Chapter 307: Reconciliate and Compromise
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The maid answered, “Prince of Liang heard from the imperial physician that Princess Consort of Liang should exercise properly since she was about to give birth, so he took time to take a walk with her in the garden these two days. However, His Highness accidentally twisted his ankle and knocked Her Highness down.”
Hearing this, Song Yixiao breathed a sigh of relief. Prince of Liang made a scene because his official wife was a concubine’s daughter before his marriage, and it was said that he had a lot of discord with Princess Consort of Liang after they got married, but since Princess Consort of Liang was pregnant, he had changed his attitude, cared for and spoiled her wife in every way. Since it was Prince of Liang who knocked down his wife and caused her early delivery, it should be an accident.
However, whether it was an accident or not, it was unpredictable whether delivery women could survive the delivery at such a time. Moreover, Song Yixiao could do nothing about that. She could only silently wish Princess Consort of Liang good luck and safe delivery.
As the due date of Princess Consort of Liang was approaching, she had prepared the congratulatory gifts long ago.
After Song Yixiao figured out what happened in Prince of Liang’s mansion and ordered people to report the news to her as soon as they got it from Prince of Liang’s mansion, she asked someone to take out the gifts and check them again.
Just after she finished dealing with this matter, someone came from Prince of Liang’s mansion. To be exact, it was someone from the Sikong Family, who hurriedly asked for help, “Something went wrong with Princess Consort of Liang’s pregnancy and she is going to give birth. Although she has entered the delivery room, the midwife wants Aunt Yun to help Her Highness with the delivery. Madam Song, please give me your consent and tell Aunt Yun to come with me.”
Song Yixiao hurriedly sent someone for Aunt Yun. Although Aunt Yun looked cold, she was a compassionate doctor. After knowing what had happened, she packed up her medicine box and went with the messenger without saying anything.
She didn’t come back until the next morning. After entering the mansion, she immediately went to the back hall to report on the completion of her task. Song Yixiao thought she must be tired and wanted to ask her to have a rest before talking to her, but Aunt Yun didn’t mind at all, “Princess Consort of Liang has a very good constitution. She gave birth to a son before 11 o’clock in the evening yesterday. After the child was born, it was the curfew, so I spent the night there. They were very considerate. This morning, they arranged a carriage and specially sent me back. I don’t have to rest.”
“Thank you for helping with her delivery.” Song Yixiao added, “How are Princess Consort of Liang and her son?”
Aunt Yun said in a calm tone, “They are both okay.”
Song Yixiao knew that she was scanty of words, so after confirming that Princess Consort of Liang and her child were safe, she did not keep her. As for the thank-you gifts from Prince of Liang, they were all Aunt Yun’s. Moreover, Song Yixiao ordered someone to give some pieces of new silk to her as a reward.
After all, whether Aunt Yun helped with Princess Consort of Liang’s delivery or not, Aunt Yun went to Prince of Liang’s mansion as the female physician of Duke of Yan’s mansion. Prince of Liang owed them a favor anyway.
However, after Aunt Yun took the silk and left, after a while, when there were only Song Yixiao and Jinxun in the room, she returned after changing her clothes and said cautiously in a low voice, “Madam, I have something to tell you!”
Song Yixiao was slightly surprised. She winked at Jinxun and told her to guard on the porch outside in case anyone would come in and disturb them. She beckoned to Aunt Yun and asked her to sit on the embroidered stool in front of her. Then she also asked in a low voice, “Is it something about Princess Consort of Liang and her son?”
Aunt Yun came to feel her pulse every day. She had never said such a thing. At the moment, she made such a move. It was probably something about Prince of Liang and Princess Consort of Liang.
Sure enough, Aunt Yun nodded, “Last night, Princess Consort of Liang did have a smooth delivery. But after the baby was born, I found something wrong after taking a look at him. At that time, it was the midwife who held the baby. She carried him directly out to the Prince of Liang. Through the door, I heard a group of people praising the baby. But no one mentioned taking the baby to me for a look. I knew I was in Prince of Liang’s mansion, and if I spoiled their mood, I would bring trouble to His Highness, so I did not say anything.”
Song Yixiao frowned and pondered for a while, then said, “What was wrong with the baby?”
She explained, “Princess Consort of Liang is of impatient disposition. I don’t know if that’s why the people around her bore a grudge against her. In any case, during the summer vacation this year, after Her Highness Cui was convicted and stopped taking care of her, she was harmed by the servants around her. After returning to the imperial capital and reconciling with the Sikong Family, the Sikong Family sent an old woman to serve her and then found that.”
“That should be how the probable began.” Aunt Yun nodded and said, “The baby seems to be affected before he was born. It will require a lot of effort if they want to raise him.”
Song Yixiao was surprised, “The baby’s condition is so serious?”
“The result is already very good.” Aunt Yun said calmly, “No offense, if Princess Consort of Liang hadn’t had a very good constitution and was as weak as you, she would have miscarried. Even herself would have been affected. Princess Consort of Liang was also born with a good constitution and was raised in free range in the village. She is stronger than ordinary ladies. That was why she had a smooth delivery last night.”
She continued, “Fortunately, that child is Prince of Liang’s first legitimate son. He is born in a rich family and would be taken good care of.”
