Old Madam Song quickly selected a date, setting the day for Song Chuyi to move to Ningde Courtyard as the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth month.

With the year’s end approaching, the Ministry of Revenue had a mountain of affairs. Military supply reports from Xibei had come in, and the household registers that were redone every ten years also needed to be re-registered and compiled. Song Chengru was so busy day after day that his feet barely touched the ground.

With great difficulty taking a rest day, he heard that Old Madam Song was directing people to arrange the small annex hall of Ningde Courtyard. He couldn’t help raising his eyebrows: “Why are you suddenly managing this kind of thing?”

Since Song Linlang, Old Madam Song had only raised Song Chuchen, and that was because she knew Song Chuchen would definitely enter the palace, so she had no choice but to rally her spirits to guide her. Now that Old Madam Song was bringing up raising Song Chuyi again, he found it somewhat strange.

Old Madam Song looked at him reproachfully: “The day before yesterday I had someone report this to you at your study. You must have not taken it to heart again.”

Song Chengru smiled: “You know how many matters I have on my hands these days. The day before yesterday I discussed matters regarding Xibei with Department Director Wu Yuanyi of the Granary Department through the entire night. I truly didn’t know about these household matters.”

Old Madam Song knew he had indeed been busy with affairs recently, so she smiled and nodded, following his words: “I see that Little Yi is very pleasant. Such a small thing, yet she has her own way of conducting herself with people. What’s rare is that she can keep her composure. I haven’t seen such an outstanding child in many years. Keeping her by my side to raise, the days will be more relaxed too.”

Previously he hadn’t heard that Song Chuyi had these advantages—causing trouble was more like it. Didn’t she just recently get into a dispute with Mi’er?

Because the family had once experienced demotion due to fighting over property, Song Chengru placed especially high importance on family conduct. Ever since learning that these two young girls had actually fought disregarding sisterly affection, he had already taken a dislike to both of them.

Now hearing Old Madam Song mention Song Chuyi’s advantages, he shook his head in disbelief: “Don’t try to fool me. I’m afraid you saw her crying and making scenes unlike before, and want to personally discipline her?”

Men mostly managed inner household affairs less. From these years of observation, he felt Li Shi was a good second wife, already good enough to the children left behind by his first wife. Only Song Chuyi had a bad temperament and was too pampered, spoiled in character.

In such a situation, as stepmother Li Shi couldn’t be harsh in managing her, so she could only appeal to Old Madam Song here, requesting she discipline her on her behalf—this was also normal.

Old Madam Song neither confirmed nor denied, instructing Nanny Huang to bring Song Chuyi up.

When Song Chuyi entered the door, Song Chengru’s gaze naturally looked toward her. Today she wore a duck-egg green lined jacket with a frost-colored pleated skirt below. Although not yet grown, her features still small, those eyes were like two black grapes held in clear water—bright and transparent. The corners of her eyes tilted slightly upward, making people forget worldly concerns upon seeing them. Her entire person appeared refined and ethereal.

She was indeed different from before—not because of clothing and adornment, but her entire temperament was different. Song Chengru saw it at a glance, and his eyes deepened somewhat.

Song Chuyi stepped forward to pay respects and perform courtesies, steady and balanced. Her movements were flowing like these past days, done comfortably and naturally.

Song Chengru was extremely strict in teaching his children. Even Consort Song before leaving the palace was always somewhat nervous before him, yet he hadn’t expected this seven-year-old little girl before him could actually keep her composure and perform courtesies methodically, her face composed and eyes firm—not like before when her eyes darted about, merely adding several parts frivolous air.

He couldn’t help truly feeling three parts satisfied. He made a sound of approval, his expression softening somewhat: “Little Six, from now on you’ll be living together with your grandmother. Your grandmother’s place is stricter than elsewhere. Can you bear it?”

Song Chuyi understood in her heart that only by passing Song Chengru’s test could she truly grasp Old Madam Song as a support. Hearing this, she nodded heavily, gazing firmly and directly at Song Chengru: “Without rules, nothing can be accomplished. Little Six will properly learn rules from Grandmother in the future.”

Old Madam Song was very satisfied, smiling as she pulled her to sit beside her.

Since occupying a high position, Song Chengru had rarely seen young juniors dare to look directly into his eyes like this.

After being slightly stunned for a moment, he knew Old Madam had truly found a treasure this time. He laughed heartily: “Then you must remember these words of yours. Your mother came from a prominent family—her rules and etiquette are all top-notch. You mustn’t fall behind!”

Old Madam Song then instructed Yushu and Yulan: “Today your Sixth Miss is moving. You go inform each branch to have the womenfolk all come to Ningde Courtyard for dinner, to celebrate for your Sixth Miss!”

Yushu and Yulan both smiled in agreement and led people out.

Only Nanny Huang and Nanny Xu remained in the room. Old Madam also found an excuse to dismiss the two of them, only then turning to face Song Chengru: “Does Master still remember the events of the year Duke Chengguo’s household was exterminated?”

Song Chengru was startled, glancing at the head-bowed Song Chuyi. His heart felt inexplicably uncertain, not understanding why Old Madam Song would bring up this matter before her. But having been husband and wife with Old Madam Song for so many years, he naturally knew what kind of person she was, so he nodded: “Of course I remember. At that time their Ninth Miss was acting mad and crazy, saying she dreamed Duke Chengguo’s household caught fire, and even made a scene before the Empress Dowager.”

The entire capital was in an uproar, all saying the Ninth Miss was possessed.

At that time, Song Chengru and Old Madam Song’s hearts were not at peace—it was already a time of great tension then, and Duke Chengguo’s entire family supported Prince Tai at the time.

Sure enough, later Prince Tai was exiled, and Duke Chengguo’s entire family perished in a sea of flames. Except for Wang Jinsi, whom the Empress Dowager protected, not a single person from Duke Chengguo’s family remained.

“Little Yi has also been having dreams frequently recently.” Old Madam Song spoke, her voice gradually lowering: “The omens are not very good. I’m somewhat uneasy. Since you have time today, let’s deliberate together.”

Song Chengru’s expression didn’t change much, but the atmosphere in the room instantly turned cold, so quiet that even breathing could be heard.

Song Chuyi knew Song Chengru probably already suspected she was playing tricks with gods and ghosts. If she didn’t explain the reasoning, all previous efforts would be wasted.

She took a deep breath, lowered her brows and eyes demurely, and knelt before Song Chengru, repeating once more what she had said before Old Madam.

Only the emphasis was different.

When speaking with Old Madam, the emphasis was on the unhappy marriage with Shen Qingrang, speaking of the suffering she would endure in the future. This was to first plant in Old Madam’s heart a bit of suspicion toward Li Shi.

Now before Song Chengru, she spoke more about the Song family’s future encounters.

Upon hearing her say that in her previous life Song Jue died at the hunting grounds, Song Linlang also died of illness, and the Consort in the palace died suddenly while pregnant, Song Chengru’s face was already ashen.

This absolutely couldn’t be something Song Chuyi fabricated! Song Chengru knew clearly in his heart that a little girl absolutely couldn’t have the ability to fabricate such words.