Springtime Affairs in a Noble Family

"Mother!" Even if Song Yu was slow to realize, she understood that something important had happened in the manor. She walked towards her mother, but her mother shook her head.

"Your grandmother only asked me to go over, so it must be a matter for the elders. You must be tired, so go back and wash up and rest first. If it's something important, someone will talk to you about it tomorrow." Cui Lingrong took only Qiu Mama with her and went to Shou'an Hall where the old lady lived.

Old Mrs. Song was in good health and enjoyed lively gatherings, so the third branch of the Song family did not divide the property. However, before the old master passed away, he bought the eastern courtyard and divided the family property in advance.

The eldest and second eldest sons were born of the principal wife and both served as officials in the imperial court. The third eldest son, born of a concubine, had no talent for studying, barely passed the preliminary examination, and failed to even become a scholar. After getting married, he was responsible for managing the family's property.

As soon as Cui Lingrong entered the courtyard of Shou'an Hall, she heard cheerful laughter coming from inside.

Judging from this atmosphere, could it be something good?

The maids rolled up the curtain, and Cui Lingrong stepped across the threshold. The warm air was filled with the scent of rouge and powder. She glanced around and saw that all the women in the house were there, and a noblewoman was sitting next to the old lady. While still having doubts, she first bowed to the old lady and said, "Greetings, Madam. I am sorry to have disturbed your rest as I have returned home late."

"Not too late, not too late. You've come at the perfect time. Rongjia has been talking about you, so I asked you to come and meet me." Old Mrs. Song had a full head of silver hair, but her complexion was excellent, rosy and radiant. After speaking, she looked lovingly at the noblewoman beside her.

After Cui Lingrong stood up, she subtly sized him up. While she was still wondering about the other person's identity, the other person spoke first.

"Mother is right. My sister is beautiful and dignified. I can't compare to you. But from now on we are family. Mother said you have the best temperament. At first I was a little apprehensive, but now that I've seen you, I feel at ease." Princess Rongjia had just finished speaking when her maidservant brought a brocade box to Cui Lingrong. "It's a small gift for our first meeting. Please don't find it offensive, sister."

Cui Lingrong was completely confused.

All three branches of the Song family have married. The woman in front of us calls the old lady "mother." Does she recognize the old lady as her godmother, or what?

She looked at the old lady and saw that the old lady's expression was somewhat unnatural, which made her even more suspicious.

At this moment, Madam Jiang, the second wife who had always been at odds with Cui Lingrong, came out and said with a smile, "Sister-in-law, you're busy in Suzhou, so you probably don't know yet that the princess is your elder brother's second wife. With such a noble and graceful sister as the princess, you are truly blessed."

Jiang's father was a second-rank official, while Cui Lingrong's father was only a fifth-rank minor official. Jiang was constantly suppressed by Cui Lingrong in the Song family. She harbored resentment and had been looking forward to Cui Lingrong's return to the mansion to watch the drama unfold.

Cui Lingrong's mind went blank for a second time. What? A concubine?

Why didn't she receive any news?

Her face was deathly pale, and her knees were weak. If her mother hadn't caught her in time, she would have fallen to the ground.

Qiu's mother was even more surprised. The eldest mistress was married into the Song family through proper channels. Not to mention marrying a second wife, even taking a concubine or maidservant would require the eldest mistress's consent before the eldest master could marry her.

How can anyone accept that someone has quietly taken a concubine into the family?

Madam Qiu felt indignant for her mistress, but she still retained some rationality. "Second Madam, you must be joking. Such a big matter, why didn't anyone inform my eldest mistress? Besides, a princess of such noble status, how can she be a secondary wife?"

Jiang glanced at Princess Rongjia out of the corner of her eye. Seeing that the princess's expression remained unchanged, she felt more confident. "My sister-in-law is going to Suzhou for a funeral, but marrying a concubine is a joyous occasion. It would be inappropriate to send someone to Suzhou to discuss this, as it would clash with the other's plans. Besides, this marriage is the Emperor's decree. Is my sister-in-law dissatisfied with the Emperor, or does she dislike the princess?"

In the past, when Jiang tried to cause trouble for Cui Lingrong, she always ended up at a disadvantage. This time, with the princess backing her up, she was full of confidence.

After saying that, Jiang looked at the old lady again, "Mother, it seems that my sister-in-law is not as magnanimous as you thought."

Old Mrs. Song's expression darkened slightly. "Mrs. Cui, you've always been sensible. Don't disappoint me."

The phrase "Mrs. Cui" reveals the old lady's attitude.

These words struck Cui Lingrong's heart like a heavy hammer.

Everyone inside was looking at her.

