The Battle of the Noble Ladies

Chapter 58 - Colors

Old Lady Song was always gentle with her daughters-in-law, rarely making them follow strict rules, and even excusing them from morning and evening greetings whenever possible. The only time Li Shi lost face was when the incident with Nanny Wang and Huang Yao occurred, and Old Lady Song reprimanded her.

This time, being specifically called to dinner made her uneasy, instinctively linking it to the matter of Nanny Xu that Song Yi mentioned in the morning.

Nanny Yu, who was by her side, comforted her: "Don't be afraid. As our young lady said, everything the master said aligns with his usual behavior. Who would think it was your idea? Even if they did, as long as you don't admit it, no one can pin it on you. We must stay strong."

Yes, if she showed weakness now, it would be a loss. Li Shi straightened her back, tidied herself up, and took Song Chuning out. She didn't want to bring her daughter, fearing that if Old Lady Song scolded her, it would be embarrassing in front of her daughter.

Moreover, Song Chuning's indifference towards Old Lady Song and others was frightening. She wanted her daughter to be closer to her powerful grandmother and didn't want to deepen the gap between them.

However, Song Chuning insisted on going. She wasn't nervous at all, holding Li Shi's hand and swaying it. Seeing her mother frowning as if facing a great enemy, she couldn't help but smile: "Mother, don't be so tense as if you're going to the execution ground. Father is going to take up an official post, and Grandmother probably just wants to tell you to take good care of him."

Memories from her dream surged in her mind, and she was well aware of what was going to happen next, not afraid at all.

She even felt a bit melancholic. Although some small things differed from the story in her dream, the general direction and outline remained unchanged.

Living almost two identical lives was too boring. She sighed maturely, then became excited again.

Sure, living like in the dream was somewhat dull, but watching others fall twice in the same place, suffer twice, and even repeat the tragedies of the dream throughout their lives was quite interesting.

Her large almond eyes sparkled with cunning as she thought of the future miserable scenes of her sixth sister, who was trying to please Grandmother. She laughed heartily.

The Song residence was particularly beautiful at night, with lanterns hanging along the corridors and fragrant flowers and plants beside the sea of lights, making people feel happy.

Li Shi felt much more at ease after her daughter's antics, smiling as she pulled her daughter, who was about to trip, and gently scolded: "Why are you running so fast? Be careful not to bump into night spirits. Don't walk in the middle, you might disturb the night spirits."

Song Chuning shook her head indifferently.

Li Shi shook her head helplessly and looked up to see the First Lady arriving as well. She smiled and said, "Sister-in-law, you're early."

Since the incident with Nanny Wang and Huang Yao, the First Lady had reserved some opinions about this virtuous and kind Second Lady. She smiled faintly and said, "Second Sister-in-law, you're not late either."

Song Chuning obediently stepped forward to greet the First Lady, sweetly holding her hand.

The girls from the second branch were all very likable, and Jinling and Jinhuan exchanged glances, both silently praising them.

The First Lady couldn't refuse a child, so she smiled and held Song Chuning's hand as they entered Ningde Courtyard together with the Second Lady.

Old Lady Song was setting the table for dinner, and the First and Second Ladies hurried forward to help.

Old Lady Song waved them off with a smile, inviting them to sit. Her eyes caught sight of Song Chuning, and she couldn't help but pause.

Song Chuning had already rushed over with a smile, hugging Old Lady Song, her large almond eyes sparkling: "Grandmother, I want to stay with you like Sixth Sister!"

Pretty little girls were always likable, especially when they were blood-related granddaughters. Thinking of how Song Chengru always liked Song Chuning, Old Lady Song's face lit up with a smile, nodding warmly: "Alright, as long as you don't mind being bored, you can come every day!"

She signaled Yulan to take her away.

Yulan smiled and came over to lead her: "There's a new Persian cat outside with blue eyes. It's quite rare. I'll take you to see it."

Song Chuning knew there was something she wasn't supposed to hear, so she obediently put on an innocent look and happily followed Yulan out.

Once she left, Old Lady Song turned to the First Lady: "Are all the preparations for the Second Master's departure ready?"

It was indeed about the Second Master's departure. Li Shi secretly breathed a sigh of relief, her smile becoming more natural.

The First Lady nodded quickly and said, "Three thousand taels in banknotes from Dingfu Bank, which has branches everywhere, making it convenient to use. Three hundred taels in cash for emergencies and three groups of people have already been sent ahead. Two more groups will be enough."

Old Lady Song nodded, then looked at Li Shi and asked, "Have you decided which concubine will accompany him?"

Li Shi was stunned and couldn't react for a moment.

She didn't need to manage the household or serve her mother-in-law, so by the rules, she should accompany him.

Seeing her not answering for a long time, Old Lady Song raised her voice and asked again.

The First Lady also looked puzzled—by the rules, Li Shi accompanying him was the best option. After all, the Second Master would need to socialize, and having his wife with him was better.

Why did it sound like Old Lady Song didn't want Li Shi to go?

Li Shi, almost in tears, said, "I thought I was going..."

Old Lady Song shook her head, looking at her expressionlessly: "Your third brother has been appointed as the prefect of Datong, and your third sister-in-law is not well and needs to go with him. Only your eldest sister-in-law and fifth sister-in-law will be left to manage the affairs of the fourth and fifth girls. You should stay home to help."

Why could the Third Lady go with her husband?! Li Shi felt indignant, almost blurting out her question, but she held back, nodding heavily.

She couldn't go against Old Lady Song. Even Song Yi was respectful to her. If she angered Old Lady Song, Old Master Song would have Song Yi send her back to her parent's home to reflect.

By now, the First Lady understood that the Second Lady must have done something to displease Old Lady Song. She symbolically said a few harmless words in defense of the Second Lady and then stopped.

The Second Lady, looking ashen, couldn't suppress her sadness. She left with tears in her eyes, almost running back to her room, not even caring about Song Chuning.