The Mute Wife Who Brings Prosperity

Chapter 917 - 871: Slap in the Face (Part 3)

Xie Feng clenched his fingers into a fist, still refusing to believe, "Sister Song Qi, do you have any difficulties you can’t speak of?"

Song Qi saw his persistent demeanor that was like a stubborn plaster that wouldn’t come off, feeling increasingly disgusted, "If you can fix the carriage today and let me travel smoothly, we’ll still be cousins when we meet in the future. But if you keep pestering me senselessly, our relationship might have to end here."

Xie Feng’s eyes turned red completely, his heart feeling like it was being stabbed by knives, waves of pain flooding through.

Back when he was in Ningzhou, he already liked Song Qi. Kids in the countryside didn’t have as many rules as those in the city; they liked to gather and play together all the time. He was shy by nature, and every time he saw Song Qi, his face would flush, and he’d stammer, unable to speak, yet he secretly thought about marrying her one day.

After moving to Beijing, the two families were far apart and gender restrictions made it difficult to see Song Qi. Even when he managed to see her, he dared not speak to her and could only gaze at her from afar.

Later on, his family arranged a marriage for him. Every girl was more beautiful than the next, but he just couldn’t muster any interest, with Song Qi’s lively and mischievous face constantly in his mind.

He knew Sister Song Qi’s personality wasn’t great, with quite a few little flaws, but since he liked her, he was willing to tolerate and accept all her shortcomings.

For this, he was also working hard, striving to do his daily tasks well so that one day he’d rise and match her social status.

But then, something happened in the Song family; his elder cousin died in childbirth, followed shortly by his aunt passing away.

They all said it was because Sister Song Qi spoke some harsh words, angering the elder cousin to a difficult labor and further enraging the aunt to death. He didn’t believe them and waited until Sister Song Qi came to the Xie Family to ask her about it. She said it was nonsense; it was the servants spreading rumors, and she truly wanted to marry him.

He believed her, trusting that a little girl of about ten wouldn’t be so scheming, trusting she would grow due to her family’s misfortunes. As long as she was willing, she could come to the Xie Family at any time and he’d always take her in.

However, the Song Family wouldn’t let her stay in the Capital and wanted to take her back to guard the aunt’s coffin.

Since last year, when the Song Family returned home, he hadn’t stopped sending people to inquire about Sister Song Qi’s situation, knowing she was living worse than death. The pain in his heart felt like it was bleeding; he wanted to bring her back early but feared being discovered by his parents and ruining everything.

Finally waiting for such an opportunity, an opportunity to quietly bring her back, she told him, all those words were merely jokes; she wanted to marry someone else, the Princely Heir from the Prince Mansion.

Despite the heartache, Xie Feng still wanted to say some things early, "Even though the Prince Mansion has endless wealth and honor, once the Princely Heir inherits the title, he will inevitably have multiple wives and concubines. At that time, how much affection can you receive from him?"

Song Qi looked at him with a smile, "At that time, I will still have the position of Princess Consort, and my son will be titled Princely Heir. That’s enough."

Xie Feng pursed his lips, overwhelmed by inferiority, unable to lift his head. His voice was very low and weak but still struggled out the last shred of hope, "The Xie Family can’t compare with the Prince Mansion, but I will work hard. I’ve been researching recently..."

"Enough!" Song Qi, thoroughly worn out, cut him off fiercely, "Mr. Xie’s cheap feelings, I’ve appreciated them. Your kindness is better left for the next girl willing to endure hardships with you. Heaven destines the Song family for greatness, heaven destines me to be a Princess Consort; even if you try to obstruct me midway, what can you do to me?"

Seeing Xie Feng still wanting to say something, she coldly threw out the last line, "If you delay my trip to Beijing for the selection and Prince Cheng Mansion holds you accountable, don’t blame me for not pleading with the Xie Family!"

That phrase "cheap feelings," pierced Xie Feng’s self-esteem like a poisoned silver needle.

He swallowed all his words, silently going over to the carriage, removing the horse, and with the help of several house servants, quickly repaired it.

Without looking at Song Qi again, Xie Feng cupped his hands towards Nanny Li, saying, "The carriage is repaired, you all can set off."

Nanny Li nodded, boarded the carriage with Hua Mei’s assistance.

Song Qi, assisted by Xique, also got into the compartment.

Several house servants thanked Xie Feng, then drove the carriage away.

Xie Feng watched the carriage roll away, sliding down the pine tree, resting at the base for a while. Once the heartbreak calmed, he fetched his horse, rode it back to the Capital.

...

In the carriage, Nanny Li looked at Song Qi, "Was that just now the eldest young master of the Xie Mansion?"

Song Qi lowered her eyes, "That’s him."

"Seems like quite an earnest young man," commented Nanny Li.

Her usual strictness made her rare praise surprising, causing Song Jiao to pause for a moment before curling her lips dismissively.

What’s the use of being earnest? Does it equate to wealth or put food on the table?

Besides, is Xie Feng really earnest? Oblivious to his shortcomings and persistently clingy, obviously revolting!

