The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 2)

Chapter 51 - The Killer Move

The First Lady was momentarily stunned by Song Chuyi's words, instinctively shivering before asking, "What's this all about? Could something else be going wrong?"

There shouldn't be anything wrong, but now there was a looming threat—someone ruthless, currently far off in Changsha, yet with far-reaching influence that could even target Song Jue in Shuzhong. Who knew what kind of vicious tactics she would resort to in her bid to bring down the Song family and destroy Song Jue?

If Song Chuning was indeed leveraging her memories of her past life to gain Prince Duan's support, as she suspected, then she and Song Yan were likely already in the palm of Song Chuning's hand.

But she wouldn't allow herself to be cornered again. No matter what, she would never be as foolish as in her past life, sitting idly by while Song Chuning raised her like a pig, fattening her only to bleed her dry piece by piece.

Yes, like a pig.

The image of Song Chuning's sinister face still haunted her mind, vivid even when she closed her eyes. She could clearly recall Song Chuning standing over her back then, speaking with cold disdain.

"Have you ever heard of farm pigs? Farmers usually fatten them up with all the leftovers, not sparing anything, and if they get sick, they might even cry in a panic... Mother and I have treated you just like a pig, and when you're plump enough, it's time to bleed you dry. Look, now your flesh—Song Yan, the young heir—isn't it being cut away bit by bit by us?"

She shook her head to rid herself of the sickening memory and looked earnestly at the First Lady, sighing. "If Little Eighth was willing to target Elder Brother twice, she'll certainly try a third time. I'm just taking preventive measures..."

This subtle manipulation worked well. When Song Jue returned, the First Lady would ask him about any dangers on the road, and realizing the threats were real, her dislike and fear of Song Chuning would only deepen. Naturally, to ensure her son and grandson's safety, she would also push Noble Consort Song to expedite the process of bringing Song Chuning back to the capital.

Old Lady Song glanced at Song Chuyi but remained silent.

The First Lady, however, hurriedly nodded in agreement, her voice trembling with fear and disgust. "What kind of grudge does she hold that she has to cling on like a mad dog, sinking her teeth in and refusing to let go... The Song family is still her birthplace!"

And so what?

In her previous life, she had foolishly treated Li Shi as her own mother and Song Chuning as her real sister, yet they had still drained her blood and eaten her flesh without mercy.

But Lady Song had gotten one thing right—Song Chuning was indeed like a mad dog, relentless once she got hold of a piece of meat. When she hated someone, she wouldn't rest until either they or she was dead.

But she, Song Chuyi, was different. She had no interest in fattening up pigs, nor in raising someone only to crush them in their moment of glory. She had to make sure that Song Chuning was struck down before she could become a true threat.

Such a cunning, deep-hearted adversary, armed with memories of a past life, could not be allowed to run rampant.

Noticing that Old Lady Song hadn't spoken, the First Lady felt even more uneasy. She called out, "Mother," then said nervously, "I'd like to send a message to the palace..." She glanced at Old Lady Song's expression, quickly adding, "With you and Father both away, I truly fear Little Eight... If she targets the little one or Qingzi, I won't be able to go on living..."

Old Lady Song, suddenly alarmed, nodded gravely. "You're right; this is a top priority. It must be done sooner rather than later. But when she does return, you'll need to be extremely cautious, or she might stir up trouble again..."

Song Chuning's tricks and tactics would likely be more than the three First Lady Songs could handle.

Song Chuyi chuckled, taking the First Lady's hand and giving it a warm shake. "Aunt, there's no need to be so frightened. I have a way to ensure she won't be able to stir up any trouble."

If they indeed brought Song Chuning back to the capital, she would first have to stay at the Marquis of Changning's residence for a few days. But with her scheming mind, who knew what kind of disaster might unfold in those few days?

The First Lady, her lips dry and chapped with worry, felt as if she'd heard the sound of heaven and urged Song Chuyi, "Quick, tell me. With Old Master and Old Lady both gone and now you leaving too, I'm absolutely terrified."

"If you plan to send a message to the palace, Aunt, why not also ask Noble Consort to put on a convincing show and assign a couple of palace attendants to her as well?" Song Chuyi's eyes narrowed slightly, hiding a glimmer of mischief, though her tone remained steady. "With someone from the palace overseeing her, she won't have the freedom to cause a scene."

The First Lady couldn't help but mutter a prayer of thanks, taking Song Chuyi's hand and repeatedly calling her a good child.

The two girls of the second branch were both frighteningly clever, but Song Chuyi was far more personable and likable than Song Chuning, who seemed almost monstrous in comparison.

After they finished speaking, Old Lady Song gave the First Lady a few more reminders, then took Song Chuyi by the hand and headed toward Ningde Courtyard.

"You clever little rascal!" she scolded, though a hint of confusion followed. "Why did you suddenly decide to harden your heart like this?"

She had been so restrained before, never voicing a single complaint in front of them. Yet now she'd stirred up the First Lady's anger, prompting her to seek out Noble Consort with urgent pleas.

Song Chuyi supported her as they walked along the path, but when she raised her head, a branch from an extended plum blossom tree brushed her face, leaving a few dewdrops and petals. She pursed her lips, her expression resolute and unwavering. Looking at Old Lady Song, her gaze was steady and fearless. "If I give her more time, it's no different from digging my own grave. If she can target Elder Brother, one day she might very well set her sights on Yan'er. Worse still, on this trip to Qingzhou, she might even go so far as to take my life."

Old Lady Song moved her lips but couldn't bring herself to say a word.

Song Chuyi was right. With someone as ruthless as Song Chuning, you could never guess her intentions or when she might raise a knife and strike from behind.

Now that Song Chengru was far away in Jiangnan and couldn't keep an eye on the Song family, leaving this menace in Changsha would indeed be like courting disaster.

In truth, she didn't feel the slightest pity for Song Chuning's impending fate. But through Song Chuning, she seemed to catch a glimpse of Song Chuyi's stance toward Song Yi, which left her feeling a bit desolate.