Madam Qi’s lips twitched, her face alternating between pale and ashen, unable to believe that the composure and presence emanating from this young girl bore a faint resemblance to Pei Yanzhou.
In the end, it was Old Madame who spoke up, reprimanding her sharply.
“Enough! You are the mistress of a household—how can you carry on like this? Jinyin, rise. From now on, serve diligently in Shizi Yuan.”
“Yes, this servant thanks Old Madame for your leniency.”
Perhaps the kneeling punishment from last night and today had left her chilled, for as Song Jinyin spoke, her voice grew increasingly hoarse.
She retreated behind Pei Yanzhou once more, as if nothing had just happened, quietly lowering her head to listen to Old Madame’s pleasantries.
Once the conversation turned to Pei Yanzhou, the room grew livelier.
“Yanzhou is taking on more and more responsibilities these days. Those who serve him, especially the attendants who follow him outside, should be carefully selected before being promoted.”
“Indeed.”
Liu Shi picked up Old Madame’s words, smiling as she spoke.
“Our Duke has also said that from now on, the entire Guogongfu will rely on the Shizi. Matters concerning the Shizi should be the top priority.”
Hearing this, Old Madame nodded in agreement.
Having lived to this age, what she valued most in her heart was Guogongfu and her grandson, Pei Yanzhou. She could not tolerate the slightest mishap.
Yet, when her gaze fell upon Song Jinyin’s pale face, she couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.
“Liu Shi is right. It’s a good thing the eldest is finally showing some sense.”
“Yes, Mother. The Duke has even declined many invitations from colleagues lately, focusing all his attention on our Guogongfu.”
Perhaps growing weary of such talk, just as those below were about to chime in again, a cold, stern voice cut through the room, interrupting the back-and-forth exchanges.
“Your grandson has been sitting here for quite some time. I wonder why Grandmother urgently summoned me—is there something important?”
Pei Yanzhou concealed his impatience, leisurely adjusting his sleeves as he looked at Old Madame, his expression softening slightly.
His tone, feigning ignorance, carried a hint of laziness and nonchalance.
Old Madame had originally intended to approach the matter indirectly, but seeing her grandson’s demeanor now, she knew he had lost patience. Without further ado, she spoke plainly.
“What do you think about the matter concerning the Ye Jia girl today?”
“What do I think?”
Pei Yanzhou chuckled lightly. “Spoiled, childish in nature, prone to tantrums—insistent on taking her anger out on my maid.”
Song Jinyin heard his words clearly.
Even though she already knew the answer in her heart, hearing him speak so gently of her being “spoiled,” even showing indulgence toward Ye Wanqiu’s punishment of her, Song Jinyin couldn’t help but feel a pang of humiliation.
She had almost forgotten that Pei Yanzhou had always favored girls with a touch of willfulness.
From the very beginning, he had made his disdain for her stubbornness clear.
Even if the events of that year had nothing to do with her, Pei Yanzhou would never use such an indulgent tone with her.
The turmoil lasted only a moment.
Song Jinyin endured the pain in her knees, standing properly and respectfully.
Seeing Pei Yanzhou respond so casually, Old Madame vaguely guessed his thoughts but couldn’t resist adding with a smile, “Grandmother wasn’t asking about the Ye Jia girl’s temperament.”
“Then what does Grandmother mean?”
With this retort, Old Madame’s heart became as clear as a mirror, and she completely abandoned her intentions.
Her grandson had always been deep and inscrutable, but ever since his mother passed away, his temperament had grown even colder, making it impossible to discern his thoughts.
Yet there was one thing that needed no guessing—whatever he desired, he would never relinquish the initiative to others.
"Enough, I suppose I was too hasty."
Old Madame shook her head, her gaze sweeping over Song Jinyin's half-lowered face.
The young girl was dressed rather thinly. Though her entire face was not visible, the side of her chin that was exposed looked even thinner than the last time.
After all, she felt ashamed of the disgraceful things her eldest son had done, so she tended to be softer toward Liu Shi and her daughter than toward others.
