The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 2)

Chapter 183 - Smashing the Foot

Chen Mingyu walked as her maid, Chui Xue, removed her thin white cloak embroidered with orchids, revealing an elegant long robe adorned with lotus leaves and a white skirt tied beneath. Her face was full of impatience.

"Well? Is she here?" She leaned on the soft couch in the elegant pavilion, resting her chin in her hand with a trace of annoyance. "The agreed time has passed, so why hasn't Fourth Miss Song arrived yet? If she delays any longer, someone from her family might come looking."

Her acquaintance with Song Chumi had been entirely by chance. This Fourth Miss Song, unlike the usual shrewd members of the Song family, was somewhat naive. With only a bit of playful coaxing during a prayer session, she foolishly agreed to a request—not an ordinary one, but one involving the pending appointment in Yangzhou. Chen Mingyu knew well Old Master Song's stance. Back at home, Grand Secretary Chen had privately cursed Song Chengru as a crafty old fox numerous times over this, clearly seeing it as an opportunity to press ahead and claim this "juicy position" for the Crown Prince's faction. Yet, Old Master Song had suddenly "fallen ill" and taken an extended leave. Grand Secretary Chen had sneered, saying this was clearly an attempt by the old fox to distance himself from the Crown Prince's faction and resume his position as a neutral elder marquis. With Prince Duan's matter resolved, he clearly feared being entangled in the struggle for imperial power, hoping to keep the Marquis of Changning's household free from involvement.

While Old Master Song eagerly avoided the political storm surrounding the Yangzhou official appointments, Song Chumi recklessly agreed to such a matter without a second thought, proving she was both foolish and unloved in the Song family. Otherwise, she wouldn't be unaware of her family's intentions and act against them.

Chen Mingyu didn't mind her foolishness, though, because a fool could be easily manipulated, and a foolish person with harmful intent could succeed where a clever one might not. It took her little effort to establish rapport with this former Fourth Miss Song, now the newlywed Mistress Feng, and the two got along splendidly. As young women do, they inevitably brought up their sisters at home, and Chen Mingyu casually praised Sixth Miss Song, "She's not only beautiful but also favored by the palace's Noble Consort Song. Even Princess Duanhui protects her, and when she won a horse race against the princess, even the Ninth Princess didn't get angry for once."

At that, Song Chumi angrily shattered the cup in her hand, struggling to contain herself.

Chen Mingyu instantly confirmed her suspicion—this Fourth Miss Song was indeed unloved within her family. Her marriage to a mere scholar was evidence enough; it was clearly a step down. For someone of her status to marry so humbly while her sisters had better prospects was naturally difficult to accept. Song Chumi clearly felt humiliated.

Everything after that fell into place naturally. Chen Mingyu hardly needed to press the matter, only making a few more comments on the topic to draw out Song Chumi's true thoughts: "What's so great about her? No matter how silver-tongued she is, she's still cursed to a life of bad luck. With her fate, she'll never end well!"

This was also why Chen Mingyu had come to the temple with her mother-in-law. Seeing someone once beloved fall from grace brought her great joy, regardless of whether the person was Song Chuyi. Even better that it was indeed Song Chuyi, who had once been so favored yet had harmed her.

Chen Mingyu smiled warmly, gently steering the conversation. "Fourth Sister, you're being a bit harsh. I heard that at the hunting ground, Princess Duanhui was already planning to have Master Zhang come to re-evaluate Sixth Miss Song's fate. If he deems it auspicious, any previous misfortune could turn into a blessing. So, matters like this won't really affect Sixth Miss Song's marriage prospects, will they?"

Song Chumi's eyes turned red with anger, and as tears slid down her lashes, she grasped Chen Mingyu's hand, pleading, "Chen Sister! Help me with this!"

Just as expected, a fool who received a few sympathetic words would take you as a confidant. Such people were ideal tools to be wielded.

At that moment, the door creaked open, and a flash of green clothing slipped in. Chen Mingyu's other maid, Rushuang, entered with her head lowered, announcing, "Fourth Miss has arrived."

Chen Mingyu's train of thought was interrupted, and a sense of satisfaction surged within her. From beginning to end, she had said nothing explicit, offering no suggestions to Song Chumi. Even during their meeting at Chongyin Hall, she had advised caution, urging Song Chumi to think carefully. Yet, step by step, Song Chumi had walked straight into her trap, becoming so fixated on harming Song Chuyi that she'd lost all rationality.

She glanced at Rushuang, frowning at her trembling form. "Since she's here, bring her in, no?"

Rushuang's face was pale, her forehead damp with sweat, and she fell to her knees, trembling. "It's not just Fourth Miss who came..."

Before she could finish, a slightly aged but firm voice called from outside, "I'm here as well!"

Chen Mingyu turned in shock to see Old Lady Song entering the room, supported by Xiang Mingzi and Song Chuyi, with Song Chumi trailing behind, head down and silent.

That idiot! Chen Mingyu's heart sank. Clearly, something had gone wrong, and after a moment of panic, she forced herself to calm down, donning a gentle smile. "Ah, Old Lady Song... your grand-niece greets you."

With a warm smile of satisfaction, she looked at Song Chumi, quickly taking the initiative and speaking in a rapid, seemingly caring tone. "So Fourth Sister has had a heart-to-heart with her elders? That's wonderful! After all, there are no grudges that sisters cannot resolve. I did try to advise her not to do anything impulsive that would hurt others, and thankfully, she heeded my words and avoided making a huge mistake."

After all, it was Song Chumi who had purchased the medicine from a shop Chen Mingyu had merely mentioned. She hadn't directly participated. Even if the Song family sought to place blame, they couldn't accuse her of any wrongdoing. Besides, the true culprit in this situation was Song Chumi herself. If the family pressed charges, it would only harm their own reputation. Sisters turning against each other, with one sister attempting to harm the other—such rumors would bring nothing but disgrace to the Marquis of Changning. The recent uproar over Song Chuyi's fate had already been scandalous enough.