Yuan Fuling wore an expression as if she had seen a ghost. Having served Princess Jiahua for several years, how could she fail to recognize how much Song Yue resembled Jiahua?
Song Yue stepped forward excitedly and grabbed the Duke of Jing’s hand. “Fu Qin, Fu Qin, I didn’t die.”
The Duke of Jing was too shocked to speak. It took him a long while to regain his composure before he asked, “That night when the bandits appeared, how did you survive?”
Perhaps realizing his tone had been too harsh, he quickly softened his voice. “Song Yue, what exactly happened?”
“Yes, so many people died. How is it that only you survived?” Yuan Fuling feigned delight, though in truth she was seething with anger.
In her agitation, she completely failed to notice that Song Yue was no longer acting foolish.
“What bandits? How could there be bandits right under the Emperor’s feet?” Song Yue widened her eyes, looking utterly innocent, and timidly tugged at the Duke of Jing’s sleeve. “Fu Qin, the fire that night was so big. Fortunately, I know how to swim, so I hid in the water and escaped.”
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone was stunned.
Indeed, how could there be bandits right under the Emperor’s feet?
The Jingzhao Yin also said, “Duke, this official has investigated the surroundings of the Villa and found no traces of bandits. Moreover, this courtyard has been peaceful for over a decade. Why would trouble arise only in the past few days? This official suspects it was likely targeted at Miss Song. Fortunately, Miss Song was blessed with great fortune and managed to escape.”
Upon hearing this, Yuan Fuling’s face instantly flushed with heat.
She was the second wife.
Song Yue was the legitimate daughter of the first wife.
Given the timing of the incident, even without thinking, it was clear that she was the prime suspect.
The Duke of Jing’s face shifted between green and red.
The emotions in his eyes were shameful anger, displeasure, and suspicion—but not a trace of joy.
It seemed her Fu Qin did not wish for her return either.
“Song Yue, in the blink of an eye, you’ve grown so big. I’ve been longing for your return every day. I still remember when you were born, you were as tiny as a kitten. The Daoist priest said you were incompatible with the Song residence. I never thought that as soon as you returned, you would face such a calamity. If I had known, I would never have persuaded the Duke to bring you back.”
Yuan Fuling cried and threw herself onto Song Yue, pulling her into an embrace, putting on the act of a loving mother.
At the same time, she explained to the outside world why Song Yue had been raised outside the residence.
Everyone suddenly understood.
Song Yue inwardly sighed at Yuan Fuling’s quick reaction.
Being pulled into the embrace, Song Yue could feel the other’s anger, and the force of her arms was not light, nearly suffocating her.
“I’m sorry to disappoint you, Concubine Yuan, but I’ve returned alive.” Song Yue leaned close to Yuan Fuling’s ear and sneered, “No one can take away the marriage that belongs to me!”
Yuan Fuling was suddenly startled.
She pulled away in disbelief, and when their eyes met, she caught a glimpse of a sinister and fierce gaze.
She abruptly realized.
Wasn’t Song Yue supposed to be a little fool?
But those lively, clear eyes showed no trace of foolishness.
“…You!”
Song Yue turned around and obediently bowed to the Jingzhao Yin. “Thank you, Uncle Jingzhao Yin, for saving my life. Song Yue is endlessly grateful.”
“Miss Song has also suffered quite a shock. You should go back and rest now.” The Jingzhao Yin waved his hand and turned to continue investigating the case.
The Duke of Jing snapped back to his senses and pretended to be overjoyed as he took Song Yue’s hand, tears glistening in his eyes. “It’s good that you’ve returned. Go quickly and tell the Grand Madam that Song Yue has returned safely.”
The unsightly coffin at the entrance was quietly removed, and the onlookers in the residence gradually dispersed.
The Duke of Jing led Song Yue inside.
In less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, everyone knew that Song Yue had returned.
The Duke of Jing took a few steps, then seemed to remember something and said to Song Yue, “The Jingzhao Yin saved your life. I was so overjoyed earlier that I forgot. I’ll go have a few words with the Jingzhao Yin.”
Song Yue nodded obediently.
She knew the Duke of Jing hoped the Jingzhao Yin would keep this matter under wraps, preferably preventing it from reaching the emperor.
Hah!
The Jingzhao Yin was personally promoted by the Emperor of Beichu. How could he possibly help him?
Once the Duke of Jing left, she walked straight toward the main hall, following her memory.
Yuan Fuling followed closely behind.
“Mother, I heard that little fool came back alive. Is it true?”
Song Yao’s voice grew closer, and moments later, a graceful figure in bright yellow arrived, followed closely by a tall, slender figure with a handsome face.
