Master Song to receive the decree.

The one who came was the eunuch Wang from the Empress Dowager's palace, his narrow, sharp eyes glinting with keen intelligence. Upon seeing only Old Master Song and Old Lady Song, he smiled kindly, hurriedly stepping forward to assist them, and added, "Why haven't I seen the jewels of your esteemed household?"

It was indeed directed at Song Chuyi, and Old Lady Song's heart grew colder. She forced a smile as she replied, "They're just little children and are afraid of disturbing the nobles."

"If that's the case, this decree is the same for you," the eunuch Wang seriously proclaimed as he read the decree, then presented it to Old Master Song with both hands, quickly helping him to his feet while smiling warmly. "The Empress Dowager has heard that the jewels of your household are well-raised and wishes to select companions for several princesses. Isn't that why she thought of your family? This is a great opportunity. Next time, the old lady should bring the girls to meet the Empress Dowager."

Although Old Lady Song was anxious inside, she didn't let it show on her face and continued to smile graciously. "We are honored by the Empress Dowager's attention. When the day comes, I will certainly bring them to shine before the Empress Dowager."

Lin Hai had already handed over a thick pouch. The eunuch Wang tucked it into his sleeve, and his smile deepened. Lin Hai politely invited him next door for refreshments.

Once the eunuch left, Old Master Song's expression suddenly darkened as he glared at First Lady Song with a heavy huff.

He had always kept a distance from his daughters-in-law, but this time he was genuinely angry, nearly unable to restrain himself from reprimanding her.

Old Lady Song turned to inquire the First Lady, "If the palace hadn't received our reply, they wouldn't dare approach the Empress Dowager about this. I clearly said this morning that I would enter the palace on the fifteenth to discuss things with the Empress Dowager in detail. How could she not wait this little while?!"

The First Lady felt a bit intimidated; Old Lady Song's gaze was difficult to withstand. Summoning her courage, she stood up to apologize, "I was just anxious and didn't know what to do... I know Little Sixth is dearly loved, but the news from the noble consort's palace says that the Empress Dowager has been increasingly distant with her lately, even the noble consort Xian and consort Liang have been keeping their distance from her. The little princess has even faced a few rebuffs in the Empress Dowager's palace... Mother, she is still so young; she hasn't even borne a little prince. If this continues, it won't be a solution..."

Old Lady Song couldn't contain her anger and suddenly interrupted her, "So you took it upon yourself to send a message to the Empress Dowager?! Don't you know what will happen to Xiao Yi because of this?!"

Moreover, Empress Dowager Rongxian was not a child who would only think of dealing with a little girl. Since the day they decided to cast Wang Jinsi aside, the Song family had already become enemies with Empress Dowager Rongxian. How could she be satisfied with just killing a little girl?!

The First Lady usually appeared decent, but at a critical moment, she surprisingly lacked clarity. Not only did she fail to understand the situation, but she was also too selfish. She could have taken her time with the matter, yet she insisted on sending the message to the palace before Old Master and the eldest master returned. Wasn't this just to prevent them from opposing her decision, effectively acting on her own?