Bad luck?
Song Qinghan’s face uncontrollably darkened with humiliation.
Song Yunzhao paid her no mind, casually taking a seat with an attitude that clearly said “don’t bother me.”
What could Cai Shi do even if she disliked her? She was a legitimate daughter recorded in the family registry, a filial daughter who had earned her father’s full favor. If Cai Shi truly dared to go too far, she would write to her father and complain. Besides, she had already found a way to free her marriage from Cai Shi’s control, so she had even less to fear.
Taking a step back, there was also First Madam watching closely for any mistakes Cai Shi might make, so she wouldn’t dare to push things too far.
Therefore, Song Yunzhao was completely unafraid—those with nothing to lose fear nothing.
Seeing Song Yunzhao’s impervious and fearless demeanor, Song Qinghan gradually calmed her expression. Let her be arrogant for a few more days; there would come a time when she would take a hard fall.
Early this morning, Cai Shi had been cornered by First Madam at her doorstep. Song Jinxuan was listless, worried about Consort Che. Xie Linlang wasn’t participating in the selection, so she wasn’t anxious. Song Yunzhao, knowing the plot’s direction from the book, remained as steady as an old dog. Only Song Qinghan, aware of why First Madam had come, felt increasingly restless inside.
(5,0);
Soon, faint voices could be heard from next door, followed by Mama Zhao, the steward in front of Cai Shi, entering with a beaming smile. She curtsied and said, “The Madam has instructed that she has matters to discuss with First Madam today. The young ladies may return for now.”
Upon hearing this, Song Yunzhao immediately turned and left, causing Mama Zhao’s expression to stiffen slightly.
Song Jinxuan’s eyes shifted thoughtfully, and she stood up as well, smiling at Mama Zhao as she said, “Since Mother has important matters to attend to, I won’t disturb her further.”
Xie Linlang gave Mama Zhao a smile and followed Song Jinxuan out.
In an instant, only Song Qinghan remained in the hall. She looked at Mama Zhao and asked, “What did Aunt come to discuss? I overheard Mother sounding quite displeased.”
Mama Zhao hurriedly stepped closer and replied in a low voice, “First Madam wants the Madam to bring Fifth Young Lady along with you, Eldest Young Lady, to Dingnan Earl Manor. The Madam refused to agree, so First Madam started making a scene.”
Song Qinghan’s face turned grim, and she couldn’t help but say, “I knew Aunt was determined to come to the capital with us precisely for this reason.”
Seeing the Eldest Young Lady’s visibly upset expression, Mama Zhao quickly tried to console her, “Eldest Young Lady, there’s no need to be angry. The Madam will handle everything. Even if it becomes unavoidable to bring her along, isn’t there the Countess? The Countess’s word alone would be enough to make Fifth Young Lady return in disgrace. Why trouble yourself with anger?”
(5,0);
Song Qinghan knew Mama Zhao was trying to comfort her, but it wasn’t that simple. If it were, she should have stayed at the Count’s Mansion today.
However, she couldn’t voice these thoughts aloud and merely nodded, saying, “Mama Zhao, you may attend to your duties. I’ll come back to pay my respects after Mother is finished.”
Mama Zhao personally saw her out. As Song Qinghan walked away, her mind was entirely occupied with strategies for the selection.
She had met Chu Yuying at the Count’s Mansion. Logically, Chu Yuying was at the right age to participate in the selection, but her aunt was a stepmother. The Dingnan Earl, fearing that Chu Yuying’s marriage would be controlled by her aunt, had arranged her betrothal early.
The other party was the legitimate eldest grandson of Yongjia Marquis Manor. This marriage proposal was truly well-considered—their own family only held a Count’s Mansion, yet she would be marrying into a Marquis Manor as the legitimate eldest grandson’s wife.
But how did this compare to entering the palace?
