The Battle of the Noble Ladies (Book 3)

Chapter 45 - Tracks

Song Chuyi didn't know about the complicated relationship between the Marquis of Jinxiang's household and Consort Fan's branch in the Eastern Palace. In her previous life, though she lived quite long, she spent the first half flaunting her status and clinging to Shen Qingrang. The second half of her life, her prestige faded, and she was confined like a prisoner to the back courtyard of the Duke's mansion. Much of what she learned came from Song Chuning's frequent displays of superiority.

She only knew that later Zhou Weiqi was granted the title of Prince of Linjiang, and Consort Fan went to enjoy the prosperity of his fief. Han Zhi, it seemed, eventually joined the Jinyiwei and became Prince Duan's right-hand man. But these were just hazy impressions, fragments of memory—she didn't know much more.

So when Zhang Run sent a letter asking to meet her through Ma Wangkun, she was slightly surprised and instinctively ordered Luo Gui to have Ma Jiang and his men go to Tongzhou to confirm if the letter was indeed from Zhang Run. She was still resentful of Han Zhi's sudden raid on Chongyin tavern, unsure if he'd discovered something or if he'd simply followed Zhang Run out of personal concern. Either way, caution seemed wise.

As Qingying helped her with her makeup, she reminded her, "Did you forget? You sent Ma Jiang to follow the Fourth Young Master. Shall I call Ma Jiang back and have Ma San follow the Fourth Young Master instead?"

Though Song Yan had claimed he was meeting with classmates, he wasn't being truthful. The friends he mentioned were often seen at teahouses and theaters, yet Ma Jiang, following him for several days, hadn't seen any sign of him.

Song Yan had never been one to lie, especially not to her. Song Chuyi couldn't shake her concern. She'd tried probing him gently, but he avoided the truth. Not wanting to scold him before fully understanding the situation, she instructed someone to follow him to see where he was going.

Just then, Luyi hurried in, smiling as she announced the arrival of Yusheng. She added, "I took a quick trip to Chuzhou Hall but didn't see the Fourth Young Master. It turns out he went out to meet friends again. Sister Yushu mentioned he might be back by evening, so he won't be able to join you and Miss Cousin for your visit to the Shen family."

Today, Lady Shen was hosting a flower gathering at the Shen family's city residence. Grandmother Song, eager to secure the match between the Eleventh Princess and the Second Young Master of the Shen family, decided to bring both Song Chuyi and Xiang Mingzi herself. It was also an opportunity for Xiang Mingzi to become acquainted with the ladies in the capital and build a good reputation.

Originally, they'd hoped to take Song Yan along. The Shen sons were all known for their refined and virtuous manners—it would be good for Song Yan to bond with them. But now it seemed he'd gone off somewhere else again. Before Song Chuyi could ask further, Yusheng had entered, smiling as she spoke, "Miss, our lady is all set and sent me to ask what outfit you're wearing so she can coordinate."

Xiang Mingzi disliked standing out, and each time she went out, she would send someone to check on Song Chuyi's attire. Before Song Chuyi could respond, Qingying smiled and answered, "Our lady is wearing the sky-blue outfit with a red cloak embroidered with ink-styled flowers. As for jewelry, tell Miss Cousin to wear whatever she likes. Our lady isn't one for heavy accessories."

After Yusheng left with a smile, Song Chuyi finally stood up, a bit agitated, and asked Qingying, "Hasn't there been any word from Ma Jiang yet?"

What could be so pressing for Song Yan that he'd have to keep it hidden from even her, going out every day like this? Even First Lady Cui had recently complained about not seeing him, saying that they couldn't even find him to invite him over for dinner.

Qingying knew that Song Chuyi had been worried about Song Yan lately, so she quickly shook her head and said, "Nothing yet. I haven't heard a thing in the past few days. But Ma Jiang is usually reliable. Maybe he just hasn't figured out what exactly the Fourth Young Master is up to yet..."

As they spoke, Qingying finished helping Song Chuyi get ready. She slipped on a pair of soft leather boots, then went to Ningde Hall to pay her respects to Old Lady Song.

Old Lady Song, who had been discussing Song Yan's absences with Yushu, couldn't resist voicing her frustration as soon as she saw Song Chuyi. "This lack of structure really isn't acceptable. Although boys shouldn't be cooped up at home, running around like this without being accountable is unseemly. We'll need to have a serious talk with him when he comes home tonight."

Song Chuyi felt a bit irritated with Song Yan herself, frustrated at his lack of boundaries. But since Old Lady Song was already angry, she didn't add fuel to the fire. Instead, she smiled and held her grandmother's arm, saying, "In that case, I, as a girl, am also running around quite freely, yet you don't worry about me. Don't worry, Grandmother. I'll look after my little brother and make sure he doesn't get into trouble."

Old Lady Song, helpless as ever in front of her, sighed and shook her head. "I just fear he'll be misled or make poor friends and end up being taken advantage of. Look at Duke Ying's family—didn't the Tong family take advantage of them? Now their household is in turmoil. I know you care for him, but even affection needs limits. In a family like ours, maintaining a good reputation and proper conduct is what's most important."

Song Chuyi grew even more concerned, but she didn't let it show. She agreed cheerfully, walking out with Old Lady Song on either side of her

Their visit turned out to be fruitful. Lady Shen and First Lady Cui were old friends, and the Shen and Cui families had some history together. With the Princess of Zhennan and Lady Li facilitating things, lunch ended on a warm, friendly note. Lady Shen was impressed by the Song girls' manners and, having seen the Eleventh Princess herself at the palace banquet, seemed close to consenting. She subtly hinted as much.

Old Lady Song, feeling as though a weight had been lifted, returned home feeling content, having forgotten about Song Yan.

Song Chuyi, however, hadn't forgotten. Once back at Guanju Courtyard, she asked Ziyun, "Has the Fourth Young Master returned to Chuzhou Pavillion yet?"

Ziyun shook her head, her face betraying a hint of worry. "Luyi just went to check again. Sister Yushu said he still hasn't returned."

Song Yan had been coming home later and later each day, often missing dinner entirely.

Song Chuyi, growing uneasy, propped her chin on one hand as she sat by the southern window. Although the room was warm like a spring day, her heart sank to the pit of her stomach.

Luyi and the others carefully brought in hot water to help her wash her face and change into more comfortable clothes. Sensing her worry, they softly reassured her, "Miss, please don't worry yourself too much. The Fourth Young Master is not a thoughtless child."

But calming herself wasn't as easy as they suggested. She closed her eyes with a sigh, only to hear Qingying hurriedly come in and kneel beside her, saying quietly, "Miss, Luo Gui sent word just now. He's gone to confirm, and it's indeed Young Master Zhang who personally sent the message, requesting to meet with you."