TSNCWEM Chapter 84

First Madam fell silent for a moment, then finally spoke.

“I only wanted Father to gather some information.”

Madam Jiang studied her daughter carefully.

“Gathering information is easy, but what then? Do you also hope your father can help push this assignment away? The imperial decree has been issued—no one can change it. Unless Song Jieyu can persuade the Emperor, because—after all Third Master Song is her father.”

First Madam felt slightly awkward, offering a sheepish smile.

“Mother, how could I want you to do such a thing? I merely heard the court was fiercely debating disaster relief, and I fear Third Brother will be entangled, dragging the entire Song family down. Mother, my husband is already under scrutiny by the Right Prime Minister’s faction—every day, he moves cautiously, afraid to make the slightest mistake. If Third Brother faces trouble, how will the Song family endure?”

Hearing this, Wang Shi frowned slightly.

She felt sympathy for her sister-in-law—her position was undoubtedly difficult.

“Mother, Sister is truly caught between two hard places. If we can assist her, why not?”

“You say it so easily, but do you think this will be simple?”

Madam Jiang glanced at her daughter-in-law, sighed, and said,

“Enough, both of you—return to your tasks. This matter is beyond our reach. Stop dwelling on it.”

Wang Shi and Hu Shi exchanged a glance, knowing they couldn’t oppose their mother-in-law.

They offered a faint, resigned smile to First Madam, then rose and left.

Once they had gone, Madam Jiang dismissed the remaining attendants.

Then, she gestured for her daughter to come closer.

First Madam sat beside her mother, speaking softly.

“My elder sisters-in-law have always treated me well—why did you send them away? Fortunately, they are kind-hearted, otherwise, they might have taken offense.”

Madam Jiang furrowed her brows.

“If this were merely a family affair, it would be nothing. But this concerns Song Jieyu in the palace—it must be handled with caution.”

“It’s not that they are unreliable,” she continued, her voice firm. “But if they cannot help, there is no need to trouble their minds with worry.”

First Madam pondered this, realizing her mother’s reasoning made sense.

She smiled slightly.

“Song Jieyu is a shrewd woman—she knows what to do. She sent word for me to visit tomorrow. I assume it’s about Third Brother’s situation.”

Madam Jiang exhaled heavily, her expression grim.

“Everyone has been discussing Song Jieyu lately. She entered the palace not long ago, yet she quickly rose from Noble Concubine to Jieyu. All eyes are on her. Now, the Emperor has appointed Third Master Song as the deputy envoy, further intensifying the scrutiny. You must advise her to act carefully.”

She sighed, deep concern in her voice.

“Tell me—how many favored concubines have ever ended well? During the late Emperor’s reign, Imperial Noble Consort Gao was so favored that she even overshadowed the Empress. And yet, what was her end? Not only did she perish, but her son, the Ninth Prince, was executed as well. Countless lives were caught in the crossfire.”

“I understand, Mother,” Madam Song nodded quickly.

Then she smiled reassuringly.

“But you’ve never met our Yunzhao—if you did, you would certainly like her. She is exceptionally clever, knows how to read situations, and understands how to navigate power. Otherwise, how could she rise so swiftly?”

“Clever women often fall victim to their own intelligence,” Madam Jiang warned. “Better to be cautious than careless. And don’t think that the Song family should become arrogant just because you now have a favored concubine.”

She shifted topics, her tone firm.

“Settle Yexi’s marriage quickly. Don’t be too choosy. The suitor doesn’t need an illustrious lineage, as long as he is of good character and has a stable future.”

First Madam chuckled.

“Mother, why bring up Yexi’s marriage now? Once her engagement takes shape, I will certainly seek your advice.”

Then, her expression grew serious.

“But—is there truly no way to overturn Third Brother’s appointment?”

Madam Jiang shook her head slightly.

“If your father were a Minister, he might have some leverage. It’s not that we refuse to help—but the two Prime Ministers are utterly opposed. If your father intervenes, he will only be caught in the storm. Rather than risking everything, we should wait for the right moment.”

First Madam immediately agreed, unwilling to see her father in danger.

“If that’s the case, then forget it. I was merely hoping for a slim chance. I’ll speak to Jieyu tomorrow and hear her thoughts.”

Their family truly had no way of stepping in.

Jieyu would have to handle matters alone within the palace.

First Madam felt helpless—if only her husband had held an official post in the capital, she wouldn’t be struggling like this.

Seeing her daughter’s furrowed brow, Madam Jiang disapproved.

“This is Third Master’s matter. Has his own wife done nothing for him? Why must you, his sister-in-law, run around on his behalf?”

At the mention of Cai Shi, First Madam’s expression darkened in disgust.

“Don’t even bring her up. She’s utterly deluded, thinking only of finding a good marriage for Qinghan. Last time, she even set her sights on Jin, nearly infuriating me enough to throw her out!”

Jin was First Madam’s eldest nephew, the son of her brother.

He had missed the imperial examination due to illness two years ago and was set to retake it.

With his talent, passing shouldn’t be an issue.

But with Qinghan’s reputation—she dared to aim for him?

First Madam seethed at the memory.

Madam Jiang sighed heavily, eyeing her daughter.

“With Jieyu thriving in the palace, Third Madam Song should seek reconciliation—but instead, she remains brazenly arrogant. What kind of family upbringing is this?”

First Madam grew even angrier.

“The Cai family has never truly cared for Yunzhao. For years, Third Madam Song despised her, treating her like an outsider. And yet now—she dares to use Jieyu’s name to act outside the palace. When I visit the palace, I’ll make sure to warn Jieyu. She mustn’t let the Cai family drag her down.”

Madam Jiang shook her head, sighing.

“The Cai family has truly become more reckless. Take Third Madam Song’s father, for instance—he has been stuck in the same administrative position at the Military Selection Office for years, without advancement. If this disaster relief mission goes well and Third Master Song earns merit, his rank will surely rise. And if that happens, your Third Sister-in-law’s privileged life at home will soon come to an end.”

She sighed again.

“The crisis is right in front of her, yet she remains blind to it. Fortunately, your family has already separated. But I would advise you—settle Yexi’s marriage quickly. As long as Third Madam Song’s eldest daughter remains unmarried, she might drag Yexi into her troubles.”

Hearing this, First Madam hesitated, reflecting on her mother’s words.

“You’re right—I should be decisive. I’ll take time to choose carefully, then bring the matter to you.”

Madam Jiang nodded.

“It’s getting late—you should head home. I won’t keep you for dinner. Since you’re going to the palace tomorrow, speak with Third Master Song—see if he has any message for Jieyu.”

First Madam had failed to seek help from her maternal family—but not because they were unwilling.

There was simply nothing they could do.

She bade farewell to her mother, then went to greet her sisters-in-law, before rushing home.

As soon as she stepped inside, she spotted Zhao Momo, Third Madam Song’s steward, beaming with joy, escorting a woman dressed in rust-red robes out of the residence.

Judging by her attire, she seemed to be a steward from another household, though her face was unfamiliar.

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