This was Song Hengchuan, her legitimate elder brother.
Yuan Fuling had yet to recover from her shock. Seeing her children arrive, she steadied herself and pointed at Song Yue, introducing her: “This is Song Yue.”
Song Yao glanced at Song Yue, her first look filled with disdain. She snorted, “I heard you were violated. How dare you come back? Father is really too lenient. Someone like you should have been kept at the estate to avoid tarnishing the reputation of the Duke of Jing’s Mansion.”
Song Yue frowned, finding it hard to believe such words came from the mouth of a well-bred young lady. She walked toward Song Yao.
“Yao Yao is right. You were doing fine outside, but as soon as you return, you stir up trouble. You truly are the curse of the Song family,” Song Hengchuan scolded with a frown, blocking her path. “You’re now the laughingstock of Jingdu City. If you know what’s good for you, leave the Duke of Jing’s Mansion immediately. Out of respect for your bloodline, I’ll spare your life.”
See, this was her brother.
Despite her suffering and narrow escape from death, Song Hengchuan offered no comfort—only endless belittlement.
Fortunately, she had long stopped expecting anything from Song Hengchuan.
So, she felt no disappointment.
Song Yue walked around Song Hengchuan and stood before Song Yao, tilting her head slightly as she asked in a low voice, “Who did you say was violated?”
Song Yao sneered, “Everyone in the mansion knows…”
Slap!
A sharp slap landed on Song Yao’s fair, delicate cheek, instantly leaving five clear finger marks.
Song Yao covered her face, stunned and disbelieving. “You dare hit me?”
“Song Yue, how dare you hit Yao Yao!” Song Hengchuan stepped in front of Song Yao, glaring fiercely at Song Yue. “Apologize to Yao Yao immediately, or I won’t let you off!”
“What is all this?” Yuan Fuling stepped forward, scolding Song Yue. “Even if Yao Yao’s words were harsh, they were still the truth. There’s no need for you to get angry and hit her.”
Yuan Fuling looked at the red mark on Song Yao’s cheek with heartache, wishing she could scratch back. How dare this little wretch lay a hand on Yao Yao?
She would not let this go easily.
“She’s just a lowly concubine-born daughter, speaking out of turn. Hitting her is nothing. Do you expect me, a legitimate daughter, to apologize?” Song Yue’s attitude was utterly arrogant. Though small in stature, her presence was imposing, especially as she looked at Song Hengchuan. “Do you think I care to acknowledge you as my brother? Do you think I wanted to return to the Duke of Jing’s Mansion? It was you who sent for me. If you had the guts, you shouldn’t have gone to fetch me!”
“You!” Song Hengchuan widened his eyes, too angry to retort.
The Duke of Jing’s Mansion had indeed brought her back under pressure from the Emperor of Beichu.
Song Yao gritted her teeth fiercely. “I am not a concubine-born daughter. I am a legitimate daughter!”
Song Yao was so furious she nearly choked, tugging at Song Hengchuan’s arm as she demanded, “Elder Brother, tell her quickly—I am not a concubine-born daughter!”
Seeing Song Yao in tears, Song Hengchuan’s heart ached terribly. He hurriedly nodded and said, “Yes, yes, you are the legitimate daughter. Whoever dares call you concubine-born, I will never let them off.”
Watching Song Hengchuan stand up for Yuan Fuling and her daughter, Song Yue knew this man was beyond saving.
Elevating Yuan Fuling—where did that leave Princess Jiahua?
What an unfilial son!
Song Yao looked at Song Yue triumphantly, a hint of provocation in her eyes.
Song Yue curled her lip. “Whether you are legitimate or not isn’t for him to decide. Did your mother ever enter through the main gate in a grand sedan chair, or was there a formal matchmaker’s arrangement?”
With that one sentence, Yuan Fuling’s face turned deathly pale.
She had none of those.
Back when Princess Jiahua had left, the Grand Madam had merely said that she would manage the affairs of the main household from then on. Over the years, those below had gradually begun addressing her as “Madam.”
Over time, she had become the Jingguo Duchess.
She never expected that on Song Yue’s very first day back, this matter would be laid bare.
“I am the legitimate eldest son of the Duke’s Mansion, destined to inherit the dukedom. If what I say doesn’t count, does yours?” Song Hengchuan unfastened the soft whip at his waist. “I had thought to show leniency given your youth and hardships abroad, but you dare to defy your elders and strike your legitimate elder sister. Today, I will teach you a proper lesson!”
“Hengchuan.” Yuan Fuling pretended to dissuade him.
In truth, her eyes were filled with delight, and even her gesture of pulling at Song Hengchuan was feeble and half-hearted.