Old Madam Song rubbed her eyes, the condescending, high-and-mighty demeanor she had just displayed had vanished as if it had never been. Had she been mistaken?
"This old woman will certainly remember her words," Old Madam Song said, unwilling to look at Xue Xingyue any further.
The Ninth Princess stood up and looked at Xue Xingyue. "Tomorrow, my father wants me to return to the palace for the Empress Dowager's birthday banquet. You shall accompany me!"
Upon hearing this, Xue Xingyue bowed and replied, "This humble one obeys!"
The Ninth Princess glanced at Old Madam Song and then left.
Xue Xingyue stood up and looked at the seemingly dozing Old Madam Song. "If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave!"
Old Madam Song slowly opened her eyes and said coldly, "What happened today is in the past. Do not forget your duties here at the Song family."
Xue Xingyue replied, word for word, "Then I implore the Old Madam not to forget what she has just said, otherwise, the next time..." She stopped speaking, turned, and left!
Old Madam Song gazed at the retreating figure, tearing the handkerchief in her hand into two. It seemed the person she had hoped for, someone to deal with the Ninth Princess, was instead a demon. Thinking this, she quickly called out, "Go summon Yan'er."
Stepping out of Old Madam's room, the wind blew, and Xue Xingyue finally felt the pain of the whip on her back. She couldn't help but gasp.
Qin Erniang saw this and said sarcastically, "Weren't you just putting on a brave face? Now it hurts?"
Xue Xingyue gasped and said with a wry smile, "I was faking it just now, but this is real. It truly hurts."
Qin Erniang snorted, "You're still faking it. Can you go back to your room yourself? I'll go see if there's any ointment."
Xue Xingyue nodded, and Qin Erniang left to find the medicine.
Returning to her room, Xue Xingyue had just sat down when Qin Erniang also returned. She said dejectedly, "Miss, it's Qin Erniang's fault. This vast Song estate doesn't even have a bottle of liniment for bruises. They are truly poor."
None? Xue Xingyue didn't believe it. Clearly, Old Madam Song was using this as a punishment.
"Second Young Master." A voice sounded from outside the door.
Xue Xingyue and Qin Erniang exchanged glances. Qin Erniang stood up and walked to the door, returning a moment later. She whispered, "Miss, the Second Young Master has brought medicine for your injuries. Should I let him in?"
She had just been injured, and the Second Young Master arrived with medicine so coincidentally? It was too coincidental. She wanted to see him.
"Let him in!" Xue Xingyue said.
Qin Erniang nodded and left. A moment later, a figure entered. He wore a dark brocade robe, a cloud-patterned jade pendant at his waist, and was tall and slender with steady steps. His hair was tied up with a jade crown, and his face was handsome and refined. Xue Xingyue had to admit that the people of the Song family were all quite good-looking, though the most handsome was undoubtedly Song Xiuyuan with his mask off.
"Miss, I hope I am not disturbing you," Song Xu said politely.
Xue Xingyue smiled faintly. "Second Young Master, please have a seat!"
Song Xu sat down and said, "I heard the Ninth Princess was angry just now and thought she might take it out on you, so I came to bring you some medicine. Please do not refuse."
"Second Young Master is too kind. I am grateful, how could I refuse?"
Song Xu was clearly taken aback by her ready acceptance and was momentarily stunned.
Xue Xingyue coughed lightly. "If there's nothing else, Second Young Master may leave."
Song Xu stood up and bowed. "This humble one takes his leave!"
"Farewell, Second Young Master!"
After Song Xu left, Qin Erniang walked in and looked at the medicine on the table, asking, "Why would the Second Young Master send medicine out of the blue?"
Xue Xingyue smiled faintly. "Why? We'll know in the future."
Qin Erniang nodded. "Miss is right!"
The next morning, Xue Xingyue, dressed in a pale yellow gown, with her hair in a simple bun adorned with a hairpin, left the manor with Qin Erniang.
Outside the manor, the Ninth Princess's carriage was already waiting.
At that moment, the Ninth Princess also emerged from the manor. Seeing Xue Xingyue's simple attire, she couldn't help but ask, "You are only attending the Empress Dowager's birthday, why are you dressed so plainly? If others see this, they will say I have mistreated you!"
Xue Xingyue bowed. "Your Highness is a celestial maiden, of noble status, and possessed of exquisite beauty. Even if this humble one were adorned with gold and jade, with opulent attire, it would still be incomparable to Your Highness. Dressing plainly now can make one appear more fresh and refined."
The Ninth Princess's brows showed a hint of joy. She glanced at Xue Xingyue and said, "You certainly know how to speak. Come, ride in my carriage with me!"
The servants of the manor were all surprised. This Ninth Princess was arrogant and overbearing. She had been at the Song manor for so long, and they had never heard her speak to anyone so amiably. Now, this future Third Young Master's wife could converse with the Ninth Princess like this; they had truly underestimated her.
Xue Xingyue helped the Ninth Princess into the carriage. The moment she stepped into the carriage, she glanced towards the main gate before entering.
The Ninth Princess's carriage departed. From behind the main gate of the Song manor, a young girl walked out. Her face was somewhat pale as she looked at the departing carriage, lost in thought.
A man slowly walked out from behind the girl. His face was handsome and refined, but his eyes held a meaningful gaze. The girl looked at the man and asked, "Second Brother, are you sure?"
"Yes, this woman will become our asset."
"Second Brother, don't be too confident. After all, there is still Third Brother," the girl said.
Song Xu let out a cold snort. "What is he? If he hadn't resorted to trickery back then, I would be in that position now. Therefore, I will obtain everything he wants. He owes me this."