Nanzhi had added some Tranquility to the milk she gave Song Xinyin, so the child was sleeping soundly.
Two pairs of eyes were fixed intently on the two drops of blood, their owners unconsciously holding their breath.
At this moment, both women's emotions were complex, their hearts still secretly hoping for the blood to merge.
Yet the two drops of blood remained still where they were, neither drawing closer nor merging—a stark contrast to how Lvyun's blood had immediately fused upon contact.
"Madam…" Nanzhi's voice trembled.
Shen Qingqing continued staring at the two drops of blood without speaking. Only after a long while did she turn to look at the sleeping Song Xinyin.
Truthfully, judging by Yang Wanqing's various behaviors, it was already quite certain this child was Yang Wanqing's—otherwise she wouldn't have been so good to her.
"Clean this up," she said wearily.
Nanzhi silently withdrew without another word.
Even servants like them couldn't accept such a thing, let alone the madam who had truly suffered betrayal. They had all witnessed how deeply the madam cherished the young miss. Now, discovering the young miss wasn't her own child—who could endure such a blow?
Shen Qingqing stared blankly at Song Xinyin, at this face that somewhat resembled Yang Wanqing's.
Her hand slowly reached out and settled on the tender neck, fingers gradually tightening.
Her fingertips clearly felt the warmth of the skin, the pulsing heartbeat beneath.
She closed her eyes, two clear tears streaming down, then released her grip.
Song Lingxiao, Yang Wanqing, how could you do this to me? How could you?!
Was climbing up by stepping on my flesh and blood not enough? You had to step on my children's flesh and blood too?!
When she opened her eyes again, they were bloodshot.
In her previous life, her own daughter had been right before her eyes, yet she hadn't recognized her, instead showering Song Xinyin with affection. She deserved to die, deserved death!
Slowly calming her emotions, she realized that Song Xinyin currently didn't know she was Yang Wanqing's daughter—likely they hadn't told her for fear a young child couldn't keep secrets.
Could she use this to her advantage?
At exactly 7 AM, Song Xinyin woke up and saw Shen Qingqing doing her makeup, so she climbed down from the bed.
"Mother, you're so beautiful!"
Although Shen Qingqing had given birth twice, time had left no traces on her—she merely appeared more mature and elegant than in her maiden days.
"Why isn't Yin'er as beautiful as mother?" The four-year-old girl already understood concepts of beauty.
"They say the longer you stay with someone, the more you resemble them," Shen Qingqing began guiding her. If Yang Wanqing could deceive a child, couldn't she do the same?
"But don't I spend lots of time with mother?" Song Xinyin muttered quietly.
"Yin'er spends much time with others too."
Song Xinyin immediately remembered, "I often stay with auntie too! Auntie isn't as pretty as mother. I should spend less time with auntie from now on!"
A slight smile touched Shen Qingqing's lips. In this life, she would drive a wedge between this mother and daughter.
"Auntie loves you so much, you mustn't say that in front of her—it would break her heart."
"Your auntie has no children of her own and likes you so much, I worry she might try to take you from me," she sighed.
This alarmed Song Xinyin, who immediately hugged Shen Qingqing. "I'm mother's child! Nobody can take me away! I don't want to be auntie's child!"
"Don't worry, don't worry," she patted Song Xinyin's head.
Raising a child well wasn't easy, but ruining one? That would be much simpler. And it would save her trouble too!
"Madam, should we go see the Marquis first?" Nanzhi worried that if they didn't take good care of the Marquis, the Old Madam would blame them.
"Yes, we must go."
"Yin'er, come with me to see your father."
Speaking of this, Shen Qingqing recalled a detail – Song Lingxiao had the children call her 'mother' rather than 'mama', yet had them call him 'daddy' instead of 'father'.
"Daddy, how did you become a pig's head?" Song Xinyin asked with childish innocence.
"How can this child speak such nonsense…" Though it was the plain truth!
"Marquis, the child is still young and doesn't know better. Please don't be angry."
Bringing Song Xinyin along had indeed been the right decision – what a filial daughter.
Song Lingxiao's expression was grim. He hadn't slept well all night due to the pain. Although Wanwan had come to keep him company, she couldn't bear the pain for him.
Who exactly had dealt this underhanded blow?!
"Have something to eat first." Shen Qingqing picked up a bowl of porridge, finding the bowl rather hot to the touch.
She scooped up a large spoonful and delivered it directly into Song Lingxiao's mouth. Without thinking, he opened his mouth to eat.
The result…
"Hot, it's hot!"
He nearly spat it out from the scalding heat, but restrained himself because the child was present. He swirled the porridge in his mouth before finally swallowing it.
"I thought the porridge the servants brought wouldn't be hot anymore. Are you alright?" May it burn you to death! She had deliberately scooped an extra large spoonful.
"It's all my fault. I should have tested it first."
The words of reproach stuck in his throat, and Song Lingxiao could only swallow this unfair treatment in silence.
He felt that Shen Qingqing had been acting rather strange lately, but when he met her guilty eyes and slightly reddened eyelids, his suspicions vanished.
Shen Qingqing was too foolish – she absolutely couldn't have discovered what he had done.
"Mother, Yin'er is hungry," Song Xinyin said, tugging at Shen Qingqing's sleeve.
"Be patient. Let your father eat his fill first."
How could Song Lingxiao let his little daughter go hungry? He immediately said, "Take Yin'er to have breakfast. I can eat by myself."
"Thank you, daddy! Daddy is the best! Yin'er wishes daddy a speedy recovery." Then she pulled Shen Qingqing away.
Indeed, bringing Song Xinyin along had been the right choice.
Other people's children could be quite useful when properly utilized!
During breakfast.
When Song Xinyin saw Lvyun, a hint of jealousy unconsciously surfaced in her eyes.
How had Lvyun changed in just a few days? She seemed different – more beautiful now.
"Mother, how is Lvyun doing learning etiquette with you?" she asked.
"She's quite a clever girl, learns quickly. Once she's finished learning, she'll return to serve you. That would put my mind at ease," Shen Qingqing said with a smile.
Hearing the first part clearly displeased her, but the latter part made her feel somewhat better.
No matter what, she's just a servant! She can only serve me in this lifetime!
"Mother, can Lvyun play with me today?"
"No, she's currently learning etiquette. Playing would distract her. What about you – how is your memorization of the Three Character Classic going?"
The moment she heard about memorization, Song Xinyin's little face fell.
She pouted and whined, "Mother, can we not do memorization today?"
"Since Yin'er doesn't want to memorize, then we won't. Yin'er's happiness is what matters most."
Having prepared herself for certain refusal, she was surprised when consent came. She looked up happily, beaming with joy, "Mother is the best!"
Shen Qingqing smiled gently, though inwardly she sneered: It would be best if you learn nothing at all.
After breakfast, she let the child go out to play. Lvyun stood obediently nearby awaiting instructions.
"Lvyun, would you like to learn to read?"
The little maid looked up in surprise, then nodded happily, "Yes, Madam! This servant can recite the Three Character Classic." If she proved useful, she wouldn't be driven away, and she could keep seeing the madam often.