Especially since the current Your Majesty had ascended the throne at the age of fifteen and had just reached his capping ceremony this year—truly the prime of his life. Entering the palace at this time, if one could win the imperial favor, would forge the bond of youthful matrimony. As long as handled properly, a lifetime of wealth and glory could be secured.
With such a comparison, how could Chu Yuying feel at ease?
However, the marriage contract was already settled, and everyone in Jing City knew about it. Naturally, she couldn’t break the engagement to enter the palace, so her pent-up fury had nowhere to vent and was instead directed at her.
How could Song Qinghan not be angered? Yet there was nothing she could do.
The other party was the legitimate eldest daughter of a noble family, while her own father was merely a sixth-rank official. Moreover, her aunt was a stepmother—a role notoriously difficult to maintain while preserving one’s reputation—so she couldn’t afford to provoke her. Even if humiliated, she could only swallow her pride and endure it.
Song Qinghan suddenly paused in her steps, turned around, and headed back.
Hanxiao and Furong exchanged glances, setting aside their surprise to immediately follow her.
When Song Qinghan returned, Cai Shi had just seen off First Madam and was fuming in her room.
“Mother.” As soon as Song Qinghan entered, she dismissed the servants and helped her mother sit down. “I’ve thought of a solution. Please don’t be angry anymore.”
Cai Shi, infuriated by First Madam, felt discomfort in every part of her body, but her spirits lifted at her daughter’s words. “What idea do you have?”
“Daughter heard from Mama Zhao that Aunt wants you to bring Ye Xi to the Count’s Mansion?”
“Exactly! She doesn’t even consider that Ye Xi is neither as beautiful as your sister nor as talented and graceful as you. Forcing her along would only bring embarrassment.” Cai Shi’s displeasure made her words somewhat sharp.
Song Qinghan didn’t correct her mother, speaking softly instead, “Mother, I think it might be better to bring both Third Sister and Ye Xi. As you know, the eldest young lady of the Count’s Mansion will marry next year. If she has companions to chat with, the relationship between our families could grow closer.”
Cai Shi frowned at her daughter’s suggestion. “That won’t do. That Chu Yuying is the eldest young lady of the Count’s Mansion, always spoiled and unruly, with quite the temper. Neither your sister nor Ye Xi are the type to swallow insults. If these two clash, wouldn’t it lead to trouble?”
“Mother, it would just be a few verbal disputes. Would the esteemed eldest young lady of the Count’s Mansion really hold a grudge? Even if they suffer slightly, it could help Third Sister and Ye Xi temper their dispositions and let Aunt know your thoughtful intentions.”
Cai Shi wasn’t easily persuaded. What she valued most was her husband’s career prospects. If they truly offended the Count’s Mansion’s eldest young lady and displeased the Count of Dingnan, the blame would ultimately fall on her husband.
“Let me think about it.”
Song Qinghan hadn’t expected her mother to refuse. Her hand tightened around her handkerchief, but she smiled nonchalantly. “Daughter was just mentioning it casually. If it’s inappropriate, Mother need not take it to heart. No matter what, daughter will only follow your guidance.”
Cai Shi was amused by her daughter’s words. “You’re the one who truly understands me, my child. It’s not that I disagree, but I fear it might affect your father’s career. Here at the feet of the Emperor, nobles and imperial relatives are everywhere. Your father’s sixth-rank official position is like mud beneath their feet, so we must act with caution.”
Upon hearing this, Song Qinghan knew it would be difficult to push this matter through. Moreover, all her glory depended on her father, so she couldn’t damage his official reputation.
If that was the case, then she would have to find another way.
Song Qinghan had an idea in mind, but this time she kept it to herself, planning to accomplish the matter first before speaking of it.
Song Yunzhao returned to her courtyard with Song Jinxuan trailing behind like a shadow. She said with clear displeasure, “Why are you following me?”
Song Jinxuan snorted, “Do you think I want to follow you? There’s something I want to consult you about.”
Well, she actually used the word “consult”—this certainly couldn’t be anything proper.
Today’s update is here, sending kisses to all you lovely readers.