Chapter Fifteen: A Narrow Escape from Death
“Last time, Yun’er gave fifteen hundred taels of silver, didn’t she? Why don’t you just return it to her?”
Outside the door, Lady Li was furious.
They’d given so little and now demanded it back—might as well have their whole family go starve on the northwest wind!
Inside, Su Yun frowned. “Rui’er, since when did you become so unreasonable?”
Song Xirui looked surprised. “Unreasonable? Should I go back to my family to beg for money to support a concubine in the Su household to be considered reasonable? Husband, do you want me to dash my head against a wall?”
Su Yun was speechless, wiping sweat from his forehead before adding, “But—”
“Scoundrel!” Lady Li finally lost control, shoving Luo Yun’er as she stormed in, pointing her finger at Song Xirui and scolding, “How heartless you are! If it weren’t for your poor health, would the Su family have spent three thousand taels on medicine? If you don’t find a way to come up with some silver now, you’re an unfilial daughter-in-law!”
Song Xirui sneered inwardly, narrowing her brows slightly. “Mother-in-law is right. Since that’s the case, I won’t dare take charge of the household affairs anymore. From now on, you handle everything!”
“You, you, you—” Lady Li trembled with rage but was rendered speechless.
Luo Yun’er entered then, wiping tears as she pleaded, “Sister-in-law, please have mercy on Yun’er. Yun’er will serve you well from now on!”
For someone of her status, uttering those words was deeply humiliating.
But Song Xirui said, “Little sister, I don’t hate you. Just focus on keeping your pregnancy safe. But as for the money for the pregnancy, sister-in-law can’t and won’t provide it! In this entire capital, is there a legitimate wife who pays for the concubine’s pregnancy? Forgive me, Song Xirui, but I won’t do it!”
She had realized these three vipers wouldn’t relent without drawing some blood from her, and she was too weary to continue the battle.
With that thought, she gritted her teeth and stormed out.
“Where did she go?” Lady Li watched her fiery retreat, utterly confused.
Su Yun, however, scoffed, “Run away? Does she have that courage? A woman marries into her husband’s family and wouldn’t dare do such a thing. It’s just strange—why is Song Xirui so difficult?”
Lady Li said, “Son, I think Song Xirui has changed—”
Before she could finish, a young servant burst in, “Young master, hurry to the front courtyard! The madam is causing a scene!”
Su Yun was shocked and immediately said, “This is bad, let’s go!”
The three hurried toward the front yard, but before stepping inside, Song Xirui’s tearful voice was already audible:
“I never expected that as the wife of the top scholar, I would be schemed against by my husband and his cousin! Luo Yun’er got pregnant with my husband’s child first—why must my fate be so bitter!”
“Heavens above! Are you blind?”
Their breathing became rapid.
Song Xirui was blatantly exposing their secrets in front of all the servants!
Lady Li’s sharp eyes even caught someone in the neighboring courtyard spying over the wall!
Oh no, how could this be!
---
“Xirui!” Su Yun shouted.
The servants and maids all lowered their heads like startled birds.
It was the madam speaking; they were only sweeping the floor!
They weren’t involved!
Yet, the young master’s attitude toward the madam was far too harsh!
Could he really be so heartless?
Song Xirui wiped her tears and glanced at him. “Husband, I was just distressed and needed to vent. Now I feel much better...”
Su Yun was furious to the point of wanting to kill her but dared not shout back. He only said, “Let’s put today’s matter aside. Don’t be upset...”
She was mad—when did Song Xirui learn such shrewish tactics?
Feigning innocence, Song Xirui added, “Rui’er wouldn’t dare blame her husband either.”
Su Yun was about to explode!
After this scene, Lady Li no longer dared to urge Su Yun to demand money from Song Xirui.
Luo Yun’er, however, was filled with hatred—her reputation, everything, was ruined!
Though Su Yun no longer asked for money openly, he secretly sent news of Song Xirui’s illness back to the Song family, hoping they would provide funds.
---
On the western edge of the city stood a manor.
“Madam Su, about this money...” Li Cunyi’s eyes flickered nervously as he urged.
“Sir, please don’t be anxious.” Song Xirui glanced at the list Li Cunyi presented and frowned slightly. “In just a few days, you’ve spent so much?”
“Madam, you misunderstand. We naturally strive to ensure the people have enough food and warm clothes to face the harsh winter.” Li Cunyi answered fluently.
Song Xirui smiled faintly, her eyes curved like a crescent moon. “Sir, do you take me for a fool? There’s no need for so many medicines and grain now.”
“You...” Li Cunyi hadn’t expected her to be so blunt.
“Interesting.” Behind the screen, the Crown Prince in his embroidered robe slowly emerged.
A faint smile played on Song Xirui’s lips. Here came the Crown Prince—the man behind Li Cunyi.
“Madam Su, though you are a woman, you are no less capable than a man.” The Crown Prince sat before them with calm composure.
“Your Highness flatters me.” Song Xirui replied softly.
---
Both men were startled.
The Crown Prince narrowed his eyes. “Do you recognize me?”
“Your Highness once accompanied His Majesty to offer sacrifices to Heaven. I caught a glimpse from afar. Later, when I entered the palace with my mother, I saw you once more.” Song Xirui answered without hesitation.
The Crown Prince pondered briefly, as if recalling that indeed was so.
“Madam Su, I won’t beat around the bush.” His voice dropped. “Who is the person behind you?”
How had a mere woman learned of the plague in advance and prepared accordingly?
There had to be a hand guiding her!
“Why are you so nervous, Your Highness?” Song Xirui smiled brightly. “Could it be that His Majesty has been cold towards you lately, and you’re anxious?”
Li Cunyi was taken aback. What audacity for a woman to speak so to the Crown Prince!
The Crown Prince’s expression darkened as he pondered.
This woman was formidable. Though his father had grown distant, she never showed it in public. How did she know? Did any of his brothers possess such ability?
Rather than suspect, it would be better to utilize her!
The Crown Prince composed himself, his expression changing instantly.
“Madam Su, would you be willing to cooperate with me? I will not treat you unfairly.”
Song Xirui lowered her eyes.
If the current emperor was a sick tiger, then this Crown Prince was a wolf.
To bargain with a tiger was uncertain; to ally with a wolf was courting destruction.
She said slowly, “Your Highness, I only care for the welfare of the people and do not wish to serve any faction.”
Li Cunyi muttered beside her.
This Madam Su was truly a master of pretense—she had not spoken so when facing him before.
“Think carefully about the cost of refusing me.” The Crown Prince’s smile faded, his tone threatening.
Song Xirui was unafraid. Before coming, she had sent people to the general’s mansion and prepared with certain measures. The Crown Prince could not kill her.
Yet, the next moment, a sword pierced through her chest!