The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure

Chapter 1278 - 1277: The Vicissitudes of Human Relationships

When Song Chongjin returned home, everyone in the Song Family already knew.

Others might have been indifferent, but Song Chongjun and Song Chongzhao hid in the room, calling out to the heavens, believing that good and evil will ultimately be rewarded.

This journey to Chicheng City was several thousand miles away; if things aren’t handled well, he won’t be able to return to the Capital City. Without returning to the Capital City, the Duke Weiguo Residence remains their domain.

It was an unexpected delight; there’s always a way out!

Lady Gao was stunned upon hearing the news, but the Sister beside her seemed relieved: "With Master Heir-Apparent being sent away, the Wife of the Heir-Apparent will certainly follow, so we can finally breathe easy."

Although Wang Yongzhu wasn’t power-hungry and hadn’t touched the household affairs even a bit, as long as the couple was in the mansion, they posed a threat to Madam. Now they’re being sent away for several years; at least Madam is temporarily stable.

With Madam at ease, we servants can also be at ease.

Lady Gao sharply reprimanded: "Everyone shut up! Pass the word along that anyone who dares to speak carelessly will be whipped and sold!"

It was rare for Lady Gao to show such genuine anger, and the servants dared not slack off, hurriedly passing the order.

After giving the instructions, Lady Gao personally went to Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin’s courtyard, dismissed the servants, and shared the news with Wang Yongzhu.

Wang Yongzhu had already heard about it, but she still feigned surprise upon hearing Lady Gao’s words.

Lady Gao comforted her, "Don’t worry. Lord Duke hasn’t returned to the mansion yet; he wouldn’t blindly watch this unfold without intervention. Let’s think of a way and perhaps we’ll find a solution."

No matter what, for Lady Gao to inform her and offer comfort at this time was already commendable.

Wang Yongzhu nodded, "I understand! Thank you, Madam, for informing me of this news!"

Lady Gao hesitated for a moment. As the legitimate mother and an inner residence woman, her ability to act was limited. She could only ensure that the servants didn’t spread rumors, but as for others’ thoughts, it was beyond her control.

Not to mention the matters outside, which were not for her to interfere.

Lady Gao herself knew that this consolation was flimsy and powerless. With the decree already issued, what more could be done?

After sitting with Wang Yongzhu for a while, she stood to leave.

Wang Yongzhu escorted Lady Gao to the door, and just as she was about to step out, Lady Gao gritted her teeth, turned around, and whispered, "Seek help from the Gu Family—"

Leaving those few words behind, she walked away briskly.

Besides Song Chongjun and his brother, everyone else was equally shocked by the news.

Song Chongjuan and Song Chongxiu were both in Maternal Aunt Meng’s courtyard, their faces filled with anxiety: "Aunt, is this news reliable? If so, what should we do?"

They had pinned all their hopes on Song Chongjin and his wife, and now they were told that Song Chongjin was to be exiled thousands of miles away to tend to horses?

What a joke! A princely heir of the Duke’s Mansion, going to tend horses?

Maternal Aunt Meng never imagined this situation where Song Chongjin and his wife were not only established as Heir-Apparent and Wife of the Heir-Apparent but also engaged to the Gu Family, became scholars, and joined the Hanlin Academy.

Initially adorned with blooming flowers, how did it suddenly turn downhill, ending with exile to a faraway place?

Her heart was in turmoil, but she maintained a composed demeanor: "Don’t panic just yet! Let’s wait until Lord Duke returns to the mansion, then we’ll see."

"What if it really happens?" Song Chongxiu’s face paled.

Everyone in the mansion knew they were aligned with Song Chongjin and his wife. If they left for several years, the mansion would likely revert to the old situation of Song Chongjun’s dominance.

Given Song Chongjun’s temperament and arrogance, their days would become quite difficult.

Reflecting now, she had some regrets. Had she known earlier, they wouldn’t have aligned themselves so soon.

Song Chongjuan clenched her teeth: "We’ve already chosen to side with big brother; regretting and distancing ourselves now is too late. Even disregarding others who might gossip about our fickleness and look down on us."

"Even if we switch allegiance to Song Chongjun, they would only mock us for entertainment and wouldn’t sincerely accept us. Instead, it might be better to stay committed to one path! After all, big brother, I refuse to believe he’ll sit idly by."

"Not to mention, our sister-in-law’s mother is the eldest daughter of the Gu Family. With the Gu Family involved, would they really let big brother and sister-in-law fall?"

"In the worst-case scenario, if big brother does fail, we’re at least our father’s daughters; how bad could it get? At least we can earn the reputation of loyalty and righteousness."

"If big brother manages to turn the situation around, and rise again, could we be neglected when we stayed by their side during their troubled times?"

"Aunt and sister, think about my words; isn’t this the right reasoning?"

Maternal Aunt Meng seemed moved but remained hesitant.

Song Chongxiu’s direct nature made her immediately agree with Song Chongjuan’s words: "Sister makes sense! I’d rather sit at big brother’s cold bench than endure second brother’s arrogance! We’re daughters of Duke’s Mansion. Even if we marry out, it’s father and Madam who decide, not second brother!"

"Even if we marry out without family backing, sister and I can rely on each other and live well!"

With both daughters thinking this way, Maternal Aunt Meng decided.

"Since you’ve both made up your minds, remember one thing! Don’t regret it later, and don’t blame the heavens and others!"

Song Chongjuan and Song Chongxiu solemnly agreed.

The other Song family brothers hearing this news each had their plans untold.

When Song Chongjin returned home, Song Chongxiu and Song Chongjuan had already come to console Wang Yongzhu, hinting at sharing the same fate, and that the Meng family was sent to gather information.

In the entire mansion, apart from Lady Gao, only those two sisters came to offer comfort after hearing the news.

No one else showed up; the second and third branches didn’t even show a shadow.

Even the courtyard of the old Madam was quiet.

Wang Yongzhu sent off the two sisters, then turned to Gu Yu with a smile: "See, not long ago people in the mansion seemed eager to show loyalty, almost willing to give their lives to you. Yet, faced with a small incident, the truth of human kindness and indifference becomes clear."

Gu Yu, not eloquent, simply replied, "Young Madam rest assured, Gu Yu will never leave you!"

Upon hearing this, Wang Yongzhu turned her gaze to Li Xia, Xiao Xue, Bai Lu, these maids assigned by Lady Gao when she arrived at the Duke’s Mansion.

Sizing them up coldly, she found them satisfactory, and thus kept them by her side, although she didn’t entrust personal matters to them, generally not hiding things from them.

"And what about you? Now you’ve heard the news that the Heir-Apparent is to be sent to a distant Chicheng City. I’m definitely going with him. Although you’re my maids, raised in the mansion, you may not be accustomed to the hardship outside."

"Considering your service to me, if you have any preferred destination before I leave the mansion, I can arrange it for you. Think carefully and let me know!"

As soon as Wang Yongzhu finished speaking, Li Xia seemed to have something to say.

Wang Yongzhu halted her with a gesture: "No rush to decide, think it through then tell me. That’s enough, you may all leave except for Gu Yu."

The maids glanced at one another, then silently retreated.