The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 2)

Chapter 184 - Protecting the Shortcomings

Old Lady Song felt a bit sentimental—sure enough, each generation replaced the one before it. These young ones could adapt their words and behavior to different people with ease, far more adept at maneuvering than her generation ever was. They could probably even talk the dead back to life.

Compared to these types, Song Chumi was clearly lacking; no wonder she had been used as a tool. With a half-smiling expression, Old Lady Song glanced at Song Chumi, who had just raised her head after letting it droop.

Song Chumi stiffened, feeling a mixture of resentment, fear, and grievance. Just before coming here, Third Master had slapped her hard—it was the first time she'd been struck since she was a child. His own eyes had reddened, his finger shaking as he pointed at her. "How did I end up with such a foolish daughter? All that your mother and I advised you before your marriage went in one ear and out the other. You had a good life ahead, yet you insisted on harming others! How can you be so stupid?"

When Song Chumi heard that he planned to call someone from the Feng family, she panicked. She didn't actually hate the Feng family or Scholar Feng. It was only after marriage that she realized how upright and respectable the Feng family was. Scholar Feng, though young, was perceptive and considerate... But if the Feng family found out about her actions at her parents' home...

Song Chumi closed her eyes, still unable to face the full consequences of her actions. Pointing weakly at Chen Mingyu, she said, "I... I only thought of drugging her because I listened to what you said..."

She wasn't entirely wrong. Chen Mingyu had indeed guided her with subtle words, teaching her step-by-step how to proceed.

But Chen Mingyu sneered, her voice full of authority as she pointed at Song Chumi, exuding an imposing aura. "Fourth Sister, be careful with your words! What do you mean by 'listened to what I said'? Are you saying I'm the villain here? I wasn't the only one there that day; everyone else also heard our conversation. Did I say even one word encouraging you to harm someone? Why are you trying to blame me for no reason?"

Song Chumi, no match for her, stumbled back a few steps before steadying herself, lowering her head under Third Lady Song's disappointed gaze. With a hint of reluctant defiance, she murmured, "But if it weren't for you telling me where to buy the medicine and find the healer, I wouldn't have..."

"Miss Chen, don't be in such a hurry to wash your hands of this." The third Lady, barely containing her frustration, glanced at her foolish daughter before turning to Chen Mingyu, eyes blazing. "We all remember well what happened with the Shen family. We know exactly what kind of person Miss Chen is. Your skills are impressive, but I didn't realize you could spin a tale so well, making black seem white..."

Chen Mingyu listened without flinching, smiling faintly with an air of cold detachment. "Third Lady Song, I'm afraid I don't quite understand. What about the Shen family? I don't recall doing anything there. As for what kind of person I am, I know myself best..."

Old Lady Song, unwilling to play along with these veiled words, signaled Yushu, who stepped forward and quietly reported, "Rest assured, Old Lady. We sent someone to deliver a message to the Chen family as soon as we left, so Old Lady Chen should be arriving shortly."

Chen Mingyu's calm facade faltered as panic flared in her eyes. She struggled to maintain her composure, her brow furrowing. "What have I done that requires disturbing my grandmother?"

"Whether you've done something or not, we'll soon see when your grandmother arrives." Old Lady Song gave her a meaningful smile. "There may be some things you don't want to hear, Miss Chen, but I still have to say it. You're still too inexperienced. When you can't cover all your tracks, it's best to put away those harmful schemes—otherwise, you'll end up hurting yourself."

Chen Mingyu shot a sharp look at Song Chuyi, furious that her private connection with Song Chumi had somehow come to light. Could Song Chumi have been caught and forced to reveal her involvement? A heavy weight pressed on her chest, and she quickly considered how she would explain everything to her grandmother.

But it seemed someone had already done that for her, as Old Lady Chen soon arrived. She cast a cold glance at Chen Mingyu before turning to Old Lady Song. "I've been briefed on the matter. Old Sister, how would you like to proceed?"

Chen Mingyu shifted uncomfortably under her grandmother's gaze, her eyes welling up, recalling the scolding she had received after the Shen family incident. She managed to hold back tears, maintaining her composure as she greeted, "Grandmother..."

Old Lady Chen ignored her and raised a hand to silence her before she could speak further. During the carriage ride over, someone had informed her of the healer Chen Mingyu had prearranged. This healer was a familiar presence in the Chen household's back quarters and had a reputation among the noble ladies in the capital.

With the healer's name already revealed, though she hadn't been directly brought forward, Old Lady Chen wasn't a fool and knew it was useless to deny everything.

Old Lady Song, appreciating Old Lady Chen's straightforward nature, glanced at Chen Mingyu and said, "I won't say much. I'll listen to what you think, Sister. However you choose to handle it, I'll agree."

Old Lady Chen understood the implication. Old Lady Song was clearly displeased with Chen Mingyu's immaturity and the many loose ends she had left behind, but she also couldn't ignore the issue completely. After a moment's thought, she replied, "Old Sister, I don't mean to shield my granddaughter. However, if this matter becomes public, neither of our families will benefit. After all, it was your granddaughter who initiated things, while mine only played a supporting role. Would you agree?"

Old Lady Song stopped Third Lady Song from speaking out of turn and nodded slightly, her expression unreadable.

Old Lady Chen paused for a moment, understanding that, unlike the easily misled First Lady Song at the Shen residence, Old Lady Song wasn't someone who would let go without exacting a price. If she were to forgive Chen Mingyu, there would certainly be a cost.

The negotiation had to be fair, satisfying both sides, and Old Lady Chen knew that her family would have to pay to make amends. After some thought, she handed the conversation back to Old Lady Song, saying, "Since that's how you feel, Old Sister, perhaps you could suggest how we should handle it. However you see fit, we'll proceed accordingly."