Cai Shi’s face turned cold when she heard this. Looking at the Eldest Madam, she answered, “Sister-in-law, what you said—how can Qinghan, an unmarried girl, make such decisions? Besides, the selection isn’t something the Dingnan Residence can decide alone. And it’s not just our Song family’s daughters; the Dingnan family has so many in-laws, and it’s not even certain that our young ladies will be chosen.”
“Even Sister-In-Law knows that it’s uncertain. That’s why all young ladies of suitable age should be presented. Let the Dingnan family see properly. We can’t let people say we’re stingy, only sending one Miss. The Countess might get criticised for it.”
The Eldest Madam’s logical arguments were endless, and Yunzhao felt full of vitality while listening to them.
As her gaze swept over Qinghan, she estimated that they had reached the pivotal point in the book where they were supposed to go to the Count Reisidence together for the selection. However, Song Qinghan schemed against the original protagonist, damaging her reputation.
Now there were two paths: First, to make Qinghan suffer the consequences of her own actions when the time comes. This would lead to complications, when they come back home and Qinghan complains to Cai Shi. Handling the aftermath would be troublesome.
Second, to find an excuse not to go to the Dingnan Residence and wait for the court to announce that the selection is open for anyone, allowing her to participate justly and honourably.
However, this also had a risk. Cai Shi might then try to hinder her participation out of fear of her beauty.
Moreover, at that time, it’s unlikely that the Eldest Madam would defend her. After all, the Main Branch certainly wouldn’t be fond of her face either.
Fortunately, by then, her Father would have arrived in the capital.
Yunzhao instantly made up her mind.
The Eldest Madam’s series of questions made Cai Shi lose face in front of the children, almost enraging her. Just as she was about to shed all pretence of cordiality, Qinghan spoke up.
“Aunt, you’ve really misunderstood Mother. To be honest, although my Maternal Aunt is the Dingnan Countess, she is only the second wife of a widower. And although she has always been kind and gentle to others, the Eldest Daughter of Dingnan Mansion is quite assertive, so Aunt inevitably needs to be more cautious.
Qinghan’s story about the internal matters of the Count Residence immediately caught Eldest Madam’s attention. With Qinghan speaking so earnestly, the First Madam nodded in agreement. After all, being a stepmother was never easy, especially in a noble family.
Seeing the Eldest Madam’s approving look, Qinghan’s expression became even more troubled, “Yesterday, the Count Residence indeed hosted a banquet. Mother was worried about my reputation, so she hid the truth, leading to Aunt’s misunderstanding. We are one family, after all, and if there is a great opportunity, I would want my sisters to benefit as well.”
The Eldest Madam immediately sensed there was more to her words, and with a gentle smile, she said, “You are a good child. If you’ve suffered any grievances, don’t bear them alone. Tell me, and I will make sure that justice is served.”
Qinghan continued tearfully, “It’s not really a grievance. Yesterday, Chu Yuying hosted a banquet, inviting many noble young ladies. I felt like she was competing with my maternal Aunt. Our family may have been glorious in the past, but now Father’s and Uncle’s positions are lower. You think I am in the limelight, but because Aunt is the second wife of a widower, I have had to endure a lot.”
As she spoke, Qinghan took out a handkerchief and wiped her tears. Cai Shi’s face darkened upon hearing this and she angrily said, “Why didn’t you tell me? I will go and speak with your maternal Aunt today.”
“Mother, please don’t go. If Miss Chu finds out, she might create more trouble. I don’t want Aunt to be put in a difficult position because of me,” Qinghan quickly urged.
The Eldest Madam, having been Cai Shi’s sister-in-law for many years, could tell that Cai Shi truly didn’t know about this. It seemed that Qinghan was telling the truth.
The Eldest Madam then looked at Third Madam: “Sister-in-law, can see how you’ve handled this? If Yexi and the others had gone with her, their presence alone would have forced Chu Yuying to be more cautious. After all, she is about to get married and would want to save face.”
Yunzhao was amazed. The Eldest Madam’s words were incredibly sharp, never missing an opportunity to include Song Yexi. And she said all of this with a righteous and confident tone.
Impressive!
Seeing her mother’s hesitation, Qinghan quickly said, “Aunt, please don’t blame Mother. It’s not that she doesn’t want us sisters to go together. It’s just… maternal Aunt is in a difficult position at the Count Residence. She worries that Yexi and the others might get mistreated. When that time comes, how would she explain it to you. Look at me, enduring everything silently.”
The Eldest Madam understood what Qinghan meant. Cai Shi wanted to save face, not wanting her to know that the Countess, her sister, didn’t really have influence at the Residence.
She was afraid of being laughed at!
Moreover, the Eldest Madam didn’t miss Qinghan’s implied meaning: they could go, but any grievances would have to be endured.
The Eldest Madam didn’t like Qinghan’s underhanded way of speaking, twisting good words into something unpleasant.
“It’s really hard on you, Qinghan. Precisely because of this, our family needs to support you and the Countess. Let all the Young Ladies go. Show Miss Chu that the Song family’s daughters are not to be trifled with. Let everyone know that the Countess has support. True, your Father and Uncle might not hold high positions for now, but the Song family has deep roots. There’s nothing to fear.”
Cai Shi: …
The Eldest Madam is really good at taking advantage of situations; its as if she was reincarnated from a monkey!
Thus, it was decided, and everyone left happily.
Yunzhao noticed that Jinxuan couldn’t suppress her smile, hurrying off, likely because Concubine Che will take the Eldest Madam’s approach. Today, the First Madam’s reference to the Young Ladies didn’t differentiate between legitimate and illegitimate daughters.
Yexi didn’t return to the east courtyard with the Eldest Madam, but quickly caught up with Yunzhao, smiling, “Younger Sister, would you welcome me for a cup of tea?”
“Of course, Yexi. You’re always welcome,” Yunzhao replied, genuinely pleased, and cheerfully led her to her courtyard.
Yexi, Yunzhao, and Jinxuan were all born in the same year, with Ye Xi being the eldest, followed by Jinxuan, and then Yunzhao.
Since the ranking between the two branches differed, they usually added names when referring to sisters from the other branch to avoid confusion.
Song Yexi didn’t appear often in the book. When she discovered Qinghan scheming against Yunzhao at the Count Residence, she remained silent.
Later, Yexi couldn’t participate in the palace selection because of a foot injury. She accused Qinghan, but had no evidence. Additionally, with Qinghan’s entry into the palace, the Main Branch suppressed the matter.
Now, Yexi coming to Yunzhao was not in the book.
Yunzhao was unsure of Yexi’s intentions, but invited her in, instructing a maids to serve tea. With a smile, she asked, “Is Sister Yexi here just for tea?”
Yexi poked Yunzhao’s forehead and said, “You’re always so clever. I do have something to discuss with you, and you can’t refuse.”
Yunzhao: …
Asking for favors while being so domineering indeed evokes very complex emotions.