Tls note: Title basically means not being aware of your own limitations
Inside the room, the lamps flickered. First Madam looked at her furious daughter, patted the seat beside her and signalled for her to sit down. She spoke gently, “What did I tell you? When something happens, don’t panic. Calm down and then think of a solution. When a person gets anxious, they make mistakes, and mistakes lead to trouble.”
Song Yexi pursed her lips, stubbornness written all over her face.
The First Madam sighed, “You say that Qinghan caused today’s matter. Do you have any evidence?”
Song Yexi: …
If she had evidence, she wouldn’t be arguing here; she would have confronted Song Qinghan already.
“Mother, I don’t have concrete evidence, but something peculiar happened today. After we arrived at the Mansion and greeted the Countess, Song Qinghan took us to the garden. Then we encountered Chu Yuying. The first thing she asked about was Yunzhao. How did she know about Yunzhao?”
“Is that so?” The First Madam frowned slightly, “Tell me in more detail.”
Song Yexi took a deep breath, calming her agitation, and continued, “Mother, when we went to the garden, we hadn’t even started appreciating the scenery when Chu Yuying arrived with a large entourage, making quite the entrance. She looked at us and immediately asked which one was Yunzhao. Don’t you find that strange?”
“Qinghan and Yunzhao are sisters, and the Countess is their aunt. It’s not surprising that Chu Yuying knows Yunzhao,” the First Madam replied.
“That’s true, but when Jinxuan told her that Yunzhao was sick, Chu Yuying’s expression was a bit off. There was disappointment mixed with anger. What kind of host would react this way when a guest is absent?”
The First Madam nodded slightly, “And then?”
“Then Song Qinghan stepped forward and spoke with Chu Yuying. They walked off to the side, and who knows what they talked about, but Miss Chu left in a bad mood, completely ignoring us.”
The First Madam’s face turned sour. Although the Chu family had a Count title, the two families were still related by marriage, so they shouldn’t be so dismissive of the Song Misses.
Although her husband was currently only a fifth-rank official, he worked in the Salt Administration and his promotion in the coming years was certain. Not just anyone could work in the Salt Administration.
Dingnan Count Mansion looked impressive, with its noble family and aristocratic lineage. However, apart from producing an Imperial Noble Concubine, the Chu family hadn’t made any other contributions. There were only a few capable members among the younger generation.
Their only pillar, the Imperial Noble Concubine, had already passed away due to an illness. It was uncertain whether their Count title could be maintained. They would be demoted with every generation and in the end, their status and significance would be greatly diminished.
First Madam calmed down and turned to her daughter: “What does it matter if Chu Yuying acknowledges you or not? As long as the Countess can recommend you for the selection, that’s enough.”
“The Dingnan Countess clearly favours Song Qinghan. If only one can be chosen, it will likely be her,” Song Yexi responded, unwilling to accept it.
The First Madam asked, “What about Jinxuan’s incident today? Was it accidental or deliberate?”
Song Yexi’s face changed. “I was a bit far from Jinxuan when I heard her cry out. I rushed over and saw someone, wearing a cyan coloured robe disappear around the corner. When I reached Jinxuan, one of her feet was already in the pond. Mother, I can’t be mistaken, someone was trying to harm her.”
“And then?”
“Then, Song Qinghan arrived with the others and immediately scolded Jinxuan for being careless. What kind of sister scolds instead of comforting her sibling when she is in trouble? She was clearly trying to show that Jinxuan stepped into the muddy pond because of her own careless mistake.”
“And Jinxuan?”
“She tried to defend herself, but before she could finish, Chu Yuying arrived, criticizing Jinxuan for being disrespectful. My face was burning with embarrassment at that moment.”
The First Madam’s face darkened. “Then what happened?”
“Nothing much. Song Qinghan and Chu Yuying quickly labelled Jinxuan as disrespectful and unruly. I noticed Chu Yuying’s hostile gaze towards us. When my second and third sisters tried to speak for Jinxuan, I stopped them. They are illegitimate daughters and have little influence. Speaking out would just invite Chu Yuying’s mockery. But I couldn’t swallow my anger. I couldn’t offend Chu Yuying, but I’m not afraid of Song Qinghan. I sarcastically commented on how great of a sister Qinghan was, and then we left.”
The First Madam stared at her daughter. “You’re certain that the person running away was wearing a cyan robe?”
“Why would I lie to you? I still feel scared when I think about it.”
Men wore robes, so how did a man infiltrate the inner courtyard?
The First Madam slammed the table and said, “It seems today’s setup wasn’t aimed at Jinxuan, but rather…”
Song Yexi’s mind flashed. “Yunzhao?”
The First Madam didn’t elaborate in front of her daughter. She patted her hand. “Don’t make assumptions. Without evidence, your words could be used against you. After you left with Jinxuan, did you ask her what had happened?”
“Jinxuan only said that she was admiring the scenery by the lotus pond when someone suddenly appeared, scaring her into stepping back and falling into the pond. Her scream must have frightened that person, who then ran away.”
“Did she see what the person looked like?”
“Jinxuan said that she was so terrified at that time that she only knew it was a man, but couldnt see what his face looked like at all.”
“Without witnesses or evidence and with your Third Uncle not yet in the capital, this matter might come to nothing,” the First Madam said sternly. “Do not mention a word of this to others.”
“Mother, are we just going to let this go?” Song Yexi was terrified at the thought. Even her two illegitimate sisters from the First Branch wanted to protect Song Jinxuan, but her real blood related sister wanted to push her into the mud.
They were all surnamed Song. If Song Jinxuan’s reputation was ruined, what benefit would the other Misses get?
“Let it go?” The First Madam sneered. “Whether it’s resolved or not depends on your Third Uncle’s return and Concubine Che’s methods.”
Song Yexi was stunned.
The First Madam patted her daughter’s hand. “Yunzhao is still recovering. Go check on her and then get some rest.”
Song Yexi was displeased. “Mother…”
The First Madam looked at her daughter.
Song Yexi instantly became subdued and stood up. “Then I’ll go see Yunzhao.”
The First Madam sighed softly, watching her daughter’s back. Once she left, she turned to Madam Zhao and said, “I didn’t realise Song Qinghan had such abilities. Since she dared to do something this big, she must be given some recognition.”
If Song Qinghan dared to harm Song Jinxuan today, she might harm Yexi tomorrow.
If she isn’t taught a lesson, she wouldn’t understand how much her bones weigh[mfn]won`t understand her own limits[/mfn].
