The next morning, Song Yue rose and washed up. Nanny Zhang brought over several sets of exquisite dresses, delicate in color, novel in style, and finely embroidered.
“Miss, these were sent by the Madam.”
Song Yue felt the fabric—it was indeed of good quality. She pointed to one of the lighter-colored sets and put it on. Petite and well-proportioned, her cheeks had filled out slightly after a few days of care. She tied up her long hair into a Lingyun bun, slanting two jade hairpins into the sides and adorning the back with a pale yellow silk ribbon, adding a touch of playfulness.
Nanny Zhang looked at Song Yue as if she were a different person—no longer the withered, thin, and drab little girl from before.
There was no timidity in her brows; instead, her every gesture carried an air of nobility.
With such an aura, no one would believe she had grown up on a country estate.
Song Yue glanced at the time. “Let’s go. It’s time to pay respects to Zu Mu.”
Nanny Zhang asked anxiously, “Miss, are these clothes all right?”
She was afraid. The Madam wished to tear Third Miss to pieces—what if she had poisoned the clothes?
Seeing Nanny Zhang’s nervous expression, Song Yue smiled faintly. “The clothes are fine.”
Hearing this, Nanny Zhang sighed in relief and said, “Miss, when this old servant went to fetch these clothes, I overheard the Madam saying she wanted to humiliate you, something about a poetry gathering to make you lose face. Eldest Young Master was also there, saying something about Prince of Zhennan’s Son attending as well.”
After saying this, Nanny Zhang lowered her head.
It wasn’t that she refused to serve the Madam, but Third Miss was too frightening, killing without hesitation.
So she could only pledge loyalty to Third Miss.
“What else did Song Hengchuan say?” Song Yue’s lips curved into a smile, her tone gentle.
But Nanny Zhang felt a chill run down her spine. Thinking of Song Hengchuan’s words, she found them too shameful to repeat and stammered for a while. “Eldest Young Master said you were shameless, always snatching Second Miss’s things, and that he would stand up for Second Miss and teach you, an ignorant fool, a lesson.”
Nanny Zhang had already spoken euphemistically. In truth, Song Hengchuan’s words were far more vulgar and offensive. Song Yue’s lips curled upward, unsurprised. “I’m aware of this.”
Leaving Yuehua Pavilion and heading toward Ninghui Hall, Yundong hesitated several times, her eyes reddening. Song Yue turned to comfort her. “It’s nothing serious. I don’t take it to heart.”
“This servant feels indignant on your behalf. If Miss had grown up in the mansion, you would surely be as refined and talented as Second Miss.”
Song Yue was indifferent. When one couldn’t even eat their fill, where was the mind to learn talents?
However, Song Hengchuan had repeatedly helped Yuan Fuling and her mother deal with her, so Song Yue decided to retaliate.
As she was thinking, a mocking laugh reached her ears.
Looking up, she saw Song Hengchuan’s punchable face.
Their eyes met, and Song Hengchuan’s gaze held undisguised disgust. Suppressing his temper, he said, “Song Yue, if you leave Duke of Jing’s Mansion quietly and go to the country estate, never to come out for the rest of your life, I can guarantee you’ll have food and clothing without worry. I’ll let bygones be bygones.”
This was his final offer to her.
Song Yue narrowed her eyes. “Never come out, trapped on the estate until I die?”
Song Hengchuan nodded seriously. “You’re illiterate, rude, and uncouth. On the estate, you can learn some manners and live without worry for food and drink. Isn’t that enough?”
She sneered, suddenly thinking this solution might not be so bad—for Song Hengchuan.
“What? Still not satisfied?” Song Hengchuan frowned, lowering his voice in a threatening tone. “Don’t think Father’s indulgence will last forever. Once I inherit the Duke’s Mansion, I won’t let you off easily. So be sensible and know when to stop. For the sake of our shared mother, I might still treat you generously.”
In his view, this was the best arrangement for Song Yue.
Song Yue sneered repeatedly, too weary to bother with Song Hengchuan. She turned and walked toward Ninghui Hall. Song Hengchuan, left humiliated, clenched his fists tightly. “In that case, don’t blame me for being ruthless.”
