Song Yulian calmly took a sip of her tea. Her aunt, as always, knew how to read the situation.
As for this cousin, raised in pampered luxury, how could she think so much?
Just seeing her face change color instantly told Song Yulian that she was angry.
"Mother, how am I not sensible? It's Song Yulian who is insensible! She did something shameful and caused me to be mocked! Instead of scolding her, you're telling me to learn from her? Learn what from her? Learn how she, at such a young age, became a concubine to someone who could be her grandfather?" Xie Shu said, exasperated.
Song Yulian remained silent. Since she had agreed, she didn't care what others said.
After all, people might say even harsher things later. If she cared, wouldn't she be driven to death?
However, she looked at her aunt with tears in her eyes.
*Slap—*
Xie Shu received a slap.
Song Yulian gasped, looking at Xie Shu with a pained expression, then spoke to her aunt, "Aunt, how could you hit Cousin!"
"She's so old, yet her words are so reckless. I hit her to teach her a lesson," Song Yulian's aunt said indignantly.
Xie Shu covered her face, looking at Song Yulian, then at her mother.
Song Yulian's face showed concern, but her eyes held mockery.
Every time something happened, she would act like this.
With just a few words, she could make elders punish her, and then, she would put on a show of false piety before the elders.
Yet, every time, the elders would be deceived by her.
"Cousin, quickly apologize to Aunt. Aunt didn't really mean to hit you, she was just too angry," Song Yulian added.
Xie Shu couldn't help herself and spoke recklessly again.
Song Yulian looked wronged.
Xie Shu was directly summoned by her mother, and a wet nurse came to escort her back to her courtyard, placing her under house arrest for three days.
Song Yulian was inwardly delighted. How could there be someone as foolish as Xie Shu? She had suffered losses at her hands so many times, yet she still didn't learn.
"Yulian, don't mind Shu'er."
"Shu'er is my cousin, how could I mind her? Rather, Aunt, you've always doted on Shu'er. She must be heartbroken after being hit this time. Aunt should go and comfort her properly!" Song Yulian said with a docile demeanor.
"When will Shu'er be as sensible and well-behaved as you! If she doesn't curb her temper, won't she suffer more grievances after going to her in-laws' home?" Song Yulian's aunt sighed.
Setting aside the matter between Song Yulian and Xie Qingsong, Song Yulian's temperament and mind were excellent. At least, she knew when to advance and retreat and knew how to protect herself. Such a person would be able to thrive in another family.
In this regard, she genuinely wished Xie Shu could learn from Song Yulian.
Unfortunately, this child never understood her good intentions.
"You're right, I should go and comfort her," Song Yulian's aunt said.
"Then Yulian won't take up Aunt's time."
After speaking, she bowed and took her leave.
Song Yulian's aunt hurried to Xie Shu's courtyard without delay.
Upon entering the courtyard, she heard the sound of things being smashed from inside the room.
She frowned. This little ancestor was throwing a tantrum again.
The maids were trying to persuade her in a flurry of words, but Xie Shu was still full of anger, "I am her daughter, but she only has eyes for Song Yulian."
"Madam." The maids quickly bowed, all of them trembling, fearing that the mistress of the household would punish them because of the young lady's actions.
"You may all withdraw for now."
The maids were relieved and retreated.
"Speak, why aren't you continuing? Your mother carried you for ten months and nearly died from postpartum hemorrhage. You were frail since childhood, and Mother couldn't rest assured with others taking care of you, so she always took care of you personally. Tell me yourself, are the words you just spoke appropriate?"