Song Lingxiao now placed great importance on Song Yu, staking all his hopes on him. Anything related to Song Yu taking the imperial exam would draw Song Lingxiao's attention.
"Why adopt a goddaughter?" Shen Jingshuo didn't quite understand.
"Second Brother, I'll explain some things to you later, as there's no evidence for the current situation."
"Alright, I understand. I'll handle it and send you a message when there's news."
"Also, if he bullies you again, don't hesitate—just hit him!" He really wanted to beat up Song Lingxiao for daring to mistreat his sister like this!
Shen Qingqing nodded.
"By the way, Mother has found you a female instructor who can teach you martial arts. Even if you can't master it, it'll help strengthen your body. She's currently teaching some rules at home and will be sent to you in a few days." Shen Jingshuo mentioned this as he remembered it.
"Great!" Having a female instructor by her side would ensure her safety.
This way, even if conflicts arose, she wouldn't be left helpless with no one to turn to.
After all, for now, Song Lingxiao was still in charge of the entire Marquis Manor.
Laifu served the dishes, and Shen Jingshuo ate with them. Nanzhi and Xijin were also allowed to sit down and join the meal.
"Prince Huai has returned triumphant, so the Emperor will likely hold a victory banquet. Song Lingxiao probably won't qualify to enter the palace, but out of respect for the Shen Family, His Majesty might invite you and your husband."
Although Song Lingxiao had inherited the title, it was merely nominal. He couldn't uphold the Song family's prestige, and without the Shen Family, they would have declined within a few years.
Thinking back, Song Lingxiao had truly played a grand scheme. If he had put that much effort into the imperial exams, he might have passed.
He was like a bun stuffed with feces—disgusting!
The worst part was having taken a bite—even more revolting!
"I saw Prince Huai earlier. He's very imposing, completely different from when he was a child," Shen Qingqing remarked casually.
"You've seen him as a child? Wasn't he back then…" Shen Jingshuo didn't continue, as it wasn't appropriate to discuss such matters freely.
"Grandfather occasionally took me to the palace when he went, so I saw him. You were too mischievous back then—no one dared to take you to the palace." Remembering their childhood, Shen Qingqing couldn't help but laugh. Second Brother had always been unruly, disliking studies but loving to tinker and sell things. Later, the family stopped trying to control him.
Shen Jingshuo felt a bit embarrassed. "I was immature back then."
"Is Prince Huai still unmarried?" She hadn't heard about him getting married, as if he'd been fighting at the border all along.
"It's best if he doesn't marry, given his circumstances." Shen Jingshuo took a sip of tea and lowered his voice. "Let's not talk about him—it could cause trouble."
Shen Qingqing understood the risks and didn't dare say more.
"Here, have some Sichuan fritillary and snow pear soup. It's good for coughs." Shen Jingshuo had specifically asked the kitchen to prepare it, and it was ready just as they finished eating.
"Second Brother, you're always the best to me." At this moment, Shen Qingqing felt as if she had returned to her girlhood, pampered by her family and free from facing so many troubles.
"Your eldest brother has been feeling very guilty lately. When your little niece turns one month old, have a good talk with him."
"Mm, I know."
Back when Shen Jingzhi and Song Lingxiao studied together at the Imperial College, Song Lingxiao was skilled at putting on an act, so the two got along very well. Shen Jingzhi would bring him home as a guest, and they would go out on excursions together. Over time, Song Lingxiao became acquainted with Shen Qingqing, which led to her developing feelings for him.
After drinking the Fritillaria and Snow Pear Soup, Shen Qingqing returned to the Marquis Manor with Nanzhi.
During the day, Song Yu and Song Xinlan were both attending classes at the Academy, so the manor was relatively quiet.
"Let's stop by the kitchen first."
There were still many servants busy working in the kitchen.
"Has the Marquis informed you that from now on, two portions of Bird's Nest Soup need to be prepared in the evenings—one for me and one for the First Madam?" Her gaze swept over several people as she wondered who might be the one helping Song Lingxiao poison the bird's nest soup.
Given Song Lingxiao's cautious nature, he would certainly not administer the poison himself. This way, even if the scheme were exposed, there would be a scapegoat to take the fall.
"Madam, the Marquis has already given the order. Rest assured, we will make all the necessary arrangements," someone stepped forward to reply, his face wearing a somewhat fawning expression.
Shen Qingqing observed him carefully and noticed that his clothes were very clean, unlike someone who worked in the kitchen all day. His hands showed no signs of grease or roughness, whereas the others had varying degrees of oil and water stains on their clothes, making them appear less tidy.
"Very well," she said. Spotting a pile of radishes in the kitchen, she casually pointed to a servant who looked strong. "You, pack ten radishes and deliver them to the main courtyard." As the saying goes, eat radishes in winter and ginger in summer—it's time to nourish the body.
"Yes, Madam."
Shen Qingqing left the kitchen, and before long, the servant arrived at the main courtyard with ten radishes.
"Miss Nanzhi, are there any other instructions?"
"The Madam has summoned you for questioning."
He came before Shen Qingqing, head bowed, appearing somewhat nervous.
"Changda, how is your daughter now?"
"Madam, my daughter has fully recovered. Thank you for saving her life!"
"That's good to hear. Now, I'd like you to repay the favor."
Lin Changda immediately knelt down. "I will never forget your kindness, Madam. Whatever you need me to do, I will not hesitate!"
"Let me ask you: if you had to choose, would you pledge your loyalty to the Marquis or to me?"
He was taken aback by the question but quickly replied, "I pledge my loyalty to you, Madam!"
Half a year ago, his daughter had fallen seriously ill, and he had no money for treatment. He begged the steward for an advance on his wages, but the steward ignored him. He then pleaded with the Marquis, who also paid no heed. It was Madam who provided the money to save his daughter.
"Next, I need you to do something for me." Shen Qingqing motioned for him to step closer and gave him quiet instructions. "When Li Wu is preparing the bird's nest soup, keep an eye on him. If you see him putting anything into the soup, switch the two bowls."
He was shocked. He knew that Li Wu prepared the bird's nest soup every day and never allowed anyone else to handle it. The Marquis had entrusted Li Wu with this task and treated him exceptionally well, paying him several times more than the others. Li Wu often boasted about it, and while they were envious, there was nothing they could do.
Could it be that Li Wu was adding poison to the bird's nest soup?
"I understand, Madam!"
"Be careful and don't get caught. If you don't have a chance to switch them, come and inform me."
"Understood! Don't worry, Madam. I will definitely carry this out properly." He was eager for the opportunity to repay Madam's kindness.
Nanzhi took out a string of coins and handed it to him.
"No need, Madam. This is what I ought to do." He waved his hands repeatedly, his face showing no trace of greed.
"Take this, get some nourishment for your daughter, and buy her some nice clothes," Shen Qingqing said with a smile.
At the mention of his daughter, Lin Changda's expression softened. He accepted it and kowtowed heavily three times. "Thank you, Madam!"
"You may go."
After he left, Nanzhi asked uneasily, "Madam, can he be trusted?" If he were to betray them and the Marquis found out…
Shen Qingqing nodded. In her previous life, when she was seriously ill and had no one to rely on, it was he who went out to gather information about the Shen residence and secretly brought in an outside physician to treat her. But her condition had already become too severe, and the physician could do nothing.
"Madam, something has happened!"
Manager Chen hurried over and shouted.
"What happened?" Shen Qingqing found it strange. According to her memory, nothing should have occurred at this time.
"The Marquis has been harmed!" Manager Chen panted heavily. "The Marquis has been beaten!"