Inside Ninghui Hall, after the two paid their respects, the steward arrived as if timing it perfectly, presenting two invitation cards. “Grand Madam, these are invitations sent by Minister Shen’s residence, inviting Second Miss and Third Miss to visit.”
“Minister Shen’s residence?” Grand Madam frowned.
Minister Shen’s residence and the Duke of Jing’s Mansion had an excellent relationship, with frequent interactions over the years. Moreover, Minister Shen’s eldest daughter, Shen Ruyun, had grown up with Song Hengchuan since childhood, and the two families had privately arranged a marriage, with the wedding scheduled for the spring of the following year.
If Song Yao were invited, she wouldn’t have said anything, but including Song Yue made Grand Madam uneasy. She worried Song Yue might cause some embarrassment that would disgrace the Duke’s Mansion.
As Grand Madam hesitated, Song Hengchuan stepped forward. “Grandmother, Third Sister hasn’t attended any gatherings since returning to the capital. As the legitimate daughter of the Duke’s Mansion, she can’t hide timidly at home forever. It’s time for her to go out and see the world.”
“But…” Grand Madam glanced at Song Yue. Though her appearance had changed, Grand Madam still remembered Song Yue’s drab and unkempt look.
Wouldn’t someone like her be laughed at if she went out as a guest?
She hoped Song Yue would refuse outright.
Song Yue lowered her gaze, ignoring the stares and saying nothing.
Seeing this, Grand Madam felt a pang of frustration and reluctantly conceded. “Fine, then let her go. Minister Shen’s wife is an understanding elder. Song Yue, you must mind your manners.”
Song Yue looked up at Grand Madam and said, “Grandmother, your granddaughter doesn’t have to go. It wouldn’t be too late to attend gatherings after I’ve learned proper etiquette. There’s no rush.”
“No!” Song Hengchuan grew anxious.
“Why is Elder Brother so agitated about me not attending the gathering?” Song Yue feigned confusion, watching as Song Hengchuan’s expression shifted rapidly. He forced an explanation. “Minister Shen and our family are on good terms. He specifically asked for you. If you don’t go, wouldn’t that be disrespectful to the Shen family?”
Song Yue wore a troubled expression. “I’ve never attended a gathering before. What if I embarrass myself? Grandmother, perhaps I shouldn’t go…”
Grand Madam nodded, wishing Song Yue would simply stay quietly at home.
“Grandmother, I’ve already accepted on Song Yue’s behalf. We can’t go back on our word now,” Song Hengchuan argued.
Watching Song Hengchuan jump around like a clown, Song Yue suppressed a smirk and asked with feigned curiosity, “Weren’t these invitations just delivered? How did Elder Brother know in advance that the Shen family would send me an invitation?”
Song Hengchuan was momentarily speechless. His eyes darted as he forced an explanation. “I… heard the Shen family mention it a few days ago, so I took the liberty of accepting for you. Miss Shen doesn’t mind your lack of experience and has agreed to let you attend the gathering. That’s already a great favor, Song Yue. Don’t be ungrateful!”
What a joke!
He was clearly plotting against her, yet he had the nerve to accuse her?
“Miss Shen truly is as beautiful as she is kind-hearted. I only cleared my name before His Majesty yesterday, yet it turns out she didn’t mind this matter days ago. Since that’s the case, I’ll gladly accept the invitation.” Song Yue narrowed her eyes and nodded with a smile.
Song Hengchuan could hardly miss the sarcasm in her words. His expression stiffened, and he glared at Song Yue with annoyance. “Do you think everyone is as tactless as you?”
“Elder brother, if you put it that way, I might just pretend to be sick and not go,” Song Yue bared her teeth in a grin.
Daring to threaten him?
If she didn’t attend, what entertainment would there be at the banquet?
“You!” Song Hengchuan flushed red with anger, feeling as though he were being made a fool of.
How infuriating!
“Third sister, you should learn more from Miss Shen and correct some of your coarse habits. Very well, the matter is settled. I’ll wait for you outside the estate in two days!” Having said this, Song Hengchuan bowed to the Grand Madam in Li and withdrew.
His manner suggested he feared staying any longer would lead to another argument with Song Yue. He quickened his pace and soon vanished from sight.