The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 2)

Chapter 182 - Dealing With It

Song Chuyi had never been one to complain. In her previous life, she handled her grudges on the spot, arrogant and unrestrained. However, many things in this life couldn't be solved by complaining. This time was different. The matter involved Song Chumi and the third household; no matter how she handled it, she would be in the wrong. So, she decided to pass this hot potato to Old Lady Song and see how she would handle it.

When she arrived at Ningde Courtyard, the Third Lady was already there, looking flustered as she spoke to Old Lady Song about Song Chumi. "Her father was furious, scolding her for being as dumb as a pig... I never imagined she would lack so much awareness and even dare to accept gifts in private. She's driven me to my wit's end..."

Third Lady Song, deeply embarrassed by Song Chumi's actions, had become increasingly cautious, fearing she'd completely anger the Old Lady. She had also been especially attentive in raising Song Yue, fearing she might raise another child who didn't understand boundaries.

When Old Lady Song saw Song Chuyi, she smiled, gesturing for her to sit beside her before turning to ask Nanny Huang, "What did Lady Feng say?"

This matter depended on the Feng family's attitude. If they supported Song Chumi's actions, it would mean they lacked common sense, and cutting off ties would be the best choice to avoid future trouble.

Nanny Huang curtsied, noticing how tense Third Lady Song had become, and delivered Lady Feng's message straightforwardly: "The in-law lady said that, according to their customs, the new daughter-in-law must return to pay respects to the elders and ancestors. She intends to take Fourth Miss back to the family home for a while..."

Clearly, Lady Feng hadn't understood Song Chumi's character or the Song family's stance and had allowed her to behave recklessly. Now, after some subtle hints, she realized that acting in a power-grabbing way was taboo and unwelcome in the Song family.

Old Lady Song nodded, glancing at Third Lady, "In that case, what do you say?"

The third Lady had been prepared for this. Last night, the First Lady had already hinted that a "disaster within" shouldn't be taken lightly. She hesitated a moment before finally saying, "That would be appropriate, but should we perhaps wait a bit longer? They are newly married, and separating now might..."

She worried that if Song Chumi returned to her family so soon, Scholar Feng might take on new concubines, further damaging the already shallow marital bond and lack of children.

Song Chuyi coughed lightly. As everyone turned to her, she lowered her head and said casually, "I saw Fourth Sister today at Chongyin Hall."

The third Lady forced a smile. "She mentioned wanting to pick up some new fabric at the silk shop to bring home for her mother-in-law. Perhaps she got tired and decided to watch a play?"

"She was meeting with Miss Chen and Second Miss Shen," Song Chuyi continued plainly. She glanced at Third Madam, who seemed confused, and turned to Old Lady Song. "To be honest, Grandmother and Third Aunt, I was suspicious when I saw Fourth Sister suddenly getting close to Second Miss Shen and Miss Chen. Thinking about yesterday's events, I feared they might be trying to gain some advantage through her, so I had Qing Tao follow her. She overheard them discussing..."

Third Lady's heart leaped to her throat, watching Song Chuyi closely, dreading what might come next.

Old Lady Song, with a thoughtful look, swept her gaze around the room. Yushu quickly ushered everyone out, leaving only Nanny Huang behind.

"Apparently, Fourth Sister still holds a grudge against me... This time, she met with Miss Shen and Miss Chen to plot putting something in my tea to make me go mad and attack others, after which they would tell Grandmother that I was possessed and needed an exorcist," Song Chuyi said without much emotion as if discussing something trivial. "The exorcist would, of course, claim I was indeed possessed, blaming my misfortune and destiny for attracting spirits..."

With Song Yan soon heading to the capital, she couldn't let Song Chumi stay in the city as a potential risk. There were too many cases where foolish people caused trouble. If her oversight led to something happening to Song Yan, she'd regret it forever. It was better to take care of things now and let Old Lady Song see what kind of person Second Miss Shen truly was, as well as what Duke Ying's residence represented.

Third Lady slumped in her chair, her eyes dry with frustration, wishing Song Chumi were present so she could give her a good slap and demand what she was thinking! How could she stoop to such stupidity, ruining her family's reputation for no gain? Why couldn't she understand this simple logic and be satisfied with what she had? All her hard-won future prospects were now on the verge of being destroyed... her years of pleading on her behalf with the Old Lady had gone to waste.

Old Lady Song nearly laughed, but it was a cold laugh, tinged with bitterness. She didn't blame the Third Lady and instead gently comforted her. "As her mother, you've done everything you can. If she won't take the right path, you can't be blamed. From now on, stay out of her matters."

With that, she instructed Nanny Huang, "Go to the Feng household. Tell them that, since it's their custom, we have no reason to oppose it. After she's stayed the full month, we'll send her off."

Holding Song Chuyi's hand, Old Lady Song struggled to calm the anger within her. "That Chen girl, so young yet full of schemes. Had the Chen family's misfortune not been enough to teach her a lesson? When they were in the Tongzhou estate, saving a dog would've been better—at least the dog would know to guard the home by now."