After marrying into the Song family, Madam Zhang had taken charge of household affairs. Later, when Madam Xu entered the family, she too sought to manage the estate, petitioning the matriarch several times. But for reasons unknown, the matriarch always refused.
Because of this, the two women had long been outwardly cordial but inwardly hostile.
Now, hearing Madam Xu’s probing question, Madam Zhang realized Madam Xu had planted spies around her son. That crossed her bottom line.
“Second Sister‑in‑law, what do you mean?” Madam Zhang sat down again, lips smiling but posture radiating the authority of the First Branch’s matron. “Whether Chunxi Courtyard or Zhuyan Study, both are far from the Second Branch’s quarters. I must thank you for caring so much about Wenling and his wife. Truly, you are a most attentive aunt.”
On the surface, it was gratitude. In truth, it accused Madam Xu of meddling and lacking propriety. As a woman, how could she interfere in her nephew’s chambers? If word spread, tongues would wag.
Madam Xu had no romantic interest in Song Wenling—she merely wanted leverage. But Madam Zhang’s sharp words left her unable to smile. She retorted, “Elder Sister‑in‑law, unlike you, I’m not burdened with household duties. I have time to care for the younger generation. If you don’t wish to explain, that’s fine—it’s your branch’s private matter. I only worry that Yunniang, newly married, may not yet understand our Song family’s rules. If misunderstandings arise, it would be unfortunate.”
Again, Madam Xu dragged the topic back to Jiang Yunniang. But Jiang Yunniang refused to be drawn into their sparring. Madam Xu’s aim was twofold: to trick her into speaking, and to sow discord between her and Madam Zhang.
“Yunniang, don’t you agree?” Madam Xu pressed when Jiang Yunniang remained silent.
“Ah? What did you say, Second Aunt?” Jiang Yunniang feigned ignorance.
“I asked why you went to Zhuyan Study last night.” Madam Xu’s tone grew sharp. Beside her, Song Qingyang frowned.
Jiang Yunniang still did not answer. Instead, she looked to Madam Zhang. She would not fall into Madam Xu’s trap.
Madam Zhang, desperate to keep the First Branch’s secrets, signaled Jiang Yunniang to invent an excuse. But no matter how she blinked, JIang Yunniang ignored her. Just as Madam Zhang struggled to redirect the topic, the patriarch and matriarch arrived.
Old Master Song was sixty‑seven, his temples white. He had retired two years prior and was living in good health. At his entrance, all fell silent, sitting straighter.
“Before I even stepped in, I heard your chatter. Second Daughter‑in‑law, what are you saying so early?” He sipped tea, his dark eyes cutting toward Madam Xu. She faltered, then leaned forward, mentioning Jiang Yunniang’s visit to Zhuyan Study.
“Zhuyan Study is Wenling’s courtyard. Why are you prying?” The old master rebuked her, then turned to the First Branch. His gaze lingered on Jiang Yunniang. He cared little why she had gone there, but he had heard she was last to arrive for morning greetings. “Wenling’s wife, if you don’t understand the rules, let your mother‑in‑law assign you a matron to teach you.”
A former high official, stern and commanding, his words carried weight. His displeasure was clear.
Jiang Yunniang smiled lightly. “Thank you for your concern, Grandfather. But Mother has said my early life was bitter and wandering. She cherishes me deeply. As for rules, she will guide me slowly, in her own way.”
Madam Zhang’s eyes widened at Jiang Yunniang’s fabrication. She wanted to expose her lie—but she dared not. Jiang Yunniang was now part of the First Branch. If she lost face, so would they. And remembering the leverage Jiang Yunniang held over her son, Madam Zhang swallowed her words and echoed, “Yes.”
The old master, trusting Madam Zhang’s judgment, said no more.
The old madam, a second wife and not Song Wenling’s grandmother, accepted the tea offered by Jiang Yunniang and Song Wenling, spoke a few auspicious words, then dismissed them.
The elderly tire easily. After greetings, only Song Wenyi remained; the others were sent away—proof of his favored status.
