The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 2)

Chapter 123 - Past Life

Song Chuyi had lived through two lifetimes. In her previous life, at this age, she too loved these little amusements. But she had died because of such trivial distractions, so this time, aside from a brief mention to the Eldest Master Song, she hadn't touched these things again.

The storeroom yielded more than a dozen kites: peonies, dragonflies, butterflies, and even a "Chang'e Flying to the Moon" with a string of colorful ribbons trailing behind. Each young lady picked a kite to her liking, planning to head to an open area to fly them.

The Song estate was vast, but the most open space was in the West Garden. Song Chuyi, mindful that Song Jie and Song Qi might be hosting male guests there, sent someone to check. Most of the young ladies were of marriageable age, so extra caution was necessary. Once assured there were no guests, she led the group to the West Garden. Cui Huaying, who was preparing for her wedding, hadn't come, but Huayi clung to Song Chuyi's arm, cheerfully boasting that she would fly her kite the highest.

Being close relatives, Xiang Mingzi and Huayi had grown familiar with each other through family gatherings. Xiang Mingzi glanced at Huayi's kite and laughed. "Everyone chose flowers or butterflies, and you went for a giant centipede! Talk about standing out! Let's see if it flies as high as you say."

Huayi, unbothered by the tease, waved her kite triumphantly. "You just wait! Look at the size of this kite; it's definitely going the highest."

As they laughed and chatted, Lin Hai's maid arrived, carrying a golden tray. Smiling, she said, "These are palace flowers sent by the Empress as gifts. Old Lady Song thought the young ladies would enjoy them."

The flowers were made from delicate gossamer fabric, folded into various blossoms in shades of blue, silver, rose, and pink, each mounted on silver clips for easy attachment. The girls each chose a favorite, clipped it into their hair, and, adorned, headed excitedly to the West Garden.

To their surprise, where no guests had been earlier, a group of young men was now enjoying wine in the garden's pavilion.

Fortunately, these were familiar faces, boys they'd known from family ties and shared acquaintances, so there was no need to retreat immediately. Song Jie quickly approached, blushing. "I didn't know you'd brought everyone here to play; I asked Aunt for permission to use the pavilion. We'll move out."

In the past two years, Song Chubin had gained confidence from studying management under the First Lady. No longer the timid girl she once was, she thought a moment before reassuring her brother with a smile, "No need. You're staying in the pavilion, and we're in the garden. There are maids and servants all around."

With that, the kite flying began in earnest, and even Xiang Mingzi joined Huayi in wrangling the centipede kite.

Sitting in the pavilion, Song Chuyi watched them fly their kites, though her thoughts drifted to Ma Yongfu and the others. Han Zhi was not one to let things go. If he picked up on any trace of their activities, he'd be relentless, like a leech, shadowing their every step.

This delay meant who knew when Qingying could get back in touch with them. Without Ma Yongfu and Ma San by Song Yan's side, how could she feel at ease? Besides, the matter with Han Zhi was only half-finished. She needed to find a way to contact her people without drawing Han Zhi's attention.

She sighed again, making up her mind to resolve the Han Zhi problem as soon as possible. With Song Chuning's secrets shared with Prince Duan and Han Zhi, she was already in a precarious position. If Han Zhi leaked more information, it would undoubtedly lead to further trouble from those harboring hidden agendas.

Just as she was contemplating this, she was met by Shen Qingrang. Over the past two years, he had visited the estate frequently with Lady He, but he rarely had the chance to meet Song Chuyi. Gradually, he began to notice something different—Song Chuyi seemed not to care about him as she once did.

(Translator Xiaobai: It took you two years to realize that she doesn't care? A little bit dimwitted, aren't you?)

A smile appeared on his face as he held out an intricately crafted eagle kite and asked, "Why aren't you joining them in kite-flying?"

Song Chuyi glanced outward and noticed Bilian, leaning against a tree, snacking on sunflower seeds with a little maid by her side.

Shen Qingrang felt a bit apprehensive. He had never lowered his head before Song Chuyi, and when Song Chuning's death had been announced two years ago, he had even confronted Song Chuyi. But, after cooling down, he regretted it. His father had been right—if the family depended solely on their title, then within two generations, his own son wouldn't even inherit the heir's title, leading the family to eventual decline.

In his youth, all he cared about was his feelings of like and dislike, but now he understood the importance of looking beyond emotions, of thinking about the future and carrying on the family name. Marrying Song Chuyi was undeniably the best option.

"I was wrong to confront you before," he forced out the words, believing it to be an act of humility and gave her a smile just as he used to when they were children. "Don't be mad at me anymore. When we go on the spring hunt, I'll catch a white fox just for you! Let's go back to the way we were; I'll always have your back."

Shen Qingrang assumed that she'd forgive him, just like always. But Song Chuyi, standing in the pavilion surrounded by the fragrant breeze, felt nothing.

Having lived two lifetimes, she was already an old soul, weathered by all manner of human warmth and indifference. Her youthful naivety and affection had long been worn away by Shen Qingrang in her previous life. He still thought of her as the gullible, naive girl he could easily sway.

She found it laughable, and she couldn't help but chuckle.

Shen Qingrang couldn't remember the last time he'd seen her smile. Now, as her features had matured, her smile was radiant, as if clearing away all clouds and rain, revealing dimples that seemed to hold wine. He was momentarily dazed before offering her the kite.

But Song Chuyi didn't accept it. The very things she had yearned for in her previous life were now being presented to her on a platter, yet she had no desire to reach out for them.

"I don't like kites," she said without sparing him a glance, quickly turning to leave. Her gaze at Bilian was rather meaningful.