The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 2)

Chapter 36 - The Advantage

Since Song Chuyi said so, Noble Consort Song naturally made a decision: "If that's the case, then it's settled. In a few days, I'll speak with Consort Cai."

In the palace, it's best not to voice one's own thoughts openly at any time; it's necessary to establish connections with a few key individuals. Noble Consort Song clearly understood this principle very well.

Song Chuyi glanced at Old Lady Song and became even more certain that Song Chuchen was keeping a low profile, feeling a heightened sense of alertness.

Once this matter became the Emperor's command, it would be set in stone. No matter how reluctant Song Yi was, he would be helpless to change it. Old Lady Song felt as if a heavy weight had been lifted from her heart and couldn't help but smile.

Seeing that Old Lady Song's expression had improved considerably, the First Lady also relaxed a bit and carefully reminded Noble Consort Song of some important matters to pay attention to. In the end, she still couldn't help but feel a bit worried: "Your Highness, since Little Sixth advised you to be cautious of the Ninth Princess and the others, please keep it in mind." She lowered her voice, sounding quite serious: "Not everyone is supporting her; it's just that what Little Sixth says is always reliable."

Noble Consort Song nodded in agreement and instructed Zhu Yi to go check if there was any message from Qingning Palace—previously, Qingning Palace had sent word that there might be a summons from there.

Noble Consort Song turned to stare at Old Lady Song: "As for the Cui family..." She hesitated and glanced at Song Chuyi, noticing that Song Chuyi had her head down, appearing calm and collected. Unable to help herself, she sighed, thinking that this child had indeed been taught to reveal nothing. She quietly continued the topic: "Have they given us a response?"

According to Noble Consort Song's intentions, the Second Master couldn't remain a widower forever—after all, he was still under forty and was on a career path. If there was a possibility, the best choice for a second wife would naturally be from the Cui family.

At that time, she had mentioned this idea to both Old Lady Song and Old Master Song. Old Master Song shook his head, saying it was better not to touch this thorny issue, but Old Lady Song still wanted to give it a try.

After all, if the second wife came from the Cui family, the ties between the Cui and Song families would only become closer, and the lives of Song Chuyi and her brother Song Yan would also improve a bit. Being from the same family and having connections was certainly better than associating with those of unknown origin.

Song Chuyi raised her eyelids in surprise. She had naturally expected Song Yi to remarry, but she never thought the candidate would actually come from the Cui family.

However, she soon felt a bit anxious—after all, the Cui family wasn't in the business of selling daughters for glory. Logically speaking, having already lost Cui Zhanmei, they definitely wouldn't be willing to part with another daughter from their family. Even a distant relative would likely be out of the question. Yet, these days, it did seem that the Cui family had been getting closer to the Song family... Cui Shaoting had even hinted at an alliance. Could it be that the Cui family really had such intentions?

As she spoke about this matter, Old Lady Song's expression became a bit more subdued, and she sighed silently: "It's not going to work. First Lady Cui has responded to us."

Although Noble Consort Song knew that the Cui family would never be willing to part with another legitimate daughter, she thought that distant relatives might still be willing to offer one. She hadn't expected a response at all, and her expression grew a bit serious.

Old Lady Song immediately added, "However, the Cui family doesn't completely want to sever ties with us." She mentioned the matters concerning Song Chubin and Song Chuxuan, her lips curving slightly upwards: "This is a roundabout way of telling us that no more daughters from the Cui family can be given, but they can strengthen the relationship through other means..."

Song Chuyi was somewhat surprised by the profound implications of their decision, thinking that indeed, there were always greater things and people beyond what one knew. Although she was aware of some past events and the future, there was still much for her to learn.

This was also a stroke of luck amidst misfortune; it was certainly better than being estranged. The Song family truly needed a reliable ally. Noble Consort Song nodded and then asked about Fifth Uncle Song Qian: "It's time to settle Fifth Uncle's matter. Although First Lady Cui is helping to arrange Little Five's marriage, she still has younger siblings to consider... we can't leave them without someone to manage things. But while we're in a hurry, we can't afford to be careless with the selection."

Otherwise, if they ended up with another Wang Jinsi or Li Jing Shu, it would be unbearable for anyone.

Old Lady Song shared her own plans with her: "You don't need to bring this up, Your Highness; it's something we've been keeping in mind. That Wang Shi really made Little Five suffer quite a bit, and this is also due to our parents not fulfilling their responsibilities. In the future, we must look further ahead; while it's not necessary to focus solely on a girl's family background, talent and character are of utmost importance..."

She paused for a moment and suggested a candidate: "I think the youngest daughter from the Guangping Marquis family is quite suitable; her status is appropriate, and the two families have had past interactions. She was present during the incident with the Su family and, being so young, she surprisingly didn't panic like the others..."

Listening to this, Noble Consort Song was also pleased and nodded slightly: "Since Grandmother has made a plan, it will naturally be fine. By the time the new year comes, it will be nearly a year... If we have this idea, we should contact the Guangping Marquis family early."

First Lady Song chimed in with a smile: "The Old Lady thinks the same way. A few days ago at Huangjue Temple, I even ran into the Lady of Guangping Marquis..."

_____

At that moment, Song Chuning was at the famous Guanyin Temple in Changsha, offering incense. With her hands clasped together in prayer, she rose, lifting her skirts, and followed the little nun into the back courtyard to rest. She cast a steady glance at the person sitting at the head, then turned to Lady Fang beside her: "Is this the person you mentioned?"

Lady Fang seemed somewhat indifferent to her tone, responding with a half-smile and a nod, starting to introduce her: "This is the prince's wet nurse, Nanny Qin."

The wet nurse of Prince Duan? Later on, after Prince Duan ascended the throne, she was revered as his adoptive mother, Lady Ci'en?

Song Chuning was somewhat taken aback and immediately dropped her previous disdain, stepping forward to bow respectfully.

Her earlier disdain and the gravity she felt upon learning of her identity were both noticed by Nanny Qin. She subtly tugged at the corners of her mouth, her expression warm: "Please rise; how could I possibly accept a miss's bow?"

Song Chuning supported herself with Lady Fang's hand as she stood up and casually took a seat in the first chair on her right, frowning in disbelief: "Could it be that Nanny Qin really intends to make a trip to Shuzhong?"

What could a woman like her, no matter how formidable, accomplish by traveling such a long distance to Shuzhong?

Nanny Qin chuckled and covered her mouth: "Eighth Miss loves to joke. I'm just a frail woman; what could I possibly do if I went? I just came to inform Eighth Miss Song that the news has already been sent out. Before the new year, we will definitely receive a response."