The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 2)

Chapter 114 - Conflict

Song Chuyi had previously been puzzled as to why the Ninth Princess was so insistent on having her as a companion. Now that First Lady Cui had explained, she had a much clearer idea. Luckily, she'd never trusted the Ninth Princess's intentions; knowing the reason now would only help her in dealing with it.

Meanwhile, her maids, Ziyun and Qingtao, were somewhat uneasy. After barely enjoying two years of peace, both the national and family mourning had just ended, and now trouble was already on the horizon again.

Despite their worry, they headed to the sewing room to fetch Song Chuyi's new clothes. She had grown rapidly over the past two years, her figure stretching like the budding leaves on a willow branch, changing noticeably day by day. Clothes tailored just last year were now short on her, so the Old Lady and the First Lady had long ordered new garments for her.

Qingying sprinkled a bit of lily incense into the golden incense burner on the vermillion tray and turned to ask her, "Miss, are you still planning to go to the West City these next few days?"

Starting last year, she had bought a three-room courtyard near the Huangdaxian Temple in the West City. The area was bustling with people from all walks of life, making it convenient and inconspicuous for Ma Yongfu and his people to come and go.

Over the past two years, Ma Yongfu and Ma Wangkun had done quite a few tasks for her, and she was getting more adept at working with them. The token Cui Shaoting had given her remained unused.

A vase with a narrow neck, holding five or six pale pink roses freshly cut from the garden that morning, sat on the table by the window. A gentle breeze brushed through, framing a hint of green outside through the flowers, adding a pleasing touch to the scene.

Glancing at the vase, Song Chuyi noted she hadn't seen these flowers before. Instead of replying to Qingying's question, she asked, "These flowers are more delicate than red roses—who sent them?"

Qingying was stitching rabbit fur onto her embroidered shoes and paused briefly before answering, "Second Master sent them over early this morning."

Song Yi, thin-skinned as he was, felt guilty about his past actions toward Song Chuyi and her brother, Song Yan, yet he didn't have the courage to approach them directly. Instead, he attempted to show his remorse through small gestures, sending different gifts each day, from flowers and treats to fine accessories and cosmetics.

Yet, items from Song Yi were seldom used in this room; whether it was seasonal flowers, sweets, or fine jewelry, all were simply stored away in boxes.

Song Chuyi turned away, not bothering to look further. As she stepped down, she adjusted the folds of her skirt and asked, "Who arranged the flowers?"

Not only had they been placed, but someone had specifically chosen to use the crystal vase, a gift from the Old Lady, to display them.

Qingying remained silent, but the beaded curtain suddenly clattered, lifted abruptly, then fell back down with a thud. The newly promoted maid, Bilian, entered with a water jug, smiling. "Miss, you're back! Just now, Second Master sent over a box of..."

The maid in question was a second-tier maid, set to be promoted to first-tier once Ziyun and a few others grew older and were dismissed from service.

Song Chuyi gave a slight nod, showing no displeasure, and turned to leave with Qingying. She was originally headed to Ningde Courtyard, but as she turned, she encountered Lady He.

Lady He had been welcomed by Third Lady Yun, upon her return to the capital. Third Master Song Ci had come back early to report to the capital, and with the national mourning lifted, the Third Lady had grown even more anxious over Song Chumi's marriage, staying close to the Old Lady in hopes of arranging a good match.

Song Chuyi lowered her gaze respectfully and waited off to the side for them to pass. Lady He, however, seemed lost in thought and only sighed once they entered the Old Lady's courtyard. "The Sixth Miss has truly grown into a graceful young lady."

The Old Lady glanced back and saw Song Chuyi coming in behind them. Without waiting for her greeting, she pulled her up with a smile, then looked at Shen Huiyi, who was making her greeting, and remarked, "Oh, don't flatter her too much. In the capital these days, what family doesn't raise beautiful girls? It might spoil her." Then she praised Shen Huiyi, "I think Second Miss Shen has grown into a lovely, delicate girl herself—so fresh and radiant."

Lady He gave her daughter a sideways look, irritated. She had explained everything, tirelessly, yet her daughter remained obstinate, treating Song Chuyi as if she were an enemy, even though Song Chuyi had never wronged her.

The Old Lady, wise from years of experience, could read the situation instantly and sensed that Shen Huiyi held some past grudge against Song Chuyi. Although her smile didn't fade, she stopped addressing Shen Huiyi and instead asked Lady He about Shen Huixin, the elder sister. "She must be blessed. I remember her as a cheerful, lively girl, and now she's soon to be a mother. You'll be a grandmother soon."

Shen Huixin was indeed more impressive than Shen Huiyi. Lady He knew the Old Lady was intentionally pointing out Shen Huiyi's flaws, but she could only force a smile and reply, "Indeed, time flies so quickly."

The Old Lady cast a glance at the Third Lady, knowing that Lady He had come to discuss a marriage proposal for Song Chumi. She sent Xiang Mingzi and a few others out of the room, saying, "The flowers outside are in full bloom, and there are even two swings by the pond, set up by your elder brother. Why don't you all go enjoy yourselves outside? Staying indoors all day isn't much fun."

Xiang Mingzi, who had been with the Song family for over two years, was very beloved. The Old Lady doted on her, and even her uncles and aunts cherished her. The sad, motherless girl from those rainy days was now just a faint memory.

She smiled, agreed, and took Shen Huiyi's hand to lead her out.

Shen Huiyi, still brooding over the slight reprimand from Old Lady Song, followed reluctantly. Though Xiang Mingzi tried to smooth things over, Shen Huiyi had no choice but to play along, lowering her head and holding her tongue.

While Shen Huiyi maintained a sullen silence, Xiang Mingzi didn't bother with her any longer. No one likes a cold reception, especially someone as cherished by the Old Lady as Xiang Mingzi. She soon turned to chat with Song Chuyi.

The girls of the Song family gathered warmly, chatting away, while Shen Huiyi, the lone guest, stood awkwardly to the side. Anger flared within her, recalling the words Song Chuyi had once spoken about Han Yueheng two years ago. She couldn't help but scoff, "I remember Sixth Miss once accused others of being ungracious hosts. But now it seems like the blind laughing at the deaf."

Song Chuyi ignored her completely, pretending not to hear. With girls like her, insecure yet prideful, any closeness would be seen as intrusive, while keeping distance would be interpreted as disdain. It was better to steer clear entirely.