Old Madam Song had always been gentle with her daughters-in-law. On ordinary days, she rarely made them observe strict etiquette, and even the morning and evening greetings were waived whenever possible. In all these years, the only time Li Shi had lost face was the previous incident with Nanny Wang and Huang Yao, when Old Madam Song had scolded her thoroughly.
This time, being specifically summoned for dinner, Li Shi felt somewhat apprehensive and instinctively connected it to what Song Yi had gone to discuss that morning about Nanny Xu.
Nanny Yu followed beside her, comforting her. “Don’t be afraid. As our young lady said, the master’s words all align with his usual behavior—who could guess this was your idea? Besides, even if someone did suspect, if you don’t admit it, who can definitively say it was you? We must be resolute ourselves first.”
Yes, otherwise if she showed fear first, wouldn’t that be counterproductive? Li Shi straightened her back, tidied herself up properly, and left with Song Chuning. She hadn’t wanted to bring her daughter along, fearing that if Old Madam Song truly was going to scold her over this matter, it would embarrass her in front of her daughter.
Moreover, Song Chuning’s feelings toward Old Madam Song and the others were frighteningly indifferent. Li Shi wanted her daughter to be closer to the grandmother who held real power, so naturally didn’t wish to deepen the divide between them.
However, Song Chuning insisted on going. She wasn’t nervous at all. She tugged on Li Shi’s hand and swung it about. Seeing her mother frowning as if facing a great enemy, she couldn’t help smiling. “Mother, don’t act as though you’re heading to the execution ground. Father is about to take up his external appointment. Grandmother probably just wants to instruct you to take good care of Father and such matters.”
Memories from her dreams surged through her mind in waves. She was already thoroughly familiar with what would happen next and wasn’t afraid at all.
She even felt somewhat melancholic. Though some minor details differed from the events in her dreams, the general trajectory and outline remained unchanged.
For a person to experience nearly two identical lifetimes was truly too tedious. She let out a mature sigh, but then became excited again.
Admittedly, living the same life as in her dreams was somewhat boring, but watching others stumble in the same places twice, suffer misfortune twice, or even repeat the tragedies from her dreams for their entire lives—that held considerable amusement.
Her large almond-shaped eyes sparkled with cunning as she thought of the miserable scenes that awaited this Sixth Sister who ingratiated herself before Grandmother. She let out a genuine laugh.
The Song estate at night was exceptionally beautiful. The long corridor was hung full of lanterns—a sea of lights stretching as far as the eye could see, bordered by fragrant flowers and trees that brought delight.
With her daughter making such a fuss, Li Shi’s heart also settled considerably. Smiling, she pulled her nearly-stumbling daughter back and gently chided, “Why are you running so fast? Be careful of encountering the night wandering spirits. Don’t walk in the middle—we mustn’t offend the night wandering spirits.”
Song Chuning shook her head dismissively.
Li Shi shook her head helplessly. Looking up, she encountered First Madam, who had also just arrived. She smiled and said, “Elder Sister-in-law arrived quite early.”
Ever since the incident with Nanny Wang and Huang Yao, First Madam had reserved some judgment regarding this virtuous and gentle Second Madam. Hearing this, she smiled faintly. “Second Sister-in-law didn’t arrive late either.”
Song Chuning properly and obediently stepped forward to greet First Madam, sweetly taking hold of First Madam’s hand.
The young ladies from the second household truly knew how to win people’s affections, one more than the next. Jin Ling and Jin Huan exchanged glances, both silently praising this in their hearts.
First Madam couldn’t refuse a child. Smiling, she held Song Chuning’s hand and entered Ningde Courtyard together with Second Madam.
The old madam was having the meal set out here. First Madam and Second Madam hurried forward to help arrange the dishes.
Old Madam Song waved her hand in refusal, smiling as she had them both take their seats. From the corner of her eye, she caught sight of Song Chuning and couldn’t help being startled.
Song Chuning had already rushed over with a smile and embraced Old Madam Song, her round almond eyes sparkling as they blinked. “Old Madam, I also want to be like Sixth Sister and keep you company!”
Beautiful little girls were always endearing, especially when they were equally blood-related granddaughters. Thinking of Song Chengru, who had always favored Song Chuning, Old Madam Song’s face bloomed with a smile as she nodded warmly. “Good. As long as you don’t find it dull, feel free to come every day!”
At the same time, she signaled with her eyes for Yulan to take her away.
Yulan came over with a smile and took her hand. “We’ve recently acquired a Persian cat outside. Its eyes are blue—it looks quite peculiar. I’ll take you to see it, young lady.”
Song Chuning knew there were matters she couldn’t be allowed to hear. She obediently put on an innocent appearance and happily followed Yulan out the door.
As soon as she left, the old madam turned to look at First Madam. “Are all the things Second Brother needs for taking up his post properly prepared?”
So it was indeed about Second Master’s appointment. Li Shi’s heart imperceptibly relaxed, and the smile on her face became much more natural.
First Madam quickly nodded and added, “We’ve prepared three thousand taels in banknotes from Dingfu Bank—the bank has branches everywhere, so they’ll be convenient to use. We’ve also prepared three hundred taels in cash to keep with the carriage for emergencies. Of the people going along, we’ve already sent three households ahead. If we gather two more households, that should be sufficient.”
Old Madam Song nodded. After thinking for a moment, she looked at Li Shi and asked, “Which concubine have you prepared to go with him?”
Li Shi froze, momentarily unable to react.
She didn’t manage the household nor serve her mother-in-law—according to proper etiquette, she should be the one accompanying him.
Seeing that Li Shi hadn’t answered after quite some time, the old madam couldn’t help raising her voice to ask again.
First Madam also showed a peculiar expression. Logically speaking, it would be best for Li Shi to accompany him. After all, Second Master would need to attend social functions in his external post, and it was always better to bring his wife.
Why did Old Madam Song’s meaning now suggest that Li Shi wouldn’t be going?
Li Shi became so anxious her voice took on a tearful tone. “Your daughter-in-law… your daughter-in-law had assumed I would be going with him.”
Old Madam Song shook her head, her face expressionless as she looked at her. “Your Third Uncle has been assigned as Prefect of Datong, and your Third Sister-in-law’s health is poor so she’ll be going with him. Only your Elder Sister-in-law and your Fifth Sister-in-law will remain at home. When it comes time to manage Fourth Sister’s and Fifth Sister’s affairs, they may not have hands to spare. You should remain at home to help out.”
Why could Third Madam accompany him to his post?! Li Shi’s heart filled with indignation. The words of protest nearly burst from her mouth, but she still retained a thread of rationality and forcibly suppressed her resentment, nodding heavily.
She couldn’t oppose Old Madam Song directly. Even Song Yi was completely respectful toward Old Madam Song. If she dared anger the old madam, Old Master Song would dare have Song Yi send her back to her maiden home for reflection.
By this point, First Madam clearly understood that Second Madam had somehow caught the old madam’s displeasure. She symbolically spoke a few inconsequential words on Second Madam’s behalf, then stopped trying to persuade.
Second Madam’s face was ashen. The sorrow in her heart couldn’t be suppressed no matter how she tried. The moment she left the door, tears pooled in her eyes. She couldn’t even attend to Song Chuning and nearly fled back to her room.