Although she went to Prince of Liang’s mansion to help them readily, she was Elder Lady Duanmu’s subordinate who were sent to Jian Xubai. So she said frankly, “Bigshots in the imperial capital all knows that I am from the Jinxiu Hall. Your husband is in the crown prince’s camp and is unafraid of offending anyone, but Elder Lady Duanmu is in an embarrassing situation. Madame, if you want to remind Prince of Liang with this matter and he could find out and punish all the people who harmed Princess Consort of Liang, it would be a good thing, but if he couldn’t, and those who get away couldn’t do anything with him and Princess Consort of Liang and you and your husband, they might get Elder Lady Duanmu into trouble. It would make me feel like I’ve done something ungrateful!”
It was reasonable for Aunt Yun to have such concern, “Princess Consort of Liang gave birth in advance due to an accident. To ensure a safe delivery, they invited me to help her. In this case, they shouldn’t have hidden the child from me after he was born. However, the people in the delivery room and Prince of Liang outside forget to tell me to feel the child’s pulse who was born half a month ahead of the due date. No matter what the inside story, Elder Lady Duanmu can’t withstand any blows now!”
Song Yixiao did intend to remind Princess Consort of Liang. Although Prince of Liang attached great importance to his first legitimate son and he might find the problem that had been found by Aunt Yun after he recovered his usual self-possession from the excitement, Song Yixiao would be less worried after she warned Prince of Liang of possible danger.
Since Aunt Yun had said that, Song Yixiao had to dispel this idea. Besides, she was not close to everyone. At present, she was pregnant and needed Aunt Yun to look after her. She naturally didn’t want to fall out with her. Besides, Elder Lady Duanmu helped Jian Xubai before. Although she had changed her attitude towards Jian Xubai and Song Yixiao these days, they were still indebted to her for her help. Aunt Yun was not Song Yixiao’s subordinate after all. Her previous master was Elder Lady Duanmu, and her current master was Jian Xubai.
Neither Elder Lady Duanmu nor Jian Xubai was a friend of Princess Consort of Liang and her son. Song Yixiao didn’t think she was qualified to use her husband’s subordinate to help her get others out of trouble, and if she did that, she might bring trouble to her husband’s life-saving benefactor.
However, since Aunt Yun took the initiative to mention Elder Lady Duanmu, Song Yixiao asked, “How’s Grandaunt lately? I sent someone to visit her two days ago, but he didn’t see her. To tell you the truth, Xubai and I are very worried. Grandaunt is our elder but we can’t look after her when she is ill. I and Xubai are unfilial and ashamed!”
Aunt Yun prevaricated, “I’ve been around His Highness for the past two years, and I don’t know the elder lady’s thought. But she is old. Maybe she was confused by someone’s words temporarily?”
Hearing this, Song Yixiao seemed to be absorbed in thought. She gently asked Aunt Yun if she had anything else to tell her. Then she asked Aunt Yun to feel her pulse. After confirming that she and her children were very good, she sent Aunt Yun off.
When Jian Xubai came back in the evening, Song Yixiao took an opportunity to relay Aunt Yun’s words to him, and then said, “Was Aunt Yun implying that the reason why Grandaunt distanced and cold-shouldered us was that someone spoke ill of us in front of her?”
“That’s for sure,” Jian Xubai loosened his collar, took off his heavy golden crown, took a jade hairpin, and had his ink-black hair up. Then he said, “Grandaunt’s attitude towards us changed greatly after she talked to Aunt. We could figure out the person who sowed discord between us and her without even thinking. I just wonder what on earth Aunt told her? Grandaunt is not credulous, and we haven’t done anything that makes her angry, right?”
“Anyway, since Aunt Yun said that, maybe Grandaunt has changed her view of us?” Song Yixiao suggested with a smile, “Why don’t I take a gift to visit her tomorrow? You know, Grandaunt has been very close to the Su Family since she alienated us. But this time Prince of Zhao was adopted by Prince of Su and even Princess Changxing was ill. Although Grandaunt shut her door and declined seeing visitors every day, she might have some difficulties.”
Elder Lady Duanmu was still the family of the guilty courtiers. She returned to the imperial capital with the Empress Dowager’s permission, and later she joined Empress Su’s camp. At present, the Empress Dowager stayed in the Palace of Mingren and didn’t care about what happened outside. The empress was unable even to fend for herself. Who would have time and energy to help Elder Lady Duanmu?
At this time, if Jian Xubai and Song Yixiao took the initiative to visit her with a conciliatory air, the elder lady would compromise and accept them again.
In particular, Song Yixiao had a good reason to visit her in person. She was in her late pregnancy.
There was no apparent resentment between the two sides. If Elder Lady Duanmu kept a pregnant junior waiting outside the door for a long time, the reputation of the Jinxiu Hall might be affected. Others would certainly say that the last eldest lady of the Jinxiu Hall was mean to the younger generation and didn’t show any liberal and large-minded bearing of one of the six influential families, the Duanmu Family.
Song Yixiao didn’t know Elder Lady Duanmu very well. What if Elder Lady Duanmu really kept her outside and didn’t care about others’ thoughts? Song Yixiao didn’t dare to risk her child’s safety on that. She made such a proposal just because she figured out the hint in Aunt Yun’s words.
However, hearing her words, Jian Xubai shook his head, “You’re pregnant and shouldn’t bother about this. I’ll do it.”
He thought for a moment and said, “I’m not very busy in Council of Censorate these days. I’ll just take a leave and got to visit her tomorrow.”
Hearing this, Song Yixiao didn’t insist. She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek to encourage him. Then she pressed her lips and said with a smile, “Then I’ll wait for you to return home with good news!”
