The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 1)

Chapter 172 - The Secret

Eldest Master Song personally escorted Chen Xiang out through the side gate, where a group of Jinyiwei officers, clad in their distinctive attire and armed with embroidered spring knives, waited menacingly. It was clear they had seen blood tonight. Eldest Master Song, though surprised, remained composed and bid farewell to Chen Xiang, "Apologies for the inadequate hospitality. Next time, stay for a drink."

Chen Xiang, with a grim expression but a calm demeanor, replied, "Sorry for the late disturbance. I'll return to properly apologize another day." Eldest Master Song watched as Chen Xiang and his men rode away, then sternly instructed the gatekeepers, "Stay vigilant!"

Rushing back to the main hall, he found the old lady and Song Chuyi still there and reported, "Mother, something's wrong. Those Jinyiwei officers seemed to have fought, their clothes even stained with blood..."

The old lady instinctively squeezed Song Chuyi's hand, staring intently at the lanterns, then smirked, "The storm is finally here. After so much noise and flashes, it's time to see some real action."

Just as Eldest Master Song was about to speak, he heard someone outside calling out "Young Master". Then Song Jue, who was wearing the uniform of the Imperial Guard, rushed in and lowered his voice to ask, "There is a fierce fight outside Desheng Gate... Could it be because of that Imperial Censor?"

He gulped down a cup of tea and added, "They chose a night when Grandfather and the Chief Minister are on duty. The person must have fallen into Xingfu's hands... But then someone ambushed them. It's unclear who has the upper hand now. Our Yulin guards can't get involved; the Jinyiwei are already on the move."

Grand Secretary Chen and the King of Zhennan are determined to capture this censor. It's unclear who the ambushers are, but the fact that they managed to snatch the person from the Jinyiwei shows that neither Grand Secretary Chen nor the King of Zhennan is as simple as they appear.

"It's likely martial law will be declared soon!" Song Chuyi followed up on Song Jue's words, "Xingfu and Chen Xiang won't spare any effort for the secret letters now. The censor must either be dead or in their hands. They won't allow him to seek refuge with anyone else and will surely search the entire city. Our family must not get involved."

The Crown Prince's health is uncertain, and the future of the son of the Crown Prince is unpredictable. Aligning with them temporarily is possible, but placing all bets on them would be unwise.

Grand Secretary Chen had been pushed into an unavoidable position by her, while the King of Zhennan had a natural stance due to Princess Rongcheng. But the Song family was different. They could have stayed as loyal subjects to the Emperor, without involving themselves in these political factions. Their support for the Crown Prince was merely a temporary measure. Song Chuyi, having been steeped in the politics of the Duke's household for decades, understood the importance of not putting all eggs in one basket.

The old lady looked at Eldest Master Song, who immediately instructed his son, "Have the servants guard the house and forbid any unauthorized visits under our name!"

Song Jue quickly agreed and whispered to his father, "Mother's place..."

He glanced at Song Chuyi and resolutely said, "There mustn't be any more trouble."

Eldest Master Song nodded, saluted the old lady, and excused himself, "I'll personally talk to her and prevent any foolish actions."

The men outside understood the stakes and wouldn't easily err. But women confined to the inner quarters might unknowingly reveal secrets due to grievances, making them a liability. The old lady gravely nodded and advised, "Speak calmly. If you get too heated, she won't listen and might cause more trouble."

Eldest Master Song nodded and advised his son, "Focus on your duties. Know what you should and shouldn't inquire about."

"Don't worry, father. I understand. The rest of the Yulin guards returned home today; they won't suspect me."

Song Jue respectfully saw his father out, then turned to Song Chuyi with a heavy sigh, "This situation... it's Mother and Her Highness's fault..."

Song Chuyi waved him off, gently pushing him out the door, "Don't worry. Do you really think I need you to explain these things to me? I'm fully aware."

Song Jue relaxed, patting Song Chuyi's head, wanting to say more but deciding against it. Scratching his head, he turned and disappeared into the night.

"Xiaoyi," the old lady called, beckoning Song Chuyi closer, her anxiety showing, "Chen Xiang is ruthless. He once personally killed his stepmother's brother. If that censor falls into his and Xingfu's hands, he won't live to speak. Those secret letters in our hands become crucial."

If they don't give the letters to Xingfu and Chen Xiang, they could face severe retaliation. But giving them to the Crown Prince means entangling the Song family in factional strife.

"Don't worry, Grandmother," Song Chuyi reassured, watching the maids light lanterns and helping the old lady up, her voice calm, "Despite Chen Xiang and Xingfu's power, the Crown Prince has a strong foundation built over many years. The Chen and Ye families will fight for the censor's information. Even if the worst happens, I can ensure the letters are sent without implicating our family."

Even if that means owing favors to Ye Jingchuan or Zhou Weizhao, despite the complications it might bring.

As the wind picked up, blowing petals around, the old lady tightened her cloak, pulling Song Chuyi along faster.