Thinking that he actually came all the way to Ningzhou wanting to take her away as his shameful mistress, Song Qi still felt disgusted, unable to shake off the unpleasant expression on her face.

...

The journey was arduous, but finally, they entered the capital.

Song Wei had divorced Wen Wan, and the Song Family had mostly moved out. Song Qi could no longer go to the Song Mansion, nor could she go to the Xie Mansion.

With no relatives in sight, she could only go directly to Prince Cheng Mansion to see what arrangements were made for the candidate noble girl. She had come a long way and could not be left to stay in an inn and be exposed.

Nanny Li was only responsible for educating Song Qi, not for her candidacy matters, so she returned to the Changning Marquis Mansion as soon as she arrived in Beijing.

Song Qi had no choice but to take Xique and Hua Mei and a few house servants arranged by Song Wei, driving the carriage to the side gate of Prince Cheng Mansion.

A few young servants sat on a long bench, cracking melon seeds and chatting. Suddenly, they saw a large carriage adorned with red wheels and a grand canopy approach, thinking it was a noble guest. They immediately put away the seeds and approached respectfully, "May I ask which noble person is in the carriage and if there is a formal invitation?"

Song Qi was stunned. Her third uncle only said to send her for the selection, but didn’t give her an invitation!

Upon hearing the young servant’s voice, Xique lifted the curtain and replied, "We are from the Song family in Ningzhou, sent here for the selection of noble ladies. How does the mansion plan to arrange it?"

Considering the great name of the Song family, even though Prince Cheng Mansion belongs to the Imperial family, they should not neglect Miss Song.

Unexpectedly, the young servant squinted suspiciously, "Song family from Ningzhou?"

Xique nodded, "Yes, our lady was pointed out and specially came to the capital for the selection."

The young servant thought it was strange. Where did this Song family girl come from?

But Song Wei’s name was really big, so he dared not offend. He could only cup his hands and said, "Miss, please wait a moment. I will ask the steward to confirm. Arrangements will be made for your accommodation."

Song Qi felt relieved, maintaining an appropriate, gentle smile on her face, "Thank you."

The young servant hurriedly turned and ran inside, heading to the steward in charge of the candidate list in the Princess Consort’s courtyard, to inquire about Miss Song.

The steward was stunned at first, then as if suddenly remembering, nodded and said, "Indeed, there is such a person on the candidate list. However, several days ago, Mr. Song already disowned her from the family and has sent people to the Ministry of Revenue to erase her household registration. How could she still be considered Miss Song, and where does she get the qualification for candidacy? Drive them out!"

Receiving the command, the young servant’s face showed a hint of disdain. When he returned to the side gate, no longer maintaining his respectful demeanor, he lazily leaned against the doorway cracking melon seeds, "Our steward said there’s no such person in the candidate list. You better leave quickly to avoid getting embarrassed when you’re driven away."

Full of anticipation, Song Qi’s face froze, and she hurriedly lifted the curtain, glaring at the young servant who spoke, "What did you say?"

The young servant rolled his eyes dramatically, "Going deaf are you? I said there’s no such person as Miss Song, the second lady, on the candidate list. Move on, trying to create a scene?"

"How could it be?" Song Qi was anxious, "Did you make a mistake? I am Song Qi, the second lady from the Song Family and the niece of the Imperial Tutor. I’ve just entered the capital for the candidacy. How could I not be on the list?"

The young servant sneered, "Miss Song, the second lady? You aren’t even registered in the Song family’s household. How would you prove your identity?"

Song Qi was completely frozen. What does it mean that there’s no second lady registered on the Song family’s household? Then what is she?

The young servant saw her look of ignorance and scoffed, "Let me tell you the truth. Initially, you were on the candidate list, but several days ago, Mr. Song sent people to the Ministry of Revenue to erase your household registration. Now, you’re just an undocumented vagrant, certainly not a Miss Song, still dreaming of being the Heir Consort? Dream on!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the other young servants burst into laughter.

That laughter was like numerous slaps on Song Qi’s face, hitting her over and over.

She was furious and anxious, looking at Hua Mei and Xique, "My third uncle disowned me? How could this happen? It must be a mistake, right?"

Hua Mei snorted coldly, not speaking, secretly delighted inside.

Let you be arrogant, let you act out, now you face the consequences, serves you right!

Xique, who always sided with Song Qi, was also anxious, shouting at the young servant, "What nonsense are you talking?"

The young servant mocked, "The Jinyi Guard is investigating a major case recently, starting household checks at dusk. Undocumented individuals will be arrested and sent to prison. You all better watch out!"

Xique’s face changed as she looked at Song Qi, "Miss, what should we do now?"

Song Qi didn’t know what to do. She never expected her third uncle to set such a big trap for her. Without household registration, she couldn’t return to Ningzhou, and the words from the Xie Mansion were final. Staying at an inn, she wouldn’t last a few days with the silver she had. Plus, once she’s caught as undocumented, she’d surely be arrested.

Thinking of this, Song Qi covered her face and began to sob.

Hua Mei frowned, "Perhaps we should go and ask Mr. Xie for help."