The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 2)

Chapter 188 - Marriage Proposal

Bilian had not expected such a strong reaction from Song Chuyi and was so startled that she took two steps back, clutching the lacquered box in her hands with unease. The box was clearly luxurious, and its contents were obviously valuable, yet her young mistress reacted as though she'd seen a monster. Bilian had never seen Song Chuyi lose her composure like this, and she glanced nervously at Qingying and Ziyun for guidance.

Ziyun, also shocked by Song Chuyi's reaction, quickly composed herself. She supported Song Chuyi, helping her sit down, and turned back to Bilian, asking sharply, "Who sent this? How dare they deliver something like this to our young lady without understanding its implications!"

Anything related to Duke Ying's household was always unwelcome in Song Chuyi's quarters; those who served her knew this well. Bilian, who initially thought she could earn some favor by delivering items from Song Yi, had recently become more cautious. She blushed, nearly in tears, and lowered her head. "It... it was sent by Second Master. He said it was a gift specifically from the Duke's household for you." She assumed that, with such a precious item, Song Chuyi would be pleased, especially since the Second Master hinted that it carried a certain implication. That was the only reason she accepted it—and the fact that the messenger was Lin Hai's steward made it difficult to refuse.

Song Chuyi's face grew even paler. For the Duke's household to send such a family heirloom could only mean one thing. After the situations with Shen Huiyi and Chen Mingyu, they were now taking this direct approach!

Her face drained of color, and her normally beautiful eyes showed a rare glint of fury. She abruptly stood up. "To Ningde Courtyard!"

Ningde Courtyard was brightly lit, with a line of lanterns glowing under the eaves. It was already early May, and the hanging begonias outside the hall were in full bloom, with lush green Ligustrum shrubs forming a thick, carpet-like border along the courtyard walls. In the warm lantern light, the hibiscus flowers had a strange, vivid beauty.

Song Chuyi had no mind to appreciate any of it. She entered the room, seated herself silently beside Old Lady Song, her hands trembling slightly.

Noticing something was amiss, Old Lady Song took her hand and felt its alarming coldness. Surprised, she asked, "What's happened?" Turning to Yushu, she added, "Go find out who accompanied her. Why is she so shaken after just a quick trip? Could she have encountered some misfortune?"

Holding Old Lady Song's hand, Song Chuyi's lips quivered as she began to cry, resting her head on her grandmother's shoulder. "Father sent me something."

What could possibly provoke such anger? Startled and concerned, Old Lady Song signaled to Yushu, who stepped outside to call in Ziyun and Qingtang.

Qingtang entered, carrying a lacquered box adorned with a dragon and phoenix motif, symbolizing auspiciousness in marriage.

Old Lady Song's eyelids twitched even before she saw the item inside. She knew all too well what the design implied and immediately instructed Yushu in a severe tone, "Open it for me; I want to see what's inside."

Song Yi must have done something foolish again! Not only was it unlikely they would have the final say in Song Chuyi's marriage, but even if they could, it wasn't his place to privately accept an engagement token. Her grandparents were still alive—how could he receive something like this without consulting them first?

When Yushu unlatched the box, the jadeite bracelet, an heirloom of the Duke's household, came into view. Old Lady Song's eyes narrowed, and a flicker of anger crossed her face. She slapped the table beside her, almost fainting, and called out, "Go! Bring Second Master here immediately!"

Just then, the First Lady entered to discuss the menu for the upcoming farewell banquet with Old Lady Song. Noticing the tense atmosphere, she glanced at Song Chuyi, surprised to see her crying. Had something serious happened?

Old Lady Song took the menu and glanced over it briefly. It included grand dishes like white jade pork trotters, duck with rice wine, honey-braised duck, as well as desserts like creamy pine nut rolls and jade bean cakes. With little interest, she nodded and handed the list back to First Lady. Sighing, she turned to console Song Chuyi. "Don't worry about this matter. I won't allow you to be wronged. It's partly my fault for being too lenient with your father and the Shen family, letting them think they could meddle in the affairs of our daughters. Go to the inner room; I'll have your cousin come and keep you company."

Old Lady Song understood what Duke Ying's proposal signified for Song Chuyi—practically condemning her to the same misfortune as before. Already distressed by the rumors surrounding her unfortunate destiny, Old Lady Song couldn't believe Song Yi would thoughtlessly propose marriage to the Duke's household, as though deliberately trying to reaffirm her ill-fated horoscope.

Once Song Chuyi retreated to the inner room, First Lady cautiously asked, "What happened to Xiao Yi?"

Old Lady Song cast a glance at the uncovered lacquer box and scoffed. "Some people are determined to bring us nothing but frustration!"

First Lady looked inside, spotting the jadeite bracelet, and her eyes widened in surprise. "Did Second Master accept this on Xiao Yi's behalf?"

Setting aside Song Chuyi's willingness to marry into the Duke's household, or whether Old Master Song and Old Lady Song had other plans for her marriage, this couldn't have come at a worse time. The palace's intentions behind the lavish rewards were still unclear. If the Song family immediately agreed to this marriage, what would the palace think? How would the Eastern Palace interpret this? They would likely see it as a blatant act of defiance, a willful disregard for the Empress and the Crown Prince, as though the Song family was determined to sever ties with them. What was Second Master thinking? How could he agree to a marriage proposal from the Duke's household at a time like this?

Old Lady Song looked unhappy and sighed softly.