The problems that had plagued the Earl’s residence for so long were finally resolved, and the entire Song household overflowed with jubilation.

Although the Old Madam was somewhat worried about Song Chuxuan’s future, her daughter hadn’t lived well in the Xiao family before, and Xiao Yan wasn’t particularly proper or dutiful either. The Old Madam gradually relaxed.

Because Song Chengru had been promoted and entered the Grand Secretariat, the Song residence’s gates bustled with visitors, carriages coming and going in an endless stream.

The Old Madam was truly busy for quite some time, then came to discuss with Old Madam Song about hosting a banquet. “We mentioned this before, but who knew it would drag on until the end of April? Any later and it won’t seem proper.”

Old Madam Song also nodded and discussed the banquet details with her.

The servants of the Earl’s residence recently walked with a spring in their step, faces brimming with delighted smiles. Only this jubilation couldn’t affect Song Chuning in the slightest.

Like a trapped beast, she had fallen into a nightmare, unable to understand no matter how much she thought about it where exactly the problem lay.

If things had developed according to the trajectory in her dream, Song Chuyi would by now be nothing more than a foolish lamb waiting to be ruined. But clearly, events hadn’t unfolded as they had in the dream.

When the Xiao Ding affair exploded, her heart had gone completely cold, as if she’d been doused with a basin of cold water. The Old Madam’s and Song Jue’s unusually warm attitudes toward Song Chuyi were still vivid in her memory—how could she not suspect this matter was related to Song Chuyi?

But if it truly was related, why? What role did Song Chuyi play in the affair? What character did she portray?

She felt as if she’d walked into a dead end, unable to enter or exit, with many matters tangling her up like a messy ball of hemp.

If Song Chuyi was truly as she suspected—involved in the Xiao Ding matter—then the difficulty of dealing with Song Chuyi in the future obviously couldn’t be compared to the past.

She clenched her fists, her rounded nails digging deeply into her flesh without feeling pain. After a long moment, she suddenly stood up, wanting to summon someone to ask what unusual changes Song Chuyi had undergone.

But at this moment, she suddenly realized they no longer had anyone by Song Chuyi’s side whom they could trust and who held Song Chuyi’s regard. In fact, from the day Huang Yao and Nanny Wang were driven away, Song Chuyi’s side had been defended impenetrably. Now if they wanted to inquire about matters around her, it was as difficult as ascending to heaven.

So imperceptibly, Song Chuyi had already grown terrifyingly powerful.

Panic suddenly rose in her heart. She wanted to go discuss this with Madam Li, but when she changed clothes and went over, she was stopped outside the door by Nanny Yu.

Nanny Yu looked somewhat troubled yet also carefully ingratiating, constantly consoling her. “Madam is currently busy with some matters. If Miss is feeling bored, why not go play with Fifth Miss for a while? When it’s time for dinner this evening, I’ll come invite you.”

Song Chuning’s heart stalled. She suddenly felt there was nothing she could say to Madam Li anyway. Recently, Madam Li had been refusing her at the door more and more frequently, spending most of her time focused on Song Yan.

She was wholeheartedly trying to be a loving mother to Song Yan, seemingly forgetting she still had a biological daughter who needed guidance and care. The corner of Song Chuning’s mouth pulled into a mocking smile as she turned and walked out without any lingering attachment.

Nanny Yu felt somewhat guilty and saw her off for a few steps before returning with sighs. She felt that no matter what, she had to go back and persuade Old Madam Li to talk with Madam again, telling her not to neglect her own biological daughter.

Song Chuning turned and headed to Ningde Courtyard. Normally she would never set foot in Ningde Courtyard’s front hall. Every time she came, she could sense Old Madam Song’s differential treatment of Song Chuyi versus herself. Given her temperament, she always felt this was a tremendous mockery.

But now she had no choice but to come.

Old Madam Song’s attitude toward her had always been good. Seeing her arrive, she quickly had servants bring refreshments and tea, smiling cheerfully as she asked whether she had attendants with her and whether she had told Madam Li.

Song Chuning obediently answered everything. After drinking her tea, she stepped forward and grasped Old Madam Song’s arm. “Grandmother, I want to play with Sixth Sister. She hasn’t had time to find me in several days.”

Old Madam Song paused slightly, then smiled and patted her head. “What unfortunate timing—your Sixth Sister has gone out. She won’t be at the residence these next few days.”

Song Chuning put on a disappointed expression and nodded obediently, but the panic in her heart intensified.

Without any elder accompanying her, Song Chuyi had actually been permitted to leave?!

Hong Yu had the same worry. She watched her young miss leisurely reclining against cushions, and while pouring tea for her, complained, “Although you have your plans, after all there’s no adult accompanying you. Leaving like this—how improper and unjustifiable!”

Song Chuyi looked at her with amusement. Seeing she was quite disapproving, she said, “There will be many such days in the future. Besides, how are we improper or unjustifiable? Didn’t Grandmother agree?”

“Even so, going to the estate in Tongzhou is no small matter,” Hong Yu argued her case. “Although they say it’s a separate estate, who knows what it’s really like? If it’s a complete mess, how will you live there? Moreover, we didn’t bring many people. If something unexpected happens, it’ll be too late for regrets.”

Hong Yu always thought too much. After experiencing the Xiao Ding affair, she had become even more cautious. This time leaving the residence, both Qing Tao and Luyi were overjoyed—only she looked gloomy and unhappy.

Song Chuyi smiled and shook her head. “That won’t do. This trip I must go personally to feel at ease.”

Last time at the Imperial Awakening Temple, she had arranged to meet Qing Tao’s parents, but who knew complications would arise and they hadn’t been able to discuss anything substantial. Song Chuyi was determined to properly inquire this time.

Moreover, Nanny Xu had been at the estate for nearly two months and had sent word back saying she had some leads. She could take this opportunity to consolidate the information and see what was usable.

Qing Tao also came over with a grin and pulled her, changing the subject. “Anyway, we’ve already left. Just accompany Miss and enjoy yourself for a while, won’t you? The Old Madam already sent someone ahead to notify the estate steward. It’s certain to be tidily arranged there. Even if you don’t trust others, surely you trust Nanny Xu? Besides, there’s no need to worry about guards—Uncle Qin is accompanying us this time, and he brought sufficient men. Even the Old Madam isn’t worried, so what are you fretting about?”

Hong Yu had nothing more to say and sighed without speaking. After all, Luyi had made such a fuss wanting to come but hadn’t been allowed. Since she herself had come along, she still needed to serve Miss properly and thoroughly.

Song Chuyi looked at the sun gradually hanging on the treetops outside and revealed a faint smile.

Cui Shi’s death was a thorn lodged in her heart from the previous life through this life. This time, she would thoroughly investigate and pull this thorn out by its roots.

Wait, Mother. Very soon I will restore justice for you.