The next day, Jian Xubai went out early in the morning with the gift prepared by his wife and didn’t come back until late in the evening.
Song Yixiao saw that he only brought a food container when he came back. Knowing that the gift had been accepted, she asked with a smile, “You finally saw Grandaunt?”
“Yes.” Jian Xubai gave her the food container, “Grandaunt specially told the cook to make these for you. Do you want to have a try?”
He opened it while speaking, “Come on, heat them up. They seem cold.”
When the servant went to heat the pastries, Song Yixiao asked about his trip. Jian Xubai smiled and said, “Grandaunt said she didn’t want to be disturbed. Later, my two cousins interceded and opened the door for me. Then I saw Grandaunt. She didn’t drive me away but let me stay.”
He paused and said, “Then I talked with her for most of the day. She kept me for lunch. After lunch, I played Go with her. Seeing that it was getting dark and considering that you were still home waiting for me, she pressed me into coming back.”
Song Yixiao knew that these words were just a cover for Elder Lady Duanmu’s concessive attitude. The two cousins always accepted Elder Lady Duanmu’s instructions without a murmur and were totally different from Shen Qimo who was rebellious. How could they rashly let Jian Xubai in without Elder Lady Duanmu’s permission?
However, they both understood from their hearts what on earth happened, just like they both believed that it was Empress Su who instigated Elder Lady Duanmu to fall out with them and misunderstand them instead of saying directly that “Elder Lady Duanmu expected that Prince of Zhao was promising, so she changed her attitude towards them.”
She asked a few more questions after hearing Jian Xubai’s words. A moment later, the maid brought back the pastries that were heated up. They were a dish of serving of sweet lotus root with glutinous rice and osmanthus and a dish of steamed fish cake.
“The fish cake tastes better than that made by our cook,” Song Yixiao took ivory chopsticks from Jinxun and tasted them. She said to her husband, “We still have a long while to wait before the dinner is ready. Eat this with me in case you’ll be hungry.”
Hearing this, Jian Xubai picked up a cake and said “it tastes good”. Then he told the servants to retreat, showed a strange smile, and said, “I happened to meet someone who sent an invitation to us at the door when I came back. Guess what the invitation was?”
Song Yixiao thought for a moment, wondering, “I can’t guess. What was it?”
“That man was from your father’s family. Your grandmother’s birthday is in the latter part of this month. He asked me if you would go back for the banquet.” Jian Xubai said with a smile, “I asked ‘Isn’t Elder Lady Pang afraid that her first legitimate granddaughter would bring her bad luck if she comes back?’ However, the servant said that your father had made some inquiries recently and learned that it would be okay since you were already pregnant.”
Song Yixiao laughed in anger, “So, I should stay away from them when they don’t need me and visit them obediently with gifts when they do?” She asked her husband with a cold face, “Where’s the invitation?”
“After that servant left, I told the doorman to throw it away.” Jian Xubai hugged his wife and comforted, “How can I bring you the invitation and make you unhappy after the Song Family did those things to you? Just forget about it. Your father and your grandmother can’t control you now. It’s not worthwhile to be angry with them.”
“Why did you throw it away?” Song Yixiao sneered and said sulkily, “After I married you, I sent gifts to the Song Family at every festival. Now, it’s reasonable for me to go back for a dinner. I’d like to see how shameless the offspring of the Jiangnan Hall could be!”
However, although she was angry, she was also surprised. This time, the crown prince won the fight for the title of heir to the throne. Naturally, their family would also become more influential. It was normal for people who were once on bad terms with them to take the initiative to bow down to them, but the Song Family didn’t have to compromise so quickly. After all, even if Song Yuan wasn’t like a son to Gu Shao, he was at least like a nephew to him.
Having Gu Shao and the distinguished status of his father as his backer, he didn’t have to reconcile with his eldest daughter in such a hurry, did he?
Did Song Yuan’s conscience get the better of him? Song Yixiao didn’t think that would happen at all!
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The maid answered, “Prince of Liang heard from the imperial physician that Princess Consort of Liang should exercise properly since she was about to give birth, so he took time to take a walk with her in the garden these two days. However, His Highness accidentally twisted his ankle and knocked Her Highness down.”
Hearing this, Song Yixiao breathed a sigh of relief. Prince of Liang made a scene because his official wife was a concubine’s daughter before his marriage, and it was said that he had a lot of discord with Princess Consort of Liang after they got married, but since Princess Consort of Liang was pregnant, he had changed his attitude, cared for and spoiled her wife in every way. Since it was Prince of Liang who knocked down his wife and caused her early delivery, it should be an accident.
However, whether it was an accident or not, it was unpredictable whether delivery women could survive the delivery at such a time. Moreover, Song Yixiao could do nothing about that. She could only silently wish Princess Consort of Liang good luck and safe delivery.
As the due date of Princess Consort of Liang was approaching, she had prepared the congratulatory gifts long ago.
After Song Yixiao figured out what happened in Prince of Liang’s mansion and ordered people to report the news to her as soon as they got it from Prince of Liang’s mansion, she asked someone to take out the gifts and check them again.
Just after she finished dealing with this matter, someone came from Prince of Liang’s mansion. To be exact, it was someone from the Sikong Family, who hurriedly asked for help, “Something went wrong with Princess Consort of Liang’s pregnancy and she is going to give birth. Although she has entered the delivery room, the midwife wants Aunt Yun to help Her Highness with the delivery. Madam Song, please give me your consent and tell Aunt Yun to come with me.”