Especially since Liu Shi had promised never to become pregnant again in this lifetime, the lingering resentment in her heart had gradually faded.
Seeing this, she sighed again and said, "But speaking of which, your courtyard is far too quiet. I see that Jinyin alone may not be able to handle everything. Later, I’ll send two more maidservants to assist you. While there’s no rush for you to marry, the rear courtyard shouldn’t remain empty for too long. Besides, Jinyin is sensible and can temporarily manage matters among the women for you."
The gazes of the second and third wives instantly fell upon Song Jinyin.
After all, the relationship between the two of them was not something to be openly acknowledged. Even with that Maishen Qi, others would still see Song Jinyin as bearing the stigma of disregarding human ethics.
But since even Old Madame avoided mentioning it, no one else dared to touch upon this sensitive topic.
Now, considering sending maidservants to the Shizi Yuan was likely just to make the situation appear less conspicuous.
Upon hearing this, Pei Yanzhou let out a cold, mocking laugh.
He leisurely toyed with the jade pendant at his waist, as if pondering for a moment, then suddenly called out Song Jinyin’s name.
His thin, unfeeling lips curled into a smile that chilled the heart. He tilted his head slightly and asked, "Song Jinyin, Grandmother worries you might be overwhelmed. What do you think?"
This time, Song Jinyin did not hesitate. She immediately stepped forward and knelt down, her knees and the front of her calves already numb as if devoid of sensation.
She pressed her forehead to the ground, producing a dull thud.
Pei Yanzhou was angry.
Though she didn’t know what had angered him, if she didn’t comply with his wishes now, she would likely have to endure another day of punishment upon returning to the courtyard.
"This servant can manage. This servant dares not slack off."
"Jinyin, you…"
Old Madame frowned slightly, wanting to have Liu Shi help her up, but when she turned, she saw Liu Shi maintaining a composed and dignified demeanor, as if the person kneeling below had nothing to do with her.
Indeed.
Even when the girl had been humiliated earlier, Liu Shi had shown no reaction.
It seemed she truly intended to sever this relationship.
"Grandmother, you see, this girl isn’t as burdened as you thought."
The smile on Pei Yanzhou’s lips remained, but his eyes had already darkened.
At some point, the spirited defiance in Song Jinyin’s stubbornness had gradually faded along with the extinguished light in her eyes.
She was right beside him, within his reach, yet she seemed to be drifting away, wanting to abandon him, to leave this cold mansion behind.
For a moment, panic surged in Pei Yanzhou’s heart.
But more than that, it was the cold indifference he forced upon himself.
How dare Song Jinyin abandon him?
From the moment she helped the vain Liu Shi carry out her schemes, from the moment she dragged him out of the mansion, causing him to miss his mother’s final moments.
From the moment she went to meet another man.
Song Jinyin, never think of leaving him.
Pei Yanzhou's voice grew even colder.
"Don't bring this up again in the future. Sending a lowly bed-warming maid once is enough. If there are too many, it will be difficult to explain when the Shizifei enters the mansion."
Song Jinyin had not understood earlier why she was brought along to Fuluyuan to discuss the marriage.
Now, every word Pei Yanzhou spoke struck her.
In front of Liu Shi, he slowly reopened the wounds of the past.
Song Jinyin suddenly realized that Pei Yanzhou was seeking revenge.
Revenge for Liu Shi stepping into his courtyard, revenge for how she had once been forced upon him.
After speaking, Pei Yanzhou stood up.
As he walked too quickly, Song Jinyin struggled slightly to keep up with his pace.
Outside the courtyard, a biting cold wind howled.
Pei Yanzhou paused for a moment but did not step onto the covered walkway. Instead, he walked along the small path, shielding her from most of the chill.
Following behind him, Song Jinyin finally caught a brief moment to catch her breath.
Just as they had walked a short distance, they saw someone emerge from the side—dressed in a deep blue robe, a vibrant white jade pendant hanging from his waist, his face adorned with a gentle smile, exuding warmth and elegance.
Upon seeing Pei Yanzhou, he greeted him politely as "Elder Brother."
It was Pei Jinzhi, the eldest son of the second branch.