The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 2)

Chapter 82 - The Incident

On December 14, with only about two weeks left until the New Year, families all over Qingzhou City had already begun hanging bright red lanterns by their doors. Each evening, the city gleamed with the glow of countless lights stretching far into the distance, adding an air of festivity.

Qingzhou had long held a custom of married women returning to their natal families to deliver New Year's goods, which led to early family gatherings and, over time, gave rise to the tradition of the Lantern Festival.

Guo Yantang, while accompanying Third Master Song on an errand to buy New Year supplies and pay a deposit on a home he'd been considering, happened to cross paths with the elderly Lady Xiang on their way back. It wasn't quite by chance; "crossing paths" was more like spotting her from a distance as he rode his tall horse. There, on the side of the road, was the downtrodden Old Lady Xiang, trudging along with a bundle on her back and a trail of children in tow, sobbing as she went.

Recently, she'd been swindled out of much of her silver by some hooligans and, after her disruptive incident at the Song residence, had been apprehended by constables and had her fingers slapped as punishment. Now, it looked as though she was finally headed back to her village.

The Old Lady had specifically reminded Lady Li to advise Magistrate Xing not to be overly harsh with the Xiang family, likely intending to leave them to a slower, more enduring misery.

Turning his head away, Guo Yantang paid her no further attention and, upon returning to the estate, went to meet with the Old Lady. He discussed their departure, planning to travel once the weather warmed. "I've heard it's snowed heavily in Hebei, and I'm not sure if the roads will be clear. Your brother and I thought the earliest we could safely leave would be the 20th."

Old Master Song was still busy organizing funds for disaster relief, pressured by Fang Xiaoru's relentless oversight and frequent petitions to the capital. Considering the timing, the Old Lady agreed that Guo Yantang's plan sounded ideal and nodded approvingly. "As long as you and your uncle have everything well in hand, it's better to take our time and not rush the journey."

Her good mood lasted until Nanny Qin brought in a message. After reading it, a chill seemed to settle around her entire being.

The message was likely family correspondence, so Guo Yantang tactfully rose to excuse himself. On his way out, he overheard the Old Lady instructing her most trusted maid to summon Song Chuyi.

The name "Song Chuyi" was familiar to Guo Yantang by now. Over the past two weeks, the Old Lady had consulted this young Sixth Miss on nearly every matter. Guo Yantang had seen Song Chuyi a few times; she was indeed more striking than most girls her age. Yet whenever she stood there, people couldn't help but overlook her looks, as her calm and composed presence was far beyond what one would expect from a ten-year-old girl.

Growing increasingly curious, he wondered what exactly made this young girl so valued by the Song family's matriarch. With these thoughts in mind, he deliberately took a few extra glances when he encountered Song Chuyi at the covered walkway corner. She, however, didn't notice him and quickly entered the courtyard with Qingtao and Luyi in tow.

The Old Lady was waiting for her, and upon seeing her, quickly took her hand and sighed before handing over the letter. Her face darkened as she explained, "Censor Yin Zhengde has filed an impeachment, accusing your father of forcibly seizing residences and women in Changsha. Your father has already been removed from his position and is being brought to the capital for trial. Yin Zhengde is famously upright and fair, and I've never heard of him having any personal grudge against your father..."

"This truly is a disaster out of nowhere," the Old Lady muttered, visibly displeased. "Here we were, resolving the case of the prefect of Qingzhou, and now my own son, the prefect of Changsha, has not only lost his post but will also be escorted to the capital for trial."

She glanced at Song Chuyi's still-calm face and sighed deeply. "I know this bothers you inside... He really hasn't earned the right to call himself a father. Even when it came to the important matter of sending Yan'er to Shuzhong to study, he showed no interest. But, Xiaoyi, he's still your father by birth."

When Li Shi ruined her and Song Yan's upbringing right under his nose, Song Chuyi didn't see Song Yi step up as a father. Even when Song Chuning tried to burn his only son alive, he didn't seek justice for Song Yan but instead fled with her as quickly as possible.

Song Chuyi's lips curved slightly as she looked at the Old Lady, her gaze showing fatigue and resignation. She even rubbed her forehead a little before speaking. "But what does that matter, Grandmother?"

The Old Lady stared blankly for a moment, suddenly understanding what Song Chuyi meant.

"Yes, but what does it matter?" thought the Old Lady. Since a Censorate official has filed an impeachment, it indicates that Song Yi has caused issues in office. Whether he's been framed or has indeed done something, these are troubles he's brought upon himself and have nothing to do with Song Chuyi.

"Xiaoyi..." The Old Lady swallowed uneasily and took Song Chuyi's hand. "I know your father well. Admittedly, he's not a good father or husband, but he's never been the type to engage in such improper acts. He wouldn't do something like this..."

She paused, noting Song Chuyi's indifferent expression, and then hesitated, "Do you think this might have something to do with Eighth Miss being sent back to the capital?"

The Old Lady had seen firsthand how ruthless Song Chuning could be. If she resented Song Yi for agreeing to send her back, she could well have preemptively set up such incriminating evidence against him. This thought made the Old Lady's heart grow cold. If Song Chuning could go to such lengths against her own father, what might she do to others?

Song Chuyi, seeing the Old Lady's shifting expression, quietly asked, "Grandmother, are you considering returning to the capital early?"

With Second Master Song absent, if Song Yi were taken back to the capital under escort, only the Eldest Master might be able to assist. However, Censorate official Yin Zhengde was known for his unwavering integrity. He wouldn't raise an impeachment without substantial evidence, and the Eldest Master might struggle to handle this alone.

The Old Lady nodded. "At this point, there's no other choice. At the very least, we must go back to the capital to get to the bottom of things."

Though Song Yi had his faults, he was still a member of the Song family, and his future couldn't simply be thrown away, especially if he was innocent. Even if not for his own sake, the Old Lady had to consider Song Yan and Song Chuyi. A father with the rank and promise of a prefect was a far better standing for them than one stripped of position, impacting their prospects for marriage and beyond.