I Was Supposed to Be the Villainous Consort

Chapter 359: Chapter 139: The High-IQ, High-Quality Female Supporting Character

After much consideration, Song Yunzhao finally picked up her brush to write a reply to the First Madam. She approved of the young men of the family leaving the Capital City to study. With so many eyes on the Song Family in the capital, it was inevitable that some would harbor ill intentions and deliberately try to lure their children astray.

’Leaving the Capital City isn’t a bad thing for them. Especially Song Bu Yue... my relationship with him is mediocre at best, but he’s close with Song Qinghan. Now that this has happened to her, if Song Bu Yue were in the capital, he would certainly not stand by and do nothing. But with his current temperament and immaturity, who knows what he might do.’

’Song Bu Yue is quite fortunate. Leaving the Capital City to study has allowed him to avoid this whole affair.’

As for Song Qinghan’s situation, Song Yunzhao made her stance perfectly clear in the letter: she would not get involved. For better or worse, the decision was Song Qinghan’s to make. A marriage was a lifelong matter that couldn’t be taken lightly, but Song Qinghan had always been a willful and selfish person. If someone else made the decision for her and things turned out badly in the future, she would undoubtedly blame and resent them for it.

Therefore, she wouldn’t kick Song Qinghan while she was down, but she would absolutely not involve herself in such a thankless task.

In the letter, she also inquired after the health of the First Madam and Third Master Song. She read it over from the beginning and, finding no issues, sealed the envelope. She then had Anshun deliver it outside the palace. Before he left, she instructed him, "If you see my father, just tell him that I am well in the palace. Do not say anything more."

Anshun bowed and replied, "Yes," then asked, "My Lady, what if the First Madam asks?"

Song Yunzhao said, "Give her the same answer."

"Yes."

Anshun turned and left the palace. ’I don’t want the First Madam and Father to worry about things that haven’t happened yet,’ Song Yunzhao thought. ’The situation with the Empress Dowager hasn’t developed, so why make them anxious?’

’As for Song Qinghan’s affairs, no matter what she decides now, the impact on the Song Family won’t be significant. After all, the daughters who were of age have all been married off. The only one left is Yun Mei, and she’s from an illegitimate line.’

’She’s a fortunate one, too. As the youngest, by the time she reaches marriageable age, her older siblings’ careers and marriages will be well-established. Her own marriage prospects are sure to be good.’

’The rise of a family is most directly reflected in the quality of its children’s marriages.’

’Besides, my eldest cousin’s marriage has yet to be arranged. Eldest Uncle has surely not overlooked this.’

Song Yunzhao would not overstep her bounds in these matters. She would simply wait for her eldest cousin to marry and then present a generous gift. That was all.

「Meanwhile」

The First Madam received Yun Zhao’s reply but didn’t open it right away. As expected, she first asked about Yun Zhao’s situation in the palace. Anshun relayed everything as instructed. The First Madam had some silver brought out as a reward and told her housekeeper to see him out.

Only after Anshun had left did the First Madam open Yun Zhao’s letter. After reading it, she let out a long sigh. It was just as she had thought.

’Of course, I don’t blame Yun Zhao for her lack of sisterly affection. Considering what Song Qinghan has done, it’s magnanimous enough that her younger cousin isn’t kicking her while she’s down.’

’Since Yun Zhao won’t interfere, I’ve come to a decision about Song Qinghan’s matter as well.’

With this in mind, she rose and headed for the West Courtyard. Coincidentally, Song Qinghan was also there. Upon seeing her, she stood to offer a greeting. "Eldest Aunt."

The First Madam nodded. Seeing Song Qinghan’s poor complexion, the dark circles under her eyes, and her utterly haggard appearance, her heart couldn’t help but soften.

"Since you’re here as well, Qing Han, that’s even better," the First Madam said with a smile.

Mrs. Cai looked up at the First Madam. "Elder Sister-in-law, have you come at this hour because you’ve thought of a good solution?"

After taking a seat, the First Madam looked at the mother and daughter. "There are only a few ways to resolve this kind of situation. You both know that very well. The choice is up to Qing Han herself. I have nothing more to say."

As soon as she said this, the expressions on both Mrs. Cai’s and Song Qinghan’s faces fell.

Mrs. Cai’s face showed a hint of displeasure. "Elder Sister-in-law, how can you say such a thing? Qing Han is your own niece."

"It is precisely because she is my niece that I’ve made this trip," the First Madam said bluntly. "I never approved of this marriage from the start. You knew Xu Anxing had an illegitimate son, yet you insisted on agreeing to the match. You should have realized that a woman who could convince Xu Anxing to let her bear an illegitimate son—and then get pregnant a second time—is no simple character."

Song Qinghan’s expression grew even uglier. Clutching her handkerchief tightly, she gritted her teeth and took a deep breath before speaking. "Eldest Aunt, I just thought that after we were married, he wouldn’t go too far, for the sake of the Song Family’s reputation."

"The Song Family?" The First Madam let out a small laugh. "How can our family compare to a Marquis Mansion? Qing Han, don’t blame your aunt for being harsh—this is the truth. And don’t even think about relying on the Concubine to stand up for you. When you were engaged to the Marquis Wuxin Mansion, everyone knew you and your cousin didn’t get along. You were well aware that the Marquis Wuxin Mansion knew of your terrible relationship, yet you still insisted on marrying into their family. You can’t blame anyone else for the result you face today."