The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 1)

Chapter 163 - Gratitude

Shen Qingrang's injuries had mostly healed, and as soon as he could get out of bed and walk, he was ordered to go with his parents to apologize at the Marquis's Mansion. In the past, they had always visited the Marquis's Mansion as guests, but this time they had to lower themselves and apologize, and his father had to accompany them. Although Shen Qingrang had already decided to apologize, he still felt uneasy about it.

Just as Shen Qingrang heard that Princess Zhennan had brought Ye Jingchuan, he excitedly went to find Ye Jingchuan to play. Although there were many boys his age in the capital, Ye Jingchuan was different because he had been to the border and fought the Tatars. Young boys often have a lofty spirit and enjoy being around heroes.

Ye Jingchuan had been waiting for him for a long time. Hands behind his back, he watched Shen Qingrang walk awkwardly and suddenly laughed, "Didn't realize it, but has walking like a duck become a trend in the capital lately? What's with you?"

"Don't even mention it!" Shen Qingrang, not noticing the odd tone in Ye Jingchuan's voice, waved impatiently. "It's all Sixth Miss Song's fault! Wherever she goes, someone has to suffer misfortune. I just happened to be the unlucky one!"

Ye Jingchuan looked at the wilted lotuses and dried leaves near Bishui Residence and asked casually, "Not necessarily, right? I think Sixth Miss Song is quite good. If you hadn't offended her badly, why would she report you?"

(Translator Xiaobai: Stop it, Jingchuan! you're exhibiting the second male lead syndrome by the minutes, awww how adorable)

Hearing someone speak up for her, and it being Ye Jingchuan, who had always been on good terms with him, made Shen Qingrang even more upset. "What do you know?" He wanted to say more to make Ye Jingchuan dislike her too, but recalling Shen Xiaohai's stern look, he stopped. "Forget it, talking to you is pointless. That girl just annoys me."

Ye Jingchuan, growing impatient, saw Shen Qingrang wouldn't say anything useful and kicked him hard on the backside. "Get lost, I can't be bothered with you. What's with all the hemming and hawing?"

His kick was strong, and Shen Qingrang screamed like a pig being slaughtered, falling flat on his face. When the maids rushed over to help him up, he was already in tears from the pain. He angrily glanced back at Ye Jingchuan but didn't dare utter a word of insult. Ye Jingchuan was different from other noble boys in the capital. He had always loved martial arts, spent years on the border, and even killed people. It wasn't the first time he had resorted to violence over a disagreement.

Even if he reported it, he would only be lightly scolded, while he himself would face his father's wrath again. Shen Qingrang decided to endure it. On the way back, Princess Zhennan insisted on dragging Ye Jingchuan into the carriage. Seeing his nonchalant attitude, she was a little angry. "You look so casual after hitting someone. You're lucky your father isn't here, or he'd definitely thrash you!"

"Father wouldn't thrash me for this," Ye Jingchuan perked up, smiling proudly. "The trouble he caused in his youth far exceeds mine. Besides, Shen Qingrang deserved it. I'm just delivering justice!"

Princess Zhennan shook her head in frustration, unable to do anything about him. She sighed and poked him with a finger, "You're doing this for Sixth Miss Song, aren't you? You think I don't know?"

Seeing his mother upset, Ye Jingchuan stopped acting indifferently, held her arm, and playfully said, "Mother, so what if I'm standing up for Sixth Miss Song? Shen Qingrang was in the wrong. Shouldn't someone stand up for justice? Besides, it was thanks to Sixth Miss Song that your problem got resolved."

Talking about this matter made Princess Zhen Nan feel a bit soft-hearted again. Yesterday, because Shen Qingrang's injuries hadn't fully healed, she made a special trip to visit the Song family and got some news from the old lady there. If the information turned out to be true, it would be a huge help for them. Naturally, she didn't mind Ye Jingchuan standing up for Sixth Miss Song.

After all, everyone knew the stakes. Her son and brother were counting on this information. If it was true, not only would her son be cleared of suspicion, but her brother could be exonerated, and their old enemy, Xingfu, would have to back down.

Thinking back, she felt a bit regretful. For days, she couldn't eat or sleep, trying all sorts of ways to get information, even considering using Song Chuyi to find out. But why hadn't she thought of simply asking the old lady of the Song family or Song Chuyi directly? When the Su family was in such a dire situation, the old lady of the Song family still took the risk to shelter Chen Jinxin because of her father, Chen Liangqing. Their integrity was clear, while her own actions seemed petty in comparison...

"You have a point," she said, patting her son's head, feeling a mix of relief and worry. "Understanding the value of gratitude and repayment is what I've always taught you. Helping others is good, but you must know your limits. While I won't scold you much for standing up for someone, you should be cautious about other matters and not act recklessly."

Ye Jingchuan understood his mother's concerns and nodded solemnly. Seeing this, Princess Zhennan spoke to him as an adult, sincerely advising him. "Your sister-in-law, the princess, heard from the palace that the Empress Dowager has always been displeased with Noble Consort Song. She even scowled at the eleventh princess, born to Noble Consort Song. The Empress Dowager even quarreled with the Emperor over this... The Emperor, already deeply dissatisfied with the Duke of Chengguo, reached his limit and had Wang Jinshi executed, ignoring the Empress Dowager's wishes."

"The Empress Dowager now likely harbors deep resentment toward the Song family. She had once gone to great lengths for Wang Jinshi, but now, with Wang Jinshi dead at the Song family's hands, her anger must be immense. Noble Consort Song asked the Empress Dowager to have some girls accompany her in the palace, but we shouldn't speculate about the reasons. This matter is beyond your control."

Princess Zhennan sighed, "Even your sister-in-law, the Empress Dowager, is cold towards her. If the Empress Dowager truly wants to do something to the Song family's girls, no matter how much we want to help, we won't be able to intervene."