The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 2)

Chapter 185 - Rewards

Sure enough, she had eaten more years' worth of rice than Chen Mingyu by who knows how much. Her actions were indeed more thorough and considerate than Chen Mingyu's. With a gentle and kind expression, Old Lady Song glanced at Chen Mingyu, who was biting her lip hard, and calmly said, "Naturally, things should proceed as they ought to. Just now, Sister suggested not making a big fuss, and I thought it made sense. But then, I thought again—if we don't make a big deal of it, who knows when Miss Chen might get another whim and pull something like this again. Our Changning Marquis Manor truly cannot afford such things."

This matter was destined to be no small affair. Meddling in another family's household matters, stirring up discord between sisters, and even going outside to consult a sorceress—if word of this spreads, Chen Mingyu's future would be utterly ruined. Dreaming of becoming the Crown Princess? She might find it harder to marry than Song Chuyi, who was said to have an unlucky fate. At that time, the entire Chen family would undoubtedly be affected. Right now, Lord Chen was basking in favor, but if the Censor were to submit a report condemning his family's improper conduct, it would be a complete disaster.

Old Lady Chen silently cursed at her for overstepping bounds, yet she could not show a hint of dissatisfaction or anger on her face. She lowered her voice, restraining her tone and temper: "After all, we are officials in the same court, and our families have been through thick and thin together... Couldn't you, dear elder sister, overlook this matter out of respect for our past friendship?"

She knew that Fourth Miss Song held little weight in Old Lady Song's eyes, so she mentioned Song Chuyi: "Elder Sister is a wise person. You must realize that if this matter is blown up, both the Fourth Miss of your family and my Mingyu would be ruined. But would the reputation of Sixth Miss, whom you're using this strategy against, not also be tarnished? Why pursue a course that harms both sides so senselessly?"

Old Lady Song did not bother to speak in circles. Her tone was as casual as if discussing the pleasant weather: "Sister is right; after all, we serve in the same court, and it would not look good for either family if this gets out. But if we let this matter slide too easily, Miss Chen's courage will likely grow. Last time, at the Shen family, Sister had offered up Master Tang as a cover-up for Miss Chen. What kind of bargaining chip do you plan to offer this time?"

The attempt at playing the friendship card had failed. Old Lady Song had only waited until now for this critical question. Old Lady Chen was exasperated. Tang Mingzhao was already a major figure, one she could no longer bring forth an equivalent of.

But she also knew that this matter would not be easily swept under the rug by Old Lady Song. After much consideration, she reluctantly spoke softly to Old Lady Song, bringing up her conditions: "I naturally cannot find another figure like Tang Mingzhao. However, I've heard that Noble Consort Song has been worrying about a marriage alliance for the Eleventh Princess?"

Ever since the incident with the envoy from the East, Noble Consort Song's worries for the future of the Eleventh Princess had intensified—princesses sent off in marriage alliances rarely had a good fate, and finding a suitable prince consort within the court was no easy task. If one day another foreign nation were to request a marriage alliance, the Eleventh Princess might end up having to marry far away from home—not to the East, perhaps, but maybe to Goryeo...

The Ninth Princess had fallen gravely ill, and in just a few short days, several waves of imperial physicians had been called to her side. They all said her illness was due to excessive fright, and everyone understood well what had terrified her so.

After all, Noble Consort Xian had a longstanding relationship with Emperor Jianzhang, having endured the hardships imposed by Empress Dowager Rongxian at his side for many years. The emperor, being soft-hearted, couldn't help but treat her gently—if not out of sentiment, then for the sake of Prince Lu and the Ninth Princess. Besides, as a secluded consort in the inner palace, there was no evidence implicating her in Prince Duan's crimes.

Given this, Noble Consort Song's enemies in the palace were still watching her every move. No wonder she was worried day and night.

A thought occurred to Old Lady Song, as if she had guessed what trump card Old Lady Chen was about to reveal. Her face softened into a gentle smile: "I wonder, what insight might you have, dear sister?"

Old Lady Chen's expression remained stern, and her tone was flat, as if everyone before her, including Old Lady Song, were nothing but wooden cabbages. "What insight could an old woman like me have? I only heard that the eldest legitimate second son of the Shen family in Shangqiu has not yet wed, and First Lady Shen happened to seek me out for assistance."

The Shen family of Shangqiu—Shen Yang's family and Guo Huaiying's in-laws!

Recalling Guo Yantang's distinguished character and conduct, Old Lady Song felt secretly pleased, though she maintained a neutral expression. "If that's the case, then our families should engage with each other more frequently in the future. I'll rely on you to keep this matter in mind, dear sister."

Offering such a significant benefit at once, and aligning the Song family with such a good marriage—the Shen family was currently being considered by His Majesty for important tasks in Yangzhou. This time, instead of hurting others, Chen Mingyu had unwittingly aided the Song family in rising further. Old Lady Chen felt a bitter sting in her eyes and a pounding headache. She gestured to Old Lady Song and asked, "Now, may I take her with me?"

The monk may escape, but the temple remains—the Song family had already thoroughly investigated the background of the sorceress. With a slight smile, Old Lady Song replied, "Of course. Please, take your leave; we'll also make our way back."

Third Lady Song was dumbfounded by Old Lady Song's maneuvering, never expecting a fierce battle to dissipate so quickly. Clenching her fists, her palms damp with sweat, she didn't even know where to begin her questions.

Old Lady Song glanced at her, leaning back against the headrest with a faint pain pulsing at her temples. After a while, she asked, "Is Third Son still upset?"

The Third Lady hesitantly shook her head, finding it difficult to speak up: "He said I don't know how to raise children..."

Old Lady Song sighed deeply. "This time, don't be soft-hearted. Her mother-in-law will come to take her in a few days. Use these last days to explain things to her; if she understands, fine. If not, so be it. Once a daughter marries out, whether she fares well or poorly has little to do with us."

The Third Lady felt a chill run through her, understanding that Old Lady Song was now thoroughly disillusioned. She dared not utter a single objection and quickly nodded—Third Master had already issued stern words, and she didn't dare indulge Song Chumi to plead on her behalf any longer, not with Song Yue to consider as well...

As they spoke, the carriage had passed through the second gate. Supported by Xiang Mingzi, Old Lady Song stepped down, only to see First Lady waiting with others. Raising an eyebrow, she asked, "What's going on?"

First Lady stepped forward to support Old Lady Song. "The palace sent an emissary, bestowing many gifts."

As they walked, First Lady explained, "There's an agarwood cane inlaid with pearls for you, an exquisite jade bracelet for me, and a long-life gold locket crafted within the palace for Renyi..." Noting Old Lady Song's pleased expression, she glanced at Song Chuyi and added softly, "There's also an ivory jewelry set for Mingzi..."