The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 1)

Chapter 167 - The Deal

As soon as the First Lady spoke, the old lady's expression changed dramatically. Nearly unable to control her face, she stood up in surprise, "Who?!" Chen Xiang hadn't been heard from for a long time, so why did he suddenly appear at their house, insisting on seeing her? Thinking of Song Chengru's night duty at the cabinet tonight, the old lady was even more convinced that Chen Xiang came prepared, leaving her uncertain about his intentions.

With the Grand Secretary Chen fervently searching for the censor of Zijing Pass and the King of Zhennan's residence also active, Chen Xiang shouldn't have had the time to come. Yet here he was...

The old lady glanced at Song Chuyi, who was also standing, and cleared her throat, instructing Nanny Huang, "Jieyi, go tell the eldest son to bring him to the Mingde Hall."

The First Lady, feeling anxious, moved forward to assist the old lady in changing behind the screen, but the old lady waved her off, leaving her stunned. "No need for you," the old lady frowned, seeing the First Lady frozen, "You shouldn't meet him. It's late, go rest."

Chen Xiang was an outsider, after all. The First Lady's hand moved, feeling both relieved and uneasy. Turning to see Song Chuyi, she nervously smiled at the old lady, "In that case, I'll take Xiaoyi back to settle."

"No need," the old lady, understanding her thoughts, glanced at her, "She'll go with me. You should return and prepare for the morning court."

The First Lady hesitated but obeyed, realizing the gravity of the situation.

The First Lady was momentarily stunned, but she quickly understood the old lady's meaning. She felt completely relieved and respectfully replied before glancing deeply at Song Chuyi and quietly departing.

Nanny Jin anxiously asked, "My Lady, did the old lady give you a hard time?" Knowing the old lady still ruled the household, if she didn't let this go, life would be difficult for the First Lady and, by extension, for all in the main house's servants.

The First Lady shook her head, noticing her forehead was covered in cold sweat, the night breeze making her suddenly feel chilly. "In the future, be more respectful to Sixth Miss," she said abruptly after walking a bit. "Times have changed; let this incident be a lesson."

Jin Ling and Jin Huan bowed their heads, whispering their agreement. Nanny Jin turned pale, worried because she had personally told Song Chuyi about the matter. While the First Lady, as an elder, might be forgiven, she feared Song Chuyi might not be so lenient with her.

The old lady took Song Chuyi's hand as they stepped out, shivering slightly from the cool evening breeze—the chill of early autumn was in the air. Under the hanging full moon, she tightened her grip on Song Chuyi's hand and whispered, "Could it be that the Chen family has found some leads on that censor, making Chen Xiang and the others impatient?"

Given Chen Xiang and Xingfu's reputation for not making a move until they saw the rabbit, it was likely that the Chen or Ye family had discovered something, prompting their visit to the Song family. Although Grand Secretary Chen or the King of Zhennan might find the censor first, it would mean the start of danger. Neither Xingfu nor Chen Xiang would let the censor safely reach the capital or enter the Dali Temple or imperial prison.

With the censor resolved, the remaining secret letters became even more crucial—perhaps the only thing that could bring down Xingfu.

Song Chuyi nodded, feeling some warmth from the old lady's hand. "Judging by the timing, there should be news soon. The question is whether Commander Chen succeeded in resolving the last threat or..."

The old lady understood her meaning and coldly snorted without speaking. Song Chuyi, however, felt inexplicably nervous—whether it was Grand Secretary Chen or the King of Zhennan who found the person, they needed the ability to protect him. If he had indeed died at the hands of Chen Xiang and Xingfu, the pressure on the Song family would only increase.

The Mingde Hall was brightly lit, with candles in the lantern niches flickering in the wind. Upon arriving, the old lady released Song Chuyi's hand, steadied herself with Yushu, and entered the room, passing through the twelve-panel gilded landscape screen. She greeted Chen Xiang formally and took their seats as host and guest.

Song Chuyi, along with Qingtao and Ziyun, entered through a side door and sat on a couch in the adjoining room, listening quietly.

"I was startled by the report," the old lady smiled, accepting tea respectfully served by a maid. Sipping from the gilded teacup with ink-painted lotus flowers, she glanced at Chen Xiang. "I thought you were here on official business."

Chen Xiang cheerfully and playfully responded, "Even if it were official, I'd only be here to add a touch of splendor to the Bo Mansion. Aunt, you're teasing me."

The Eldest Master looked at the old lady and said, "Mother, Commander Chen mentioned he has a special request for you." Then he turned to Chen Xiang, eyes shining with curiosity, "But he wouldn't tell me what it was."

Chen Xiang laughed heartily, "It's an important matter, concerning my marriage. I could only mention it to elders, not to a peer."

The old lady and Eldest Master Song exchanged frowns. In the other room, Song Chuyi felt a sudden tension. If her instincts were correct, Chen Xiang's mention of a marriage proposal, seeking out the old lady specifically, must be about Chen Jinxin!

Indeed, the sound of cups and plates clinking came from the other room, followed by the old lady's laughter. "What are you talking about? Coming here in the middle of the night to talk about marriage? Don't joke with me."

Eldest Master Song tapped his fingers lightly on the table, looking puzzled. "If you need a matchmaker, go to the Taichang Temple. Why come here? Commander, you're not making fun of us, are you?"