Free Web NovelChapter 21: Chapter 21: Song Yunzhao Rolled Up Her Sleeves
Song Qinghan was silent for a moment. Her mother didn’t even know.
The mood between mother and daughter was complicated.
Mrs. Cai’s head throbbed. Unwilling to lose her composure in front of her eldest daughter, she cleared her throat and said, "Ah, I forgot. Your father said Yun Zhao wanted to go out and get some fresh air since she’s just recovered from her illness, so he let her."
Song Qinghan, of course, knew things weren’t as simple as her mother claimed and could see her attempt at a cover-up. She was already aware that her younger sister would only have to come pay her respects to their mother on the first and fifteenth of each month from now on. ’Father is far too biased,’ she fumed internally. ’He’s trampled all over Mother’s dignity.’
Song Qinghan felt an inexplicable irritation, and her pretty face darkened. She paused for a moment before slowly saying, "I had originally planned to take Yun Zhao with me to the Uncle Mansion today." freewebnσvel.cѳm
Upon hearing this, Mrs. Cai’s brow furrowed. "What would you take her there for? It’s getting late. You should go and get ready. And be careful around Ye Xi."
Seeing her mother’s displeased expression, Song Qinghan knew better than to say more. She gave a slight nod. As she rose to leave, she remarked, as if by chance, "Aunt said that if things are settled today, the Master will submit a memorial to the palace."
Mrs. Cai was overjoyed at this news. "You must make a good impression today. It’s crucial that the Master comes to value you. Ye Xi’s looks and talents are no match for yours. Even if she goes, she’ll just be a backdrop to make you shine. Don’t pay her too much mind." ƒreewebηoveℓ.com
"I understand." Song Qinghan stepped out the door and walked slowly into the sunlight. Looking at Hanshao beside her, she asked, "Who did the Third Miss take with her when she left?"
Hanshao, knowing her mistress would ask, had already made discreet inquiries. She immediately replied, "The Master arranged for a guard to accompany the Third Miss, along with maids and servants in attendance. It was quite a large retinue."
Song Qinghan pressed her lips together and slowly exhaled before turning to leave.
Meanwhile, as soon as Xie Linlang received word, she had someone reserve a table at the Three Yuan Building, where she met up with Song Yunzhao.
She saw not only Xie Linlang but also an unfamiliar young man. He bore a slight resemblance to Xie Linlang, with refined brows and handsome eyes that seemed to smile before he even spoke. They shone with a brilliant light, and she instantly guessed his identity.
Xie Linlang was delighted to see Song Yunzhao. After a quick greeting, she pointed to the man beside her. "This is my second brother, Xie Jinshu. He’s new to the Capital City and was worried I’d get lost, so he insisted on escorting me."
’The Xie family is a prominent merchant household. How could she possibly get lost? What are her attendants for?’
Song Yunzhao turned her gaze to Xie Jinshu.
Xie Jinshu immediately took a step forward. "Third Miss. My sister has mentioned your kindness to her many times. My older brother and I are deeply grateful."
Song Yunzhao smiled in understanding. ’So, he came to thank me.’ "You’re too kind, Third Young Master Xie."
Xie Jinshu had long heard his sister describe the Third Miss’s beauty as otherworldly. Now, seeing her elegant features and eyes that shimmered like pools of water, he was struck. The clarity and brilliance of her gaze, in particular, were captivating. Though he was normally thick-skinned, he couldn’t help but feel a rare hint of unease meeting such a pair of eyes.
Xie Jinshu’s awkwardness was fleeting. He quickly called for a waiter to bring them tea and pastries—all specialties of the Three Yuan Building—and the atmosphere immediately became more relaxed.
Xie Linlang paid no mind to her second brother, sitting down with Yun Zhao at a table by the window. She whispered, "I had my eldest brother look into it. He says things are expected to change today, but the final outcome is still uncertain. Yun Zhao, you just have to wait a little longer."
