The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 2)

Chapter 178 - A Turn of Events

Zhang Yuan hung himself in his cell, closing the book on the Yangzhou corruption case. In the capital, countless people breathed a sigh of relief as if their shaky foothold had finally steadied.

Though Prince Duan was dead, Emperor Jianzhang had granted him only the rites fitting for a prince, without further honors. And now with Zhang Yuan dead, the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the Ministry of Personnel were overrun with people vying for the recently vacated, wealthy positions in Yangzhou.

Changning Marquis' residence was also suddenly bustling, though Song Chengru himself, ever shrewd, had 'fallen ill,' choosing to remain home and refuse all visitors. His library was stacked with pleading letters that never made it into his study.

Though his position as Minister of Personnel would normally place him at the center of these decisions, he knew he'd already drawn enough attention by presiding over the Yangzhou case. Getting involved in filling those positions would risk undermining his neutrality. There was no need to take on this hot potato now, especially with both the Crown Prince's and Prince Gong's factions watching.

With Prince Gong's people thoroughly rooted out, there was no chance he would willingly relinquish his grip on the lucrative salt and shipping routes in Yangzhou. Meanwhile, having unearthed such a lucrative affair, the Crown Prince would never be willing to let others step in to profit either. It was clear that Lord Du and Lord Chen would soon be at each other's throats.

Seeing no use in the usual channels, many people tried to secure influence through other avenues, such as seeking favors from Song Ren, Song Jue, and others. But these men slipped through their hands like eels, feigning ignorance even when directly approached. Even the somewhat simple-minded Second Master Song kept a low profile, avoiding his usual bookshops and tea houses entirely.

The servants in the Song household were equally tight-lipped, refusing to divulge anything, not even the details of the Old Marquis' health. By now, people had no choice but to admit their grudging admiration for the strict discipline in the Changning Marquis' household, where visits were so scarce that the phrase "deserted as a graveyard" aptly described the atmosphere.

Some, however, sought other approaches. Knowing that the newly married Fourth Miss Song would soon return home for her customary post-wedding visit, they sent wave after wave of invitations to her. This was the first time since leaving her village that Song Chumi had been treated like a star, and she felt her reputation was rising in the eyes of her husband and mother-in-law.

Master Feng and Lady Feng, however, clearly saw through the motivations of these women and advised her to decline. But Song Chumi would not listen, feeling that the Changning Marquis' household owed her this respect after arranging such a "low marriage" and that she deserved the extra face they were giving her. Besides, she hadn't even been afforded the proper wedding banquet upon her return home.

On her return to her family's residence, she went straight to see the Old Lady Song, without consulting Third Lady Song first. She divulged everything these women had confided in her with a dismissive laugh, saying, "I didn't think it was much, Grandmother, but I thought I'd ask for your approval to give me this little favor."

Xiang Mingzi glanced at her in astonishment, noting her flushed face and self-satisfied smile. She couldn't help but feel a flicker of disdain—while the other Song sisters were well-mannered and sensible, Song Chubin, even if somewhat timid, had a good head on her shoulders, and even Song Chuyou, who was the same age as Song Chuyi, understood what to say and what to avoid. In comparison, Song Chumi's lack of sense was particularly stark.

The Old Lady Song gave no indication of her thoughts. She had long since given up hope for Song Chumi, ever since her entanglement with the Zhang family and her blind faith in Old Lady Yun. Her decision to arrange this marriage had been out of pity for Third Lady, but now even that pity had worn thin. She had said as much to Third Lady before: if Song Chumi ever brought disgrace upon the Song family, she would have no face left to meet the ancestors in the afterlife.

With a faint smile, she nodded and simply directed Song Chumi to go greet Third Lady, saying, "Your mother is surely thinking of you—go to her first, and we'll discuss it afterward."

As soon as Song Chumi left, the Old Lady turned to instruct Nanny Huang and Nanny Qin to visit the Feng residence—a modest single courtyard on Qingshui Lane that Third Ladyhad provided as a dowry. She wanted them to sound out the Feng family's thoughts. If it turned out the Feng family had accepted bribes from outsiders to encourage Song Chumi's behavior, she would consider the marriage null and void.

By the time this news reached Song Chuyi, she was absorbed in reading a letter. Xiang Mingzi took a sip of tea and, seeing that Song Chuyi was still engrossed, playfully reached over to tickle her. "Are you even listening to me?"

Giggling, Song Chuyi handed the letter to Qingying, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear as she surrendered, "I heard, I heard! But you're usually not one to meddle—just let it go."

The Feng family wasn't foolish. This likely stemmed from their unfamiliarity with Song Chumi's nature, which had led them to let her do as she pleased. The Old Lady's messengers would ensure they understood how to manage her moving forward. Most likely, Lady Feng would soon pack up and take Song Chumi back to their hometown, and even Third Lady wouldn't argue. For someone with a head as empty as hers, remaining in the capital could spell disaster. A quiet life in the countryside as the wife of a scholar, following her mother-in-law's example in decorum, was far safer than staying here, where she might even lose her life.

The Old Lady and the First Lady could handle Song Chumi; she wouldn't cause too many waves. Right now, Song Chuyi's only concern was the letter in her hands.

Noting her cousin's lack of interest, Xiang Mingzi dropped the subject—Song Chuyi was right; meddling in such matters was unnecessary. Besides, if she got too involved, she risked offending the Third Lady.

She wrapped her arms around Song Chuyi's, resting her head on her cousin's shoulder, and asked with a smile, "What were you reading so intently just now?"

Song Chuyi's eyes curved with a delighted smile, revealing her joy. "It's a turning point."