The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 2)

Chapter 192 - Venting

The next day, Song Chuyi went to the residence near the Huang Daxian Temple to check on Ma Wangkun. Zhou Weizhao brought up the recent events: "It seems you aren't affected in the slightest. Ye'er worried for nothing yesterday."

Song Chuyi had just received a letter from Ma Yongfu, indicating that their journey had been smooth and they would reach Hebei in about half a month. Setting the letter on the table, she looked up at Zhou Weizhao with mild confusion. "Worried about what?"

Qingying came in to collect the medicine they'd brought for Ma Wangkun. Noticing Qingtiao peeking mischievously around the doorway, she raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing?"

Qingtiao waved her off, initially intending to say he was checking whether his master had finally come to his senses. Instead, he scratched his head and came up with an excuse: "I wanted to hear how Sixth Miss plans to reclaim her honor."

Chen Mingyu and Shen Huiyi's repeated scheming against Song Chuyi wasn't new. This time, they had not only tried to ruin her reputation but had even dared to interfere in her marriage prospects. If Sixth Miss Song could swallow this insult, it would indeed be surprising.

Qingying paused to glance inside, uncertain of what Song Chuyi truly felt. This time, Chen Mingyu's actions were beyond infuriating. Even if Old Lady Chen offered the prominent Shen family in exchange, it still felt like her mistress was at a disadvantage. That Chen girl was ruthless, a wolf in sheep's clothing. Protected by her family, she'd continued her antics without consequence. If she wasn't taught a hard lesson, there was no telling what other outrageous schemes she might concoct in the future.

Zhou Weizhao, appearing oblivious to Qingtiao's restless eavesdropping outside, looked at Song Chuyi with a faint smile, almost as though she were a child. "Naturally, he was worried that your father might recklessly arrange your marriage, despite knowing you dislike Shen Qingrang and that Shen family is no good. If I hadn't stopped him yesterday, Ye Jingchuan might have already gone to beat Shen Qingrang to a pulp."

Compared to Ye Jingchuan's fiery outrage, Zhou Weizhao remained calm. He understood that the Song Chuyi before him was no longer the girl from her dreams who endured countless grievances and Shen Qingrang's cruelty. Now, she was clear about what she wanted—and didn't want. Someone like Shen Qingrang, with no appeal left, wasn't worth her notice, let alone capable of making her feel distressed.

Song Chuyi lowered her head slightly, her pale fingers holding a chess piece. Her nose, touched by sunlight, revealed a delicate translucence and faint downy hairs, giving her profile a tense but serene beauty. In the next moment, her face softened, and she met Zhou Weizhao's gaze with a faint smile. "To be honest, Your Highness, I wasn't entirely calm at first. When I saw that jadeite bracelet—the very token that marked my life's tragedy—I felt an overwhelming urge to kill."

She looked up directly at Zhou Weizhao, and the unwavering trust and calm in his gaze unexpectedly made her throat tighten. Her tone became tinged with emotion. "I remember vividly how I was used as a pawn by Duke Ying's household in that dream, and I remember exactly how my child and I were worn down, bit by bit, until we lost our lives. And now the Shen family dares to lead me down the same path in reality... To say I don't hate them would be a lie."

Zhou Weizhao had never asked about his own fate in her dreams. He'd always believed that people shaped their own destinies. Yielding to fate was never his way. If he had truly accepted fate, he would have died the day he was born over a decade ago.

Upon hearing Song Chuyi speak, Zhou Weizhao paused in silence before offering her some comfort: "Our fate is ours to shape, and I truly believe that people can defy destiny. In that dream, you hadn't met me. But now that you have, with me here, I won't let you walk the same path as in your dream."

Song Chuyi's serious expression softened, and a gentle smile appeared on her face.

When she smiled, her eyes lifted slightly at the corners, giving her a sly, fox-like charm that was captivating. Her bright, spirited eyes added to the allure, naturally lifting the mood of anyone watching.

"Perfect timing. I came here today to ask Your Highness for a favor."

Since the incident at the hunting grounds, Song Chuyi had developed a feeling of closeness toward him, beyond just trust. This subtle shift was so natural that even she hadn't noticed it. She found herself asking for Zhou Weizhao's help more frequently now, something that had changed gradually over time.

Zhou Weizhao's dimples deepened as he grinned widely. "I figured you wouldn't come here for no reason. Tell me, what's on your mind?"

Song Chuyi indeed had no intention of forgiving Chen Mingyu. Her suggestion to Old Lady Song to demand compensation from the Chen family was just a temporary measure. After all, although Chen Mingyu hadn't directly sought out the sorceress, it was Song Chumi's foolishness that had taken care of things for her. Even if it became public, the worst Chen Mingyu would suffer was a tarnished reputation, which the Chen family would likely repair over time, allowing her to continue her life smoothly.

But that wasn't enough. Over the years, Chen Mingyu's continual petty actions had grown tiresome, and her betrayal at the hunting grounds had been chilling. Now seeing Song Chuyi as her greatest rival, Chen Mingyu might try to orchestrate another scheme against her at any time.

As it stood, dealing with Han Zhi was already a hassle, and Consort Fan's ambiguous stance added to the tension. Song Chuyi felt like a lamb being sized up by hungry wolves. She couldn't afford to ignore the dangers looming around her.

With this in mind, she wanted to keep Chen Mingyu occupied with matters of her own, so she wouldn't have endless energy to pester her.

"Your Highness should be aware of the Chen family's intentions toward you," Song Chuyi remarked, casting him a hesitant glance. After a pause, seeing no reaction from Zhou Weizhao, she continued, "But what are your own thoughts on the Chen family?"

The Chen family was loyal to the Eastern Palace, deeply intertwined with its fortunes. They wielded considerable influence and were an invaluable ally that the Eastern Palace couldn't afford to lose.

But Song Chuyi was curious to know how Zhou Weizhao personally viewed the Chen family.

Zhou Weizhao gave a straightforward shake of his head. "The Eastern Palace certainly needs Lord Chen's support, but I have no need for a Crown Princess chosen for convenience."

With this assurance, Song Chuyi felt a sense of relief.