The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 2)

Chapter 90 - Scheming

Third Master Song didn't linger in conversation with Han Yu; after a few polite words, he went upstairs to update Old Lady Song on the situation with Xiang Yunchang. "He had the nerve to try to use his daughter's reputation to threaten me, claiming that if we don't look out for him, people will criticize Mingzi. I didn't bother with him, just told him to abandon any such thoughts."

Everyone in Qingzhou now knew about Xiang Yunchang's concubine buying off a shaman to harm his legitimate daughter. Even if Xiang Mingzi no longer cared about any ties of gratitude, no one could blame her. And in the capital, the Marquis's family would control the narrative. By then, Mingzi would even change her surname, severing any last connection to the Xiang family.

Old Lady Song didn't take the matter seriously. "If a dog bites you, you don't have to bite back. As long as Mingzi doesn't care about him, it's as if he doesn't exist."

What intrigued her more was Han Yu. After a moment's thought, she lifted her chin slightly, gesturing downstairs. "What did that young Han fellow say to you?"

Third Master Song thought for a moment before replying, "He asked to join our convoy for the journey so that we could look out for one another on the road. I was just about to seek your instructions."

Old Lady Song set her teacup aside thoughtfully. "I hear he and Yantang studied under the same teacher here in Qingzhou, yet he seems oddly unaware of the major events recently."

The events in Qingzhou had caused a huge commotion, and with the involvement of the Marquis of Changning's family, could the Marquis of Jinxiang's heir, Han Yu, really be so oblivious to all the news?

But even if he had another purpose and deliberately chose the same day to set out with them, what could his aim be?

Third Master Song was equally puzzled. "Perhaps it's because of his poor health? Isn't it said that this young master suffers one illness after another? Just now, he even mentioned that he brought a physician along, saying his chronic illness had flared up again."

If he was truly ill, that made it even stranger. Given how much the Han family doted on him, wouldn't they have waited until he recovered before letting him travel back to the capital? Why send a cherished but sickly heir alone without any elder to accompany him?

Old Lady Song was about to say something further when Nanny Qin entered, announcing that the young master from the Marquis of Jinxiang's household had requested an audience.

So he knew his manners, at least. Old Lady Song smiled slightly and softly instructed Yushu to escort Xiang Mingzi and Song Chuyi to a separate room—after all, Han Yu was of an age to discuss marriage, as was Xiang Mingzi, and their families did not share a close connection. A little discretion was appropriate.

Xiang Mingzi, holding onto Song Chuyi's arm, leaned in to whisper, "Sister, I've met this Young Master Han before."

Song Chuyi's interest was piqued, and she immediately focused. "You've met him? But didn't Third Uncle just say that Young Master Han seems unaware of what happened with Aunt?"

"When he first arrived in Qingzhou, he sent a formal visit card to our family," Xiang Mingzi recalled thoughtfully. "He even visited a few times afterward. I remember Father invited him when he celebrated his fortieth birthday."

At that moment, Han Yu's voice drifted in: "I've been unwell for a while, quite muddled, and I didn't realize so much had happened... Aunt was always so kind to me... how unpredictable life can be. Old Lady, please don't grieve too deeply."

Old Lady Song waved off the previous topic and instead asked about other matters. "We've heard a bit about your family's affairs. You've always had delicate health and are typically surrounded by attendants at all times. How is it you're heading to the capital alone? Does your father not worry?"

Han Yu shyly pursed his lips, a modest smile appearing on his refined face. "My father is stationed in Datong and can't return this year. My mother sent word that she's been unwell, and I was concerned, so I decided to return to the capital to spend New Year's with her. I was worried about the journey, but then I happened upon you, Old Lady, and hoped to travel with you for some company."

Since Han Zhengqing, the current Marquis of Jinxiang, had inherited the title, he had been stationed at Datong, as the Han family traditionally did.

Old Lady Song's suspicions eased slightly, and not wishing to press further, she nodded with a smile. "In that case, let's travel together. At the very least, we'll make good company."

With his usual shy and modest demeanor, Han Yu smiled and offered his thanks, then took the opportunity to excuse himself to prepare his belongings.

Once he returned to his room at the relay station, his handsome attendant leaned in close, laughing softly by his shoulder, "Just as you predicted—they're setting off today. How do you manage to guess these things as if you're a fortune-teller?"

Han Yu lifted the young man's chin, his expression suddenly flirtatious, a stark contrast to the bashful youth he had shown earlier before Old Lady Song. He leaned down, planting a quick kiss on the attendant's lips, his gaze shadowed with intrigue. "You sure know how to flatter me, but remember, I sent someone specifically to monitor their movements."

The attendant lay back on the bed, his hands behind his head, watching Han Yu as he adjusted his belt. "She's just a young girl—are you sure she's worth all this trouble? You've never enjoyed dealing with women."

After tidying his clothing, Han Yu opened his travel chest to check its contents, satisfied that everything was in order. Smiling, he turned to the young attendant. "What do you know? This little girl has big potential. Just look at that fool Xiang—if he hadn't brought this on himself and appreciated his good fortune, he'd be enjoying countless benefits now, instead of meeting his current fate. And this girl's value goes far beyond that. Just wait and see."

The attendant scoffed, a hint of jealousy evident. "I wouldn't understand; only you do. If you're so wise, why not leave me and go dote on that immature little girl instead? It's not like I'd miss you."

Han Yu, noticing his attendant's sulky demeanor, narrowed his eyes, his smile fading. "Say whatever you like in front of me, but watch yourself outside. To others, you're just a servant, and if you say anything out of line in front of that girl, I won't go easy on you."

When angry, his usually delicate face took on a dark, unsettling edge, making him seem eerily intimidating. The attendant instinctively sat up, then, after a moment of reluctance, leaned close and held his arm. "I get it, I get it. Isn't it just because your mother's forcing you into marriage? As if I'd ever stand in the way of your prospects. I know that your success is my success too."

Han Yu knew some things couldn't be fully explained to him, so he held back, only issuing a warning. "Good. Just keep in line along the way and don't make trouble."