The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 1)

Chapter 188 - Difficult Times

Song Chuyi couldn't help but recall what happened after the Crown Prince's death in her previous life—Prince Gong and Prince Duan had fought bitterly, each wailing heartbreakingly at the mourning hall as they vied for the throne, tearing each other apart in their battle for power. The Song family, along with many noble families, had been sacrificed, and not long afterward, even the Heir Apparent who had rushed back to mourn met his end on the journey back to the capital...

Then, the Crown Princess, overcome with grief, passed away as well, and the Empress, deeply affected, never fully recovered, her health deteriorating rapidly. It seemed as though all of Song Chuyi's misfortunes began from the moment the Crown Prince died... A cold sweat formed on her forehead, matting her bangs as her fingers clenched into fists, nails pressing into her palms until she finally calmed down.

Old Lady Song was right; this life was different from her previous one—Song Jue was alive and well, and the Song family stood firm and unscathed.

Most importantly, the Heir Apparent, Zhou Weizhao, who had already been consigned to the underworld in her past life, was still alive. Why should she fear? She could change everything—not just for the Song family but also for Song Yan and herself...

But if the Crown Prince truly were to meet an untimely end, Zhou Weizhao was still only twelve years old... It was uncertain whether he would be able to handle those uncles of his.

In that case, the path the Song family originally intended to take would become much more difficult. After all, pledging allegiance to a Crown Prince who had held the title for over a decade was entirely different from relying on a mere twelve-year-old boy.

Seeing her pale complexion, Song Chengru also grew somber and sighed. "Let's hope the Crown Prince pulls through; otherwise... it's doubtful the Heir could manage on his own."

Old Lady Song's thoughts were also heavy, but the Crown Prince's life was beyond her control. She shifted the conversation to something else. "Miss Chen called Xiao Yi over to ask me if she could go recuperate at a countryside estate... Though she's cared for here, I suppose it wouldn't be as relaxing as a quiet life in the countryside. Since she's asked, I intend to grant her wish."

The Su family's troubles had already come to an end. Unless something unexpected happened, they were sure to be thoroughly stripped by Chen Xiang this time. Aside from some lingering concerns over Chen Xiang, there wasn't much left to worry about.

Hearing this, Song Chengru thought for a moment and nodded. "If that's the case, let her choose her destination, and we'll do our best to follow her wishes. However, one thing is certain: we must select a secluded place, and our estate must send some guards along. Otherwise, how could a young woman so easily secure her peace and safety alone?"

Chen Jinxin was, after all, a young lady of noble birth. Though she had experienced the trials of inner-court life, she was still ignorant of worldly matters. Society held many harsh judgments for women, and for a young, single woman, life without adequate support could quickly turn dangerous.

Another reason for this decision was out of respect for Old Lady Su had entrusted Chen Jinxin to the Marquis Manor. Since they had made a promise, they should see to her well-being.

Old Lady Song had thought of all this and nodded gently. "Yes, we'll send trustworthy people from Marquis Manor along with her. The girl says she wishes to go to Jiangnan, likely influenced by her parents, but it's quite far. We won't be able to check in on her often... I was privately thinking that Tongzhou might be a good alternative. There are plenty of hot springs there, which would be good for her recovery. And with us nearby, we can visit her regularly. How could a young girl be expected to live independently?"

Having her nearby would also mean that, should Chen Xiang ever come back to settle this matter, they could catch wind of it quickly.

"It's decided, then. We'll bring it up with her directly," added Old Master Song with a sympathetic tone. "She's sensitive and easily worried; if she thought we disapproved, she'd fret herself into poor health. Once everything is arranged, have the First Lady take care of the details."

Shortly after, the First Lady arrived to discuss Song Chumi's situation, and Song Chuyi, sensing it was time to leave, excused herself. Song Chumi had already turned fifteen and would soon come of age, making her marriage an urgent matter. The First Lady and Third Lady Song had proposed numerous matches, and they'd received plenty of name cards, but no match had been settled.

The reason was not due to high standards from Marquis Manor or Third Lady Song and her husband but simply because Song Chumi hadn't found anyone she liked. Lately, this had caused Old Lady Song some displeasure—after all, Song Linlang had chosen her own husband, and look how that turned out. Old Lady Song was likely fearful of another repeat in the family.

Wondering who the First Lady had in mind this time, Song Chuyi was lost in thought as she turned a corner and was nearly knocked off her feet, narrowly avoiding a fall along with her maid, Qingtao.

When she regained her balance, she saw it was Song Chumi and looked behind her. "Where are you headed, Fourth Sister?"

Ignoring her, Song Chumi brushed past in a hurry.

Qingtao turned with a look of shock, swallowing hard. "Old Lady is discussing Fourth Miss's marriage with the First Lady, and she's running off like this..."

Song Chumi's face was frightfully pale. Song Chuyi stood rooted to the spot for a moment, sighed, and then headed toward Ningde Courtyard at a brisk pace.

But she was a little too late—Song Chumi had already entered the room, and from outside, Song Chuyi could hear the crying and shouting within.

Ziwei, standing by the curtain, hesitated and gave Song Chuyi a questioning look, silently asking if she intended to enter.

Before Song Chuyi could respond, the curtain was flung aside, and Song Chumi rushed out like a gust of wind, colliding with Song Chuyi and sending a sharp pain through her shoulder.

Quick to react, Song Chuyi reached out and grabbed the tearful Song Chumi—if she ran all the way back to the Third Household in tears, who knew what rumors would spread.

Nanny Huang and Nanny Jiang, who had hurried after them, visibly relaxed when they saw that Song Chuyi had managed to catch Song Chumi. Together, they gently coaxed her back into the room.

With the situation already so far gone, Song Chuyi couldn't afford to withdraw now. She pursed her lips and followed them inside.

Inside, Old Lady Song and the First Lady were visibly angry, especially the First Lady, whose face shifted from pale to flushed, her chest heaving as she struggled to regain her composure.