The autumn night air carried a slight chill. Old Madam Song added a layer of clothing and watched as Yushu closed the windows, then turned her head to look at Old Master Song: “What do you think?”
Given Old Madam Song’s current mindset, she absolutely did not want to push Song Chuyi out. Who didn’t know what kind of person Empress Dowager Rongxian was? Back then, she had been willing to create citywide turmoil and panic over Wang Jinsi’s marriage arrangements, not hesitating to clash with the Emperor. Now, if they really did as Consort Song suggested, where would Song Chuyi have any chance of survival?
Old Master Song also frowned and asked the First Master, whose expression had changed somewhat: “Was this your idea?”
The First Master felt somewhat flustered and puzzled. He shook his head with a bewildered expression: “When did this happen? I haven’t heard a whisper of it.”
One knows one’s own son. Old Madam Song’s expression eased slightly, and she said to the First Master: “I have nothing much to say. Your wife thinking this way is understandable. After all, Consort Song came from her own womb, so naturally she’s more precious than Xiaoyi. But let me make this clear—Xiaoyi is also a daughter of our Song family. There’s no reason to make a young girl suffer for the Song family! If we really did this, someday people would point at your backs and curse you!”
A little girl of only nine years old—the family knew her capabilities, but how would outsiders know? They would only think that the Song family was truly desperate for quick success, so crazy in their desire to curry favor with the Empress Dowager that they would push out a nine-year-old girl to take the blame for the family, to go die in exchange for glory and wealth for the Song family.
First Master Song’s expression changed dramatically. Even setting aside these concerns, he could honestly say he was not the kind of person who would step on others to gain benefits. Consort Song was his daughter, and he was proud of her, but he would never think to use his niece’s sacrifice to exchange for his daughter’s glory and wealth.
“She’s showing a woman’s short-sightedness!” First Master Song decisively shook his head: “I don’t agree with this matter. I’ll go back and discuss it with her.”
This matter was probably something First Master Song and First Madam Song couldn’t argue through clearly. Old Madam Song and Old Master Song exchanged a glance, and she said: “Let me talk to her about this. As long as you don’t have this intention, that’s what matters most.”
Old Master Song’s expression was somewhat serious. He nodded at the First Master, then said: “There’s nothing to discuss about this matter. A whole family of men, and not one is useful? Why should we push a young girl out? Others would truly laugh that the Song family has no men left.”
Moreover, everyone understood Empress Dowager Rongxian’s intentions. She simply didn’t like the current Emperor and Empress, but since they had become an established fact, she had temporarily lowered her flags and stilled her drums. Now, with Prince Duan and Prince Gong causing trouble, she had been doing plenty of behind-the-scenes stirring.
Since this was the case, having already decided to curry favor with the Crown Prince, to then blow hot and cold, still wanting to please both sides, would truly be most unwise.
But they had only been talking for a short while when Steward Lin’s wife hurriedly requested an audience, her face unable to hide her panic: “Someone important has come from the palace, saying it’s an edict from the Empress Dowager…”
So fast already! Old Madam Song’s expression changed dramatically. She nearly missed a step and fell down the stairs, shouting toward Old Master Song: “Master!”
“Tell Steward Lin and them to set up the incense table and open the main gate to receive them! Tell the people at the main gate to be alert and not let any irrelevant people disturb the important guests!” Old Master Song quickly stood up while instructing Steward Lin’s wife: “Have someone summon the First Master’s wife to the main hall!”
He himself went to support Old Madam Song and comfort her: “Don’t be afraid. Our family has received imperial edicts before. We’ll meet soldiers with generals, and waters with earth.”
Old Madam Song nodded, changed her clothes, and went out with Old Master Song to receive the edict.
The one who came was Eunuch Wang from the Empress Dowager’s palace. His narrow, elongated eyes were particularly sharp, but upon seeing Old Master Song and Old Madam Song, he smiled quite amiably, hurrying forward to help them up, then smiling: “Why don’t I see the precious young ladies of your noble residence?”
As expected, he had come for Song Chuyi. Old Madam Song’s heart grew increasingly cold. She smiled with difficulty and replied: “They’re just children—we feared they might disturb the distinguished guests.”
“If that’s the case, giving this edict to you is just the same.” Eunuch Wang solemnly read out the edict, then presented it with both hands to Old Master Song. He quickly helped Old Master Song rise, smiling like the spring breeze: “The Empress Dowager has always heard that your residence raises its precious daughters well, and she also wants to select playmates for the princesses. Naturally, she thought of your family, didn’t she? This is a great blessing. Next time, Old Madam should bring the young misses to show the Empress Dowager.”
Though Old Madam Song was anxious in her heart, she didn’t show it on her face, still smiling warmly and naturally: “We are honored by the Empress Dowager’s regard. On that day, we will naturally bring them before the Empress Dowager to bask in her favor.”
Steward Lin had already handed over a thick purse. Eunuch Wang tucked it into his sleeve, and the smile on his face deepened considerably. Steward Lin then courteously invited him to the side room for refreshments.
As soon as the man left, Old Master Song’s expression suddenly darkened. He looked at First Madam Song and gave a heavy snort.
He had always kept his distance from his daughters-in-law, but this time he was truly somewhat angry, almost unable to hold back from scolding her aloud.
Old Madam Song also turned around to question First Madam Song: “If the palace hadn’t received our reply, they couldn’t possibly have mentioned this matter before the Empress Dowager. This morning I clearly said to wait until I enter the palace on the fifteenth to discuss it in detail with the Consort. Why couldn’t the Consort wait even that little bit of time?!”
First Madam Song felt somewhat frightened in her heart. Old Madam’s gaze also made her unable to withstand it. She mustered her courage before standing to plead guilty: “This daughter-in-law was also so anxious I had no other way… I also know that Xiaoyi is beloved, but the message sent out from Consort Song’s palace said that the Empress Dowager has been increasingly cold toward her recently. Even Consort Xian and Consort Liang are keeping their distance from her. The little princess has suffered several rebukes in the Empress Dowager’s palace… Mother, the Consort is still young after all. She hasn’t given birth to a little prince. If things continue like this in the future, it’s not a solution…”
Old Madam Song couldn’t hold back the anger in her heart and abruptly interrupted her: “So you took it upon yourself to have the Consort send word to the Empress Dowager?! Don’t you know what Xiaoyi’s fate would be if this happened?!”
Moreover, Empress Dowager Rongxian wasn’t a child—she wouldn’t truly only think about dealing with a child. From the day they decided to cast out Wang Jinsi, the Song family was destined to make an enemy of Empress Dowager Rongxian. How could Empress Dowager Rongxian be content with just killing one little girl?!
First Madam Song usually seemed fine, but at a critical moment, who would have thought she’d be so confused about priorities? Not only confused, but she was too selfish. This matter could clearly have been delayed a bit longer, yet she insisted on sending the message to the palace before Old Master and First Master returned home. Wasn’t this precisely acting first and reporting later because she feared Old Master and First Master wouldn’t agree?