Song Yixiao hurriedly sent someone for Aunt Yun. Although Aunt Yun looked cold, she was a compassionate doctor. After knowing what had happened, she packed up her medicine box and went with the messenger without saying anything.
She didn’t come back until the next morning. After entering the mansion, she immediately went to the back hall to report on the completion of her task. Song Yixiao thought she must be tired and wanted to ask her to have a rest before talking to her, but Aunt Yun didn’t mind at all, “Princess Consort of Liang has a very good constitution. She gave birth to a son before 11 o’clock in the evening yesterday. After the child was born, it was the curfew, so I spent the night there. They were very considerate. This morning, they arranged a carriage and specially sent me back. I don’t have to rest.”
“Thank you for helping with her delivery.” Song Yixiao added, “How are Princess Consort of Liang and her son?”
Aunt Yun said in a calm tone, “They are both okay.”
Song Yixiao knew that she was scanty of words, so after confirming that Princess Consort of Liang and her child were safe, she did not keep her. As for the thank-you gifts from Prince of Liang, they were all Aunt Yun’s. Moreover, Song Yixiao ordered someone to give some pieces of new silk to her as a reward.
After all, whether Aunt Yun helped with Princess Consort of Liang’s delivery or not, Aunt Yun went to Prince of Liang’s mansion as the female physician of Duke of Yan’s mansion. Prince of Liang owed them a favor anyway.
However, after Aunt Yun took the silk and left, after a while, when there were only Song Yixiao and Jinxun in the room, she returned after changing her clothes and said cautiously in a low voice, “Madam, I have something to tell you!”
Song Yixiao was slightly surprised. She winked at Jinxun and told her to guard on the porch outside in case anyone would come in and disturb them. She beckoned to Aunt Yun and asked her to sit on the embroidered stool in front of her. Then she also asked in a low voice, “Is it something about Princess Consort of Liang and her son?”
Aunt Yun came to feel her pulse every day. She had never said such a thing. At the moment, she made such a move. It was probably something about Prince of Liang and Princess Consort of Liang.
Sure enough, Aunt Yun nodded, “Last night, Princess Consort of Liang did have a smooth delivery. But after the baby was born, I found something wrong after taking a look at him. At that time, it was the midwife who held the baby. She carried him directly out to the Prince of Liang. Through the door, I heard a group of people praising the baby. But no one mentioned taking the baby to me for a look. I knew I was in Prince of Liang’s mansion, and if I spoiled their mood, I would bring trouble to His Highness, so I did not say anything.”
Song Yixiao frowned and pondered for a while, then said, “What was wrong with the baby?”
She explained, “Princess Consort of Liang is of impatient disposition. I don’t know if that’s why the people around her bore a grudge against her. In any case, during the summer vacation this year, after Her Highness Cui was convicted and stopped taking care of her, she was harmed by the servants around her. After returning to the imperial capital and reconciling with the Sikong Family, the Sikong Family sent an old woman to serve her and then found that.”
“That should be how the probable began.” Aunt Yun nodded and said, “The baby seems to be affected before he was born. It will require a lot of effort if they want to raise him.”
Song Yixiao was surprised, “The baby’s condition is so serious?”
“The result is already very good.” Aunt Yun said calmly, “No offense, if Princess Consort of Liang hadn’t had a very good constitution and was as weak as you, she would have miscarried. Even herself would have been affected. Princess Consort of Liang was also born with a good constitution and was raised in free range in the village. She is stronger than ordinary ladies. That was why she had a smooth delivery last night.”
She continued, “Fortunately, that child is Prince of Liang’s first legitimate son. He is born in a rich family and would be taken good care of.”
Although she went to Prince of Liang’s mansion to help them readily, she was Elder Lady Duanmu’s subordinate who were sent to Jian Xubai. So she said frankly, “Bigshots in the imperial capital all knows that I am from the Jinxiu Hall. Your husband is in the crown prince’s camp and is unafraid of offending anyone, but Elder Lady Duanmu is in an embarrassing situation. Madame, if you want to remind Prince of Liang with this matter and he could find out and punish all the people who harmed Princess Consort of Liang, it would be a good thing, but if he couldn’t, and those who get away couldn’t do anything with him and Princess Consort of Liang and you and your husband, they might get Elder Lady Duanmu into trouble. It would make me feel like I’ve done something ungrateful!”
It was reasonable for Aunt Yun to have such concern, “Princess Consort of Liang gave birth in advance due to an accident. To ensure a safe delivery, they invited me to help her. In this case, they shouldn’t have hidden the child from me after he was born. However, the people in the delivery room and Prince of Liang outside forget to tell me to feel the child’s pulse who was born half a month ahead of the due date. No matter what the inside story, Elder Lady Duanmu can’t withstand any blows now!”
Song Yixiao did intend to remind Princess Consort of Liang. Although Prince of Liang attached great importance to his first legitimate son and he might find the problem that had been found by Aunt Yun after he recovered his usual self-possession from the excitement, Song Yixiao would be less worried after she warned Prince of Liang of possible danger.
Since Aunt Yun had said that, Song Yixiao had to dispel this idea. Besides, she was not close to everyone. At present, she was pregnant and needed Aunt Yun to look after her. She naturally didn’t want to fall out with her. Besides, Elder Lady Duanmu helped Jian Xubai before. Although she had changed her attitude towards Jian Xubai and Song Yixiao these days, they were still indebted to her for her help. Aunt Yun was not Song Yixiao’s subordinate after all. Her previous master was Elder Lady Duanmu, and her current master was Jian Xubai.
