Chapter 128 Making it a fait accompli

At this moment, Song Sangye arrived late.

She had changed into a simple dress, without any makeup, and had a headband tied around her forehead, looking frail and delicate.

Bai Mei muttered to herself:

"Second Miss is quick; she's changed her clothes and headdress in such a short time. She didn't look this weak when we were drinking and boating on the lake earlier."

Song Sangyu seemed not to hear, and rushed straight to Song Qingming's feet, tears streaming down her face before she could speak:

"Father! Your daughter is unfilial! It's all my fault! I didn't keep an eye on my second brother, and I was only concerned with enjoying the lake and lanterns with Prince Fu... Father, blame your daughter if you must! I'll accept any punishment you may give me!"

She deliberately tied herself to Prince Fu.

Song Qingming ultimately felt sorry for his daughter, who was used to being spoiled. Seeing her like this, his heart softened considerably, and he reached out to help her up.

"Silly child, what does this have to do with you? Your elder sister was there and didn't stop it. What can you, a younger sister, do? Get up and stop crying."

Looking at her daughter, Madam Song's eyes darted around, and suddenly an idea came to her.

She then turned to Song Yiqiu, who had been observing coldly, and changed her expression entirely:

“Yiqiu, you’ve had a long day. It’s getting late, why don’t you go back and rest? Your father and I are here.”

Qingzhu immediately became alert:

"Madam's words... sound like you're telling our young lady to leave?"

Song Yiqiu sneered inwardly, already guessing that Song Shenshi's sending her away must be related to Song Sangyu and Fu Langxing, and that she was probably brewing some new scheme against her.

She didn't point it out, and readily complied with the gesture of bowing.

"In that case, I'll take my leave now."

Song Wenbin wanted to say something, but was stopped by a look from Song Shenshi.

After Song Yiqiu and her servant disappeared into the rain, Madam Song wiped away Song Sangyu's tears and asked impatiently:

"Yu'er, tell your mother honestly, how exactly does that Prince Fu treat you?"

Upon hearing this, Song Sangyu lowered her head shyly, hesitating to speak openly.

Seeing this, Madam Song grasped at a straw and turned to the distraught Song Qingming:

"Master! I've thought of a way to break this deadlock!"

...

The next day, before the rain and dew had dried, the sky was overcast.

Looking at the faint dark circles under her eyes in the bronze mirror, Song Yiqiu couldn't help but yawn.

As Qingzhu combed her hair, she also covered her mouth and yawned, complaining:

"Madam really has a lot of leisure time. The rain has just stopped, the ground is slippery and difficult to walk on, and so many unpleasant things have happened in the manor one after another, yet she still has the mind to urge all the young ladies to go to Haishan Temple to pray for blessings so early in the morning?"

Bai Mei was even more vigilant, and frowned as she said:

"I think her real intention is something else entirely. Haishan Temple is far from the city, in a remote location, and its incense offerings aren't particularly numerous. For Madam to insist on going there at this time of year with such a bad weather forecast... could she be planning something to frame our young lady?"

Song Yiqiu rubbed her temples, unable to hide her exhaustion:

"Since returning to the capital, have I not had a single night of restful sleep? The whole family went to the prayer ceremony, and with so many people around, it's not like I was their target. But they deliberately sent us away last night; they must have been discussing something. We still can't figure out what they're up to... For now, let's just take it one step at a time."

The carriage bumped along the muddy mountain road.

The rain didn't stop; instead, it poured down harder. The cold rain seeped in through the gaps in the carriage curtains, slightly dampening Song Yiqiu's clothes and hair. By the time the group arrived at Haishan Temple, everyone looked quite disheveled.

Song Yiqiu keenly noticed that Song Sangyu had deliberately worn a moon-white long dress similar to her own clothes today. Now, it was wet with rain, and the fabric was almost transparent, clinging tightly to her body and clearly outlining the girl's slender and graceful curves, making her stand out in this secluded place of cultivation.

"Remembering Autumn".

A familiar voice sounded from behind.

Song Yiqiu turned around and saw Fu Langxing walking towards her with a smile.

A question arose in her mind: why would she invite Fu Langxing to her own prayer?

His expression remained unchanged, and he nodded slightly in accordance with etiquette.

"Prince Fu".

Fu Langxing walked to her side and said happily:

“I was both surprised and delighted to receive your invitation. Although I have never believed in any evil spirits, things have been quite turbulent lately at your residence... well, it's better to be safe than sorry. It's always good to come to the temple to pray and find peace of mind.”

My invitation?

Song Yiqiu was taken aback. Just as she was about to ask a question, Madam Song walked over, interrupting her, and raised her voice to the crowd:

"Everyone should go to the side room and change into some dry clothes. You've all been rained on, so be careful not to catch a cold."

The rooms at Haishan Temple are simple and poorly soundproofed. The doors creak and groan even when moved slightly, and any noise from the next room can be heard clearly.

Song Yiqiu had Bai Mei and Qing Zhu guard the door while she quickly changed her rain-soaked clothes inside the room.

In a short while, everyone had gathered in front of the main hall, but Song Sangyu was nowhere to be seen.

Madam Song, looking unhurried, smiled and smoothed things over:

"It's alright, it's alright. It's normal for girls to be meticulous when they dress up. We'll just wait a little longer."

Song Yiqiu's ominous premonition grew stronger, and she stood up and said:

"I will go to find her."

But Song Shenshi stopped her abruptly, her grip a little too strong in her haste, though her tone was deliberately light:

"Oh dear, your sister is a grown woman, surely she knows how to change her clothes, right? Besides, there are maids serving her. What's the rush? Sit down and rest for a while, don't disturb her."

Seeing her reaction, Song Yiqiu was almost certain that something was amiss.

Just then, the abbot of Haishan Temple walked over with a troubled expression and awkwardly bowed to the two of them with his palms together.

"Amitabha. Esteemed benefactors, this is a pure and sacred place... Could you... perhaps... perhaps... restrain your companions?"

Song Qingming frowned:

"Why do you say that, Master?"

Madam Song quickly stepped forward, calmly blocking Song Qingming's path, and smiled:

"Master, it seems some ignorant maid made a noise and disturbed the master. You should take your sons to the front hall to offer incense first, and I will take Yiqiu to find Sangyu and make sure they are quiet."

As she spoke, she grabbed Song Yiqiu without saying another word and led her towards the backyard of the side room.

The closer Song Yiqiu got to the row of rooms where Song Sangyu was, the more panicked she became.

Before even reaching the door, one could faintly hear a man's heavy breathing and a woman's seductive moans coming from inside the room...

The meaning of that sound is self-evident.

Instead of showing anger, Madam Song eagerly stepped forward to push open the door.

"Mother!"

Song Yiqiu stopped her abruptly and calmly confirmed.

"Are you sure this is Sangyu's room? Perhaps we misheard or have the wrong room. Why don't we call out at the door to confirm? So as not to offend anyone else."

Madam Song's face darkened, and she forcefully shook off her hand:

"What are you yelling about! Don't ruin my fun!"

Before she could finish speaking, she had already pushed open the creaking door with all her might.

The door was wide open, revealing the entire interior.

On the simple bed, the curtains were not fully drawn, and two figures could be vaguely seen intertwined and entwined.