Song Chuyi had never been one to tattle. In her previous life, if she had a grievance, she would settle it on the spot—she had been arrogantly invincible. In this life, many matters couldn’t be resolved by tattling. But this time was different. It concerned Song Chumi and involved the Third Branch—whatever she did seemed wrong. She could only pass this hot potato to Old Madam Song first and see how Old Madam Song would decide.
When she arrived at Ningde Courtyard, Third Madam was also there, her face red with anger as she spoke to Old Madam Song about Song Chumi’s affairs: “Her father flew into a rage and scolded her for being as stupid as a pig. I never expected she wouldn’t even have this bit of discernment and would dare to privately accept gifts from others. I’m truly furious beyond words.”
Because of Song Chumi’s matters, Third Madam had become increasingly cautious, deeply afraid of completely enraging Old Madam. Even in raising Song Yue, she had become particularly attentive, terrified of raising another son who didn’t know his limits.
When Old Madam Song saw Song Chuyi, her face revealed a smile. She first beckoned her to sit beside herself, then turned back to look at Nanny Huang and asked: “What did Madam Feng say?”
This matter still required first seeing the Feng family’s attitude. If the Feng family also approved of Song Chumi acting this way, then the whole family was muddled. In the future, they should completely sever this kinship and cease all contact—this would spare them from being implicated.
Nanny Huang curtsied. Seeing that Third Madam’s entire body was tense, she didn’t keep them in suspense and recounted Madam Feng’s words in detail: “Our in-law madam’s meaning is that according to their local customs, a new bride should first return home to see the elders and pay respects to the ancestors. Our in-law madam wishes to take Fourth Miss back to their hometown to stay for a period of time.”
This was a sensible person. Previously, it seemed they didn’t yet know Song Chumi’s character or the Song family’s attitude, so they couldn’t control her and could only let her act recklessly. Now that the Song family had sent someone to hint at the situation, they knew this matter had touched a taboo—the Song family disliked relatives who grasped for power and caused trouble.
Old Madam Song felt somewhat satisfied in her heart. She nodded and glanced at Third Madam: “Since this is the case, what do you say?”
Third Madam had already prepared somewhat for this result. When she and First Madam returned together last night, First Madam had reminded her. She understood the principle that trouble arises from within.
Now hearing Old Madam Song say this, she hesitated for a while, ultimately still somewhat uncertain: “This is indeed proper, but should we wait a few more days? They’re still newlyweds. To separate them at this time, I’m afraid…” She was afraid that Scholar Feng would take on new people to serve him, and in the future, the couple’s feelings, which weren’t deep to begin with, combined with having no children, how could they possibly get along well?
Song Chuyi coughed lightly. Seeing that everyone in the room had focused their attention on her, she lowered her head and said casually: “I saw Fourth Sister today, at Chongyin Square.”
Third Madam gave a bitter laugh: “She said she wanted to go to the silk shop today to get a few bolts of fashionable fabric to take back as gifts for her mother-in-law to make clothes. Perhaps she got tired from shopping and went to listen to opera?” With this reason, Third Madam naturally couldn’t refuse her. Understanding to plan for her future life—this was a good thing. Having hope in life meant she would think less about impractical matters.
“She went to meet Miss Chen and Second Miss Shen.” Song Chuyi was concise. She glanced at the somewhat bewildered Third Madam, confirmed she probably didn’t know about this matter either, then turned to look at Old Madam Song: “To be honest with Grandmother and Third Aunt, when I saw Fourth Sister had suddenly become friendly with Second Miss Shen and Miss Chen, I found it very strange. Thinking back on yesterday’s events, I was afraid Second Miss Shen and the others were looking to Fourth Sister to probe for information or seek connections, so I had Qing Tao follow and take a look. Who knew that when Qing Tao went over, she happened to hear the several of them discussing something.”
Third Madam’s heart immediately rose to her throat. Her eyes widened as she stared unblinkingly at Song Chuyi, terrified she would say something difficult to handle.
Old Madam Song, however, was thoughtful. She swept a glance around the room. Yushu quietly led everyone out, leaving only Nanny Huang to attend in the room.
“Fourth Sister must still harbor resentment toward me from before. This time when she arranged to meet Second Miss Shen and Miss Chen, it was actually to put medicine in my tea to make me go mad and strike people, then tell Old Madam I had been possessed and should have a master come look at me.” Song Chuyi’s tone didn’t fluctuate much, as if she were speaking of something completely unworthy of anger: “Naturally, this master would say I was possessed, that my fate was bad, that I was born with a destiny that attracts evil spirits.”
Song Yan would be entering the capital soon. She had no time and couldn’t possibly leave this opening for Song Chumi to exploit, leaving a person who had no ability but possessed a wicked heart to continue staying in the capital. How many bad deeds were done by foolish people? If a moment’s carelessness led to something going wrong with Song Yan later, then she would truly regret it too late. Better to settle it all today and let Old Madam Song see what kind of person that Second Miss Shen was and exactly what sort of place Duke Yingguo’s Manor truly was.
Third Madam collapsed in her chair, her eyes uncomfortably dry. She wished Song Chumi were right in front of her this moment so she could slap her across the face and ask what exactly she was thinking! To actually do such a foolish thing—if her own sister’s reputation was ruined, what benefit was there to her? Why couldn’t she understand this principle? Why did she never know contentment?! Originally, this hard-won future—seeing now it was about to be destroyed again. What a waste of her painstaking three years of begging on her behalf before Old Madam.
Old Madam Song almost let a cold laugh escape from her throat. She didn’t blame Third Madam, but gently comforted her: “As her mother, you’ve already done everything you should. She herself won’t walk the proper path—you can’t be blamed. In the future, you should interfere less in her affairs.”
After saying this, she turned back to instruct Nanny Huang: “Make a trip to the Feng family. Tell them that since our in-laws have such customs, there’s no reason not to follow them. Once the month-long visit is complete, we’ll see them off from here.”
Old Madam Song gripped Song Chuyi’s hand. This anger in her heart simply couldn’t be suppressed: “That Chen family girl is so young, yet her belly is full of scheming. Hasn’t the Shen family matter taught her enough of a lesson? Back then at the Tongzhou estate, it would have been better to save a dog—at least now it would know to guard the home.”
Last time with the Shen family matter, Old Madam Chen had pushed out Tang Mingzhao. Who knows what price they could pay this time? Old Madam Song’s face was dark as water as she laughed coldly.