Indeed, having eaten so many more years of rice than Chen Mingyu, she handled matters far more thoroughly and meticulously. Old Madam Song’s face, usually gentle and benevolent, carried a smile as she unhurriedly glanced at Chen Mingyu, who was clenching her teeth tightly. “Naturally, we should handle this as it ought to be handled. Just now, sister said not to make this matter too big, and I thought that made sense. But then I thought again—if we don’t make this matter big, there’s no guarantee when Miss Chen might have another whim and pull such a stunt again. Our Earl of Changning’s Manor truly cannot withstand such repeated incidents.”

This matter was destined to be no small affair. Interfering in another family’s household matters, instigating conflict between their sisters, and even knowing to go outside to find a spirit medium—once this was exposed, Chen Mingyu’s future would be completely ruined. What hope was there of becoming the Crown Prince’s consort? She would probably be even harder to marry off than Song Chuyi, who was labeled a celestial calamity and lonely star. When the time came, inevitably even the entire Chen family would be affected. Right now, Elder Chen was at the height of his glory. If he were impeached by the censors for having improper family discipline and failing to conduct himself properly, that would truly be self-destructive.

Old Madam Chen silently cursed “insatiable greed” in her heart, but on her face she couldn’t show the slightest hint of dissatisfaction or anger. Suppressing her voice and temper, she said, “After all, we serve in court together, and our two families could be said to have shared adversity in the past. Can’t elder sister show some face for this connection and handle this lightly?”

She knew that Fourth Miss Song held little weight with Old Madam Song, so she brought up Song Chuyi to make her case. “Elder sister is a sensible person and should know that if this matter is exposed, both your Fourth Miss and my Mingyu will certainly be ruined, but won’t Sixth Miss, who could provoke sister to use such methods against her, also have her reputation tarnished? Why must we do something so mutually destructive and unwise?”

Old Madam Song stopped beating around the bush with her, speaking in a tone as casual as if discussing today’s fine weather. “Sister speaks correctly—after all, we serve in court together, and if this is exposed, both families will lose face. But if this matter is so easily resolved, I fear Miss Chen’s audacity will only grow bolder. Last time at the Shen residence, sister brought out Master Tang to extricate Miss Chen from trouble. I wonder what bargaining chip you plan to offer this time?”

The sympathy card hadn’t worked. The reason Old Madam Song had stayed until now was precisely for this most crucial question. Old Madam Chen felt stifled with frustration—Tang Mingzhao was already a catch as big as they come. What comparable bargaining chip could she possibly offer now?

But she also knew this matter couldn’t be easily glossed over with Old Madam Song. After thinking it over repeatedly, she reluctantly broached terms with Old Madam Song in a soft voice. “Someone like Tang Mingzhao, a great scholar of our time, I naturally cannot find you a second one. However, I heard that Consort Song is always anxious about Eleventh Princess’s marriage prospects?”

Ever since the matter with the Eastern Sea envoys, Consort Song’s worries about Eleventh Princess’s future had escalated—princesses sent for diplomatic marriages never had good outcomes, and suitable prince consorts weren’t easy to find either. If some tributary barbarian state came requesting a marriage alliance again, Eleventh Princess might ultimately still end up married far from home. Even if not to the Eastern Sea, it could be to Goryeo.

Ninth Princess in the palace had fallen gravely ill. In just these few days, wave after wave of imperial physicians had been replaced. They all said Ninth Princess suffered from excessive fright. Why she was excessively frightened, everyone understood clearly in their hearts.

After all, Noble Consort Xian had so many years of affection with Emperor Jianzhang, having accompanied him through all the hardships inflicted by Empress Dowager Rongxian back in the day. Emperor Jianzhang, being such a soft-hearted person, even if not for the sake of these feelings, would handle her lightly for the sake of Prince Lu and Ninth Princess—moreover, Noble Consort Xian was a woman of the inner palace, and there was no evidence showing she was involved in the crimes committed by Prince Duan.

If that was the case, Consort Song’s enemies in the palace were still watching like tigers stalking their prey. No wonder she was anxious day and night.

Old Madam Song’s heart stirred, as if guessing the trump card Old Madam Chen was about to reveal. Her face carried a much gentler smile. “I wonder what brilliant insight the old madam has?”

Old Madam Chen kept a stern face, her tone flat and wooden, as if Old Madam Song and everyone before her were blocks of wood or cabbages. “What brilliant insight could this old body have? I merely heard that the legitimate second son of the main branch of the Shangqiu Shen family is still unwed, and Madam Shen of the main branch happened to come seeking my assistance.”

The Shangqiu Shen family—Shen Yang’s maiden family, Guo Huaiying’s in-laws!

Old Madam Song thought of Guo Yantang’s character and appearance, and couldn’t help feeling satisfied in her heart first, though her face still maintained an indifferent expression. “If that’s the case, then our two families should interact more frequently in the future. I’ll have to trouble you, old madam, to take care of everything.”

Throwing out such a great benefit all at once, and arranging such an excellent match for the Song family—the Shen family was precisely the hot prospect that His Majesty currently intended to employ in Yangzhou. Chen Mingyu’s attempt to harm others had instead helped the Song family climb another rung up the ladder. Old Madam Chen’s eyes felt dry and sore, her head throbbing intensely. She waved her hand and asked Old Madam Song, “May I take my people and leave now?”

The monk may flee, but the temple cannot. The Song family had long since thoroughly investigated that spirit medium’s background. Old Madam Song slightly curved her lips. “Naturally. Please go ahead, old madam. We shall also depart and return home now.”

Third Madam was stunned speechless by Old Madam Song’s actions, never imagining that a conflict could be resolved into nothing like this. She clenched her fists, sweating profusely, not knowing where to begin asking questions.

Old Madam Song glanced at her, leaning her head against the headrest, her temples throbbing with pain. After a long while, she finally spoke. “Has Third Master’s anger still not subsided?”

Third Madam mumbled and shook her head, finding it somewhat difficult to speak. “He said I don’t know how to raise children properly…”

Old Madam Song let out a deep sigh. “Don’t be soft-hearted with her this time. Her mother-in-law will come to fetch her in a few days. These next few days, try reasoning with her. If she can understand, speak to her. If not, then let it be. After all, once a daughter is married off, whether she fares well or poorly in the future has little to do with us.”

Hearing this made Third Madam’s heart tremble with fear, but she knew Old Madam Song’s heart had turned cold with disappointment. She didn’t dare say another word of refusal, nodding hastily and anxiously—Third Master had already issued harsh words, and she didn’t dare indulge Song Chumi or plead on her behalf anymore. After all, she still had Song Yue to consider.

As they spoke, the carriage had already entered through the second gate. Old Madam Song was helped down from the sedan by Xiang Mingzi, who rushed up to assist her, when she saw First Madam leading people waiting there. She raised her eyebrows and asked, “What’s happened?”

First Madam stepped forward a few paces to support Old Madam Song. “A celestial envoy came from the palace with many gifts.”

Old Madam Song walked while listening to First Madam speak. “There’s an aloe wood walking stick inlaid with bright pearls for you, an old-mine water jade bracelet for me, and a palace-made longevity golden lock for Ren…” She watched Old Madam Song’s face relax and unfold, then glanced at Song Chuyi before saying softly, “And there’s a complete set of ivory jewelry for Mingzi…”