Neither Elder Lady Duanmu nor Jian Xubai was a friend of Princess Consort of Liang and her son. Song Yixiao didn’t think she was qualified to use her husband’s subordinate to help her get others out of trouble, and if she did that, she might bring trouble to her husband’s life-saving benefactor.
However, since Aunt Yun took the initiative to mention Elder Lady Duanmu, Song Yixiao asked, “How’s Grandaunt lately? I sent someone to visit her two days ago, but he didn’t see her. To tell you the truth, Xubai and I are very worried. Grandaunt is our elder but we can’t look after her when she is ill. I and Xubai are unfilial and ashamed!”
Aunt Yun prevaricated, “I’ve been around His Highness for the past two years, and I don’t know the elder lady’s thought. But she is old. Maybe she was confused by someone’s words temporarily?”
Hearing this, Song Yixiao seemed to be absorbed in thought. She gently asked Aunt Yun if she had anything else to tell her. Then she asked Aunt Yun to feel her pulse. After confirming that she and her children were very good, she sent Aunt Yun off.
When Jian Xubai came back in the evening, Song Yixiao took an opportunity to relay Aunt Yun’s words to him, and then said, “Was Aunt Yun implying that the reason why Grandaunt distanced and cold-shouldered us was that someone spoke ill of us in front of her?”
“That’s for sure,” Jian Xubai loosened his collar, took off his heavy golden crown, took a jade hairpin, and had his ink-black hair up. Then he said, “Grandaunt’s attitude towards us changed greatly after she talked to Aunt. We could figure out the person who sowed discord between us and her without even thinking. I just wonder what on earth Aunt told her? Grandaunt is not credulous, and we haven’t done anything that makes her angry, right?”
“Anyway, since Aunt Yun said that, maybe Grandaunt has changed her view of us?” Song Yixiao suggested with a smile, “Why don’t I take a gift to visit her tomorrow? You know, Grandaunt has been very close to the Su Family since she alienated us. But this time Prince of Zhao was adopted by Prince of Su and even Princess Changxing was ill. Although Grandaunt shut her door and declined seeing visitors every day, she might have some difficulties.”
Elder Lady Duanmu was still the family of the guilty courtiers. She returned to the imperial capital with the Empress Dowager’s permission, and later she joined Empress Su’s camp. At present, the Empress Dowager stayed in the Palace of Mingren and didn’t care about what happened outside. The empress was unable even to fend for herself. Who would have time and energy to help Elder Lady Duanmu?
At this time, if Jian Xubai and Song Yixiao took the initiative to visit her with a conciliatory air, the elder lady would compromise and accept them again.
In particular, Song Yixiao had a good reason to visit her in person. She was in her late pregnancy.
There was no apparent resentment between the two sides. If Elder Lady Duanmu kept a pregnant junior waiting outside the door for a long time, the reputation of the Jinxiu Hall might be affected. Others would certainly say that the last eldest lady of the Jinxiu Hall was mean to the younger generation and didn’t show any liberal and large-minded bearing of one of the six influential families, the Duanmu Family.
Song Yixiao didn’t know Elder Lady Duanmu very well. What if Elder Lady Duanmu really kept her outside and didn’t care about others’ thoughts? Song Yixiao didn’t dare to risk her child’s safety on that. She made such a proposal just because she figured out the hint in Aunt Yun’s words.
However, hearing her words, Jian Xubai shook his head, “You’re pregnant and shouldn’t bother about this. I’ll do it.”
He thought for a moment and said, “I’m not very busy in Council of Censorate these days. I’ll just take a leave and got to visit her tomorrow.”
Hearing this, Song Yixiao didn’t insist. She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek to encourage him. Then she pressed her lips and said with a smile, “Then I’ll wait for you to return home with good news!”
The next day, Jian Xubai went out early in the morning with the gift prepared by his wife and didn’t come back until late in the evening.
Song Yixiao saw that he only brought a food container when he came back. Knowing that the gift had been accepted, she asked with a smile, “You finally saw Grandaunt?”
“Yes.” Jian Xubai gave her the food container, “Grandaunt specially told the cook to make these for you. Do you want to have a try?”
He opened it while speaking, “Come on, heat them up. They seem cold.”
When the servant went to heat the pastries, Song Yixiao asked about his trip. Jian Xubai smiled and said, “Grandaunt said she didn’t want to be disturbed. Later, my two cousins interceded and opened the door for me. Then I saw Grandaunt. She didn’t drive me away but let me stay.”
He paused and said, “Then I talked with her for most of the day. She kept me for lunch. After lunch, I played Go with her. Seeing that it was getting dark and considering that you were still home waiting for me, she pressed me into coming back.”
Song Yixiao knew that these words were just a cover for Elder Lady Duanmu’s concessive attitude. The two cousins always accepted Elder Lady Duanmu’s instructions without a murmur and were totally different from Shen Qimo who was rebellious. How could they rashly let Jian Xubai in without Elder Lady Duanmu’s permission?
However, they both understood from their hearts what on earth happened, just like they both believed that it was Empress Su who instigated Elder Lady Duanmu to fall out with them and misunderstand them instead of saying directly that “Elder Lady Duanmu expected that Prince of Zhao was promising, so she changed her attitude towards them.”
She asked a few more questions after hearing Jian Xubai’s words. A moment later, the maid brought back the pastries that were heated up. They were a dish of serving of sweet lotus root with glutinous rice and osmanthus and a dish of steamed fish cake.
