When the brocade boxes were opened one by one, Song Yunzhao, Mama Luo, and the others were all taken aback.
Qiancao, being quick to speak, remarked, “Miss, it looks like these should be distributed among the young ladies, doesn’t it?”
There were three sets of jewelry. Qiancao was right—they were likely brought back by Father for each of his three daughters, yet now they had all been sent to her.
Song Yunzhao chuckled lightly and said, “Quickly put these away.”
Jiangxiang immediately closed the box, nudged the still-dazed Qiancao, and the two of them began storing the items in an inconspicuous place.
Mama Luo looked worried and said to the young lady, “Miss, should you go and see the Master?”
Song Yunzhao shook her head. “No need.”
“But if the Master calms down and later remembers this matter, won’t it reflect poorly on you?”
“Father always acts with discretion. Since he sent them all to me, they are naturally meant for me.” Song Yunzhao smiled at Mama Luo. “There’s no need to worry, Mama.”
Only then did Mama Luo breathe a sigh of relief. “It’s good that you have a clear mind about this.”
Song Yunzhao speculated that her father was angered by Song Qinghan’s actions of sowing discord and adding insult to injury, so he had given all the items to her to teach Song Qinghan a lesson.
However, she hadn’t expected Song Jinxuan to be implicated as well.
It was likely that Consort Che had written something in her letter that displeased Father—she could only guess as much.
With a clever glint in her eyes, Song Yunzhao turned to Mama Luo and said, “Mama, find a clever young maid to go to the West Courtyard.”
Mama Luo nodded promptly. “Don’t worry, Miss. I’ll go right away.”
Song Yunzhao returned to her bed to lie down again. No sooner had she settled than Song Yexi arrived, forcing her to get up once more.
“Sister Zhao, are you feeling better today?””
Song Yunzhao sat up halfway, leaning against a soft pillow as she looked at Song Yexi. “I’m a bit better today. Thank you for your concern, Sister Xi.”
Noticing that Song Yunzhao’s complexion was even paler than the day before, Song Yexi asked with concern, “Why do you look so unwell? Is the Director’s medicine not working? I’ll ask my mother to find another Director.”
With Third Uncle back, Song Yexi didn’t want him to think that their branch of the family hadn’t taken good care of Yun Zhao.
“The prescription is quite effective. My headache has eased a lot today. There’s no need to worry, Sister Xi. It’s just that seeing Father so suddenly…”
Song Yexi smiled faintly and sighed. “I know you’ve been wronged, Sister Zhao.” Now that Third Uncle is back, things will be better. My mother has also gone to the West Courtyard—this time, she’ll surely seek justice for you. You can rest assured.”
“I feel guilty for troubling First Madam on my behalf,” Song Yunzhao said with a face full of remorse.
Song Yexi laughed. “My mother genuinely cares for you. Before she left, she specifically asked me to come and keep you company.”
Song Yunzhao thought to herself that if First Madam’s affection for her accounted for one part, the other nine parts were surely to pave the way for Song Yexi’s benefit.
Nevertheless, since she had received care from the eldest branch, it was only natural to let others profit in her name as well.
The two made casual conversation, though it was clear that Song Yexi was somewhat distracted, preoccupied with the events in the West Courtyard. In truth, Song Yunzhao was also quite concerned about how things were progressing.
Unfortunately, the two weren’t even plastic sisters at this point, neither wanting the other to see through their thoughts, so they could only continue maintaining their good sister persona – utterly exhausting. (5,0)
Why didn’t ancient people live long?
Song Yunzhao finally understood.
When First Madam still hadn’t returned by mealtime, Song Yexi could no longer sit still and excused herself under the pretext of not disturbing Song Yunzhao’s lunch and rest.
As soon as she left, Song Yunzhao immediately summoned Mama Luo to ask, “How are things?”
