The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 1)

Chapter 186 - A Great Gift

Shen Xiaohai was indeed as anxious as Song Chuyi had predicted, though not because he feared being accused of treason. After all, Marquis Jinxiang's household had only faced reprimand, and for their family, the worst-case scenario would likely be a similar outcome. What he truly feared was the public learning about his direct association with Xingfu. Xingfu had committed numerous atrocities and was now a universally despised figure. If it came to light that he had collaborated in business dealings with Xingfu, it was doubtful that the other noble families would continue to treat him as they had before.

As he pondered this, he recalled the sensational rumors that had been circulating throughout the capital today. It was said that more than 400,000 taels of silver, over 30,000 taels of gold, and an untold number of antiques, famous paintings, and rare treasures had been confiscated from Xingfu and Xing'an's households. The raids by the Jinyiwei had lasted for half a month and had only concluded yesterday. Xing'an, being ignorant and notoriously greedy, had taken advantage of his position as Vice Minister of the Bureau of Imperial Treasures, accumulating vast wealth. Upon investigation, he had amassed chests upon chests filled with silver drafts alone.

Now, both Xingfu and Xing'an faced the likely prospect of their entire clans being exhumed for posthumous punishment.

After mulling over the situation for a while, Shen Xiaohai found a sliver of hope—things might not be as dire as they seemed. He still had two possible options. While Xingfu had fallen, Chen Xiang had not. Chen Xiang, too, had a murky past, having once served on the border. His own hands were not clean, and he had been Xingfu's close friend for many years. Now that he was responsible for the raid on Xingfu's household, if he didn't uncover anything incriminating to himself, he would have little reason to target anyone else.

With this in mind, Shen Xiaohai resolved to pay Chen Xiang a visit later that night. He then considered his second option. Though he trusted Chen Xiang might lend him a hand, it felt much safer to make contingency plans.

"Speak of the devil," Shen Xiaohai thought, as Lady He entered to discuss matters concerning the children. "The carriage arrangements have been made, and the children have been safely sent back to Marquis Jinxiang's residence. Uncle sent over many thank-you gifts; I gave the list to Mother for her to check. She was a bit shaken by the children's distress—I've already sent a card to invite the imperial physician to examine her."

Since Marquis Jinxiang's household had only been reprimanded and not raided, her fear had subsided somewhat, so she was not as flustered as she had been the day before.

Shen Xiaohai nodded, frowning thoughtfully before asking, "Did her old condition act up? Be sure to have the physician pay special attention."

Old Lady Shen suffered from heart palpitations, which flared up every time she was deeply frightened or stressed, and could take at least ten days to recover. But with only four days left until the fifteenth, if her heart condition worsened, how could she possibly go to the palace to plead with Dowager Consort Zhuang? This was a concern for him.

Fortunately, Lady He shook her head and replied, "No, her condition didn't act up. She's just a bit shaken and lethargic. Once the imperial physician prescribes some calming medicine, she should be fine."

"That's good to hear," Shen Xiaohai nodded, rare warmth in his voice as he instructed Lady He, "Pay close attention to her these next few days. On the fifteenth, accompany Mother to the palace to visit Imperial Dowager Consort Zhuang. I'll discuss what needs to be said with Mother."

Surprised to see him so calm and agreeable, Lady He hesitated for a moment before asking, "My lord, are you suggesting Old Lady Shen speak to Dowager Consort Zhuang on our behalf?"

___

Meanwhile, upon hearing the news, Old Lady Song couldn't help but marvel, "Xiao Yi seems like she's become the mind reader of the Duke's heir; she's guessed his every move so accurately."

Of course, having lived with this family for decades in her dream, Song Chuyi probably knew each of their personalities inside out. 

Smiling, Song Chengru asked her, "Why hasn't Xiao Yi come over by now? She usually comes to greet you around this time."

"She had breakfast with Yan here as usual, but then Sanniang asked for her," Old Lady Song said, pondering with some confusion, "But unless there's a serious matter, Sanniang rarely calls on her..."

This time, it was not Sanniang looking for Song Chuyi, but Chen Jinxin.

Chen Jinxin had her hair down and hadn't combed it; she lazily leaned against the cushion, supported by Sanniang as she sat up. Her cheeks were somewhat sunken from being overly thin, and when she saw Song Chuyi, she faintly smiled.

"Sixth Miss Song." She smiled at Song Chuyi, her voice as delicate and weak as everyone else's: "I'm really sorry for disturbing you today."

The corners of her eyes were slightly raised, and her unusually bright, slender eyes lacked any vitality. When looking at Song Chuyi, she seemed to see her as merely a tree or a flower, lifeless and cold, showing little emotion.

Song Chuyi still vividly remembered the determination Chen Jinxin had when she jumped into the lake that cold winter. At this moment, looking at her expressionless gaze suddenly made her feel a bit anxious. She suppressed the strange feeling in her heart and gently shook her head: "It's not really a disturbance. If you'd like, Sister Chen, you can come talk to me anytime."

Chen Jinxin smiled faintly but still appeared calm, with not a hint of fluctuation in her eyes. She reached under the pillow with her thin, bony fingers and pulled out something, extending it to Song Chuyi: "I heard about the secret letter from the Sanniang. Thank you, Sixth Miss, for not holding my grandmother's concealment against us and for helping us resolve this life-threatening trouble. I don't have anything to give you, but please take this little trinket."

Song Chuyi hesitated and didn't dare to reach out. Although Chen Jinxin's body still showed signs of illness, her spirit seemed much better; she was no longer the same person who rarely spoke for half a year. She had come to her senses, and now, suddenly giving her a gift, Song Chuyi truly didn't know whether she should accept it.

It seemed Chen Jinxin could see her thoughts, so she pushed the item forward again, raising her voice slightly: "Just take it; it's not something to trouble Sixth Miss. It's just a little token of my appreciation."

Since she had already said this much, refusing to accept it would seem pretentious. Song Chuyi reached out and took it. Under Chen Jinxin's watchful gaze, she opened the box, only to gasp in surprise, almost losing her composure and standing up.

Chen Jinxin's small token was indeed so precious that it made her hands tremble in disbelief.

Inside this little box was a hand-copied Analects written by Xian Zhi, a treasure whose value was unimaginable!