The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 2)

Chapter 194 - Interception

On returning to the residence, Song Chuyi heard that Song Yi had fallen ill. Apparently, he had sat all night in the western garden, exposed to the cold wind, and returned to his chambers unable to get up from bed. First Lady, while busy arranging for a physician, was quietly relieved. An illness at this time could prevent him from creating more trouble.

With two family members suddenly "sick," those who often came to curry favor and glean information were forced to hold back, especially with rumors that Fourth Miss Song would soon be traveling to her mother-in-law's home in the countryside. The more prudent among them decided not to send invitations or make inquiries at the Song household.

Yet, the Song family did not lack attention from high places. The Emperor, showing a particular fondness for Old Master Song, sent the chief imperial physician, Physician Sun, to check on him, accompanied by generous gifts of ginseng. The Eastern Palace had also sent additional rewards.

Old Master Song, pleased but concerned, was both reassured and troubled. While he was grateful that the Emperor trusted him, acknowledging his loyalty, the increasingly frequent gestures from the Eastern Palace worried him. They clearly had no intention of letting him, a critical ally, slip away.

The recent double gesture from the Empress and Consort Fan, bestowing lavish rewards, served as a wake-up call. Sitting across from Old Lady Song, he gazed at the silver candle screen on the table in deep thought before asking her, "If we truly cannot avoid this... whom do you think would be better, the Crown Prince's heir or the new Prince of the Commandery?"

The Crown Prince had formally petitioned the Emperor to bestow the title of Prince of the Commandery upon Zhou Weiqi. With the memorial already with the Cabinet, First Minister Chang had privately hinted that approval was nearly certain. The Ministry of Rites was rumored to have even begun preparing the prince's official credentials. The Emperor had always shown affection for Zhou Weiqi, and while it wasn't as much as for Zhou Weizhao, it was still significant. The Crown Prince's preference for Zhou Weiqi was evident—he had followed his and Consort Fan's advice even on significant matters, such as the Yangzhou affair.

Old Lady Song was so startled by his question that her hand trembled, causing her tea to clink as she set it back on the table. She hesitated. "It can't be that serious, can it?"

Could the Eastern Palace truly be this desperate to bind the Song family? The Eastern Palace's own situation was still uncertain... The competition between the Crown Prince's two sons remained unresolved, and if the Song family placed its bet now...

Old Master Song sighed heavily, his voice laced with a bitter chuckle. "Not that serious? If it weren't, the Empress wouldn't have allowed the Eastern Palace to add its gifts. It only stands to reason—our Sixth Miss's standing is significant enough to make people covet.

Indeed, it wasn't only the Marquis of Changning's estate but also the Boling Cui family. Cui Shaoting held command of the northwest military forces, and Cui Yingshu was both the Emperor's favored son-in-law and Deputy Minister of Works. Their influence was at its peak. If not for this, Duke Ying's Shen Xiaohai wouldn't have had the audacity to contend with the Eastern Palace over her.

Old Lady Song felt uneasy. If Song Chuyi were content to be a mere pawn, she wouldn't be struggling so hard. All she wanted was a peaceful life. Yet her family connections—the Song estate and the Cui family—had become burdens that everyone sought to exploit.

Seeing her worry, Old Master Song grasped her hand reassuringly. "Our descendants will have their own blessings. I will do all I can to lighten Xiao Yi's load. If it's within my power, I'll let her live as she wishes." To marry someone she truly cared for, without being ensnared by a wolf in sheep's clothing, living a lonely life of betrayal as in her dream.

Old Master Song spoke earnestly, "She's a good child. She didn't have to look after us or her brother, but she did. Without her, we wouldn't have made it this far."

Old Lady Song nodded, agreeing. "I've thought the same. This child has never once been a cause for worry." She paused, her gaze fixed on Old Master Song as she continued, "I've had an idea, though I'm unsure whether to share it."

"We've been married so many years. What could you not tell me?" Old Master Song sipped his tea, meeting her gaze calmly.

"When Yan'er returns, I thought it might be wise to have Xiao Yi accompany him back to Jinzhong," Old Lady Song said in one breath. "With the vultures circling, eager to swallow her whole, it's better to let her lie low for now. That Chen girl sees Xiao Yi as an obstacle, and no one else seems to see her schemes as clearly as I do. The Crown Princess and Consort Fan might also find excuses to summon Xiao Yi to the palace regularly, and if something does happen, we may not have time to intervene. Better she go and check on her maternal family as an excuse to get away from all this."

There was another reason she didn't mention. Song Chuyi's so-called "fated misfortune" was a latent danger, and if the Cui family could find the wandering sage rumored to lift such curses, it would make her path easier. Even if she had no choice but to marry one of the two sons in the Eastern Palace, things would go more smoothly.

Old Master Song agreed readily, hardly hesitating before he nodded. "That's perfectly reasonable. Xiao Yi has yet to meet her maternal grandmother; it's indeed time for a visit to Jinzhong. Once Yan'er returns, we can pick a suitable time."

As they were talking, Yushu called from behind the screen, announcing an imperial messenger. Exchanging looks of surprise, they wondered if the Eastern Palace had sent another gift.

But this time, it wasn't from the Eastern Palace. It was Zhuying, a trusted attendant of Noble Consort Song. Old Lady Song, smiling warmly, invited her in with gracious hospitality, offering tea before inquiring, "It's nearly the fifteenth; could the Noble Consort have a matter of importance?"

Otherwise, why would she send a message so urgently?

Zhuying nodded, habitually lowering her voice. "To tell the truth, Old Lady, the Noble Consort is hoping you might have some news to share. She's wondering if there might already be an understanding between the Shen family and Noble Consort Xian. At a banquet today, Her Majesty hinted that Ninth Princess may have taken a liking to the young master of the Shen family..."

The news seemed to have spread like wildfire. Old Lady Chen had mentioned that the Shen family only hinted at it to her family, meaning the only other person who knew should be Old Lady Chen herself. And yet, the Ninth Princess had supposedly taken an interest in the Shen family? But the Shen family hadn't even arrived in the capital yet...

It seemed someone was attempting to intercept.