With her aunt gone, and the Cui family far away in Yangzhou, no one in Bianjing could support Cui Lingrong.

Moreover, Princess Rongjia had already entered the family, and the marriage was bestowed by the Emperor; Cui Lingrong had no right to object.

Having managed the household affairs for many years, Cui Lingrong believed that she had done her best, been filial to her parents-in-law, and raised her children, and was worthy of the honor bestowed upon her by the Marquis's family.

Now that a second wife has suddenly appeared, everyone in the house is probably secretly laughing at her.

"Sister-in-law, why are you stunned?" Seeing Cui Lingrong on the verge of collapse, Jiang felt a surge of joy. She had thought that even if the sky were to fall, Cui Lingrong would remain calm and composed. "You should be happy. The princess is kind and generous. Look at this set of gemstone jewelry, so exquisite and delicate. It's the kind of craftsmanship only palace artisans possess. It's clear that the princess truly treats you like a sister."

She paused, then continued, "Ever since the princess entered the household, she has taken over all the household affairs. Everyone in the family is completely convinced of her abilities. With the princess in charge of managing the household, you can finally take a break. Isn't that wonderful?"

Jiang was not pleased with this.

Originally, after Cui Lingrong left and the power of housekeeping was handed over to Jiang Shi, she had only just begun to enjoy some benefits when Princess Rongjia entered the household.

Jiang Shi originally thought that with Cui Lingrong's return, she could still put up a fight with Cui Lingrong. As long as the old lady didn't speak up, she wouldn't hand over the power of managing the household.

But when Princess Rongjia sent someone to take the key to the account books, how could she dare to go against Princess Rongjia?

It is known that the Emperor has no sons, and the court officials suggested that he adopt a son from the imperial clan. Meanwhile, Princess Rongjia's younger brother has been frequently visiting the palace recently.

If Princess Rongjia's younger brother were chosen by the Emperor, the Princess's status would be even more noble.

Jiang had a clear sense of who had a better future; he knew without even thinking.

"Grandma?" Qiu's mother was furious, but she couldn't speak carelessly, otherwise it would give others something to use against her and cause trouble for her master. She could only whisper to her master that it was time to show some attitude.

Cui Lingrong still had many questions in her mind, but the most important one was clear—it was a done deal that Princess Rongjia would marry the eldest master, and her objections were futile.

Does that mean she should just let others manipulate and trample on her?

The princess has a more noble status and is said to be a secondary wife. However, the princess, who entered the family later, calls Cui Lingrong "sister" repeatedly, which shows the princess's true feelings.

"Don't panic," Cui Lingrong told herself.

Everything can be resolved. Since it's an official marriage, the princess and the marquis might not necessarily get along.

Since returning home, Cui Lingrong had not yet seen the Marquis. She and the Marquis had been married for over fourteen years, and they had always treated each other with respect and discussed things together. She did not believe that the Marquis was a fickle and heartless man who would tire of the old and crave the new.

Cui Lingrong squeezed Qiu's mother's palm, closed her eyes, and fell down.

"Grandma!" Madam Qiu embraced her mistress with perfect understanding. "Grandma, Grandma has had a long and arduous journey and wanted to return before the Mid-Autumn Festival to fulfill her filial duty to you. Today's events are so sudden, please, Grandma, consider Grandma's years of hard work managing the household and allow her to return home and rest for a while."

Old Mrs. Song sighed inwardly. Apart from her humble origins, Cui was impeccable in her conduct and dealings with others. Having lived together for over a decade, she wasn't made of stone. She decided to have Aunt Qiu and a few other women carry Cui back first. Putting herself in Cui's shoes, the matter of becoming a concubine was indeed sudden, and it was normal for Cui to be unable to accept it for a while.

"Rongjia, Cui Shi, she..."

"Mother, your daughter-in-law understands." Princess Rongjia smiled, showing no sign of displeasure. "I apologize for my sudden appearance to Sister Cui. Tomorrow I will personally go and serve her, to let her know my sincerity. I am not here to separate her and the Marquis."

Seeing Princess Rongjia's magnanimity and tolerance, Old Madam Song felt much more at ease and said with a knowing smile, "You are so sensible." With such a virtuous wife, her eldest son's official career would surely be even better.

Princess Rongjia offered tea to the old lady with a respectful attitude, which pleased the old lady even more.

At Qiu Shuangzhai's place, Qiu's mother was busy for a while, sending everyone else away before whispering to the bedside, "Grandma, everyone's gone."

Cui Lingrong sat up. "Aunt Qiu, where is the Marquis?" She had been back for so long, but her husband had not shown up. Did he not want to see her? Or was he too ashamed to see her?