Song Yunzhao looked at Xie Linlang. "Thank you for thinking of me. I have things under control."
Xie Linlang didn’t press the matter, changing the subject to the affairs of the mansion. "I left in such a hurry that day, so I don’t know what happened afterward. But seeing that you were able to come out today, the outcome must have been to your satisfaction."
Song Yunzhao smiled. "Thankfully, my father stood up for me, giving me a bit of breathing room."
"The Third Young Master is a good father," Xie Linlang praised at once. "Does this mean you’ll be able to go out often from now on?"
"Not exactly, but it’s still better than before," Song Yunzhao said.
Xie Linlang comforted her, "The beginning is always the hardest. Things will get better from here."
Song Yunzhao nodded. The tea was astringent at first, but left a sweet aftertaste. The streets below were bustling with people, countless common folk still struggling to make a living. ’As a young lady living in luxury,’ she thought, ’what right do I have to complain that my life is unpleasant?’
’I’m not that kind of melodramatic person.’
Xie Linlang couldn’t help but admire Yun Zhao for showing no sign of complaint or resentment. ’If it were me,’ she thought, ’I wouldn’t be this calm.’ A playful glint entered her eyes as she said, "I heard the Eldest Miss and Miss Xi are going to the Uncle Mansion today."
Song Yunzhao turned her head and met Xie Linlang’s teasing smile, instantly understanding its meaning.
’Song Qinghan is taking Song Yexi to the Dingnan Bo Mansion, likely to secure their spots in the selection. If they really manage to settle things today, then in a day or so, word will spread through the court that His Majesty has finally relented and approved the selection... Doesn’t that make all of Song Qinghan’s frantic scrambling lately look like a complete joke?’
The two of them locked eyes and burst out laughing at the same time.
Just then, a clash of gongs and drums rang out from downstairs, followed by the clear, elegant notes of a plucked string instrument that drew everyone’s attention.
Xie Linlang immediately said to Yun Zhao, "It’s time for the storytelling! The Shopkeeper of the Three Yuan Building is a real genius. He found a Scholar from somewhere to write stories, and his scripts have become incredibly popular. People flock here every day to listen, which has made business at the Three Yuan Building boom even more."
Song Yunzhao hadn’t paid attention before, but hearing Xie Linlang’s words, she glanced around. Sure enough, every floor of the building was nearly packed with people, and a wave of chattering voices rose from all around.
Song Yunzhao froze for a second. ’The book never mentioned anything about storytelling. But that makes sense,’ she reasoned. ’The plot revolves around the heroine, and since she doesn’t care about this sort of thing, why would the book bring it up?’
’But I’m very interested.’
’When you’re trying to make a living, who can get by without money? I’m a worldly person; I need it more than most.’
Just as Song Yunzhao was wondering if she should write a few story scripts herself to cash in on the trend and earn some pocket money, a loud crash echoed from downstairs, followed by a sharp yell. "Ji Yunting, I’m warning you, don’t stick your nose where it doesn’t belong! Out of respect for your esteemed father, I’ll let it slide this once. Now move!"
Ji Yunting?
Ji Yunting!
Song Yunzhao shot a look at Xie Linlang. ’Oh ho! Isn’t this the Prime Minister’s eldest son, the one who takes Xie Linlang as a concubine in the book? The white moonlight of the heroine’s heart!’
’This is some top-tier, limited-edition drama unfolding right here. I absolutely cannot miss this.’
She was just about to lean over for a better look when a dark shadow suddenly flew toward her. Before she could even register what was happening, her vision blurred as Xie Jinshu threw himself in front of her. A loud CRASH echoed as porcelain shattered on the floor.
Song Yunzhao subconsciously touched her face. ’If Xie Jinshu hadn’t blocked that, my head would have been split open today!’
’By what right?’
’Just because I’m a cannon-fodder side character, disaster can just fall on me out of nowhere?’
Song Yunzhao rolled up her sleeves!
