The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 2)

Chapter 99 - Desire

Lady Yu had always known that Song Chuyi was no simple character—after all, she had managed to pull Li Shi down from her position in one swift move and still remained favored by both Old Master Song and Old Lady Song. That kind of ability was rare. She pulled Song Chuyi to her feet, using the excuse of having her accompany her to change clothes, and led her into a private chamber. Her expression was serious as she asked, "Be honest with me. What do you need these men for?"

The people Cui Shaoting recruited were no ordinary folks. Most were bandits, mountain rogues, and pirates from the southern regions. He chose them because of their ferocity and courage, forcing them into the military to fight against the invading forces. Later, when he received orders to come to the capital, he brought around twenty of them along, assigning some to work in his city residence and others to help at his stores.

Now, hearing Song Chuyi bring them up, Lady Yu couldn't help but feel a chill. "Those people aren't easy to control. You're still young. Even if your grandfather and grandmother can't resolve something, we are still here. Don't try to handle things recklessly on your own."

It wasn't that Lady Yu feared Song Chuyi would act recklessly—she could see that Song Chuyi wasn't the type to act on impulse. But she was worried that her niece, given her young age, might not be able to handle such ruthless characters.

Song Chuyi understood Lady Yu's concerns. She lowered her head, thinking it over, and when she looked up again, her gaze was resolute. "There are some matters that it's best not to involve my grandparents in... please, Aunt, just help me this once."

Lady Yu didn't dare agree readily. Giving her these men was one thing, but if they caused any trouble under her charge, she and Cui Shaoting would be drowned in criticism from the entire Cui family. Moreover, it wasn't appropriate for a young girl to be entangled with such people.

She sat down, pulling Song Chuyi beside her, and gently explained, "It's not that your aunt doesn't want to help, but some things are truly beyond my control. Since you're asking me for these men, you must already know their backgrounds, right? These are all former bandits, ruthless men who robbed and killed without remorse. Now your uncle keeps them around because he might need such fearless individuals at the border someday. But who are you? You're a lady of noble birth; even if you face difficult matters, you shouldn't have to rely on such people. If I hand them over to you and anything goes wrong in the future, your uncle will likely be the first to hold me accountable. Do you understand?"

If Song Chuyi didn't already know about these people's backgrounds, she wouldn't have asked Lady Yu for help. She firmly held Lady Yu's hand and spoke earnestly, "I understand your concerns, Aunt..."

Just then, First Lady Cui pushed the door open and entered, seeing the two of them together. She chuckled, "I was wondering where you both went, hiding out here. All those young ladies outside are looking forward to joining you and your cousin for the flower gathering. Aren't you going to spend some time with them?"

While her words seemed aimed at the girls outside, her frown gave away that her true concern lay elsewhere. "Hurry and come with me; both of your uncles are looking for you."

As expected, Cui Shaoting and Cui Yingshu were waiting in the main hall. When they saw Song Chuyi, they exchanged serious glances, and Cui Yingshu gave a few stern coughs. Lady Yu quickly realized that Song Chuyi had already asked Cui Shaoting and Cui Yingshu for help. Coming to her was likely a strategic move to gain additional support.

Before Cui Shaoting could speak, Cui Yingshu glared at Song Chuyi and reprimanded, "It's only been a few months, and already you're growing bolder!"

First Lady Cui was baffled; she remembered how pleased Cui Yingshu had been upon hearing of Song Chuyi's return to the capital. Yet here he was, brimming with anger. Lady Yu sighed and whispered a few words in her ear, making First Lady Cui arch her brows sharply. Turning to Song Chuyi, she tapped her on the forehead, scolding, "Are you out of your mind?! Do you even understand what kind of people they are?!"

Compared to his siblings, Cui Shaoting remained calm. He glanced at Song Chuyi and decided to be the voice of reason. "Those men are entrenched in their rogue ways. You won't be able to control them."

But Song Chuyi was determined and didn't lower her head. "I know their background well, and I wouldn't use them recklessly. Even if you refuse, I'll find help elsewhere."

Cui Shaoting and Cui Yingshu exchanged weary looks, each feeling a bit exasperated.

Truthfully, with Song Chuyi's capability and determination, there really was no stopping her from seeking out this kind of daring group elsewhere. But those would be even more uncontrollable and unknown individuals.

First Lady Cui was anxious, almost wishing she could open Song Chuyi's head to see what she was thinking. "What's the matter with you? Why do you insist on these men for your business? I can find others for you just as well!"

But Song Chuyi only shook her head and looked directly at Cui Yingshu and Cui Shaoting. "I want this particular group."

Seeing no way to change her mind, Cui Yingshu thought for a moment and then proposed, "How about this: meet with them first. If you can convince them to willingly work for you, we'll agree. What do you say?"

Naturally, Song Chuyi had no objections and nodded without hesitation.

That day, the Cui household was hosting a lamb hot pot feast, and Cui Shaoting had brought in a few former butchers. Cui Yingshu led Song Chuyi to stand behind a fence, watching with a calm demeanor. "Look at them carefully; do you really want this group to handle your affairs?"

A hulking, rough-faced man was holding a lamb by its hind legs, letting blood from the freshly slit stomach spill, staining the snow crimson around him.

Ignoring her uncle, Song Chuyi pushed open the gate and stepped forward until she stood before the fierce-looking men, busy with the slaughter. She lifted her hand and pointed to Cui Shaoting, who followed. "I'm his niece, and I've got a proposal for you."

Cui Shaoting, arms crossed, couldn't help but chuckle softly, murmuring to himself, "This little girl knows to use my name first; her next move is probably to try bribery."

A lean, tall man with a pockmarked face tossed aside his knife and lamb, wiped his hands haphazardly on his clothes, glanced at Cui Shaoting, and spoke gruffly, "What's this about? I'm busy killing lambs here!"

"I know why you follow my uncle; it's not just for the pay in the Fujian war against the Japanese. It's also because you all have criminal records from your past lives as bandits," Song Chuyi continued without concern for his rude manner or the surprised expressions around her. "If my uncle is willing to clear your records, would you consider working for me instead? I can offer you plenty of reward."

The man with the pockmarked face looked at her, then at Cui Shaoting and Cui Yingshu, bewildered and incredulous. Finally, he couldn't hold back and scoffed, "Are you out of your mind? Playing us for fools?!"