Because Song Chuning’s arc is happening during this period, both storylines need some coverage, but the plot isn’t being dragged out.
First Madam Li indeed wasn’t very dedicated to Song Chuning’s affairs. After hearing that Song Chuning was ill with red rashes and unsuitable to see people, she dismissed the thought.
Compared to her father-in-law Old Master Li and husband First Master Li’s attention to this granddaughter, she remained dismissive in her heart. Her two daughters had lived in Song Chuning’s shadow since childhood. Whether it was Old Madam Li’s doting or Old Master Li’s regard, Song Chuning always received more. And after what happened last time at Duke Yingguo’s residence when Shen Qingrang used her two daughters because of Song Chuning, nearly ruining their reputations, her resentment toward Lady Li and her daughter deepened further.
If not for First Master Li’s repeated instructions this time, she originally hadn’t wanted to come—after Lady Li’s incident, while other Li family members felt no shame, she couldn’t lack a sense of propriety. This past year she had avoided coming to the Song family whenever possible.
First Madam Song, seeing she was perceptive and tactful, relaxed considerably. Even her tone became much gentler as she smiled and exchanged pleasantries before directing the conversation to children’s marriage prospects. “I heard your daughter has settled on a match?”
First Madam Li nodded. Thinking of the Duke Yingguo residence matter, she couldn’t help breaking out in a cold sweat. She nodded with a sigh. “Finally settled. It’s one burden off my mind.”
After saying this, she thought for a moment and added, “Princess Consort, in some matters I’m also helpless…”
First Madam Song understood her situation very well. Hearing this, she smiled and nodded, not making her continue in difficulty. She smiled and together with Third Madam invited her to stay for a meal.
First Madam Li, seeing First Madam Song understood her meaning, felt much relieved. She quickly waved her hand in refusal. “There’s still a whole pile of matters waiting at home. I truly have no time. I should head home now. As for Aning…”
She looked at the expressions of Third Madam and First Madam, sighing. “Aning, I’ll have to trouble you both to look after her.”
Third Madam Song personally escorted her out. Upon returning, she sighed and shook her head. “It’s also difficult for her. She never got along with Jingju…” After saying this, Third Madam felt the form of address seemed too intimate. She changed her words and continued, “Speaking of it, she had some old grudges with Lady Li. Now the Li family is forcing her to come see Lady Li’s daughter. Isn’t that putting her in a difficult position?”
First Madam didn’t take this matter too seriously. First Madam Li was naturally easy to deal with—after all, she also didn’t like Song Chuning and cared even less about what happened to her. But whether other Li family members might take action was what gave her a headache.
She glanced at Third Madam, not answering about Song Chuning, instead asking about Third Master sending letters. “Has Third Brother not sent any letters?”
The relationship between Third Madam and Third Master had always been harmonious. Every time Third Master traveled far, he unfailingly wrote letters to Third Madam. Sometimes these letters arrived even a few days faster than Old Madam Song’s letters.
Third Madam shook her head. “Still just that last one, saying he was about to enter the city. No news since then.”
First Madam was somewhat worried, but thinking there was Old Madam presiding over things, with Song Chuyi beside her, she reluctantly suppressed her unease and discussed with Third Madam the full moon banquet in a few days.
Third Master, far away in Qingzhou City, truly hadn’t found time to write. This half month, matters came one after another—Old Madam Song had made up her mind to arrange for Song Linlang to divorce Xiang Yunzhang and had Song Linlang’s body transported back to the residence.
He was busy inviting monks to perform rites for his younger sister, and busy preparing matters concerning Xiang Mingzi. His heart ached terribly, and he couldn’t spare time to write to Third Madam.
Qing Tao stood in the corridor supporting Song Chuyi, unable to help feeling disheartened, letting out a quiet sigh.
Flames soared skyward. Song Chuyi watched unblinkingly, not turning her head as she asked, “Why the sigh? This is a good thing for Aunt. Death for her is a kind of release. I only hope in her next life she’ll see more clearly…”
Never again trust the wrong person, never again love someone incapable of loving others.
Luyi shook her head at Qing Tao, making eye signals—she always felt that although their young miss was becoming increasingly clever, she was also becoming increasingly cold and detached. She had analyzed it and felt this was because she had seen too many bad things.
Qing Tao paid her no mind. After thinking, she honestly spoke her thoughts. “I sigh because I feel there are far too many faithless, callous men in this world. It’s always women who suffer hardship and loss.”
Luyi hastily countered, “It depends on the person! Look at our two maternal uncles—which one has even a single concubine by his side? They both respect and love their wives. Looking closer, First Master, Third Master, and Fifth Master are also good!”
These past days Qingzhou had cleared up. The sun blazed brilliantly in this cold winter, often dazzling the eyes. The fire-fox fur cloak on Song Chuyi’s body shimmered with flowing colors in the sunlight, gilding her entire person in a golden layer.
She pulled her lips into a smile. Before Song Linlang’s spirit, she respectfully offered a stick of incense, then turned and led Qing Tao and Luyi outside, asking as they walked, “Is there still no news from Nanny Huang’s side?”
Half a month had passed. By rights there should have been news by now. If they still couldn’t find anyone, it would probably become difficult to locate them.
“Ziyun said there’s still no news. Nanny Huang and Nanny Qin are both still searching.” Luyi was somewhat indignant. “The Xiang family truly has black hearts and livers!”
Lianyi’s incident had caused enormous psychological trauma to both young maids. Therefore, they deeply feared Yun He and the others might meet the same fate.
Song Chuyi pressed her lips together without speaking—Old Madam Song wasn’t anxious, which meant she still had backup plans.
Just as this thought occurred to her, Yushu turned from behind a pillar. Seeing her, she seemed to breathe a sigh of relief as she came forward. “Sixth Miss! Old Madam has a visitor and says to have you come meet them.”
A visitor? In Qingzhou?
Song Chuyi’s form paused briefly before she nodded and followed Yushu to the main courtyard of the rear compound where Old Madam Song currently resided.
As she entered, from the corner of her eye she already saw seated below Old Madam Song a noblewoman about the same age as First Madam Song and several girls of similar age.
Old Madam Song quickly beckoned her forward, then pulled her over. “Quick, go pay respects and greet your Aunt Li!”
Song Chuyi pondered briefly and somewhat guessed this Madam Li’s origins. Docile and composed, she stepped forward and curtsied to Madam Li.
Madam Li quickly helped her up, holding her hand with great fondness while turning her head to ask with delight, “This is Tingting’s daughter? She truly is lovely. No wonder Old Madam dotes on her so.”
Old Madam Song explained to Song Chuyi, “Madam Li was once close friends with your mother in the capital and was of the same generation. Come to think of it, when you were born, she came to your third-day celebration and sent a hundred-family garment.”