First Master Song immediately knelt to the ground, and First Madam Song’s face turned pale as she quickly followed suit and knelt as well.

However, she still felt somewhat indignant in her heart, and also felt somewhat wronged—after all, no matter how important Song Chuyi was, could she surpass Consort Song in importance?

Old Madam was muddled, that was one thing, but how could Old Master also be so biased?!

Old Madam Song felt a stifling discomfort in her chest. Seeing that though First Madam’s expression was panicked, her face still showed defiance, she felt even more irritated at the sight and waved her hand to dismiss them all: “Enough! Words spoken cannot be taken back. Since you’ve already had Consort Song do it, I can hardly kill you, can I? Isn’t that precisely what you were counting on?”

“Mother…” First Madam Song finally became somewhat anxious, pleading with a tearful voice: “This daughter-in-law knows she was wrong and will never dare act on her own initiative again…”

Never dare next time—but this time she had nearly caused someone’s death. If there was a next time, what then?

Old Madam Song waved her hand in frustration, covering her chest as she felt stifled: “Enough, enough. Haven’t I said enough? Unfortunately, you never listen. Leave for now. Let me have some peace and quiet.”

This was the first time First Madam had received such treatment from Old Madam Song. She became even more panicked and uneasy. After leaving Ningde Courtyard, her face turned pale and cold sweat broke out on her forehead.

Nanny Zou and Nanny Jin were both waiting on the side. Seeing her come out, they hurried forward to meet her. Upon seeing her appearance, they were both somewhat shocked and exchanged a knowing glance.

“I had you go to the Sixth Miss to have a word—how did it go?” First Madam Song collected herself, took the handkerchief Jin Huan handed her to wipe the sweat from her forehead, and asked: “Was she angry?”

Nanny Jin glanced at First Madam’s expression and guessed that she had definitely been scolded by Old Madam over this matter. She quickly claimed credit with a smile: “Speaking of which, our Sixth Miss is extremely reasonable. This servant hinted at it a few times in her presence and gently persuaded her a bit, and she smiled and seemed willing to agree.”

First Madam Song laughed. She knew Song Chuyi was a clever girl—though Old Master Song and Old Madam Song doted on her and cherished her, ultimately the Earl’s residence would still be under First Madam’s control in the future. How long could Old Madam and Old Master be relied upon?

“Don’t deceive her.” First Madam Song turned her head to look at her: “It’s better to speak clearly about what needs to be said.”

“It was made clear, it was made clear.” Nanny Jin’s heart trembled, and she quickly said: “This servant explained the stakes to her clearly, and she understood. After all, she’s young and has a younger brother… What older sister wouldn’t think of her younger brother?”

First Madam Song’s face finally showed some smile: “If that’s the case, then I should also go see her.”

Old Madam Song was simply angry that she had acted on her own initiative and would harm Song Chuyi. But if this matter was something Song Chuyi did willingly, then Old Master Song and Old Madam Song couldn’t blame her either.

Qing Tao and Ziyun were gathered around Song Chuyi, looking somewhat anxious. Speaking of the information they had gathered, their faces were full of worry: “Who would have expected an edict to come from the palace… I heard that Empress Dowager Rongxian rarely summons noble young ladies, and since the Wang family girl, she hasn’t seen young girls at all. This time she suddenly wants to see the young ladies of our family—I’m afraid things aren’t so simple.”

Ziyun was also deeply worried: “Just now I went to Old Madam’s quarters to inquire. The nanny was so busy she had no time to see me, saying that Old Madam was extremely angry. If this were truly a good thing, why would Old Madam be angry? Miss should make some plans.”

Song Chuyi was silent for a while without answering. After a long time, she finally asked them: “What about Fourth Young Master? He hasn’t heard this news, has he?”

Even Song Yan could see something was wrong—how could she not see that something was amiss?

But since Old Master Song had just decided to temporarily align with the Crown Prince, why would he slap his own face by using her to curry favor with Empress Dowager Rongxian?

This matter must have been decided by First Madam behind Old Madam Song’s back. No wonder she had sent Nanny Jin over earlier as a lobbyist—she had made plans on both fronts.

Ziyun shook her head: “Fourth Young Master is at Third Young Master’s place. He probably won’t find out that quickly. But this matter can’t be hidden—Fourth Miss and Fifth Miss have already started moving about. I heard they’ve already gone to the sewing room to request new clothes.”

Qing Tao was about to say a few more words when they heard someone outside announce that First Madam had arrived.

When First Madam saw Song Chuyi come out to greet her, she quickly took her hand. After returning to the room and sitting down, she first looked at Song Chuyi’s expression and brought up the edict from this afternoon: “An edict came from the palace today. I believe you’ve also heard the news?”

“Yes.” Song Chuyi nodded with a smile: “We were just talking about it. I heard that Fourth Sister and Fifth Sister have already started discussing making new clothes.”

What First Madam liked most about Song Chuyi was precisely this point—even if she suffered some grievance, though she understood clearly in her heart, she wouldn’t show it on her face to make others uncomfortable.

However, whether Song Chuyi truly understood her meaning, First Madam wasn’t quite certain. Therefore, she took her hand and sighed: “You’re a clever child. This afternoon I had Nanny Jin come—I wonder if she conveyed my meaning clearly?”

Seeing Song Chuyi lower her head without speaking, she knew Nanny Jin must have delivered the message, and Song Chuyi showed no extreme reaction. Satisfied with Song Chuyi’s understanding and tact, she brought some sadness to her face: “I know this is somewhat difficult for you. Just now at Old Madam’s place, Old Madam blamed me over this matter. But alas, parents’ hearts are pitiful—Consort Song is truly having a hard time in the palace. As her mother, I can only think more about her affairs… You’re a good child who understands your aunt’s difficulties. I appreciate your sentiment…”

She still spoke in vague terms, refusing to say plainly that she actually wanted Song Chuyi to go to her death.

Ziyun and Qing Tao couldn’t help but feel angry listening to this—even when First Madam wanted someone to go die, she refused to speak plainly, still using these superficial words to coax people, as if afraid of bearing responsibility.

Song Chuyi, however, remained calm and unruffled, seeming not the least bit angry. She only thought for a moment, then smiled: “What are you saying, Aunt? The Empress Dowager summoning us to the palace is giving the Song family face. As a daughter of the Song family, naturally I should think of the Song family too.”

“I just wonder if Madam Cui will worry when she finds out?” First Madam Song became even more pleased: “She had a dispute with your Fifth Aunt when she was young. You also know these complicated relationships—I’m afraid Madam Cui will be uneasy about this.”

She actually wanted Song Chuyi to plead with Madam Cui as well—this was going too far. She hoped Song Chuyi would bear the Empress Dowager’s wrath, yet feared the Cui family would hold them accountable afterward, wanting Song Chuyi to help clean up all the loose ends as well.

Qing Tao and Ziyun exchanged glances, both looking worried and distressed, wishing they could step forward and grab Song Chuyi to beg her not to agree.