The visitors that morning had all been noblewomen from prominent families, and even someone like Lady Wei was considered on the lower end of the social hierarchy. Being a royal temple, Huangjue Monastery maintained strict protocols, especially regarding its guests, and today security was tighter than ever.

  For a young maidservant to wander all the way to the mountain gate, nearly descending the mountain on her own, without help or guidance—it was ughable anywhere.

  Song Chuyi gnced at the pale-faced Yuqing without a flicker of emotion. Instead, she calmly instructed Nanny Qiu:

  “Also, ask Master Yuanjue if this is how Huangjue Monastery treats its guests. After all, today’s visitors include not just our family but also the Zhennan King’s Household and Princess Duanhui…”

  Nanny Qiu bowed respectfully, gave Yuqing a sharp gre, and left swiftly with her people.

  First Lady Song, unwilling to see Yuqing, who had clearly betrayed them, for even another moment, waved her hand to have Jinhuan and Jincui take her away. Only then did she turn to Song Chuyi and say:

  “Just now, a maidservant from Lady Fang’s household came with a message. She said Lady Fang wasn’t feeling well and wouldn’t attend Master Yuan Kong’s sermon. However, she also heard that we have some cooling ointment and specifically came to request a jar…”

  It was a well-prepared pretext, clearly a result of careful deliberation. And sure enough, as soon as First Lady Song finished speaking, Jincui entered to announce that Lady Fang had arrived, saying she heard First Lady Song wasn’t attending the sermon either and had come to chat.

  First Lady Song exchanged a knowing gnce with Song Chuyi, smiling as she instructed, “Quickly, invite Lady Fang in.”

  Lady Fang entered wearing a bright red dress, though her complexion looked dull and lifeless. She forced a weak smile as she exchanged pleasantries with First Lady Song and asked Song Chuyi a few casual questions before her expression turned hesitant and sorrowful. Finally, she broached the subject:

  “Last time, at Duke Ying’s mansion… the Sixth Miss mentioned that your household had once considered purchasing my poor daughter…”

  Her voice broke as tears fell, her face painted with grief.

  “They say people are forgotten once they leave, but your family’s kindness is truly something I’ll never forget… to have even considered such a benevolent act.”

  She looked directly at First Lady Song, then shifted her gaze to Song Chuyi, who remained calm and composed. With a deep breath, she closed her eyes and blurted out:

  “The Sixth Miss also mentioned that the elders in your household mented how unfortunate it was for my husband to be associated with the Chen family… I won’t hide it from you, My Lady. These days, my husband is walking on thin ice, constantly pressed by the capital’s investigations, living in fear every day. That’s why I came here today—to ask if the Sixth Miss’s words were reliable.”

  Her plea was heartfelt.

  First Lady Song handed her a handkerchief and sighed deeply. “It’s true… a widow and her daughter—such pitiful sights tug at anyone’s heartstrings. Our Old Lady has a soft heart and can’t bear to see others suffer… It would be no trouble at all to lend a hand.”

  But she didn’t directly address Lady Fang’s request, nor did she give a definite answer.

  Lady Fang grew visibly anxious. She stood and took a few steps toward First Lady Song and Song Chuyi before kneeling abruptly. Her anxiety, previously masked, now y bare.

  “My husband truly regrets his actions,” she said in a low but steady voice. “He was used as a pawn, charging forward recklessly and nearly dragging the Cui family and the Song family down… But when orders come from above, how can he refuse as a disciple of Minister Chen? I know the Marquis of Changning and the Cui family aim for great things, and they say those who achieve greatness are not constrained by minor details…”

  It was clear she had rehearsed these words countless times, allowing her to deliver them smoothly and in one breath.

  Lady Fang knelt, her tearful gaze shifting between the two women seated above her. When neither showed any reaction, she shuffled forward on her knees, her lips trembling as tears brimmed in her eyes.

  “The past cannot be undone, but as the Sixth Miss said, it’s never too te to mend the fence… Please, Lady…”

  Her complete submission left no room for negotiation in the future. It was only then that First Lady Song seemed to notice Lady Fang kneeling. She pced her teacup down and quickly stepped forward to help her up, sighing repeatedly.

  “We’re all the same,” First Lady Song said kindly. “Please, Lady Fang, don’t humble yourself like this…”

  At that moment, Jincui’s voice came through the curtain:

  “Lady, Sixth Miss, Nanny Qiu has returned.”

  Lady Fang quickly dabbed at her tears, while First Lady Song instructed Jinhuan, “Help Lady Fang freshen up her makeup!”

  Once Lady Fang had composed herself, First Lady Song gently held her in pce and instructed Nanny Qiu to enter.

  Nanny Qiu’s expression still held traces of anger, but upon noticing the guest, she lowered her voice and spoke clearly:

  “The young monk guarding the mountain gate only saw Yuqing alone. After some questioning, the monks in the kitchen revealed that a servant woman was seen leading Yuqing out. Upon further investigation, it was confirmed that the servant belonged to the Wei household. Several monks identified her without a doubt as the one who brought Yuqing down the mountain. Yuqing ter admitted that she took money from the servant and deliberately abandoned the young dy on the mountain…”

  First Lady Song let out a cold ugh, her expression a mixture of anger and helplessness as she turned to Lady Fang. “Look at this nonsense!” she excimed, recounting the details of Yuqing’s betrayal before sighing again. “If it weren’t for the Crown Prince's heir’s protection and Sixth Miss’s quick thinking… who would take responsibility if something had happened? The Wei household’s conduct is simply outrageous…”

  Lady Fang’s skin prickled as she listened. This was clearly a matter to be handled discreetly, yet First Lady Song had id it all bare before her. What did it mean? She wasn’t so close to the Song family that such private matters would be shared with her. Was this an attempt to pull her into the mire as well?

  She gnced at First Lady Song, who continued giving orders to Nanny Qiu to handle the servants, then at Song Chuyi, who still wore an unchanging, faint smile. A chilling realization dawned on her: the women of the Marquis of Changning’s household were far more cunning and calcuting than she had imagined.