This was a battle destined for failure from the start. Watching the constant stream of archers surging forward from the opposing side, Xiao Ding finally understood that defeat was certain. Unwilling to accept it, he attempted to slit his own throat in suicide.
But even this desperate attempt was thwarted by the well-prepared Song Jue. Song Jue’s mounted archery skills were exceptional—with one arrow, he struck swiftly, accurately, and ruthlessly, sending the blade at Xiao Ding’s throat flying while leaving Xiao Ding himself completely unharmed.
The Prince of Zhennan called out in approval, revealing his first smile of the evening as he turned to look at Song Chengru. “Old Master Song truly excels at teaching his grandson. Given time, this worthy nephew will surely achieve great things!”
Song Chengru’s face also showed pride, while simultaneously welling up with deep lingering fear and gratitude.
Without Song Chuyi, Song Jue would likely have died long ago—if not on the road while surveying the terrain, then today under Xiao Ding’s blade.
The Song household’s heir had been preserved entirely through Song Chuyi’s efforts.
He looked toward Xiao Ding, his gaze seemingly containing both regret and reluctance, yet also ruthless determination. After a long moment, he said to the Prince of Zhennan, “It’s getting late. We should settle this quickly. Arrest all these men and send them to the Shuntian Prefecture.”
Ordinary soldiers would naturally be sent to the Shuntian Prefecture prison, but Xiao Ding and Fang Deng had to go to either the Imperial Guard dungeons or the Court of Judicial Review.
The Prince of Zhennan nodded and went to handle the arrangements.
Song Chengru remained in place to manage the aftermath with the Prince of Zhennan, instructing Song Jue to go fetch the Old Madam and Song Chuyi’s party back to the residence.
Now in his eyes, Song Chuyi’s life was perhaps only slightly less valuable than Song Jue’s—and not by much at that. Song Chengru was deeply concerned about her safety.
Master Yuanjue had arranged all the Song household members inside the temple’s Discipline Hall, with martial monks guarding both inside and outside, leaving no gaps whatsoever in security matters. Having dealt extensively with imperial relatives and nobility, he thoroughly understood the intricacies involved.
When Song Jue arrived, the Old Madam was pacing anxiously in circles. Seeing him was like finding her anchor—she forced herself to remain composed as she asked about the situation, then arranged for people to wake Madam Li and the others who had already fallen asleep.
Song Chuning hadn’t slept at all. She was naturally extremely sensitive to conspiracies and schemes, clearly understanding what this kind of situation signified. However, she couldn’t quite grasp exactly what had happened.
This incident hadn’t occurred in her dream memories. She racked her brains but couldn’t figure out why the noble household’s women would need to hide in the temple until the moon reached its zenith.
What troubled her even more was that throughout everything, she couldn’t participate in the development of events, yet Song Chuyi apparently could.
The Old Madam took Song Chuyi with her everywhere, constantly keeping her close. Even tonight upon arriving at the Discipline Hall, she didn’t assign Song Chuyi a separate room to rest, but kept her by her side instead.
The Old Madam’s affection alone wasn’t sufficient to make her go this far.
This demonstrated that Song Chuyi herself possessed value that the Old Madam recognized. But what exactly was it? She watched Song Chuyi standing beside the Old Madam, being fussed over like a treasure by Song Jue with endless questions and concerns, her gaze growing profound and inscrutable.
They ultimately galloped all the way back to the capital bathed in moonlight. Strangely, the city gates were still not closed—regardless of the circumstances, this was always a sign that something had happened.
Song Chuning looked toward the carriage where Song Chuyi was riding, her expression hidden in the moonlight and impossible to discern.
Old Madam Song didn’t dare close her eyes all night. Only after hearing that Song Jue and the others had returned to the residence did she finally release the breath that had been caught in her throat, quickly summoning the Old Madam, Song Jue, and Song Chuyi together to Ningde Courtyard.
