The last remnants of snow in the capital had completely melted away. The warm spring sun filtered through the tall trees and foliage of the Earl of Changning’s estate, casting dappled shadows on the ground and bringing a warmth utterly different from the previous snowy days.
In the western garden, the Cherokee rose arbor was in full bloom, with large white petals drifting down with every gentle breeze. In previous years, Song Jue would certainly have invited several classmates and friends here to admire the scenery while drinking. This year, Song Jue definitely wouldn’t have the chance—but it ended up benefiting Second Master Song instead.
His appointment had already been issued; after the new year, he would be assigned to serve as the Prefect of Changsha. Though Changsha was quite distant, it was also a place where one could easily make political achievements, and he was extremely satisfied with this position.
First Master Song was also happy for him, and simply invited Third Master and Fifth Master to join them. The brothers set up a banquet in the western garden, drinking and talking freely just as they had in their youth.
They were legitimate brothers by birth, with feelings cultivated since childhood. By the end of the drinking session, Second Master Song’s eyes had even reddened as he said it had been hard on First Master Song, who had to serve their parents above while looking after his brothers below.
Seeing that he had drunk quite a bit, First Master Song called for someone to escort him back to his room.
However, Second Master Song waved his hand in refusal. He stood up, and though his movements were somewhat unsteady, his mind was still clear. Smiling, he said, “I’m not drunk. I still have some matters to discuss with Mother.”
Second Master Song had once been very close to Old Madam Song—even closer than the youngest, Fifth Master, was to her. But six or seven years ago, for some unknown reason, their relationship had suddenly become somewhat strained.
Hearing now that Second Master Song intended to visit Old Madam Song’s chambers, First Master Song didn’t stop him. He stepped forward and patted his shoulder, instructing, “Speak properly, whatever you have to say. Though the old madam may not say it with her mouth, she thinks of you in her heart. You’re not young anymore—stop always making her angry. This time you’re being assigned far away, and who knows how many years it will be before you can see her again. How many more opportunities will you have to show filial piety?”
Second Master Song nodded with reddened eyes and indeed turned toward Ningde Courtyard.
Old Madam Song’s health had only improved somewhat in recent days. Hearing that Second Master Song had come, she assumed he was here to talk before leaving for Changsha, and happily had Nanny Huang welcome him inside.
“Why have you drunk so much?” Old Madam Song frowned upon smelling the alcohol on him and quickly had Nanny Xu fetch sobering soup.
Second Master Song smiled somewhat sheepishly. “I was in the western garden with Elder Brother and Third Brother admiring flowers. Brothers rarely gather together, so we got a bit carried away.”
Their brotherly affection was a good thing, and hearing this made Old Madam Song’s heart comfortable. She nodded with a smile.
After drinking the sobering soup, Second Master Song felt his mind had cleared considerably. He began speaking with the old madam: “Nanny Xu, who serves by Xiao Yi’s side… I think she’s not quite suitable. It would be better to replace her with someone more mature.”
Nanny Xu was Song Chuyi’s wet nurse, who had been by Song Chuyi’s side since the day she was born. After all these years, even if there were no great merits, there had at least been hard work.
For Second Master Song to come and immediately say he wanted to replace Nanny Xu—Old Madam Song was puzzled, and the incident from seven years ago resurfaced in her mind, making her frown involuntarily.
“She’s been serving by Xiao Yi’s side for some years now, and there’s never been anything improper about her.” Old Madam Song patiently looked at Second Master Song. “Moreover, Xiao Yi has her own mind. Such an important personal attendant being replaced just like that—who knows if she won’t become suspicious?”
This mention of suspicion only made Second Master Song more determined. He shook his head and met Old Madam Song’s gaze directly. “Xiao Yi is growing up day by day. Nanny Xu is, after all, an old servant from Cui Shi’s household. Having her by her side is probably improper. For peace of mind, it’s better to send her away—just place her on some estate to live out her retirement.”
So it was still about the old matter from seven years ago after all.
Old Madam Song gazed at her son with heavy eyes and sighed.
Who knows a son better than his mother? She understood all too well what kind of temperament her son had—still unstable like a child, knowing only how to evade responsibility after making mistakes.
Cui Shi’s death was like a thorn lodged in his heart. He felt guilty and uneasy. Every year on Cui Shi’s death anniversary, he would avoid it by leaving days in advance. Last year when he was supposed to fetch Song Yan from the Cui family, he had delayed for over a month before setting out. He must have felt uneasy constantly seeing Nanny Xu, and now he wanted to use his old trick again—sending Nanny Xu away to some estate, far from Song Chuyi.
“Though she is an old servant from Tingting’s household, she’s been by Xiao Yi’s side since Xiao Yi was born. What happened later was so secretive—what could she possibly know?” Old Madam Song tried to dismiss her son’s idea. “Moreover, those senior maids and nannies from Tingting’s household have already been sent away. If Nanny Xu from Xiao Yi’s side is also sent away, it will instead arouse suspicion. We’ll have to interact with the Cui family sooner or later. When they ask about it then, how will we explain?”
Hearing Cui Shi’s maiden name, Song Yi’s eyes actually welled up with a faint mist. After contemplating for a long while, he finally spoke decisively: “It’s precisely because we’ll have to interact with the Cui family sooner or later that we can’t take this risk. Who knows whether Nanny Xu might remember something after meeting the Cui family in the future? Xiao Yi is my biological daughter. If she later hears something she shouldn’t and becomes alienated from our Song family, I would truly regret it beyond measure. Perhaps it’s unfair to Nanny Xu, but there’s nothing to be done about it.”
Old Madam Song stood stunned, listening for a long moment, before finally nodding heavily.
Li Shi waited somewhat anxiously in the bedroom for news, so nervous that she couldn’t help twisting her handkerchief into a ball.
Nanny Yu was busy comforting Li Shi while inwardly marveling at Song Chuning’s composure—she sat there calm and collected.
“Why hasn’t he returned yet?” Li Shi impatiently brushed aside the tea Nanny Yu offered, then stood up after thinking. “Perhaps I should go there myself…”
Only then did Song Chuning speak to stop her. “Mother, Father going there is justified and proper. If you go, you’ll only add to the suspicion. The old madam is already wary of you over this matter. If you insert yourself at this time, wouldn’t you just be creating trouble for yourself?”
Li Shi stopped in her tracks and turned sharply to look at her daughter. “But the old madam has quarreled with your father over this matter many times over the years. How could she possibly agree so easily? Hasn’t this move been too risky, too hasty?”
“It’s perfectly timed.” Song Chuning leisurely focused on the book in her hands, revealing a calculating smile. “Father is different from you—he’s the old madam’s biological son. When you say certain things, it appears you’re guilty and can’t tolerate your stepdaughter. When he says them, it’s proper and justified protection of Song family children. The implications are completely different. Father happens to be assigned to Changsha now. Worrying that his growing daughter might hear some gossip that would affect their father-daughter relationship—isn’t that natural human sentiment?”
Nanny Yu’s eyes also lit up upon hearing this, and she quickly agreed: “Yes, yes! These words are being spoken by the master himself—they have nothing to do with you whatsoever.”