Mama Luo promptly replied, “The master questioned the madam, and she brought up that day when you talked back and disobeyed. Fortunately, First Madam was present, and they’re still arguing over there. However, just a quarter-hour ago, Consort Che and Second Young Miss were also summoned.”
No sooner had she spoken than Qiancao hurried in, “Young Miss Xi, Young Miss Rong, and Young Miss Hongjiao have also been invited to the west courtyard.”
Song Yunzhao understood – this was about investigating what happened at the Count’s Mansion.
Leaning against the soft pillow, she pondered carefully. So this was First Madam’s follow-up move – seeking justice for her was just the appetizer, while the matter at the Count’s Mansion was the real killing blow.
Just as she thought this, Jiangxiang lifted the curtain and entered, “It’s truly frightening, young miss. First Madam questioned whether Eldest Young Miss had ulterior motives in insisting you go to the Count’s Mansion that day, wondering how simply visiting could lead to such reputation-ruining incidents.” (5,0)
Song Yunzhao’s eyes lit up. She had originally wanted her father to make this connection himself, to suspect Cai Shi and her daughter’s malicious intentions.
But if she were to say it herself, first there wasn’t enough evidence, and second, as half-involved party, her position wouldn’t be proper.
Without the perfect opportunity, she couldn’t voice it.
She never expected First Madam would seize precisely this point to strike.
This suited her perfectly.
Marvelous!
Absolutely marvelous!
Seeing the young miss’s sparkling eyes, Mama Luo felt a pang in her heart and suddenly said, “Young miss, did you suspect this too?”
Song Yunzhao looked at Mama Luo, “What do you think, Mama?”
Mama Luo’s face turned ashen. The third young miss was also the madam’s own flesh and blood – she really didn’t want to believe the madam would treat her own daughter this way.
Seeing Mama Luo’s grim expression, Song Yunzhao sighed softly, “Mama, why bother caring about such things? With all of you protecting me, I’ve lived quite well these years.”
Mama Luo turned away to wipe her tears. (5,0)
Qiancao’s eyes also reddened. Jiangxiang looked at one, then the other, and quickly said, “Don’t be sad. If First Madam can really produce evidence, our young miss will have better days ahead.”
Though she said this, evidence would be hard to find.
Song Yunzhao knew there would be no evidence, because the incident happened at the Count’s Mansion, and they wouldn’t go there to verify.
Having to swallow this bitter pill silently would surely make her father furious.
With First Madam fanning the flames beside him, Song Yunzhao reckoned Cai Shi and her daughter would be fuming with rage.
“Miss Cousin is here.”
A young maid’s voice carried in from outside, and everyone in the room immediately composed their expressions. Qiancao glanced at her young miss before turning to greet the visitor.
Mama Luo and Jiangxiang exchanged greetings with Miss Cousin before withdrawing, while Qiancao served tea and stood guard outside the door.
Xie Linlang noticed Yun Zhao’s slightly reddened eyes and said directly after sitting down, “Third Master is confining Eldest Young Miss, saying she has poor character and lacks sibling affection. With such temperament, if she were to participate in the palace selection, she’d eventually bring disaster upon the family.”
Song Yunzhao said in surprise upon hearing Xie Linlang’s words, “Did Father really say that? How did you know?” (5,0);
Xie Linlang gave a light cough, “I was afraid you wouldn’t get the news, so I had someone secretly eavesdrop on a few words. I came to tell you as soon as I got the message to help pass the time.”
Song Yunzhao smiled, “Then I really must thank you.”
Xie Linlang waved her hand dismissively, “Why stand on ceremony between us? It’s only right. Yun Zhao, do you think the Eldest Young Lady could really be so cruel? It’s truly hard to imagine.”
Xie Linlang only thought Song Qinghan was selfish, but never expected she could be so vicious toward her own sister.
Song Yunzhao looked at Xie Linlang and asked in return, “What did First Madam do?”
Whether this matter succeeds or not depends entirely on First Madam.