There was no precedent for an elder to condescend to visit a younger generation’s quarters. Nanny Xu and Nanny Xu, who were busy in the corridor, were so shocked they couldn’t speak when they heard the old madam had arrived. They exchanged glances and quickly sent Qing Yīng to inform Song Chuyi, while straightening themselves up.
Song Chuyi was washing her face, her long hair cascading down her back like a waterfall. Hearing the news, she stood up in surprise and went out to greet her visitor. Just as she reached the corridor, she saw Old Madam Cui being supported by Madam Xie as they entered the courtyard. She hurried forward several steps to take hold of Old Madam Cui’s right hand, asking in astonishment, “Grandmother, in this bitter cold weather, why did you come in person?”
Even Old Madam Song of the Count Changning Estate, who doted on her so much, had never personally visited her courtyard. This was truly improper.
Old Madam Cui had walked quite a distance and was breathing somewhat heavily. She patted Song Chuyi’s hand, and only after entering the room, sitting down, and drinking some tea did she pull Song Chuyi to sit beside her. “I heard that something happened on your journey here?”
Having arrived barely a day ago, and with the Cui Estate bustling with visitors due to Old Madam Cui’s birthday celebration, and Yu Shi having returned to the East Estate to settle in and manage household affairs, Song Chuyi indeed hadn’t had the chance to tell Old Madam Cui about this matter yet.
She nodded and recounted everything that had happened on the boat in detail, then added, “Actually, we had received news just before boarding. Grandfather gave me several name cards, and eldest brother also hired bodyguards for us, so nothing serious happened.”
Not only had nothing happened to them, but they had also nearly wiped out that entire gang of river bandits. A strange thought arose in Madam Xie’s mind as she stared at Song Chuyi for quite a while, finding it hard to believe that this extraordinarily beautiful niece before her possessed such great ability—to use borrowed force, turn the tables on the enemy, and in one stroke eliminate the bandit menace that had plagued Qiyuan Town for many years. This was truly unbelievable.
She also recalled the family letters her elder brother and sister-in-law had sent back previously. Every time her husband, Second Master Cui, read them, he would sigh about how clever Tingting’s daughter was. But cleverness shouldn’t manifest in this way—what kind of matter was this for a young lady to handle?
Old Madam Cui held Song Chuyi’s hand and asked with furrowed brows, “This person Huang Yiping—your grandfather has no particular connection with him. It would be very difficult to get him to act. She looked at Song Chuyi, worry implicit between her brows. “Little Yi, how did you get him to lead troops to Swallow Valley?”
“It was the Crown Prince who helped,” Song Chuyi said, turning her head to look at Old Madam Cui and speaking honestly. “I also benefited from His Highness’s assistance, which allowed me to make preparations before boarding, fearing something might happen on the road.”
Madam Xie couldn’t help but glance at Song Chuyi again. News from the capital said that the Empress seemed intent on making Song Chuyi the Crown Prince’s consort, yet the Song family’s letter asked the Cui family to help arrange Song Chuyi’s marriage, clearly unwilling to have Song Chuyi wade into the imperial family’s troubled waters. Moreover, her sister-in-law’s family had a precious daughter who was the Crown Prince’s true cousin, who had even spent two months at Longhu Mountain. Did Song Chuyi not know about her family’s arrangements? Otherwise, why would she be so close to the Crown Prince?
Lost in thought, she heard Old Madam Cui say to her, “Second daughter-in-law, you may go back now. I want to speak with Little Yi for a while.”
She was even being dismissed. Old Madam Cui’s only precious daughter had died in the capital without them ever meeting again—Madam Xie had always understood clearly what this granddaughter meant to her. Moreover, no matter how capable Song Chuyi was, she was merely a visiting cousin staying at the Cui family. Even if, by some remote chance, she truly intended to compete with Cui Hualuan for that position in the future, it had nothing to do with her own daughter. She smiled and graciously agreed, withdrawing quietly on light feet. She also instructed Nanny Qian, who was keeping watch in the corridor, “When it gets darker, the road will be difficult. Have someone bring a sedan chair so the old madam won’t catch a chill from the wind. Don’t take offense at my speaking out of turn, Nanny—the old madam didn’t ask me to stay here.”
How could Nanny Qian not understand her thoughts? Madam Xie also came from a prestigious family, but compared to the Cui family’s imperial relative status and Princess Duanhui, she still fell somewhat short. After Madam Cui went to the capital, Madam Xie had taken charge of household management. She did everything diligently and personally, fearing that when others compared her to Madam Cui, they would say she ultimately wasn’t as good as the First Madam.
Madam Xie led her people back to her quarters. Just as she arrived, she heard someone outside saying that Second Master had returned. She quickly went forward to personally help him remove his cloak, then called a maid to serve him while he washed and changed clothes in the bathing room. Only then did she present him with a cup of hot tea with a smile, asking, “Did seeing Fifth Master Song and young master Yan make you so happy? What were you chatting about that kept you so late?”
Today, the women and men had separate welcome banquets. The men were all entertained by the Cui family men at the East Estate, where they were also lodging.
Cui Yingshu had refined, handsome features with distinctive brows and keen eyes. He took a sip of hot tea and couldn’t help but sigh, “Fifth Master’s learning is truly profound. When I’m with him, it feels like we have endless things to discuss. What’s most surprising is young master Yan. You don’t know how much he’s changed in just four years. His knowledge has broadened and he’s made great progress. After reading his essays, it’s no wonder he passed the children’s examination at such a young age. He’ll be returning to Shu in May. Tang Mingzhao truly lives up to his reputation—Yan has learned very well under his tutelage.”
Madam Xie hung his cloak on the clothes rack. Hearing this, she smiled. “Who knows how Tingting gave birth to them—each child born better than the last. Her nephew is so intelligent and handsome, and her niece has blossomed like a celestial maiden. Her speech and behavior are all superior, her etiquette and rules flawless, performed in a way that delights the eye. When others go through so many formalities, it always feels stiff, but when she does it, it’s exceptionally graceful—relaxed, natural, flowing like clouds and water. You don’t know, my eyes were truly transfixed at the time.”
Cui Yingshu hadn’t yet met his niece. Hearing her speak this way, he couldn’t help but smile. “You rarely praise people like this. Don’t tell me you’re deliberately building her up to belittle Luan?”
Although both were Cui daughters, Cui Hualuan’s reputation was well-known. When people mentioned the Cui family’s daughters, the first they praised was Cui Hualuan. Madam Xie still harbored a slight resentment in her heart. Though her upbringing wouldn’t allow her to do anything petty like making trouble or setting traps, she occasionally tried to gain some verbal advantage for her daughter. Hearing her husband mention this, she couldn’t help feeling somewhat embarrassed and annoyed. “You’re always the one to scold people.”
Old Madam Cui sighed and asked Song Chuyi, “Do you know that His Highness has also come to Jin Province?”
Calculating the time, news that Zhou Weizhao had been dispatched by imperial decree to quell the rebellion in Jin Province should have spread by now. Song Chuyi nodded. “I only just learned of it today. His Highness previously gave me two people to help. They’ve now both begged me to let them go, and I’ve already agreed.”