“The fish cake tastes better than that made by our cook,” Song Yixiao took ivory chopsticks from Jinxun and tasted them. She said to her husband, “We still have a long while to wait before the dinner is ready. Eat this with me in case you’ll be hungry.”
Hearing this, Jian Xubai picked up a cake and said “it tastes good”. Then he told the servants to retreat, showed a strange smile, and said, “I happened to meet someone who sent an invitation to us at the door when I came back. Guess what the invitation was?”
Song Yixiao thought for a moment, wondering, “I can’t guess. What was it?”
“That man was from your father’s family. Your grandmother’s birthday is in the latter part of this month. He asked me if you would go back for the banquet.” Jian Xubai said with a smile, “I asked ‘Isn’t Elder Lady Pang afraid that her first legitimate granddaughter would bring her bad luck if she comes back?’ However, the servant said that your father had made some inquiries recently and learned that it would be okay since you were already pregnant.”
Song Yixiao laughed in anger, “So, I should stay away from them when they don’t need me and visit them obediently with gifts when they do?” She asked her husband with a cold face, “Where’s the invitation?”
“After that servant left, I told the doorman to throw it away.” Jian Xubai hugged his wife and comforted, “How can I bring you the invitation and make you unhappy after the Song Family did those things to you? Just forget about it. Your father and your grandmother can’t control you now. It’s not worthwhile to be angry with them.”
“Why did you throw it away?” Song Yixiao sneered and said sulkily, “After I married you, I sent gifts to the Song Family at every festival. Now, it’s reasonable for me to go back for a dinner. I’d like to see how shameless the offspring of the Jiangnan Hall could be!”
However, although she was angry, she was also surprised. This time, the crown prince won the fight for the title of heir to the throne. Naturally, their family would also become more influential. It was normal for people who were once on bad terms with them to take the initiative to bow down to them, but the Song Family didn’t have to compromise so quickly. After all, even if Song Yuan wasn’t like a son to Gu Shao, he was at least like a nephew to him.
Having Gu Shao and the distinguished status of his father as his backer, he didn’t have to reconcile with his eldest daughter in such a hurry, did he?
Did Song Yuan’s conscience get the better of him? Song Yixiao didn’t think that would happen at all!
The maid answered, Prince of Liang heard from the imperial physician that Princess Consort of Liang should exercise properly since she was about to give birth, so he took time to take a walk with her in the garden these two days. However, His Highness accidentally twisted his ankle and knocked Her Highness down.Hearing this, Song Yixiao breathed a sigh of relief. Prince of Liang made a scene because his official wife was a concubine's daughter before his marriage, and it was said that he had a lot of discord with Princess Consort of Liang after they got married, but since Princess Consort of Liang was pregnant, he had changed his attitude, cared for and spoiled her wife in every way. Since it was Prince of Liang who knocked down his wife and caused her early delivery, it should be an accident.However, whether it was an accident or not, it was unpredictable whether delivery women could survive the delivery at such a time. Moreover, Song Yixiao could do nothing about that. She could only silently wish Princess Consort of Liang good luck and safe delivery.As the due date of Princess Consort of Liang was approaching, she had prepared the congratulatory gifts long ago.After Song Yixiao figured out what happened in Prince of Liang's mansion and ordered people to report the news to her as soon as they got it from Prince of Liang's mansion, she asked someone to take out the gifts and check them again.Just after she finished dealing with this matter, someone came from Prince of Liang's mansion. To be exact, it was someone from the Sikong Family, who hurriedly asked for help, Something went wrong with Princess Consort of Liang's pregnancy and she is going to give birth. Although she has entered the delivery room, the midwife wants Aunt Yun to help Her Highness with the delivery. Madam Song, please give me your consent and tell Aunt Yun to come with me.Song Yixiao hurriedly sent someone for Aunt Yun. Although Aunt Yun looked cold, she was a compassionate doctor. After knowing what had happened, she packed up her medicine box and went with the messenger without saying anything.She didn't come back until the next morning. After entering the mansion, she immediately went to the back hall to report on the completion of her task. Song Yixiao thought she must be tired and wanted to ask her to have a rest before talking to her, but Aunt Yun didn't mind at all, Princess Consort of Liang has a very good constitution. She gave birth to a son before 11 o'clock in the evening yesterday. After the child was born, it was the curfew, so I spent the night there. They were very considerate. This morning, they arranged a carriage and specially sent me back. I don't have to rest.Thank you for helping with her delivery. Song Yixiao added, How are Princess Consort of Liang and her son?Aunt Yun said in a calm tone, They are both okay.Song Yixiao knew that she was scanty of words, so after confirming that Princess Consort of Liang and her child were safe, she did not keep her. As for the thank-you gifts from Prince of Liang, they were all Aunt Yun's. Moreover, Song Yixiao ordered someone to give some pieces of new silk to her as a reward.After all, whether Aunt Yun helped with Princess Consort of Liang's delivery or not, Aunt Yun went to Prince of Liang's mansion as the female physician of Duke of Yan's mansion. Prince of Liang owed them a favor anyway.However, after Aunt Yun took the silk and left, after a while, when there were only Song Yixiao and Jinxun in the room, she returned after changing her clothes and said cautiously in a low voice, Madam, I have something to tell you!Song Yixiao was slightly surprised. She winked at Jinxun and told her to guard on the porch outside in case anyone would come in and disturb them. She beckoned to Aunt Yun and asked her to sit on the embroidered stool in front of her. Then