The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 1)

Chapter 181 - Visit

The Old Master Song was urgently summoned to the palace, making the Old Lady Song extremely uneasy, with cold sweat on her forehead from the anxiety. When Nanny Huang quietly handed her a cup of tea, she pushed it away. "Xiao Yi isn't in her room?" she asked weakly, "Do you know where she went?"

Lately, Song Chuyi seemed preoccupied, visiting the main courtyard much less. The Old Lady had wanted to consult her several times but couldn't find her. Likely, Song Chuyi was busy with Song Yan's initiation, probably liaising with Tang Mingzhao.

Indeed, Nanny Huang placed the tea back on the tray and responded, "She's with Fourth Young Master, busy with his schooling. She's been in contact with the Tang family, but they insist that he must study with them in Shuzhong. But it's not easy to go to Shuzhong, and he's still young. Sixth Miss seems reluctant to send him away and is negotiating with them."

Two days ago, Old Master Song had also mentioned this issue, saying there was no other choice and that they had to reluctantly send Song Yan to Tang Mingzhao. After all, being a disciple of such a revered scholar was a rare opportunity, worth any sacrifice. The Old Lady sighed, understanding that Old Master Song was thinking long-term, finding it beneficial to send Song Yan to the Tang family. Yet, like Song Chuyi, she felt Song Yan was too young to be sent so far away, worried about his wellbeing.

"Xiao Yi treats Yan'er like her own child, protecting him fiercely. Of course, it's hard for her to let him go," she said, pushing away the honeyed fruit Nanny Huang offered, tiredly closing her eyes.

Nanny Huang set the fruit aside and massaged her shoulders, "True, the eldest sister is like a mother... It's right for Sixth Miss to care for Fourth Young Master. But she's smart and will know how to choose wisely."

Tang Mingzhao, being an unyielding scholar, couldn't be swayed by power or money. If he insisted Song Yan must go to Shuzhong, the Song family had no choice if they wanted him to become his disciple. Song Chuyi, after trying, would naturally understand and relent.

"Jieyi," the Old Lady called Nanny Huang by her given name, "Keep an eye out for Xiao Yi. Let me know when she returns."

She originally wanted to discuss Song Chuning with Nanny Huang, a matter weighing heavily on her heart. Song Chuning now saw the Song family as enemies, and may soon target the Song family. Having witnessed Song Chuning's destructive power, she feared her seemingly harmless yet utterly corrupted granddaughter.

Before Nanny Huang could respond, Yushu entered respectfully, "Old Lady, First Lady has sent Jinling to inform you that the wife of Duke Ying's heir has arrived."

The Old Lady glanced at Nanny Huang, smiling slightly, "Jieyi, see? People learn through hardship. My eldest daughter-in-law now realizes she can't always act on her whims."

Nanny Huang, understanding the Old Lady's intentions, smiled, "That's because you are willing to teach her, Old Lady. The First Lady is lucky to have such a good mother-in-law who patiently guides her..."

"You just know how to flatter me!" The Old Lady feigned annoyance and instructed Yushu, "Tell her I know, but I'm not feeling well and will avoid guests today. She should take good care of the Heir's Wife and not neglect her."

Yushu nodded and left. Nanny Huang resumed massaging the Old Lady's shoulders, "The Heir's Wife must have heard about Old Master being summoned to the palace. Leaving her waiting might make her anxious."

Passing messages among noble families was common, but Duke Ying's residence seemed overly concerned with the secret letters and Xingfu. The Old Lady recalled He Shi's overly enthusiastic attitude towards Song Chuyi, feeling more cautious.

"When did the Duke's family ever care so much about unrelated matters? Anyone could see something's off," the Old Lady mused, shaking her head with a smile. "But with such turbulent times, I won't let just anyone onto our boat. We can't risk it sinking."

The First Lady, understanding the Old Lady's implication, sighed and repeated the Old Lady's words to Lady He, "The weather has turned cooler suddenly, and the Old Lady has caught a chill... She won't be able to see you today."

Lady He felt a cold dread but forced a smile, "Yes, the sudden cold makes the elderly prone to colds. Our old lady complained of headaches too."

Women of noble houses had their own communication codes, understanding each other's hints quickly. The Old Lady's refusal made Lady He grasp the Song family's stance but still had to ask, holding the First Lady's hand hopefully, "I didn't come just to see the Old Lady. Can you tell me honestly, is there any news about the Desheng Gate incident?"

The First Lady, recalling Eldest Master Song's warnings, became even more cautious, hiding her agitation and calmly shook her head, her expression sincere.

"It's such a big fuss, so I'm sure they heard about it. But you know our master, he's just in charge of the Ministry of Works, how could he have anything to do with this? As for our old master, he was summoned to the palace and hasn't come back yet. Now we are in the dark and don't know anything. We are also very anxious. How can we get any news?"