The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 2)

Chapter 41 - Accident

Song Chengru was getting older, and with such sudden travel plans during the cold season, both Eldest Master Song and First Lady Song were quite worried.

Especially Eldest Master Song, who wished he could accompany his father on the journey. However, he had responsibilities at home and official duties, making it impossible for him to leave. He felt a surge of frustration inside.

"If only Jue'er was here," he sighed as he looked at the First Lady. "Father is certainly capable of handling things, but without anyone to look after him, how can we feel at ease? If Jue'er were by his side, at least he would have someone to discuss matters with..."

Song Chengru was never a strict parent; he was kind and gentle with his sons. As the eldest son, he was particularly close to Old Master Song. The First Lady understood his concerns and tentatively suggested, "What if we let Qi'er go with him? He's not too young anymore. Traveling with his grandfather would do him good."

Although Song Qi was a concubine's son, he had always been raised by the First Lady and had a good relationship with her, just like Song Chuwan. Since Song Jue would eventually inherit the title, and with Song Qi currently studying, it wouldn't hurt for him to travel and broaden his horizons. After a moment of thought, Eldest Master Song nodded. "I'll mention it to Father..."

Just as he finished speaking, Jin Ling lifted the curtain and entered, announcing that Uncle Li had come to visit. A few days ago, Li Qingzi had given birth to a baby boy, so it was customary for the Li family to send red eggs, congratulatory pastries, and new clothes and shoes. The First Lady, who had calmed down considerably, became excited again and hurriedly instructed Jin Ling to show him in. (This Li family is the First Lady's maternal family)

Li Qingzi had been married for over two years without any news, and as both an aunt and mother-in-law, the First Lady was more anxious than anyone. Although Old Master and Old Lady Song had never been harsh with her and advised her to be more relaxed, she always worried about delaying her son's future. Now that Li Qingzi had finally given birth to a grandson, her joy was overwhelming.

Eldest Master Song quickly changed his clothes to greet his brother-in-law. He also said to her, "Since Uncle Li is here, your sister-in-law must be following or arriving soon. Please go to Ningde Courtyard and inform the old lady; discuss how to arrange the 'Third-day Bath' banquet."

This matter had already been discussed with Old Lady Song before Li Qingzi gave birth. At that time, the situation wasn't very favorable due to the uproar over Princess Shijia, so they hadn't decided to hold a grand celebration. The "Third-day Bath" banquet was just a small gathering with relatives and a few close families.

Now that Old Master Song was about to leave again, with so many matters converging, it would be too late to plan something grand. The First Lady stood up to acknowledge him, personally draping a cloak over Eldest Master Song before sending him off, and then she made her way to Ningde Courtyard.

At this hour, Zhiwei and Zhilian, who were supposed to be on duty, were actually sitting in the corridor, blowing cold air. She couldn't help but be surprised and quickly waved away their greetings. She glanced at the curtain and softly asked, "What's going on?"

When she came to pay her respects in the morning, everything seemed fine. Old Lady Song was in good spirits, chatting and laughing happily. Why were these two confident young maids now looking so anxious?

"There's news from Qingzhou..." Zhiwei lowered her voice as she watched the maids outside busily sweeping the snow, her expression revealing a hint of fear. "The old lady got very angry... and chased us out. Only Nanny Huang is inside... and she has already gone to invite Sixth Miss..."

Zhiwei's words came in fragments, but the First Lady's heart began to race uncontrollably, and the veins on her forehead throbbed. Ever since Song Jue's visit to Qingzhou, there had been no news from there. Old Lady Song had instructed that any correspondence from Qingzhou needn't be shown to the Ningde Courtyard...

However, it was hard to believe that for over half a year, there hadn't been a single letter or even a hint of news from Qingzhou. The old lady was angry at her daughter while also worrying for her; every month, there were periods of deep gloom. Even so, everyone had urged Old Lady Song, saying that the absence of news from Qingzhou indicated good news—after all, Song Linlang's health had already been reported to be extremely poor six months ago. If a letter had suddenly arrived, it was likely to be an announcement of death...

Now, out of the blue, a letter had arrived from Qingzhou in the dead of winter, and the old lady had gotten very angry. Could it truly be that something had happened to Song Linlang?

The First Lady dared not think too deeply about it. She watched as Zhiwei lifted the curtain and carefully entered the main room to pay respects to Old Lady Song. Not daring to immediately inquire about the situation in Qingzhou, she first smiled and spoke about something joyful: "My brother and sister-in-law have already arrived in the capital and came today to bring red eggs and clothes for the child..."

Old Lady Song's anger had not yet dissipated, and she was taut as a bowstring, trying to suppress her fury as she nodded in response. "Your uncle traveled a great distance to come here; it's both a courtesy and a sign of respect for us. As the saying goes, 'The maternal uncle is the most important,' so let the eldest son host them well."

The First Lady quickly agreed and carefully observed Old Lady Song's expression. She then brought up Song Qi: "The master thinks that since the old master is getting on in years... Qi'er should also go out and gain some experience..."

This was indeed reasonable; Old Lady Song had thought about it before. After all, they were all descendants of the Song family, and it was essential to consider their futures.

Furrowing her brow, she rubbed her forehead and pushed away the ginseng tea that Nanny Huang had offered her, letting out a heavy sigh. "If Qi'er has such filial piety, that is naturally a good thing. As his mother, you should also pay attention to what he needs to be mindful of while he's away; his clothes and luggage need to be arranged properly."

Seeing that Old Lady Song's mood had improved significantly compared to before, the First Lady hesitated, still unwilling to bring up the topic of Song Linlang from Qingzhou. After all these years of marriage, she had seldom seen Old Lady Song so angry, and it seemed like there was more to it than just anger...

What kind of trouble has emerged in Qingzhou that has made Old Lady Song so angry?

After hesitating for a while, she cautiously asked, "Is something wrong? You don't look well, Old Lady..."

Nanny Huang sighed beside Old Lady Song and gently shook her head at her.

Upon hearing this, Old Lady Song's expression grew even worse. She swiped the letter on the table, sending it crashing to the floor, and coldly scoffed, "Even if something has happened, it has nothing to do with us. At first, she repeatedly told us not to get involved. Now that she's come to beg us, what good will it do?!"