The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 2)

Chapter 200 - A Peaceful Day

Translator Xiaobai: Book 3 is on my page :)

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Third Lady Song returned in high spirits, walking briskly, just like how First Lady Song had a few days prior. Entering Ningde Courtyard, she greeted Old Lady Song with a smile, then glanced toward the inner room and asked, "Is Xiao Yi in there?" The grievances she had harbored for her daughter's sake were all vented upon the Shen family, delivering scorn and rebuke to her heart's content. When she saw Shen Xiaohai's face turn ashen, her own spirits finally lifted. After all, Shen Huizhi played no small role in instigating Song Chumi to seek out a sorceress.

Now Song Chumi had returned to her hometown with her mother-in-law, forced to separate from her new husband. Who knew how much hardship awaited her in the future? It pleased the Third Lady to see the Shen family suffer as well—especially since the one facing disgrace in the Shen family was the legitimate heir.

Old Lady Song squinted at her, nodding slowly. "Done venting?" She knew Third Lady had been bottling up resentment lately and that her sharp tongue could anger anyone. She had deliberately sent her over to ensure Lady He and Shen Xiaohai were thoroughly humiliated, making it clear that the Marquis of Changning's residence wasn't some weakling willing to let others smear their name. If anyone thought of trampling on them, they were gravely mistaken.

Third Lady cheerfully replied, "Yes!" and animatedly recounted the day's events at the Shen family's residence. "You should have seen the chaos—Shen Qingrang outright refused to recognize the engagement, saying he'd only marry Miss Tong over his dead body... Lady Tong nearly fainted on the spot, and the marchioness of Wuning was trembling with anger, ready to tear Shen Qingrang's mouth off."

After taking all the benefits, they wanted to shirk responsibility, pretending to brush off everything they'd done. Did they think they could drag the Song family into the mud and leave unscathed? Their intentions were despicable.

Old Lady Song mulled over the Shen family's schemes. When Old Master Song came to Ningde Courtyard that evening, she recounted everything in detail, scoffing at the Shen family with utmost disdain. "The Shen family's ancestors at least had some backbone, but this generation seems to think they can live off women. Who knows if the late Duke Ying isn't rolling over in his grave in fury!"

Eldest Master Song hadn't expected such a scandal. Lately, he'd been busy with preparations at the Ministry of Rites for the upcoming conferment of a prince from the Eastern Palace. He had come straight to pay his respects to his mother, stunned upon hearing such a brazen tale, and muttered in shock, "Ridiculous!"

He was inwardly grateful that his younger brother's foolish plans hadn't succeeded, sparing them the disgrace of throwing a fine pearl into a cesspit.

Song Jue's reaction was even stronger. Holding back only because of the elders present, he clenched his teeth and glared at his grandfather. "So are we just going to let the Shen smear Xiao Yi's reputation like this?"

Though disgraceful, the whole affair was widely known by now. However, if the Shen family sincerely went through with the marriage to Miss Tong, benefits would soon follow. The Tong family's dowry would be immense, and with the marchioness of Wuning treating Tong Shao as her own treasure, they would indulge her with all sorts of finery. As long as Shen Qingrang managed to value her properly, the Shen family could still gain much in the future, perhaps even a real post or business dealings along the border where the Marquis of Wuning held influence.

In that case, the Shen family wasn't losing out—they'd be getting a tidy little profit, even if it wasn't as grand as marrying into the Song family. But as the saying goes, "Even a fly is meat." Why should they be allowed to prosper after inconveniencing the Song family?

Old Master Song eyed him, remaining calm, and asked, "So, what do you suggest?"

Without hesitation, Song Jue replied, "Although they've closed their outside businesses, traces still remain. With some effort, we could still cause them considerable harm."

In the past, Old Master Song would have given his tacit approval, as Song Jue's actions were usually discreet, even when framing others. But circumstances had changed; any move from him might provoke the Eastern Palace to act, and that would stir up a much larger issue, nullifying all their efforts of recent days.

He shook his head. "That's unwise. If Prince Duan's name is dragged up again, His Majesty will only grow weary of it." 

Song Jue understood his grandfather's caution, though he remained indignant. "So we just let it slide?"

Old Master Song nodded without hesitation. "Let it go."

Old Lady Song's face darkened, her teacup clinking heavily against the table. Even Old Master Song felt it was too easy a concession. "If so, Xiao Yi's suffering is for nothing..."

Old Master Song laughed, "Her suffering? Who could truly make that girl suffer? Think carefully about who raised Miss Tong and her temperament. Consider, too, that although the Marquis of Wuning has lost control over Xuanfu, he still commands some troops. Though they hold military authority, it's limited. If the Shen family dares to provoke his granddaughter, they may find her far more trouble than they bargained for."

Allowing the Shen family a wealthy yet domineering bride and an in-law with limited sway but a valuable dowry was almost guaranteeing them future misery.

Old Master Song glanced around at the complex expressions in the room, then cleared his throat. "You're all worrying too much. I anticipated some fuss when the Shen family first approached the second son, though I didn't expect it so soon. This girl has probably enlisted someone's help; it seems none of you were involved, so it's likely her maternal family indulged her again..."

Song Jue, who had initially planned to send Song Chuyi a rare camellia he'd been growing to cheer her up, now felt like asking her to return the prized Drunken Yang Fei camellia in her courtyard.

This cunning little fox!