The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

The Song Family took the initiative to show goodwill, how could Mrs. Lu not understand? She suppressed her excitement and praised Song Ruqi and Qi San with a smile.

Song Ruqi was somewhat disdainful, but she also knew that the arrangements of the elders in her family were the most appropriate. It was better to maintain good relations with Mrs. Lu than to make enemies, especially since she decided to withdraw from those disputes and observe from the sidelines, thus choosing a side.

The eldest son’s original spouse, with strong support from his maternal family, and Lord Duke also remembers the original spouse. The Yue family has also provided significant assistance. These years, they have maintained a good connection, so despite Qi An losing his mother, he is not without support.

The princely heir is already established. Trying to easily alter it is unlikely, as Mrs. Lu’s maiden family in Shandong also has aristocratic origins, with substantial influence.

Moreover, Mrs. Lu’s family is somewhat distantly related to the Duke Dingguo Mansion, which also hails from Shandong.

Now, the family is preparing to betroth the youngest daughter of the Duke Dingguo Mansion to the eldest brother, which elevates the marriage alliance. Considering the options, she feels it’s best to side with the eldest house.

The Song Family showed goodwill, and Mrs. Lu reciprocated. She mentioned some somewhat obscure matters, especially regarding the bracelet incident during Song Ruqi’s miscarriage.

Though she didn’t name names directly, there was some implied direction.

Song Ruqi asked, ”Is sister-in-law not deceiving me?”

Mrs. Lu replied, ”I’ve been a mother myself, how could I deceive you? I married into the Duke Mansion a few years ahead of you. The spirits in this mansion are numerous. I mention this not to identify anyone specifically, but just to remind you, dear sister-in-law, to be more vigilant.”

Song Ruqi took a deep breath, stood up, and respectfully said, ”I appreciate your kindness, sister-in-law.”

At that moment, young Madam Liao had returned in a new set of vermilion cloud brocade, freshly groomed and radiant, far superior to her previous attire.

Indeed, Aunt Jiang is quite thrifty; her maiden family, though merchant, treasures their only daughter. Her father, doting on her, frequently sends good things to the Prime Minister’s Mansion, even if he doesn’t visit often due to business.

Song Ruqi, recalling Mrs. Lu’s words, glanced at the smug, smiling young Madam Liao and sarcastically said, ”Second sister-in-law’s encounter seems rewarding, a new set of clothes in exchange for a splash of water—quite nice.”

Young Madam Liao’s smile froze.

Madam Song rebuked, ”Talking nonsense again, thinking everyone envies a new outfit? Is it possible the Duke Mansion lacks proper attire for the Second Madam? Hurry, apologize to your second sister-in-law.”

Song Ci lazily leaned against the grand pillow, amused by the drama, thinking this is how household conflicts should unfold. Their conversational skill levels could compile into a book named ’How to Insult Indirectly Without Vulgar Words.’

Seeing young Madam Liao’s expressions change from red to green, clearly ridiculed.

Song Ruqi pursed her lips, and with a light flick of her handkerchief, perfunctorily bowed, ”Apologies to second sister-in-law.”

Young Madam Liao snorted lightly, saying, ”Forget it, the younger sister-in-law is young and doesn’t understand. Can I hold grudges? But the old lady should seriously punish that wretched... that maid to prevent further mistakes, which would cause embarrassment.”

Mrs. Lu’s face turned green, thinking, if you can’t speak politely, why speak at all? Criticizing elders’ conduct?

She was about to mediate when Song Ci laughed, ”You’re quite right. My maid’s nose has always been sensitive, even the slightest peculiar smell doesn’t escape her, perhaps it’s why she lost composure. I’ll certainly reprimand her, she must learn to be like Mount Tai, unaffected by nausea.”

Implying, whose scent caused the mishap, was it bodily or external, and before whom did Nan Shan become awkward?

Clearly evident.

Everyone glanced at Mrs. Lu, whose expression had changed, then at Song Ci, sipping tea silently.

When it comes to sharp tongues, yours is the sharpest.