The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 902: Chapter 902: Concubine Shen’s Subtle Malice

Praising Madam Shen inadvertently stepped on Bishi’s toes, and when he realized it, Song Zhiqing felt a bit embarrassed himself.

He seemed somewhat unkind.

However, Madam Shen appeared unaffected by his embarrassment and smiled, saying, ”Fate among people is something to be considered. Perhaps I am more destined with the Third Young Lady.”

She had a maid fetch another cup and brewed a bowl of cold tea for Song Zhiyuan, handing it over: ”This hot weather is bothersome; let’s not go inside. This grape arbor is ingeniously built and provides a pleasant shade.”

Song Zhiqing took the tea and said, ”If there aren’t enough ice basins, you can have Second Sister-in-law send some over. No need to inconvenience yourself.”

Madam Shen shook her head: ”The Song Mansion is wealthy, and the masters are all generous. Even we as concubines have never lacked anything, so naturally, there’s no shortage of ice basins.”

”Then why?”

”Using ice basins isn’t as beneficial to health as the natural breeze. The weather is pleasant, and cooling off under the grape arbor is quite special; no need to be cooped up indoors.”

”You know how to arrange things for yourself.”

Madam Shen replied with a gentle smile: ”I have nothing else to do most days except to ponder such things. Now that both young masters have contracted smallpox, and Madam is personally tending to the Fourth Young Master, what can I do? Madam doesn’t blame me for not looking after Plum Garden well in the past and even lets me teach the Third Young Lady about etiquette. It is truly my blessing.”

After all, a concubine is still a concubine. To have one instruct the legitimate daughter is unheard of in a grand family. It’s only because Madam Shen was a court ceremony instructor that Rushi dared to let her guide her on a few matters.

Song Zhiqing saw her gentle demeanor. Even while sitting in a wicker chair, she wouldn’t fully occupy the seat, only sitting at the edge, her back straight and hands gently resting on her lap. Her bearing and etiquette seemed ingrained in her very bones.

After all, she was trained in the palace.

Song Zhiqing took a sip of the cold tea and didn’t speak for a moment.

A breeze passed through, rustling the grape leaves. The distant sound of cicadas came and quickly ceased, likely because a servant used a basket to catch them, so as not to disturb the masters.

Song Zhiqing, enjoying a rare moment of peace and calm, asked, ”What do you make of the frost and dew incident where Bishi allegedly harmed the two young masters?”

Madam Shen’s eyebrow twitched. She sipped her tea, looked at him, and said, ”There are many servants who secretly hold grudges over small matters. If Shuanglu really did such a thing, it’s not surprising.”

Song Zhiqing secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He knew he was right.

”However...”

Song Zhiqing’s heart tensed again.

Madam Shen continued, ”However, sometimes the truth that appears on the surface is too easily attained, making it somewhat false.”

”False?”

Madam Shen didn’t look at him but lowered her head slightly, her voice soft: ”Resentment builds up over time. Shuanglu’s grudge wasn’t formed in a day. Being close and serving White Sister often, she’d have had plenty of opportunities to strike. Why wait for the Fifth Young Master to move into Plum Garden and act through you? How could she be so sure of success?”

”The Song Mansion is strict. For her to leave the mansion, obtain tainted items, re-enter, and contaminate the Lord’s clothing, all while betting on you visiting the young masters—each step had to be flawless to succeed. Even if Shuanglu were extremely capable, how could she manage it all alone without someone unraveling it easily?”

”Therefore, it’s just too easy, rather unrealistic, as if everything was conveniently pinned on her. Oh, I’m just a woman with no ability to solve cases. Speaking carelessly like this, I’ve made the Lord laugh.” Madam Shen refilled his bowl with cold tea.

But Song Zhiqing was stirred internally, recalling certain details.