I Was Supposed to Be the Villainous Consort

After wrapping the two small sets of clothes, Aunt Che rose. "I’m going to pay a visit to the First Madam."

"Mother, let me go with you."

Aunt Che shook her head. "The two of us would be too conspicuous. I’ll just slip over there quietly on my own."

Song Jinxuan had no choice but to nod. "Then I’ll go see Eldest Sister tomorrow."

Clutching the bundle, Aunt Che left and took a side path toward the East Courtyard.

Aunt Che’s timing was perfect. The First Madam had just sent her son and son-in-law off. Upon hearing of Aunt Che’s arrival, she had her shown in.

Aunt Che bowed the moment she entered. "Greetings, First Madam."

The First Madam knew Song Yunzhao still felt some sisterly affection for Song Jinxuan, so she treated Aunt Che politely. "Aunt Che, what brings you here? Is something wrong?"

"I’ve made a set of clothes for the young lady and the young master. The needlework is rather crude; I hope the First Madam will forgive the poor quality." As she spoke, Aunt Che placed the bundle on the table.

"That’s very thoughtful of you. Please, sit and talk." The First Madam hadn’t expected such a gesture from Aunt Che, and her expression softened somewhat.

Aunt Che expressed her thanks and sat on a brocade stool a maid brought over. She angled her body slightly, her face all smiles. "I don’t see the Eldest Miss. Is she not here?"

"She’s off chatting with her younger sisters," the First Madam replied.

Aunt Che then offered a few words of praise for Zhong Runyi and Zhong Minxing. There’s nothing in the world that pleases a person more than hearing their children complimented, and indeed, the First Madam’s mood brightened under Aunt Che’s flattery.

Little by little, Aunt Che steered the conversation toward Song Jinxuan. She then mentioned Mrs. Cai’s odd behavior these past few days. With a troubled and helpless expression, she began, "I am terribly worried about the Second Miss’s marriage. For years, her mother has never liked me, and I fear my status will end up ruining my daughter’s future. In this entire estate, I don’t know who else to turn to. I can only be so bold as to ask the First Madam to lend a hand."

The First Madam’s brow furrowed slightly. "Third Sister-in-law is busy with Qing Han’s marriage. I doubt she has time to concern herself with Jinxuan at the moment. Aunt Che, you may be worrying needlessly."

She said as much, but when she considered Mrs. Cai’s disposition, she suspected Aunt Che’s words were not without merit.

Her third younger brother had entrusted the family to her care when he went south. She couldn’t simply ignore this.

"I truly wish I were just overthinking things," Aunt Che said, her face a mask of bitterness.

"For now, our sister-in-law hasn’t mentioned anything about Jinxuan’s marriage. If she does, I will make some inquiries," the First Madam stated.

Hearing this, Aunt Che immediately rose to give her thanks. The First Madam’s promise was enough to put her mind at ease. ’I don’t need the First Madam to stop Mrs. Cai completely. As long as she’s willing to get involved, I can handle the rest.’

’If Mrs. Cai wants to start this, then she can’t blame me for finishing it.’

After Aunt Che departed, the First Madam summoned Nanny Zhao and instructed her to find out if there was any truth to the matter.

Upon hearing this, Nanny Zhao hesitated for a moment before saying softly, "Madam, several ladies have indeed been visiting the West Courtyard recently. I don’t know if it’s about the Second Miss’s marriage."

The First Madam’s expression darkened. "Go and find out exactly what’s going on."

’If Mrs. Cai is really trying to arrange a poor match for Jinxuan, I’ll have no choice but to intervene. It’s infuriating just thinking about it. What a mess!’

"Mother, what is it?" Song Guiyi returned carrying her young son. The moment she stepped inside, she heard the displeasure in her mother’s voice and quickly asked.

Nanny Zhao immediately took the little boy and said with a smile, "Eldest Miss, I’ll take the young master to his wet nurse."

Song Guiyi nodded. Her son was getting sleepy, his little head bobbing. He had grown familiar with Nanny Zhao and the others recently, so he didn’t mind her holding him.

After Nanny Zhao left, the First Madam told her daughter what had happened with Aunt Che.

Song Guiyi’s fine, long brows drew together. She wasn’t exceptionally beautiful, but her features were elegant and pleasing. Since marrying, she had helped her mother-in-law manage their household, which had given her an air of authority.

"Aunt Che has the nerve to come asking you for help? You’re becoming far too lenient, Mother." Song Guiyi’s heart ached for her mother. "With Third Aunt’s personality, you’re bound to be put in a difficult spot."

Hearing her daughter’s sympathy warmed the First Madam’s heart. She spoke softly, "The Concubine and Jinxuan have a good relationship. If Jinxuan marries into a disreputable family, it will be the Concubine who loses face. With this business concerning your husband and your brother, the Concubine will have to expend a great deal of effort in the palace. It’s only natural that I help lighten her burdens here at home. A little trouble is nothing, as long as you are all safe and well."

Hearing her mother’s words, Song Guiyi looked up. "Mother," she said softly, "my heart is in turmoil. Are you sure everything will be alright after causing such a stir? What if..."