Cai Shi’s expression turned cold as she looked at First Madam and said, “Sister-in-law, how can you say such things? Qinghan is an unmarried young lady—what decisions can she possibly make? Moreover, matters like participating in the Imperial Harem Draft aren’t something Dingnan Earl Manor can decide alone. It’s not just our Song Family’s daughters—Dingnan Earl Manor has so many marital relatives, and it’s not certain that our Song Family’s girls will be selected.”
“Since Third Sister-in-law knows it’s uncertain, that’s precisely why all eligible girls in the family should make an appearance. Let Dingnan Earl Manor have a good look, so people won’t say our family is stingy, sending only one girl when there are so many eligible ones. Otherwise, Madam Dingnanbo might be criticized and blamed.”
First Madam was always full of grand principles—like a sow wearing a bra, one set after another. Song Yunzhao found it refreshingly clear-headed to listen to.
Her gaze swept past Song Qinghan, estimating that they had reached the plot point in the book where they were to go to the Count’s Mansion together for the selection, only for the original host to be framed by Song Qinghan, damaging her reputation.
Now there were two paths to take: First, go along with the scheme and turn the tables, making Song Qinghan suffer the consequences of her own actions. However, if she did that, after returning to the manor, Song Qinghan would make false accusations to Cai Shi. Although she could extricate herself, dealing with the aftermath would be troublesome. (5,0);
The second option was to find an excuse not to go to Dingnan Earl Manor and simply wait for the court to announce the Imperial Harem Draft. Then she could participate openly and honorably.
However, this also carried risks. By then, Cai Shi would likely be wary of her looks and might obstruct her participation.
Moreover, First Madam would no longer speak up for her, as her face would surely be disliked by the main branch as well.
Fortunately, by that time, her father would have returned to the capital.
In an instant, Song Yunzhao made up her mind.
First Madam’s series of questions left Cai Shi embarrassed in front of the children, nearly driving her to fury. Just as she was about to tear off all pretenses, Song Qinghan spoke up.
“Eldest Aunt, you’ve truly misunderstood Mother. To be honest with you, as you know, although my aunt is Madam Dingnanbo, she is the second wife. My aunt has always been gentle and kind, but the eldest young lady of the Count’s Mansion is very strong-willed. My aunt inevitably has to be more cautious.”
Song Qinghan was revealing the internal affairs of the Count’s Mansion, and First Madam immediately listened attentively. Song Qinghan spoke with such sincerity that First Madam nodded slightly. Being a stepmother has always been difficult, especially in noble families.
Seeing First Madam’s agreement, Song Qinghan’s expression grew even more troubled. “Yesterday, the Count’s Mansion was indeed hosting a banquet. Mother was afraid I would lose face, so she concealed the truth, which led to your misunderstanding, Eldest Aunt. But we are one family—the same Song. If there truly were a great opportunity, Qinghan would naturally want our own sisters to benefit.” (5,0);
First Madam immediately detected hidden meaning in these words and smiled gently at Song Qinghan. “You are a good child. If you’ve been wronged, don’t endure it silently. Tell me, and I will stand up for you.”
“It wasn’t exactly humiliation, but yesterday when Miss Chu hosted a banquet and invited many young ladies from noble families, I sensed she seemed to be challenging Aunt. Although our Song Family ancestors were once glorious, Father and Uncle’s official positions are now rather low. Moreover, since Aunt is the second wife, First Madam only sees my surface glamour—you have no idea how much I suffered yesterday at the Count’s Mansion.”
As Song Qinghan spoke, she took out a handkerchief to wipe her tears. Cai Shi’s face darkened with anger upon hearing this. “Why didn’t you tell me? I’ll go see your aunt today.”
“Mother, please don’t. If Miss Chu finds out, she’ll seize the chance to cause trouble. How could we put Aunt in a difficult position because of me?” Song Qinghan hurriedly dissuaded her.
Having been sisters-in-law with Cai Shi for years, First Madam could tell she genuinely hadn’t known about this—it seemed Qinghan was telling the truth.
At this realization, First Madam looked at Cai Shi and said, “Third Sister-in-Law, see how you’ve handled this? If Ye Xi and the others had gone along, our numbers alone would have made Miss Chu think twice. She’s about to be married—she still cares about face.”
Song Yunzhao was astounded. First Madam’s words were truly sharp—even now, she didn’t forget to slot Song Yexi into the situation, and she said it with such self-righteous conviction.
Impressive!
Seeing her mother still hesitating, Song Qinghan immediately spoke up, “First Aunt, please don’t blame my mother. It’s not that she didn’t want the sisters to go together, but… Aunt is in a difficult position at the Count’s Mansion. She was afraid Fifth Sister and the others might be slighted—how could she face you afterward? Look at me—I had to swallow my pride and endure the humiliation silently.”
First Madam understood Qinghan’s meaning: Cai Shi wanted to save face and didn’t want her to know that the second wife of the Count of An’nan wasn’t as esteemed in the mansion as she appeared. She was afraid of being laughed at!
Moreover, First Madam also caught Qinghan’s veiled warning: they could go, but they would have to endure any slights silently.
First Madam disliked Song Qinghan’s insidious nature—perfectly reasonable words came out twisted and sarcastic from her.
“You’ve truly suffered, Qinghan. The more this happens, the more our family must stand by you and support the Countess. Let all you sisters go—show Miss Chu that the Song Family’s daughters aren’t to be trifled with. Let others know the Countess has people watching her back. Although your father and uncle’s ranks aren’t high now, our Song Family isn’t without heritage—there’s no need to fear.”
Cai Shi: “…”
So adept at climbing the ladder—was First Madam born from a monkey?!
Thus, the matter was settled. Everyone left in high spirits, one after another.
Song Yunzhao noticed Song Jinxuan’s barely suppressed smile as she hurried away—had Consort Che secured First Madam’s support? Today, First Madam’s mention of “sisters” made no distinction between legitimate and illegitimate.
Song Yexi didn’t return to the eastern courtyard with First Madam but quickly caught up to Song Yunzhao, smiling as she said, “Sister Zhao, would you welcome me for a cup of tea at your place?”
“Sister Xi, I’d be delighted to have you,” Song Yunzhao replied with feigned enthusiasm, happily leading the way to her courtyard.
Song Yexi, Song Yunzhao, and Song Jinxuan were all born in the same year—Song Yexi was the eldest, followed by Song Jinxuan, and lastly Song Yunzhao.
Since the two branches of the family maintained separate generational rankings, most of the time everyone would address cousins from the other branch by adding their given names to avoid confusion.
Song Yexi didn’t feature prominently in the book. She merely chose to remain silent when the Count’s Mansion discovered Song Qinghan’s scheme against Song Yunzhao.
Moreover, Song Yexi later failed to participate in the palace selection because she injured her foot. She insisted that Song Qinghan was behind it, but there was no evidence. Additionally, after Song Qinghan successfully entered the palace, the eldest branch suppressed the matter.
At this moment, Song Yexi came to visit Song Yunzhao for tea—another scene not recorded in the book.
Unsure of Song Yexi’s intentions, Song Yunzhao invited her inside, had a maid serve tea, and then asked with a smile, “Sister Xi, did you come just to have tea with me?”
Song Yexi poked Song Yunzhao’s forehead. “You clever girl! There is indeed something I’d like to discuss with you. Don’t you dare refuse.”
Song Yunzhao: …
Asking for a favor in such a domineering manner certainly left one with mixed feelings.