Madam Du’s visiting card was quickly delivered to the Earl of Changning’s residence. Yin Yunduan opened it and glanced at it. The Du family’s cards were always particular, with exquisitely styled butterfly-patterned paper at the signature. After examining it for a moment, she raised her hand and instructed Hechun, “Go and invite Sixth Miss over.”

She had originally thought Song Chuyi wouldn’t want to see them. Frowning, she picked up a preserved plum and placed it in her mouth, then smiled at Song Chuyi. “Now that Prince Gong’s matter has caused an uproar throughout the city, they’re probably unable to sit still and have come to gather information. It’s fine not to receive them.”

Old Madam Song shared the same opinion. Looking at Song Chuyi, she laughed mockingly. “The Du family is now in critical danger, their life or death hanging on His Majesty’s single thought. They want to board our ship, but our family’s temple is too small to accommodate them.”

Song Yan had asked Teacher Qingfeng for half a day off today, originally planning to accompany Song Chuyi to Tongzhou to organize the residence. Before they could leave, he heard that the Du family had sent a card. His view differed from that of Old Madam Song and Yin Yunduan. After pondering for a while, he shook his head. “We might as well still receive them.” Seeing everyone looking at him, he revealed a smile. “Previously, the Du family still had some hesitation, but now Prince Gong has clearly pushed him toward death, not caring about his life or death at all. The capital he had previously prepared to use in pledging loyalty to His Highness the Grand Prince is gone. If I’m not mistaken, this time the Du family can send us some useful things. Why shouldn’t we accept?”

Why act on momentary emotion? When there are benefits to be had, naturally one should take full advantage before speaking further.

Old Madam Song fell silent, feeling that her grandchildren were learning to be more cunning than one another. In the evening, when Song Chengru returned, she told him about Madam Du sending a visiting card. “She says it’s to let the children become familiar with each other.”

In the current situation, who had the mind for getting familiar? Anyone with eyes could tell the Du family had ulterior motives. Old Master Song raised his eyebrows, expressing the same view as Song Yan. “This is them actively offering a ladder—naturally we should accept it.”

Old Madam Song had no further objections and instructed the First Madam to make preparations. The next day, Madam Du arrived as arranged.

Old Madam Song personally received her. Having reached this point, Madam Du no longer had any interest in playing word games. She sent the Du Fangxi she’d brought along to the Song family’s young ladies. Seeing that only Old Madam Song and Song Chuyi were in the room, her legs went weak and she was about to kneel on the ground.

Old Madam Song raised her eyebrows in surprise. “What’s the meaning of this! Quickly help her up!”

Having a currently serving first-rank gaoming kneel before her was truly rather life-shortening. Old Madam Song tightened her brows. “If my old sister has something to say, speak directly. What kind of appearance is this, kneeling down like this?”

Song Chuyi’s gaze calmly looked toward her, lifting the corners of her lips before following up. “Indeed, if the old madam has anything to say, you might as well speak directly. Why perform such grand courtesy?”

Madam Du smiled bitterly as she stood up with Nanny Huang’s support. Her gaze swept around the surroundings, and Old Madam Song nodded to Nanny Huang, who immediately withdrew.

The curtain was lifted and then lowered. A few rays of light playfully flashed through the door as the curtain fell, then disappeared a moment later. Madam Du’s gaze rested on the still slightly swaying curtain, and she sighed heavily.

“Prince Gong’s matter—you two must also know about it.” Madam Du took a deep breath. Seeing that both Old Madam Song and Song Chuyi remained noncommittal, she bit her teeth. “At this point, we don’t dare play games with you anymore. This matter truly has nothing to do with our old master.” As she spoke, she couldn’t help choking up. “Even if you lent our old master ten times the courage, he wouldn’t dare touch such a thing!”

Everyone wanted the merit of supporting the dragon. Gambling on it meant a lifetime of splendid glory and honor. But although Elder Du wanted it, he’d never thought of rebellion! If he had such courage, would he need to have painstakingly persuaded Prince Gong to operate for so many years to gain a good reputation?

Song Chuyi naturally knew this point. Ma Wangkun and Ma Yongfu had been watching Elder Du for quite a while now, and Elder Du had indeed been quite law-abiding recently.

Madam Du bit her teeth. “Moreover, since… since the matter of Crown Princess Lu, Prince Gong and our old master have clearly already broken relations. His move now is clearly intended to kill our old master!”

This was natural. If the positions were switched, if Song Chuyi were in Prince Gong’s position, she too would hate to the bone Elder Du who had changed sides like shifting dynasties. And the cruelest revenge was none other than his current method—walking away with a wave of his hand, leaving countless messes for Elder Du, making Elder Du both embarrassed and difficult to face others.

The room quieted for a moment. Madam Du kept waiting for Old Madam Song and Song Chuyi’s response but received none. She closed her eyes. “Even before this incident occurred, Prince Gong had already lost considerable trust in my family’s old master. Our old master says that the gradual and orderly approach he previously taught Prince Gong—he can no longer listen to it. He’s found someone more like-minded.”

Song Chuyi raised her lips in a slight smile. Finally, they were beginning to discuss something interesting.

“Please continue,” she said, keeping her voice very light. “I will speak to His Highness about it.”

Madam Du had been waiting for exactly these words. Her expression also relaxed somewhat. “Prince Gong’s previous attacks on the Crown Prince and His Highness the Grand Prince were actually following someone’s suggestion.”

Seeing both Old Madam Song and Song Chuyi prick up their ears to listen, she felt more assured, and her speech was no longer so urgent. “I believe you also know that the longevity gift Prince Gong had originally prepared to present to His Majesty upon returning to the capital this time was an unprecedented genius with exceptional military talent. This person belongs to the Marquis of Jinxiang.”

As expected, it was related to Han Zhengqing of Xibei. Although they’d already sent a letter to Cui Shaoting to investigate, Cui Shaoting wouldn’t have news to send back so quickly for the moment. Now that Prince Gong’s own people were betraying him, this saved them who knew how much trouble.

Old Madam Song already showed shock on her face. She hadn’t expected that Han Zhengqing, who had always been devoted to the Eastern Palace, had actually already turned toward Prince Gong.

“Prince Gong has long had dealings with Han Zhengqing.” Madam Du revealed everything Elder Du had told her. “Han Zhengqing presented Prince Gong with the smuggling operation the Crown Prince had been running in Xibei for many years, pledging himself under Prince Gong’s command. Since he gained Prince Gong’s favor, our old master has actually been less favored by Prince Gong. This time with the Crown Prince’s matter, he only informed our old master after deciding, never asking our old master’s opinion at all.”

She still didn’t forget to exonerate Elder Du a bit.

Her voice unconsciously lowered again. “Our old master says that if he hasn’t guessed wrong, this matter with Prince Gong probably also cannot be separated from that Wu Feng and the Marquis of Jinxiang. If His Highness wishes to investigate, he can focus on Xibei.”

The room fell silent for a long while. Old Madam Song personally handed Madam Du a cup of tea. “Madam, speak more slowly.”