The Old Madam hadn’t expected that this outing would nearly cost her life. After hearing from Song Jue in the carriage about what had transpired, she truly broke out in a cold sweat. Now seeing Old Madam Song, even though she was usually composed, she couldn’t help but shed tears from lingering fear.
In contrast, both Song Jue and Song Chuyi still maintained their composed demeanor.
Old Madam Song knew she had been badly frightened and comforted her with kind, soothing words before sending her back to rest.
The Old Madam also understood that she truly had no say in matters here, so she nodded and withdrew as instructed.
Old Madam Song examined both Song Jue and Song Chuyi thoroughly, and only after confirming they were uninjured did she first recite “Amitabha Buddha.” “Thank heavens nothing happened. Xiao Ding and Fang Deng truly ate a leopard’s gall to be so bold!”
Song Jue helped her sit down and consoled her, “Grandmother, don’t be upset. Now both of them have already fallen into the Prince of Zhennan’s hands. The Prince of Zhennan has transferred them overnight to the Court of Judicial Review.”
Speaking of this, he couldn’t help but turn back to glance at Song Chuyi.
Actually, the original plan had been to hand them over to the Imperial Guard, but Song Chuyi had suggested to Song Chengru that they be sent to the Court of Judicial Review instead.
In this short day and night, he had already experienced this Sixth Sister’s extraordinary qualities. He didn’t dare underestimate her and understood that she must have deep reasons for saying this.
“Speaking of which, I’ve always wanted to praise Grandmother—this place is truly a blessed land of treasures, having taught Sixth Sister to be so perceptive and astute,” Song Jue said, looking at Old Madam Song. “Simply like a brilliant strategist.”
Although Great Zhou held women in high regard, it was only somewhat better than previous dynasties. The belief that “a woman’s lack of talent is her virtue” still prevailed. For Song Chuyi to be this intelligent might not necessarily be a blessing.
Old Madam Song understood his meaning and smiled faintly, shaking her head. “Don’t learn that set of ideas from your father—this nonsense about women lacking talent being virtue. Look at what kind of life your Second Sister lives. For those with ability, what does it matter whether they’re male or female?” She smiled and beckoned Song Chuyi to come before her, then turned back and said, “Moreover, this sister of yours was naturally gifted with exceptional talents—it’s not entirely due to my efforts.”
This also acknowledged part of what Song Jue had said, admitting that she had indeed provided guidance to Song Chuyi.
Old Madam Song then asked Song Chuyi, “In your view, is it possible this matter could implicate Prince Duan?”
“Difficult,” Song Chuyi said, her gaze deepening as she shook her head. “Grandfather received news that Japanese pirates have been disturbing the people in Zhangzhou. Prince Duan left the capital overnight.”
Left the capital overnight?!
Old Madam Song and Song Jue exchanged glances, both their hearts sinking.
“Marquis Pingyang and the Vice Commander of the Five Cities Military Commission have already become abandoned pawns,” Song Chuyi said, her face carrying a slight chill. “Chen Xiang has always been on good terms with Xingfu from the palace’s Ceremonial Directorate, and Xingfu was previously a senior servant in Prince Duan’s household. The reason I suggested Grandfather send them to the Court of Judicial Review was precisely because I feared both of them would be killed by the Imperial Guard before they even had a chance to speak.”
The Minister of the Court of Judicial Review was at least part of the Crown Prince’s faction and would do his utmost to extract information from Xiao Ding and Fang Deng’s mouths.
Old Madam Song had long since lost any sense of surprise at Song Chuyi’s intelligence, but Song Jue was so shocked he stood up directly.
Song Chuyi could actually see clearly through all these twists and turns—she could even distinguish the entanglements between officials and their various allegiances. How many seasoned veterans who had navigated the officialdom for years still couldn’t see clearly these intricate and complex connections, yet still had to carefully tread on thin ice, trying to please all sides? Yet Song Chuyi could distinguish them clearly. This kind of perceptiveness truly surpassed ordinary people tenfold.
How much effort had Song Chengru and Old Madam Song spent teaching her? She might even understand more than the imperial consorts in the palace!