Old Master Song had been urgently summoned into the palace, leaving Old Madam Song quite restless. She had never been this nervous before—so nervous that cold sweat broke out on her forehead.

Nanny Huang tiptoed over with a cup of tea, but she pushed it away almost immediately.

“Sixth Miss isn’t in her room?” she asked in a low voice, leaning against her cushion as if lacking energy. “Do you know where she’s gone?”

Song Chuyi seemed to have been busy with something these past few days, visiting the main courtyard far less frequently. Several times when she had matters to discuss with her, she couldn’t find her anywhere.

Counting the days, she was probably busy with Song Yan’s schooling arrangements, likely coordinating with Tang Mingzhao’s side.

Sure enough, Nanny Huang set the teacup back on the tray and answered: “She’s with Fourth Young Master. I heard she’s been busy these past few days with Fourth Young Master’s schooling. She did manage to contact the Tang family, but they refuse to budge in the slightest, insisting that if he wants to become their disciple, he must go to the Tang family in Shuzhong. But how easy is it to go to Shuzhong? The young master is still so young after all. Sixth Miss probably can’t bear to let him suffer like that and has been negotiating with the Tang family all this time.”

Old Master Song had mentioned this matter to her the day before yesterday as well, saying that if there was truly no other way, they would have to inconvenience Song Yan. After all, becoming Tang Mingzhao’s disciple was no ordinary matter—any sacrifice would be worth it.

Old Madam Song also sighed. Old Master Song naturally considered the long term and felt it would be good to send Song Yan to the Tang family, but she shared Song Chuyi’s concerns. Song Yan was still too young. How could they feel at ease sending such a small child thousands of miles away?

“Xiao Yi treasures Yan’er like the apple of her eye, wishing she could shelter him under her wings like a mother hen protecting her chick. Of course she would be reluctant.” She pushed away the candied fruit that Nanny Huang offered her as well, closing her eyes wearily and shaking her head.

Nanny Huang set down the candied fruit and began massaging her shoulders and back. “Who says otherwise? As the saying goes, the eldest sister is like a mother. It’s only natural that Sixth Miss values Fourth Young Master more. However, Sixth Miss is ultimately an extremely intelligent person. She will surely understand how to make the right choice.”

Tang Mingzhao was such a great scholar of the era—impervious to swords and spears, immune to water and fire. He couldn’t be pressured with power or swayed with money. If he insisted that Song Yan must go to Shuzhong, and if the Song family still wanted Song Yan to become his disciple, they would have no choice but to comply. After Song Chuyi tried for a while without any progress, she would naturally know to yield.

“Jieyi,” Old Madam Song opened her eyes to look at Nanny Huang, calling her by her given name. “Keep watch for me. If Xiao Yi returns, have her come see me.”

She had originally wanted to discuss Song Chuning’s matter with Nanny Huang. This issue weighed on her heart like an enormous stone, pressing down until she could barely breathe—Song Chuning now regarded both her and the Song family as enemies. The fate of those five households of accompanying servants today would likely be the Song family’s fate tomorrow.

Having witnessed Song Chuning’s insane destructive power, she had truly come to fear this granddaughter who appeared harmless on the outside but was thoroughly rotten within.

But just as Nanny Huang acknowledged with a sound, Yushu entered respectfully with her head lowered: “Old Madam, First Madam’s side has sent Jin Ling over, saying that the Princess Consort from Duke Yingguo’s manor has arrived.”

Old Madam Song glanced at Nanny Huang and smiled with some satisfaction: “Jieyi, you see? Indeed, people only progress after learning a lesson. The eldest daughter-in-law finally understands that she can’t always act according to her own whims.”

Nanny Huang understood Old Madam Song’s meaning and smiled along: “This is also because you’re willing to teach her, Old Madam. First Madam encountered a mother-in-law as good as you, willing to put in the effort to guide her in proper conduct.”

“You just know how to make me happy!” Old Madam Song gave her a reproachful glance, then instructed Yushu solemnly: “Tell her I know, but I’m feeling a bit unwell and too tired to receive guests. Have her entertain the Princess Consort properly on my behalf and not neglect our guest in any way.”

Yushu acknowledged and turned to deal with Jin Ling. Nanny Huang turned back to continue rubbing Old Madam Song’s shoulders: “The Princess Consort from Duke Yingguo coming at this time must be because she heard about our Old Master being summoned to the palace. If you leave her hanging like this, she’ll probably be extremely anxious.”

Between families with close relations, exchanging information was common. But Duke Yingguo’s manor was tied too closely to the secret letters and Xingfu’s affairs, making one inevitably suspect whether they too had waded into these murky waters. Remembering He Shi’s overly enthusiastic attitude toward Song Chuyi last time, Old Madam Song became even more guarded.

“When has Duke Yingguo’s manor ever been so concerned about matters that don’t involve them? Coming over repeatedly for this matter—even a fool could see something’s wrong.” Old Madam Song shook her head with a smile: “But with the wind and rain so fierce right now, I don’t want just anyone boarding our boat. What if they’re too heavy and sink our boat? Wouldn’t that be more loss than gain?”

After hearing Jin Ling’s words, First Madam also grasped Old Madam Song’s meaning. She couldn’t help but form her own judgment, and when she turned back to He Shi, she repeated Old Madam Song’s words: “These past few days with autumn arriving, the weather has suddenly turned cold. The elderly are advanced in years after all, so she’s caught a chill. I’m afraid it’s inconvenient for her to see you today.”

Hearing these words, He Shi’s heart sank halfway. Forcing a smile, she nodded and replied: “The weather has suddenly turned cold. Elderly people do catch colds easily. Our Old Madam was also complaining of a headache a few days ago.”

Among the women of great family households, there existed their own set of social protocols. Often from just a few sentences, one could discern the other party’s meaning. With Old Madam Song claiming illness and refusing to see her, He Shi understood Old Madam Song’s—or rather, the Song family’s—current attitude.

But understanding aside, she still had to ask what needed to be asked. Grasping First Madam’s hand with a glimmer of hope, she said: “However, I came not really to pay my respects to Old Madam. Given our many years of friendship, can you tell me the truth—this matter at Desheng Gate right now, has any news leaked out?”

First Madam’s heart jolted. After being repeatedly warned by First Master Song, her vigilance had deepened considerably, and it grew even stronger at this moment. Suppressing the turmoil in her heart, she calmly shook her head, her expression appearing sincere and genuine.

“With such a huge commotion, of course we’ve heard about it. But you know our master—he only holds a position at the Ministry of Works. How could he be connected to this matter? As for our Old Master, he was also summoned to the palace and hasn’t returned yet. Right now, our household is also completely in the dark, knowing nothing. We’re anxious ourselves—how could we have any information?”