The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 2)

Chapter 69 - A Visitor

As expected, First Lady Li showed little genuine concern for Song Chuning's affairs. Upon hearing that Song Chuning was unwell and had developed a rash unsuitable for visitors, she dropped the idea of meeting her.

Unlike her father-in-law, Old Master Li, and her husband, First Master Li, who both valued their granddaughter highly, First Lady Li never truly felt the same. Her two daughters had lived under Song Chuning's shadow since they were young; whether it was Old Lady Li's affection or Old Master Li's regard, Song Chuning always received more. Moreover, the incident at Duke Ying's residence, where Shen Qingrang had nearly ruined her daughters' reputations by using them due to Song Chuning, had deepened her resentment towards Li Shi and Song Chuning.

Had First Master Li not insisted, First Lady Li would not have come at all—after the scandal surrounding Li Shi, other members of the Li family may have disregarded the shame, but she couldn't overlook it. For the past year, she had avoided visiting the Song family whenever possible.

First Lady Song noted her tact and felt a bit more at ease, leading her to speak more warmly. After a few polite exchanges, she turned the conversation to matters of marriage. "I heard your daughter has recently become engaged?"

First Lady Li nodded, unable to suppress a hint of worry as she thought back to the incident at Duke Ying's residence. She nodded with a sigh, "Yes, it's finally settled, and at least that's one concern lifted from my heart."

She sighed after saying this, then added, "First Lady Song, there are things I simply cannot control..."

The First Lady fully understood her situation and nodded with a smile, not pressing her to continue. She and the Third Lady invited First Lady Li to stay for a meal.

First Lady Li, seeing that First Lady Song understood her meaning, felt a great deal of relief and politely declined. "There's still much to handle at home, so I truly don't have the time. I must head back now, as for Ning'er..."

She glanced at the expressions of the Third Lady and the First Lady, then sighed. "I'll have to trouble the two of you to look after her."

Third Lady personally saw her to the door, then returned with a sigh and shook her head. "It's been hard on her too. She's never gotten along with Jingshu..." Realizing that this name sounded too intimate, she corrected herself and continued, "In fact, there's some old animosity with Li Shi. Now the Li family is forcing her to look after her daughter; it's certainly putting her in a difficult position."

The First Lady didn't think much of the matter; First Lady Li was easy enough to deal with, and she had little attachment to Song Chuning, so it didn't much matter to her what happened to the girl. But whether the rest of the Li family might take further action—that was a more troubling thought.

She glanced at the Third Lady, avoiding the topic of Song Chuning, and instead asked about any letters from her third brother. "Has there been any word from Third Brother?"

The Third Lady and Third Master had always maintained a harmonious relationship, and whenever he traveled far, he never failed to write to her. Sometimes, his letters would even arrive a few days before Old Lady Song's.

Third Lady shook her head. "The last letter was the one he sent earlier, saying he was about to enter the city. Since then, there's been no further news..."

First Lady felt a bit concerned, but reminded herself that, with Old Lady Song in charge and Song Chuyi by her side, she could suppress her unease. She then turned to discuss the upcoming full-month banquet with the Third Lady.

Meanwhile, far away in Qingzhou City, the Third Master truly hadn't had the time to write. Over the past half month, one matter followed another—Old Lady Song had made up her mind to arrange for Song Linlang to part ways with Xiang Yunzhang, and her remains were sent back to the residence.

He'd been busy inviting monks to hold a memorial service for his sister, and preparing matters related to Xiang Mingzi, his heart heavy with sorrow, leaving him unable to write to the Third Lady.

Qingtao stood in the long corridor, supporting Song Chuyi, and couldn't help feeling a chill, letting out a soft sigh.

Seeing the flames rise high, Song Chuyi stared unblinking, not turning her head as she asked, "Why sigh? This is a good thing for Aunt. For her, death is a form of release. I just hope in her next life, she keeps her eyes open..."

Never to entrust her heart to the wrong person, never to love someone incapable of love.

Luyi shook her head at Qingtao, signaling her with her eyes—she felt that, although her young lady was becoming increasingly wise, she was also growing colder. Reflecting on it, she thought it was likely due to witnessing so much darkness in the world.

Qingtao didn't pay her any mind. After some thought, she spoke earnestly as she carried the tray out, "I sighed because there seem to be too many heartless, unfaithful men in this world... Women are always the ones who suffer."

Luyi quickly countered, "It depends on the person! Look at the two uncles—neither of them even has a concubine and they're respectful and loving toward their wives. And closer to home, First Master, Third Master, and Fifth Master are all good husbands too..."

The weather in Qingzhou had cleared over the past few days, with the sun shining brightly even in the cold winter, often dazzling the eyes. The fox-fur cloak on Song Chuyi glowed in the sunlight, casting a golden hue over her entire figure.

She smiled slightly, respectfully offering incense before Song Linlang's spirit tablet. Then, turning to leave with Qingtao and Luyi, she asked, "Still no news from Nanny Huang?"

It had been half a month by now; there should have been news. If they still couldn't find her, it might be impossible to locate her at all.

"Ziyun says there's still no word. Both Nanny Huang and Nanny Qin are searching," Luyi replied with some frustration. "The Xiang family has truly blackened their hearts!"

The tragedy of Lianyi's fate had left a deep psychological impact on these two young girls, making them fear that Yunhe and the others might meet the same end.

Song Chuyi pressed her lips together, saying nothing—Old Lady Song wasn't in a hurry, which likely meant she had something else planned.

Just as this thought crossed her mind, Yushu stepped out from behind a pillar, looking relieved as she greeted her. "Sixth Miss! There's a guest with Old Lady Song, and she's asked you to come meet them."

A guest? In Qingzhou?

Song Chuyi paused, then nodded and followed Yushu to the main courtyard where Old Lady Song was currently residing.

As she entered, her gaze caught sight of an elegant woman seated below Old Lady Song, around the same age as the First Lady, along with a few girls of similar age.

Old Lady Song quickly waved her over and, pulling her close, said, "Come greet your Aunt Li and pay your respects!"

After a brief moment of contemplation, Song Chuyi guessed this Lady Li's background. She stepped forward, graceful and composed, and performed a formal greeting.

Lady Li pulled her up at once, holding her hand fondly as she turned to Old Lady Song with delight, "Is this Tingting's daughter? She's certainly a beauty. No wonder the old lady dotes on her so."

Old Lady Song explained to Song Chuyi, "Lady Li was a dear friend of your mother's back when they were in the capital. They were peers, and she even attended your third-day celebration after you were born, bringing you a traditional hundred-family garment."