The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 19: Chapter 19 Knocking on the Mischief-makers

After taking care of the day-to-day household affairs, Madam Song heard from her trusted nanny about a little commotion in the garden, and her face immediately darkened.

”I remember that Peony Lady, who stays at Hongxiu Pavilion with Mei and Zhou, has a little maid serving her. Why did she run around early in the morning and happen to collide with the Old Madam?” As Madam Song spoke, she put down her teacup and walked out: ”No, I have to go check on the Old Madam.”

Nanny Fang stopped her and said with a smile, ”Madam, don’t worry, the Old Madam is fine, she is doing well. Please listen further.”

Hearing this, Madam Song sat down again. Upon learning that Old Master Song had lightly brushed off the matter, she raised an eyebrow and chuckled: ”It seems that Old Master might never overcome the Old Madam in the future. Just like us, he fears her.”

”Indeed, it’s said to be a battle between the two elders, but it’s merely their unique way of interacting. They are an old couple with three legitimate sons; it’s not a life-and-death struggle.” Nanny Fang laughed.

Madam Song sighed, ”Even with three legitimate sons, in a mother’s heart, there must be some unresolved feelings. Have you ever heard her mention ’that one’?”

”Madam, be cautious with your words.”

Nanny Fang walked to the window, looked outside, and whispered, ”It’s best not to speak much about that matter, Madam, lest it reaches the Old Madam’s ears and displeases her.”

Madam Song spoke sheepishly, ”I know, I am just feeling unjust for the elder.”

”The Old Madam herself doesn’t care.”

”Nanny Fang, what woman wouldn’t care about her own man? With all her heart supporting the family, enduring bitter days, and finally having good times, only for someone to come and take advantage. If it were you, could you really be magnanimous and not care?” Madam Song sneered, ”Mother’s temper is fiercer and stronger than anyone’s.”

Nanny Fang remained silent for a long time before saying, ”Without her strength, how could the Song Family have its presence today?”

Madam Song sincerely admired her and said, ”Enough, let’s not discuss this. Go to Hongxiu Pavilion and assign a couple more people there. Don’t let people run around causing trouble for the Old Madam and the household’s masters. Give Mei and Zhou a little reminder that if they can’t even watch over people, they’re of no use. The pleasures of Hong Xiu’s attentions aren’t exclusive to them; if they want to enjoy life, they’d better behave and not cause nonsense.”

The latter words carried a bit of chill.

An hour later, at Hongxiu Pavilion.

Mei and Zhou were drenched in cold sweat and slumped on the Arhat bed, exchanging looks.

”Sister Mei, what do we do now?” Zhou eyed Mei gloomily, ”I told you it wouldn’t work. Fortunately, nothing happened to the Old Madam, or we would have no excuse even if we died a thousand times.”

Mei gave her a disdainful look, ”Are you a fool? She collided with the Old Madam. Even if she is brought in, she will never earn the Old Madam’s favor. Without status or the lady’s affection, no matter how fond she becomes, she won’t make it big. Whether she can even become a concubine is uncertain now.”

”But...”

”No buts, we didn’t do anything, just mentioned that the Old Madam was taking a walk. She ran out on her own,” Mei asserted firmly.

Zhou lowered her head, twisting the handkerchief in her hands.

”Ladies, Nanny from the Old Madam’s side is here,” a maid lifted the curtain to report.

The two women’s faces changed slightly, and they quickly stood up.

Nanny Gong entered with a shallow smile, conveying Song Ci’s intentions: next month’s Dragon Boat Festival, she hopes to have a hundred volumes of Buddhist scriptures to offer to the river god. As she is unwell and the ladies’ handwriting is beautiful, she asks for their assistance in copying them.

Mei and Zhou trembled as they cautiously agreed.