As soon as First Madam left, Ziyun immediately closed the door, her face pale as she looked at Song Chuyi: “Miss, you absolutely cannot agree to this!”

First Madam was clearly sending Song Chuyi to her death, and she was being excessively selfish about it. While wanting Song Chuyi to go die, she actually still expected Song Chuyi to help her appease the anger of the Cui family, Old Madam Song, and others. Where in this world was there such a good deal? Back when Fifth Madam was running rampant in the residence, how much suffering had First Madam endured? If not for Song Chuyi, she would probably still be frequently angered by Fifth Madam to the point of constantly needing the imperial physician to prescribe calming pills. Yet now she treated Song Chuyi this way—it truly chilled one’s heart.

Song Chuyi liked these clever maids. They were different from Hong Yu. While soft-hearted, they knew how to judge people and use their hearts to discern right from wrong. She no longer needed to worry that they would be deceived by a few soft words like Hong Yu had been.

She looked at Ziyun with pleasure, delighted that she could see through First Madam’s purpose, and also comforted that she thought of Song Chuyi’s welfare and bravely spoke words of persuasion.

Qing Tao also looked worried. Seeing that Song Chuyi had no reaction, she glanced at Ziyun and hesitated somewhat: “Miss, perhaps we should send word to the Princess Consort’s residence…”

This was no joking matter after all. If she really entered the palace, she might even lose her life.

Previously, Madam Cui had also mentioned entering the palace to her, but her tone hadn’t sounded tense or resentful. Logically speaking, if Madam Cui knew it was Empress Dowager Rongxian summoning her to the palace, she would probably be anxious enough to jump up…

The palace visit that her aunt had mentioned before was probably to see someone else entirely—at least not someone who would harm her.

Song Chuyi pondered for a moment, then waved her hand: “Wait a bit longer.”

She knew in her heart what kind of person Old Master was. Since he had made up his mind to align with the Crown Prince, he absolutely wouldn’t waver, much less risk offending the Crown Prince to do this kind of two-faced, thankless thing. She wasn’t worried at all.

First Madam thought that by persuading her, she could avoid Old Madam Song’s wrath—this was somewhat too naive. Ultimately, it was because she simply didn’t understand that Song Chuyi was no longer an ignorant little girl who could only be trapped in the inner chambers, unable to do anything. First Madam had underestimated Song Chuyi’s importance too much, and overestimated herself too much.

Previously, Old Madam Song might have still wanted to preserve some face for this woman who had been the Song family’s principal wife for so many years, and also preserve some face for Song Jue and the others. But First Madam had actually come to Song Chuyi’s room in person to say these things…

This was truly asking for trouble.

Ningde Courtyard was so quiet it was somewhat frightening. Ziwei’s footsteps were as light as a cat’s as she closed the door and came out. Seeing the First Young Madam in the courtyard, she quickly waved her hand.

Li Qingzi suppressed her anxious intention to call out, waiting until Ziwei pulled her out of the courtyard before anxiously saying: “Mother has been in there for a full half hour. Why is there still no sound? Is Old Madam truly this angry?”

Ziwei sighed and nodded, warning Li Qingzi with a grave expression: “Old Madam knows you came and told you to go back and rest well. Don’t come out unless necessary, and be careful not to disturb the young master in your belly.”

Li Qingzi’s face turned pale, and she asked somewhat at a loss: “What on earth happened… Mother has always had a good relationship with Old Madam. How could things have come to this?”

And she wasn’t even giving Li Qingzi any face. Old Madam Song had clearly been very fond of her before—especially after she became pregnant, protecting her carefully and being extremely considerate. When had she ever shut her out like this?

Ziwei quickly waved her hand: “Speaking of this matter would take a long time. You’re with child right now—hearing about these things would do you no good. You should listen to Old Madam and return to your room. You can’t manage or intervene in this matter. The First Young Master will be back soon too…”

Li Qingzi’s eyes brimmed with tears. She pressed her lips together, ultimately having no choice but to leave, turning back to look every three steps.

“You’ve been married into this family for so many years, and I’ve never treated you poorly.” Old Madam Song suddenly spoke, startling First Madam Song. Her expression was cold as she didn’t even look at First Madam, reaching out to take the tea Yushu handed her and taking a sip: “You’ve been the Song family’s principal wife for so many years, and I’ve never made you lose face in public.”

First Madam Song’s heart grew increasingly uneasy, as if she had already sensed what Old Madam Song was about to say.

“But you’ve truly disappointed me thoroughly.” Old Madam Song indeed spoke words that crushed First Madam’s spirit, and what followed was even more heart-piercing: “So in the entire household, besides you, no one cares whether the Consort lives or dies? Her father doesn’t care, her grandfather doesn’t care, this old woman doesn’t care, her younger brother doesn’t care—only you, this kind and benevolent mother, would plan for her. Is this what you think?”

First Madam Song clutched her handkerchief tightly, her lips moving wordlessly, unable to speak any words of rebuttal.

“You’ve truly lost your conscience. Ask yourself if you don’t feel guilty.” Old Madam Song laughed coldly: “Since she entered the palace at age eight, silver has flowed like water for bribes and gifts. You still felt it wasn’t enough, but did I ever say a word against you? The eunuchs who came begging for help all took from the public accounts. Did anyone in the residence express dissatisfaction? If this still counts as treating you poorly and treating the Consort poorly, then you teach me—how should I treat you to be considered good?”

First Madam’s head hung so low it nearly touched the dust. Finally, she couldn’t help but cry: “Mother, this daughter-in-law was wrong…”

“The Earl’s residence will be left to you all in the future—I know this.” Old Madam Song’s tone still had no fluctuation, as if discussing how nice the weather was today, yet it was so cold and distant it made one involuntarily afraid: “But since it’s not yours yet, don’t think about overstepping your bounds! The legitimate eldest daughter represents the family’s reputation. Is this how you set an example for the young ladies of the Li family? Did your in-laws teach you this way?! A’Ying, you should examine your own conscience—how has your sister-in-law treated you in the past? Also examine your conscience—when you push out a nine-year-old child, will Cui Shi beneath the ground not weep tears of blood at your bedside every night!”

First Madam shuddered violently, feeling all the hair on her body stand on end. Her heart was half-chilled by Old Madam’s words, shocked to the core.

Old Madam had today directly questioned the Li family’s moral character—back when the Li family was in decline, when she insisted on having her son marry her niece to help her natal family, she had never made things difficult for her mother-in-law. Yet because of this matter, Old Madam had begun questioning her character…