Song Yunzhao looked at Song Jinxuan and asked, “Second Sister, where did you get this information? Is it reliable?”
“Of course it’s reliable. The maid beside me has some connections with a maid in Madam’s courtyard,” Song Jinxuan said.
Song Yunzhao didn’t press further. It was certain that Concubine Che had informants in Cai Shi’s courtyard. Having been a favored concubine for so many years, she had a stable foundation.
“I understand,” Song Yunzhao nodded. She didn’t mention that she had already asked her Father to suppress the matter. After all, their cooperation had just begun, and she couldn’t reveal everything yet.
Given the temperament of Concubine Che and her children, further observation was necessary.
After reaching an agreement with Song Yunzhao, Song Jinxuan felt relieved and had the mind to gossip about other things, “I heard that the First Branch has been busy preparing outfits for Sister Yexi these past few days. What will you do if the Madam prepares them? She might not put much effort into it.”
Song Yunzhao was not worried. Looking at Song Jinxuan, she said, “With Father around, there will at least be no obvious disparity on the surface. At most, the Madam will secretly give Song Qinghan private money to use for extra preparations.”
Speaking of money, Song Jinxuan frowned, “Even though Concubine Che supports me, I don’t have much saved. At most, I can give you twenty taels to add to your funds. Don’t look down on me.”
Song Yunzhao looked at Song Jinxuan in surprise, not expecting her to be willing to part with her private savings.
Although Song Jinxuan was wealthier, as a concubine’s daughter, she had to bribe many people up and down, which cost her a lot. Saving some money wasn’t easy.
“I’ll ask Second Brother later; he might be able to give you some as well. We can’t have you looking much poorer than Song Qinghan. I found out that some old maids in the palace deliberately make things difficult to get bribes. It’s better to have more money with you.”
Song Yunzhao thought that since even this was investigated, it seemed Song Jinxuan indeed had intentions of participating in the selection before. She didn’t expect her to give up so easily.
“That’s not necessary. Father will surely support me. It’s not easy for you to save money, so keep it for yourself.” Song Yunzhao directly refused. She still had the 100 taels given by the Xie family, and she wasn’t as financially strapped as Song Jinxuan suggested. Her Father secretly supplemented her quite a bit as well.
She wanted to live more comfortably in the mansion, and that required spending money to pave the way. While she had some extra money, it wasn’t abundant.
Song Jinxuan was relieved to hear she didn’t have to contribute money. That was a real relief; she wouldn’t have to part with her precious savings.
Song Yunzhao couldn’t help but laugh at her sister’s visible relief.
Song Jinxuan: …
What’s wrong with being poor?
Which concubine’s daughter isn’t poor?
Annoyed, Song Jinxuan left in a huff, and Song Yunzhao didn’t stop her.
Meanwhile, Song Qinghan sat in her room, listening to Han Xiao’s report.
“… Master went to see Madam, and after he left, Madam had a huge outburst. An hour later, the First Madam came to speak with her, and the First Madam’s face was also very displeased. It is not known what was said, but the little maid who was standing by the curtain overheard that it was related to the selection.”
Song Qinghan frowned. She hadn’t wanted to leave her courtyard these past few days, afraid of becoming a laughingstock.
If she had known the Emperor would hold a grand selection, she wouldn’t have rushed to the Count Mansion, nor would she have offended Song Yexi and Song Jinxuan.
Now, these two hated her to the core, she wondered if they would make things difficult for her during the selection.
She wasn’t afraid of Song Jinxuan – a concubine’s daughter from the Third Branch. Her Mother would deal with her without much fuss… Song Yexi was a different matter. They were cousins, and she had no authority to suppress people from the Main Branch.
Song Qinghan couldn’t sit still any longer and got up to go outside.
Han Xiao quickly followed, “Miss, the Madam said to wait a bit longer. Maybe there will be good news tomorrow.”
Song Qinghan was not so optimistic and replied, “Father went to see Mother, it must be about Yunzhao. I need to find out what’s going on.”
Han Xiao couldn’t stop her, so she followed along.
When Song Qinghan arrived at the main courtyard, there wasn’t a sound to be heard. The little maids who usually stood by the eaves were nowhere to be seen. Her heart sank, and just then, Yin Zhu came out of the house. Seeing her, she immediately stepped forward to greet her.
“Young Miss, why are you here?”
Song Qinghan gave a faint smile, “I came to see Mother. I heard she was in a bad mood.”
Yin Zhu glanced back and then lowered her voice, “The Madam just had a fit of anger. Young Miss, let me announce your presence.”
Song Qinghan nodded, “Thank you.”
Yin Zhu smiled and went back inside, and returned quickly:, “Young Miss, Madam will see you now.”
Nodding, Song Qinghan stepped over the threshold. Inside, she saw only Zhao Momo attending to her mother. Suppressing her unease, she stepped forward and greeted her, “Mother.”
Cai Shi put on a brave face and looked at her daughter, “Why are you here at this hour? Sit and talk.”
Song Qinghan sat next to her mother, speaking softly, “I heard you were in a bad mood, so I came to check on you.”
Cai Shi felt a headache coming on as she listened to her daughter, unsure of how to start the conversation.
Zhao Momo, observing from the side, stepped forward, “Young Miss, I’m afraid the plan for Third Miss to stay at the temple with the Old Madam won’t work.”
Song Qinghan, whose heart had been hanging in suspense, felt it sink upon hearing this. She looked up at her mother, “Mother, is this Father’s decision?”
Cai Shi nodded, “Han’er, your uncle has sent a message. He wants Yexi, Yunzhao, and you to participate in the selection.”
“But we’ve already divided the family. How can Uncle still have authority over our branch?” Song Qinghan said in discontent.
“What are you saying? Even though the family is divided, your uncle is still your father’s brother,” Cai Shi said, looking at her daughter. “This matter is settled. Relax. With Yunzhao’s temperament, being with you will only highlight her unruly and domineering nature, which is a good thing for you.”
Song Qinghan frowned. She didn’t think things would go that smoothly. Since things weren’t working out with her mother, she’d have to find her own way.
“Mother is right. I will listen to you,” Song Qinghan said with a sweet smile.
Cai Shi patted her daughter’s hand affectionately, “Don’t worry. I’ll give you more money this time for bribes. Your grandmother is already helping to inquire about matters in the palace. When the time comes, act accordingly.”
Song Qinghan smiled lightly, “Thank you for your trouble, Mother. If I am fortunate in the future, I will be sure to repay you well and let you enjoy the benefits, becoming an honored lady.”
Cai Shi was overjoyed upon hearing this, “Then I’ll wait for that day. My daughter is blessed, and I am sure I will live to see it.”
Song Qinghan chatted with her mother for a while longer before getting up to leave. Returning to her own courtyard, she called for Furong and whispered some instructions to her.
Furong, looking troubled, said, “Young Miss, this is somewhat risky. You should think it over carefully.”
