The subtle relationship between the Marquis of Jinxiang’s household and Crown Princess Consort Fan Liangdi’s faction in the Eastern Palace was something even Song Chuyi didn’t know about. In her previous life, although she had lived quite long, the first half was spent being arrogant and domineering while clinging to Shen Qingrang, and in the latter half, after her glory days had passed, she was confined like a prisoner to that courtyard in the rear compound of Duke Yingguo’s estate. She could only learn about many matters from Song Chuning’s frequent boasting and provocations.

She only knew that later Zhou Weiqi was enfeoffed as Prince Linjiang, and Fan Liangdi was able to follow her son to the fiefdom to enjoy her blessings. Han Zhi later seemed to have entered the Imperial Guard and became Prince Duan’s right-hand man. Even these details she only remembered vaguely like shadows—anything more, she truly didn’t know or remember.

Therefore, when Zhang Run sent word through Ma Wangkun requesting to see her, she was somewhat surprised and instinctively first ordered Luo Gui to notify Ma Changjiang and the others to go to Tongzhou once more to confirm whether the person delivering this message was really Zhang Run himself. She still harbored resentment over Han Zhi’s surprise raid on Chongyin Workshop and didn’t know whether Han Zhi had discovered some clue or had truly followed by chance out of excessive concern for Zhang Run. Being cautious in all matters would never lead to mistakes.

As Qing Ying helped her apply makeup, she reminded her: “You sent Ma Changjiang to follow Fourth Young Master. Have you forgotten? Should we swap Ma Changjiang back and have Ma San follow Fourth Young Master instead?”

Song Yan had said he was meeting classmates, but that wasn’t true at all. Those classmates he mentioned to Song Ren and Song Jue frequented teahouses and theaters every day, but Ma Changjiang had been following him for several days and had never seen a trace of Song Yan.

Song Yan had never been a child who would lie, and especially not to her. Song Chuyi couldn’t rest easy. She had tested him several times, but he stubbornly refused to tell the truth. Not wanting to blame him before matters became clear, she could only have someone follow him to see where exactly he was going.

Just then, Luyi rushed in laughing, saying that Yusheng had arrived, and told Song Chuyi: “She just went to Chuzhou Pavilion but didn’t see Fourth Young Master. Fourth Young Master has gone out again to meet friends. According to Sister Yushu, he probably won’t return until evening, so he won’t be able to accompany you and Cousin Miss to the Shen family.”

Today Lady Shen was hosting a flower gathering at the old residence in the capital. Since Old Madam Song wanted to quickly settle the matter between the Eleventh Princess and Second Young Master Shen, she decided to personally take Song Chuyi and Xiang Mingzi along, and also wanted to introduce Xiang Mingzi to the capital’s madams so she could gain a good reputation.

Originally, they had also wanted to bring Song Yan along. The young masters of the Shen family were all outstanding like jade trees in the orchid hall, and it would be good for Song Yan to get close to them. How could Song Yan run off again? Before she could ask more questions, Yusheng had already entered the room, smiling as she said to her: “Sixth Miss, our young lady is already dressed. She sent me to ask what clothes Sixth Miss will wear today so she can dress in matching colors.”

Xiang Mingzi never liked to stand out. Every time before going out, she would send someone to inquire about attire. Before Song Chuyi could speak, Qing Ying was already smiling as she told her: “Our young lady will wear that rain-washed sky blue outfit today, with a bright red silk gauze cloak embroidered with scattered ink dots over it. As for jewelry, you can tell Cousin Miss to wear whatever she likes—our young lady never likes to wear those heavy pieces on her head.”

After Yusheng smiled and acknowledged before leaving, Song Chuyi finally stood up somewhat anxiously and asked Qing Ying: “Has Ma Changjiang sent back no news at all?”

What matter could Song Yan possibly have that required keeping even her in the dark? And he needed to run out like this every day. Recently, even Lady Cui had complained about not seeing him, saying that even when she wanted to invite him over for dinner, she couldn’t find him.

Knowing that she had been very troubled by Song Yan’s affairs lately, Qing Ying quickly shook her head: “Not yet. There’s been no word these past few days. But he’s always been reliable in his work—he probably just hasn’t figured out yet what exactly Fourth Young Master is doing.”

As they spoke, she had finished getting ready and changed into a pair of cowhide boots. Calculating the time, she went out first to pay her respects to Old Madam Song at Ningde Courtyard.

Old Madam Song was just hearing Yushu talk about Song Yan’s affairs. Seeing her arrive, she couldn’t help but complain: “Really, there’s no proper discipline. Although boys shouldn’t be constantly confined at home, running around outside all the time without coming home isn’t proper behavior either. There’s no time today, but when he comes back tonight, he needs to be properly talked to.”

Song Chuyi also felt somewhat angry with Song Yan, resenting his lack of restraint, but she couldn’t speak up while Old Madam Song was in the heat of anger. She took Old Madam Song’s arm and smiled: “By that logic, I’m still a girl, yet Grandmother lets me run around outside just the same, doesn’t she? Grandmother, don’t worry. I’ll watch over Fourth Brother and absolutely won’t let him cause any trouble.”

Old Madam Song had no way to deal with her. After thinking it over, she sighed and shook her head: “I’m just afraid he’ll pick up bad habits or fail to judge people clearly and be schemed against—just look at that one from the Shen family, wasn’t he schemed against by the Tong family? Now they’re in complete chaos. Is that fun? I know you dote on him, but even doting must have limits. In a family like ours, family conduct and propriety are most important.”

Song Chuyi’s worries deepened, but she didn’t show it on her face. She smiled and agreed, then accompanied Old Madam Song out the door, one on each side.

This trip was very worthwhile. Lady Shen was originally close friends with Cui Shi, and the Shen family also had some connection with the Cui family. With Princess Zhennan and Lady Li mediating, the meal was enjoyed by all. After Lady Shen saw the Song family girls’ bearing and had personally seen the Eleventh Princess at the palace banquet the previous evening, she was already eighty percent agreeable in her heart, and her words hinted at as much.

With this great weight lifted from her heart, Old Madam Song returned home quite late and forgot about Song Yan’s matter.

But Song Chuyi couldn’t forget. As soon as she returned to Guanju Courtyard, she asked Ziyun, who had stayed home: “Has Fourth Young Master returned to Chuzhou Pavilion?”

Ziyun shook her head, her face unconsciously taking on a worried expression: “Just now Luyi went to ask again. Sister Yushu said he still hasn’t come back.”

These past days, Song Yan had been coming home later each day, and missing dinner had become a common occurrence.

Song Chuyi sat somewhat uneasily by the south window with her chin propped on one hand. Though the room was as warm as a spring March, her heart somehow sank straight to the depths.

Luyi and the others tiptoed in carrying hot water to attend to her washing and changing into home clothes. Seeing her state, they softly comforted her: “Miss, don’t worry so much. Fourth Young Master isn’t an irresponsible child.”

But how could such worries be set aside just by saying so? She closed her eyes and sighed, then heard Qing Ying hurry in. Qing Ying crouched gently before her and said: “Miss, Luo Gui’s people say they went to confirm today, and it was indeed that Young Master Zhang who personally sent the message saying he wants to see you.”