she also asked in a low voice, Is it something about Princess Consort of Liang and her son?Aunt Yun came to feel her pulse every day. She had never said such a thing. At the moment, she made such a move. It was probably something about Prince of Liang and Princess Consort of Liang.Sure enough, Aunt Yun nodded, Last night, Princess Consort of Liang did have a smooth delivery. But after the baby was born, I found something wrong after taking a look at him. At that time, it was the midwife who held the baby. She carried him directly out to the Prince of Liang. Through the door, I heard a group of people praising the baby. But no one mentioned taking the baby to me for a look. I knew I was in Prince of Liang's mansion, and if I spoiled their mood, I would bring trouble to His Highness, so I did not say anything.Song Yixiao frowned and pondered for a while, then said, What was wrong with the baby?She explained, Princess Consort of Liang is of impatient disposition. I don't know if that's why the people around her bore a grudge against her. In any case, during the summer vacation this year, after Her Highness Cui was convicted and stopped taking care of her, she was harmed by the servants around her. After returning to the imperial capital and reconciling with the Sikong Family, the Sikong Family sent an old woman to serve her and then found that.That should be how the probable began. Aunt Yun nodded and said, The baby seems to be affected before he was born. It will require a lot of effort if they want to raise him.Song Yixiao was surprised, The baby's condition is so serious?The result is already very good. Aunt Yun said calmly, No offense, if Princess Consort of Liang hadn't had a very good constitution and was as weak as you, she would have miscarried. Even herself would have been affected. Princess Consort of Liang was also born with a good constitution and was raised in free range in the village. She is stronger than ordinary ladies. That was why she had a smooth delivery last night.She continued, Fortunately, that child is Prince of Liang's first legitimate son. He is born in a rich family and would be taken good care of.Although she went to Prince of Liang's mansion to help them readily, she was Elder Lady Duanmu's subordinate who were sent to Jian Xubai. So she said frankly, Bigshots in the imperial capital all knows that I am from the Jinxiu Hall. Your husband is in the crown prince's camp and is unafraid of offending anyone, but Elder Lady Duanmu is in an embarrassing situation. Madame, if you want to remind Prince of Liang with this matter and he could find out and punish all the people who harmed Princess Consort of Liang, it would be a good thing, but if he couldn't, and those who get away couldn't do anything with him and Princess Consort of Liang and you and your husband, they might get Elder Lady Duanmu into trouble. It would make me feel like I've done something ungrateful!It was reasonable for Aunt Yun to have such concern, Princess Consort of Liang gave birth in advance due to an accident. To ensure a safe delivery, they invited me to help her. In this case, they shouldn't have hidden the child from me after he was born. However, the people in the delivery room and Prince of Liang outside forget to tell me to feel the child's pulse who was born half a month ahead of the due date. No matter what the inside story, Elder Lady Duanmu can't withstand any blows now!Song Yixiao did intend to remind Princess Consort of Liang. Although Prince of Liang attached great importance to his first legitimate son and he might find the problem that had been found by Aunt Yun after he recovered his usual self-possession from the excitement, Song Yixiao would be less worried after she warned Prince of Liang of possible danger.Since Aunt Yun had said that, Song Yixiao had to dispel this idea. Besides, she was not close to everyone. At present, she was pregnant and needed Aunt Yun to look after her. She naturally didn't want to fall out with her. Besides, Elder Lady Duanmu helped Jian Xubai before. Although she had changed her attitude towards Jian Xubai and Song Yixiao these days, they were still indebted to her for her help. Aunt Yun was not Song Yixiao's subordinate after all. Her previous master was Elder Lady Duanmu, and her current master was Jian Xubai.Neither Elder Lady Duanmu nor Jian Xubai was a friend of Princess Consort of Liang and her son. Song Yixiao didn't think she was qualified to use her husband's subordinate to help her get others out of trouble, and if she did that, she might bring trouble to her husband's life-saving benefactor.However, since Aunt Yun took the initiative to mention Elder Lady Duanmu, Song Yixiao asked, How's Grandaunt lately? I sent someone to visit her two days ago, but he didn't see her. To tell you the truth, Xubai and I are very worried. Grandaunt is our elder but we can't look after her when she is ill. I and Xubai are unfilial and ashamed!Aunt Yun prevaricated, I've been around His Highness for the past two years, and I don't know the elder lady's thought. But she is old. Maybe she was confused by someone's words temporarily?Hearing this, Song Yixiao seemed to be absorbed in thought. She gently asked Aunt Yun if she had anything else to tell her. Then she asked Aunt Yun to feel her pulse. After confirming that she and her children were very good, she sent Aunt Yun off.When Jian Xubai came back in the evening, Song Yixiao took an opportunity to relay Aunt Yun's words to him, and then said, Was Aunt Yun implying that the reason why Grandaunt distanced and cold-shouldered us was that someone spoke ill of us in front of her?That's for sure, Jian Xubai loosened his collar, took off his heavy golden crown, took a jade hairpin, and had his ink-black hair up. Then he said, Grandaunt's attitude towards us changed greatly after she talked to Aunt. We could figure out the person who sowed discord between us and her without even thinking. I just wonder what on earth Aunt told her? Grandaunt is not credulous, and we haven't done anything that makes her angry, right?Anyway, since Aunt Yun said that, maybe Grandaunt has changed her view of us? Song Yixiao suggested with a smile, Why don't I take a gift to visit her tomorrow? You know, Grandaunt has been very close to the Su Family since she alienated us. But this time Prince of Zhao was adopted by Prince of Su and