Outside Hui’an Hall, Madam Zhang stopped Jiang Yunniang. Song Wenling was summoned by his father. Madam Zhang led Jiang Yunniang to the First Branch’s main courtyard. Her face was grim. Once inside, she ordered Nanny Wang to shut the door, then barked, “Kneel!”
Jiang Yunniang did not move. “I don’t know what fault I’ve committed, Mother, that you would punish me.”
“First, you were late in greeting. Second, you lied before the old master!” Madam Zhang seized the chance to assert authority.
Jiang Yunniang smiled faintly. “Mother is mistaken. When I arrived, Grandfather and Grandmother had not yet come, so I was not late. As for rules—if you refuse to guide me, then perhaps I should tell Grandfather about last night. Does he not wish for heirs? Why then does Mother forbid Second Young Master from consummating with me?”
“You—!” Madam Zhang gasped, smashing her teacup into shards. “Jiang Yunniang! You feigned ignorance, but now your true face shows. I am your mother‑in‑law, yet you dare defy me. For this alone, I could divorce you!”
“Mother, have you forgotten? Second Young Master faces the palace exam. If word spreads that he committed adultery with his wife’s sister, will he still be allowed to sit for it?” Jiang Yunniang’s smile was calm. One piece of leverage was enough.
Song Wenling’s future was Madam Zhang’s greatest concern.
Jiang Yunniang had not exposed the scandal publicly, precisely to hold Madam Zhang and Song Qingbai in check. Her dowry keys were still in Madam Zhang’s hands—she would reclaim them before anything else.
Madam Zhang’s face flushed white, then red. She pointed at Jiang Yunniang, muttering ‘sinful girl.’ “You think I dare not act, so you threaten me? Remember, Wenling is your husband. His honor is yours. If he loses his future, will you fare better?”
“Mother, you misunderstand. I never said I would ruin Second Young Master’s future. I only remind you—don’t push me too far. Otherwise, I have nothing to fear.” Jiang Yunniang dropped all pretense.
Madam Zhang’s head throbbed. She had chosen Jiang Yunniang, believing her rustic upbringing made her easy to control. But this was no pliant girl—she was a hidden blade wrapped in silk. Yet her son’s future was paramount. With only one legitimate heir, all her hopes rested on him. She dared not risk it.
“Good, good, very good.” Madam Zhang clutched her chest, gasping for breath.
“Thank you for Mother’s praise. Of course, I am good,” Jiang Yunniang replied with a smile. “And you needn’t be angry. By speaking so, I’ve even given you the reputation of being a loving, kind mother.”
Madam Zhang: Why did the more she listened, the more suffocated she felt?
She had thought that, with Jiang Yunniang’s affection for Song Wenling, she could suppress her completely. But Jiang Bairou’s sudden presence had shackled her at every turn.
Thinking of Jiang Bairou, Madam Zhang’s mood grew complicated.
If Jiang Bairou were not pregnant, everything would be easy—she would never allow her through the gates. But with a child, things were different. Her thoughts tangled further.
Madam Zhang drew a deep breath. When she looked at Jiang Yunniang again, a flash of murderous intent crossed her eyes, though she quickly concealed it.
“You speak so well—I should thank you,” Madam Zhang sneered. “Let me give you some advice. Since you married Wenling, you are destined to be part of the Song family for life. Your grandmother comes from a noble clan, and she values a woman’s virtue above all. She will never permit you to divorce and remarry. For a woman, life is nothing more than husband and children. Without your husband’s affection, without your in‑laws’ support—do you think the Jiang family can reach into the Song household to protect you? Do you imagine your days here will be easy?”
She paused, then pressed her tone harder: “If you refuse to heed my teaching, you will suffer for it in the future!”
“The future is uncertain,” Jiang Yunniang answered coolly. She would not swallow Madam Zhang’s doctrine. Husband and children? Nonsense. If a husband was unjust, she need not cling to him unto death. If in‑laws were cruel, they deserved no respect.
She had not come here to listen to Madam Zhang’s lectures. Seeing her mother‑in‑law’s brows knit tighter, Jiang Yunniang said directly: “It seems Mother is angry with me. In that case, return my things to me, and I will go back to Chunxi Courtyard.”