The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 2)

Chapter 89 - Humiliation

Fortunately, this officer knew how to handle things. After leaving the city, he found an opportunity, waiting until the Marquis's convoy paused to restock provisions before stepping forward to seek an audience with Third Master Song on behalf of Xiang Yunchang.

Yet, even with this cautious approach, Third Master Song was nearly trembling with anger, almost flinging the gilded teapot in his hand at the officer's head. He furiously called for the steward to send him away. "Who let him in? Is just anyone allowed to speak to me now?"

Guo Yantang cast a glance at the embarrassed, red-faced officer, understanding full well the hidden dealings of those beneath him. While pouring tea for himself, he attempted to soothe Third Master Song. "No need to get worked up, Uncle. Master Xiang was once a scholar, and as they say, 'All things are beneath reading.' Now that he's fallen into the vulgar world, he's probably suffered greatly. He's finally learned the humility to plead."

Third Master Song couldn't help but laugh in exasperation, turning to ask the visibly nervous officer, "So, what does he want?"

Relieved that he wouldn't be sent away with a beating, the officer hurriedly relayed Xiang Yunchang's request. "Master Xiang begs you to allow him to travel with the Marquis's convoy... He has no warm clothes... and he wishes to see the young miss of the Xiang family..."

He really didn't consider himself an outsider, showing no understanding of the severed ties with the Song family. It was hard to say whether he was simply thick-skinned or just a grown man clinging to a childishly naive heart.

Even Guo Yantang found Xiang Yunchang's behavior beyond words, pausing mid-air with the teapot in his hand.

Finally, Third Master Song could no longer contain his fury. He stood up with a sudden movement, accidentally knocking a teacup to the floor with a crash. "I'm going to deal with him!"

The relay station was bustling, and he didn't want their family's troubles aired in public, especially fearing that Xiang Yunchang would make a spectacle of it, which could damage Xiang Mingzi's reputation. Determined to handle the matter himself, he strode out, intent on teaching Xiang Yunchang a lesson.

Upstairs, Old Lady Song, Song Chuyi, and Xiang Mingzi were seated in a private room on the second floor, having heard the entire exchange.

Despite her usual composure, Xiang Mingzi's eyes reddened in embarrassment at Xiang Yunchang's audacity. She lowered her head, gripping her teacup so tightly that the veins on her pale hands stood out.

Old Lady Song couldn't help but let out a cold laugh at first, but seeing Xiang Mingzi's expression, her heart softened, feeling both sympathy and indignation on her behalf. With a sigh, she consoled her, "Why cry? What does he matter to you now? Your mother divorced him, and you've been removed from the Xiang family's genealogy. Once we're home, I'll speak with your grandfather, and we'll officially change your surname to Song... Don't waste tears on someone so undeserving, or you'll end up just like your mother."

Xiang Mingzi held back her tears, shoulders trembling with the effort. Song Chuyi placed a comforting hand on her back, gently patting her. Just then, a commotion seemed to break out downstairs.

She signaled to Yushu and Yulan, who immediately opened the window just a crack to listen in.

Through the crack, they could clearly see a delicate-looking young man in white python-patterned sleeves stubbornly gripping Guo Yantang's collar.

The white python-patterned sleeves were not something just anyone could wear; they were reserved for families of nobility. There were no noble families with such status in Qingzhou, so this must be a passing noble, still away from home during the New Year.

"Let go!" Guo Yantang seemed irritated, trying several times to shake off the young man's grip. His eyes flashed as he shifted his hand into a blade position and chopped downward toward the young man.

The force of the strike was significant, finally forcing the young man to release Guo Yantang and step back a few paces. But he didn't retreat entirely; instead, he laughed with his hands behind his back, his tone dripping with provocation. "Guo Yantang, you're still the same! Bullying the weak at the academy was one thing, but you behave like this out in the world too? I'm embarrassed to admit we studied under the same teacher!"

The same teacher?!

Song Chuyi looked at the young man's vaguely familiar face, pondering for a moment before finally recalling his identity.

This was Han Zhi, the legitimate grandson of the late Duke Han and the legitimate son of the current Marquis of Jinxiang. Rumor had it that Young Master Han Zhi's health had always been frail, with imperial doctors predicting he wouldn't live past fifteen. The Han family had sheltered him like a girl, rarely letting him leave the family estate.

To treat his illness, they spared no expense, seeking renowned physicians far and wide, anywhere that could be reached.

Old Lady Song seemed to recognize the young man's identity as well, frowning slightly in puzzlement. "Han Zhi? Why would he be here, especially with the New Year just around the corner?"

This was far from the widely publicized image of him as someone who never left his home.

Song Chuyi took another close look at Han Zhi through the narrow opening. Her smile paused briefly, and a deeply buried hatred flashed in her eyes.

She knew this Young Master Han Zhi all too well.

He was Shen Qingrang's close friend and cousin, and he was also the one who had given Song Chuning ideas on how to handle Song Yan back then. Outwardly, he always presented himself as gentle and harmless, but behind the scenes, he was adept at every underhanded trick in the book, including cockfighting and gambling. In her past life, he had been one of the favored companions of Prince Zhou Weiqi.

While her mind raced through Han Zhi's past and his real character, Guo Yantang and Han Zhi had already begun to fight below. Fortunately, the servants around them were quick-witted and soon managed to pull the two apart.

Song Chuyi took a sip of tea, feeling a bitter discomfort in her throat. Watching Han Zhi put on the guise of a righteous defender made her feel nauseous.

The Marquis of Jinxiang had certainly put in the effort to shape his son's image, painting him as delicate and weak, declaring everywhere that he would be content if Han Zhi could simply live in peace. In reality, however, he had raised him to be a deeply calculating person.

The affair with Xiang Yunchang had become a public scandal in Qingzhou, known to everyone in town. Yet Han Zhi, who studied at the same academy as Guo Yantang, acted as if he knew nothing about it, even stepping forward to defend Master Xiang. His intentions were as obvious as daylight.

Sure enough, after his servant whispered something in his ear, Han Zhi's expression changed. He glanced briefly in the direction of the private room where Song Chuyi and the others were seated, then respectfully offered an apology to Guo Yantang.

Just as Third Master Song returned from reprimanding Xiang Yunchang, he happened upon this scene of Han Zhi apologizing. He was briefly puzzled until Han Zhi made a formal bow and apology, allowing Third Master Song to piece things together. With a mildly amused smile, he remarked, "So, you're the young man from the Han family. You've grown so much in the blink of an eye!"