The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 2)

Chapter 78 - Capital

Song Chuyi didn't know much about her aunt, Song Linlang, but from the way she orchestrated her own end to drag the Xiang family into ruin, she could imagine her character. However, her daughter, Xiang Mingzi, was entirely different. Despite enduring her father's betrayal, neglect, and disdain, as well as the death of her mother and the scorn of her grandmother, Xiang Mingzi quickly regained her composure, without becoming the bitter and brooding figure that Old Lady Song had feared.

Perhaps it was because Song Linlang, having nothing else to rely on, had invested all her hopes and love into her daughter. Xiang Mingzi, as a result, was well-mannered and showed a natural affinity with the Song family.

When Song Chuyi went to see her, she found Xiang Mingzi crouched by the doorway, tending to a pot of plum blossoms. She wore a sky-blue padded jacket over a white robe, with a skirt of soft duck-egg green. Amidst the snow, she looked graceful and poised.

Since all her usual attendants had been detained by Lady Xiang, Zimei and Zilan were temporarily assigned to serve her. Seeing Song Chuyi approach, they smiled and whispered a soft reminder in her ear.

Xiang Mingzi stood up, beaming, and waved to Song Chuyi, showing off the carefully trimmed green plum tree she had tended, her eyes sparkling with joy. "Xiaoyi, come see if I've done a good job with this!"

News had come just yesterday that Lady Xiang had been swindled out of a large sum by a group of wandering ruffians from a neighboring county. Xiang Mingzi's cheerfulness today was likely due to this news.

Realizing this, Song Chuyi decided not to bring up anything related to the Xiang family, instead offering a few words of praise before politely excusing herself, as Old Lady Song was calling for her.

Since Xiang Mingzi enjoyed flowers, several pots of narcissus had been placed in Old Lady Song's quarters, adding a lively touch to the wintery room. When Old Lady Song saw her, she smiled and asked, "Just came from visiting your cousin?"

Lately, Xiang Mingzi and Song Chuyi had been inseparable, and Old Lady Song was pleased to see the two cousins growing close, her smile indicating her good mood. Song Chuyi responded with a nod and sat beside her, and Old Lady Song handed her a letter received from the capital via Huang Momo. "There's news from the capital—take a look for yourself."

The letter was from Song Jue, stating that, for some unknown reason, Song Chuning had suddenly fallen ill, and her condition was severe. Even after a visit from the imperial physician, there was no improvement.

Song Chuyi casually set the letter on the table, lightly tugging on Old Lady Song's arm. "It's not like I can cure illnesses..."

Old Lady Song, suspecting that this was likely the doing of the Noble Consort, found herself less sympathetic than she might have been before. Song Linlang's situation had taught her a hard truth: there's no remedy for regret, and when danger arises, it's best to address it early on without harboring any unrealistic hopes.

"No one's asking you to treat her!" She laughed, playfully tapping Song Chuyi's forehead, then perked up with some good news. "I was actually troubled about finding proper furniture for your Fifth Sister's dowry. But as it turns out, Young Master Guo knows a family selling a full set of newly crafted boxwood furniture. Coming to Qingzhou has finally proven worthwhile."

Song Chuyi had heard Old Lady Song mention this before. Guo Yantang, as it happened, had been coming to Shandong annually to study under Zhang Boxun, a prominent scholar. Due to the connection between Shen Yang and Song Linlang, he had once stayed at Xiang Yunzhang's residence for a time.

She had been worried that the Prince of Zhennan might struggle to persuade Guo Huaiying to accept Ye Jingchuan, so this felt like a gift from the heavens. If the Song family could strengthen their connection with Guo Huaiying through Guo Yantang, it would be a blessing.

"But it's quite a distance to transport all that furniture," Song Chuyi mused aloud, "especially since it's a full set and might be tricky to dismantle without risking damage. Since Grandmother hasn't expressed any concern, does this mean that Young Master Guo might have a solution?"

Assuming nothing unexpected occurred, Song Chubin's marriage would likely be set by the New Year. Over in the capital, they were already preparing to host the Jiangyin family during the festivities. Fifth Lady Wang, never one to plan for her daughter's future, hadn't arranged the dowry furniture that had been ready for the other daughters since birth. While the Marquis Estate had the funds, some items couldn't be easily acquired, and Old Lady Song and First Lady had been worried over the dowry pieces for Song Chubin for some time.

Old Lady Song chuckled and tapped Song Chuyi's forehead. "Nothing escapes your sharp little mind. Yantang mentioned that his father will return to the capital next year to report for duty, so he plans to return early to await his parents' arrival. He'll travel back with us after the New Year, bringing enough people to handle transporting the furniture. There's even a rare set of huanghuali rosewood chairs in that family's collection, which I've saved for you."

There was a rare note of warmth and affection in Old Lady Song's voice when she mentioned Guo Yantang—something she'd never shown, even to Shen Qingrang, who frequently visited the estate like family.

Perhaps it was all thanks to Song Linlang's legacy that the Song family had unexpectedly gained such a valuable connection.

"Returning to the capital to report for duty?" Song Chuyi picked up on the most significant part of Old Lady Song's words, her suspicions deepening. It must be this return to the capital that would soon make Guo Huaiying the talk of the city as he climbed four ranks in one leap, rising from a circuit inspector to the Zhejiang Provincial Governor.

Noticing her frown, Old Lady Song explained, "His father currently holds the post of Circuit Inspector in Zhejiang; it's understandable you haven't heard of him. But if I tell you about his background, it'll make sense. His family once followed the founding emperor to build the empire, though the noble title passed to his elder brother, so Guo Huaiying entered the imperial examinations to make his own way. Ceng Biliang is his maternal uncle, and Prime Minister Chang was his mentor. For him to have achieved this status, working his way up through experience and hardship, is truly remarkable."

After finishing, she sighed, "While our families both rose through military merit, we previously had little connection. It was only through your aunt and mother's friendship with Lady Guo that this bond was established. Ironic, isn't it? A young man from the next generation cares more for your aunt than that heartless so-called uncle of yours..."

Old Lady Song's resentment toward the Xiang family ran deep; she'd been relentless in her dealings with them, showing no mercy even to the defenseless Lady Xiang.