even Princess Changxing was ill. Although Grandaunt shut her door and declined seeing visitors every day, she might have some difficulties.Elder Lady Duanmu was still the family of the guilty courtiers. She returned to the imperial capital with the Empress Dowager's permission, and later she joined Empress Su's camp. At present, the Empress Dowager stayed in the Palace of Mingren and didn't care about what happened outside. The empress was unable even to fend for herself. Who would have time and energy to help Elder Lady Duanmu?At this time, if Jian Xubai and Song Yixiao took the initiative to visit her with a conciliatory air, the elder lady would compromise and accept them again.In particular, Song Yixiao had a good reason to visit her in person. She was in her late pregnancy.There was no apparent resentment between the two sides. If Elder Lady Duanmu kept a pregnant junior waiting outside the door for a long time, the reputation of the Jinxiu Hall might be affected. Others would certainly say that the last eldest lady of the Jinxiu Hall was mean to the younger generation and didn't show any liberal and large-minded bearing of one of the six influential families, the Duanmu Family.Song Yixiao didn't know Elder Lady Duanmu very well. What if Elder Lady Duanmu really kept her outside and didn't care about others' thoughts? Song Yixiao didn't dare to risk her child's safety on that. She made such a proposal just because she figured out the hint in Aunt Yun's words.However, hearing her words, Jian Xubai shook his head, You're pregnant and shouldn't bother about this. I'll do it.He thought for a moment and said, I'm not very busy in Council of Censorate these days. I'll just take a leave and got to visit her tomorrow.Hearing this, Song Yixiao didn't insist. She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek to encourage him. Then she pressed her lips and said with a smile, Then I'll wait for you to return home with good news!The next day, Jian Xubai went out early in the morning with the gift prepared by his wife and didn't come back until late in the evening.Song Yixiao saw that he only brought a food container when he came back. Knowing that the gift had been accepted, she asked with a smile, You finally saw Grandaunt?Yes. Jian Xubai gave her the food container, Grandaunt specially told the cook to make these for you. Do you want to have a try?He opened it while speaking, Come on, heat them up. They seem cold.When the servant went to heat the pastries, Song Yixiao asked about his trip. Jian Xubai smiled and said, Grandaunt said she didn't want to be disturbed. Later, my two cousins interceded and opened the door for me. Then I saw Grandaunt. She didn't drive me away but let me stay.He paused and said, Then I talked with her for most of the day. She kept me for lunch. After lunch, I played Go with her. Seeing that it was getting dark and considering that you were still home waiting for me, she pressed me into coming back.Song Yixiao knew that these words were just a cover for Elder Lady Duanmu's concessive attitude. The two cousins always accepted Elder Lady Duanmu's instructions without a murmur and were totally different from Shen Qimo who was rebellious. How could they rashly let Jian Xubai in without Elder Lady Duanmu's permission?However, they both understood from their hearts what on earth happened, just like they both believed that it was Empress Su who instigated Elder Lady Duanmu to fall out with them and misunderstand them instead of saying directly that Elder Lady Duanmu expected that Prince of Zhao was promising, so she changed her attitude towards them.She asked a few more questions after hearing Jian Xubai's words. A moment later, the maid brought back the pastries that were heated up. They were a dish of serving of sweet lotus root with glutinous rice and osmanthus and a dish of steamed fish cake.The fish cake tastes better than that made by our cook, Song Yixiao took ivory chopsticks from Jinxun and tasted them. She said to her husband, We still have a long while to wait before the dinner is ready. Eat this with me in case you'll be hungry.Hearing this, Jian Xubai picked up a cake and said it tastes good. Then he told the servants to retreat, showed a strange smile, and said, I happened to meet someone who sent an invitation to us at the door when I came back. Guess what the invitation was?Song Yixiao thought for a moment, wondering, I can't guess. What was it?That man was from your father's family. Your grandmother's birthday is in the latter part of this month. He asked me if you would go back for the banquet. Jian Xubai said with a smile, I asked Isn't Elder Lady Pang afraid that her first legitimate granddaughter would bring her bad luck if she comes back?' However, the servant said that your father had made some inquiries recently and learned that it would be okay since you were already pregnant.Song Yixiao laughed in anger, So, I should stay away from them when they don't need me and visit them obediently with gifts when they do? She asked her husband with a cold face, Where's the invitation?After that servant left, I told the doorman to throw it away. Jian Xubai hugged his wife and comforted, How can I bring you the invitation and make you unhappy after the Song Family did those things to you? Just forget about it. Your father and your grandmother can't control you now. It's not worthwhile to be angry with them.Why did you throw it away? Song Yixiao sneered and said sulkily, After I married you, I sent gifts to the Song Family at every festival. Now, it's reasonable for me to go back for a dinner. I'd like to see how shameless the offspring of the Jiangnan Hall could be!However, although she was angry, she was also surprised. This time, the crown prince won the fight for the title of heir to the throne. Naturally, their family would also become more influential. It was normal for people who were once on bad terms with them to take the initiative to bow down to them, but the Song Family didn't have to compromise so quickly. After all, even if Song Yuan wasn't like a son to Gu Shao, he was at least like a nephew to him.Having Gu Shao and the distinguished status of his father as his backer, he didn't have to reconcile with his eldest daughter in such a hurry, did he?Did Song Yuan's conscience get the better of him? Song Yixiao didn't think that would happen at all!
