Xie Linlang noticed that Yunzhao had avoided answering her question about Song Qinghan. Assuming that she must feel uncomfortable, she decided to tactfully skip the topic.
After some thought, she said, “No one really knows what happened that day, but supposedly several young ladies of the First Branch noticed how the Second Young Lady got startled and nearly fell into the pond. Now, the Third Madam insists that the First Madam deliberately slandered her to secure a spot for her daughter for the selection, and the First Madam refuses to back down, threatening to go to the Count mansion for verification.”
Song Yunzhao understood that because the two households had competing interests, the testimonies of the witnesses were likely fabricated. Cai Shi seized this opportunity to turn the situation in her favor.
Xie Linlang didn’t know how to comfort her. As a merchant’s daughter, she couldn’t offer any help in such matters.
Song Yunzhao didn’t notice Xie Linlang’s expression. She was only thinking about how Cai Shi was determined to support Song Qinghan. If her Father truly grounded Qinghan, she wouldn’t be able to participate in the palace election. Therefore, Third Madam decided to drag the First Madam into the messy situation.
Cai Shi was really going all out for Song Qinghan.
“Yunzhao, don’t be sad.” Xie Linlang saw the mocking look on Yunzhao’s face and quickly tried to comfort her.
Meeting Xie Linlang’s concerned gaze, Song Yunzhao smiled and said, “I’m used to it; it doesn’t bother me anymore.”
Xie Linlang felt that Yunzhao was pretending to be strong but didn’t expose her. Instead, she agreed, “You’re right, nothing to be sad about. Now that Third Uncle is back, you’ll be able to go out. I’ll take you around the capital; there are so many fun places to visit.”
Although Song Yunzhao knew the plot of the book, her actions had already caused deviations in the storyline. She didn’t want to enter the palace as a concubine, but aimed to secure a marriage through the emperor, to prevent Cai Shi from controlling her marital fate.
In the book, the emperor arranged marriages for the unselected maidens. Therefore, familiarizing herself with the capital and planning for her future convenience was crucial.
“Then I have to thank you in advance” Song Yunzhao agreed readily.
Xie Linlang appreciated Yunzhao’s straightforwardness and softly said, “I heard from the maids that the First Madam accused Cai Shi of being too biased. She wants you to move to the Main House permanently.”
Song Yunzhao’s eyes flashed. This couldn’t work; the First Madam was even more challenging to deal with than Cai Shi. Living under her watchful eyes would be difficult.
“I don’t intend to stay in the East Courtyard permanently; it wouldn’t be good for Father’s reputation,” Song Yunzhao sighed.
Xie Linlang knew that it was inappropriate to comment on the Song family’s internal affairs and smiled: “I just wanted to mention it so that you’re aware.”
“I understand. Thank you for bringing me the news.”
Not wanting to overstay, Xie Linlang got up to leave: “The manor has been quite unsettled these past few days. My elder brother is planning to take me out to stay elsewhere for a few days.”
After Xie Linlang left, Song Yunzhao felt envious.
The Song family had matters to settle, and the Xie family, not wanting to make the Song family uncomfortable with Xie Linlang staying here, decided to take her out for a short stay. When she returned, the Song family issues would be resolved.
This took care of the Song family’s dignity and spared Xie Linlang from any awkwardness.
Song Yunzhao thought of her younger brother, Song Boyue. Although she couldn’t say he wasn’t a good brother, he was closer to Cai Shi and Song Qinghan, largely ignoring her.
As for Song Boming, being Concubine Che’s son, he was naturally closer to her and Song Jinxuan.
In this family, except for her somewhat dependable Father, she couldn’t count on any of her siblings.
The original character in the book was sharp for a reason. Fortunately, after taking over, Song Yunzhao had thick-skinnedly worked on improving her relationship with her Father and after more than a decade, finally achieved some success.
That night was destined to be restless. Although Song Yunzhao wasn’t disturbed, her mind was preoccupied, and she didn’t sleep well.
She wanted to witness things firsthand, but her father, determined to protect her from the coldness of her birth mother, insisted she remain in bed to recuperate.
Early the next morning, she first heard that Xie Linlang had been taken out by the Xie family for a short stay. Then, Luo Momo came to inform her that her Father had sent someone to the Dingnan mansion.
Song Yunzhao frowned.
Could this really escalate?
If it got out of hand and the Count became annoyed with the Song family, the selection process could be jeopardized, leading to further complications.
Although the emperor would still make the selection public, if the Count soured the Song family’s reputation before the emperor, her hope for an arranged marriage would vanish.
If she had known this, she would have toned down her confrontation with Cai Shi.
She could only hope that her somewhat indifferent Aunt would come through.
In the afternoon, Jiang Xiang hurriedly lifted the curtain and walked quickly to the young lady, whispering, “Miss, the Countess of Dingnan has suppressed the matter. Her head maid came in person, and the Master did not pursue it further.”
Song Yunzhao sighed in relief, then thought that the Countess wasn’t acting for her sake but for Song Qinghan’s, and she smiled mockingly.
At least the outcome was what she wanted.
As night fell, Lord Song came in person.
Song Yunzhao immediately perked up. She had a hopeful look in her eyes and her obedient demeanor made Lord Song feel even more guilty.
“Zhao Zhao, come back to the West Courtyard with Father. It’s not good to keep disturbing your Aunt”, Lord Song said gently.
“Okay”, Song Yunzhao nodded happily. “I’ll listen to Father.” She then instructed Luo Momo and the others to pack up: “Father, let me say goodbye to Aunt first.”
“No need. Your Aunt and your Mother have matters to discuss and haven’t returned yet. You come back with Father first.”
Song Yunzhao didn’t ask what they were discussing; she already had an idea. Draping the silk cloak that Qian Cao had brought over her shoulders, she followed her Father out.
Luo Momo and several little maids went ahead to tidy up, while Qian Cao and Jiang Xiang followed at a distance.
Lord Song, seeing his daughter’s frail appearance, sighed and slowly said, “This time when you move back to the West Courtyard, I’ve already spoken to your mother. From now on, your daily needs will come from my account. Your health is not good and needs proper care, so your mother has agreed that you only need to pay respects on the first and fifteenth of each month.”
Hmm?
Song Yunzhao was so happy she nearly jumped in joy. What a wonderful father she had!
He was truly supportive.
Father’s claim that Cai Shi understood her was just a way to protect her from further difficulties, while openly moving her to the front courtyard. This method ensured a safe distance between her and Cai Shi.
For the sake of her reputation and Cai Shi’s dignity, they had to maintain an image of a loving mother and an obedient daughter.
Ah, her poor Father was so considerate.
With a glint in her eyes, Song Yunzhao looked at her Father and tentatively asked, “Father, can I go out for walks like I did in Nanyu?”
She needed to go out to scout places, and scouting was essential for planning her escape routes. So getting her Father’s permission was crucial.
Her father nodded thoughtfully. “We can make arrangements for that, but you must promise to take care of your health and always have a trusted maid with you.”
Song Yunzhao beamed. “Of course, Father. I will be careful.”
