The next morning, Song Yue got up and washed up. Zhang Mama brought her several sets of exquisite dresses, with delicate colors, novel styles, and exquisite embroidery.
"Miss, this was sent by the madam."
Song Yue touched the fabric and found it to be quite nice. She pointed to one of the light-colored outfits and put it on. She was petite and had a well-proportioned figure. Her cheeks had become fuller after a few days of rest. She combed her long hair into a high bun, with two jade hairpins inserted diagonally into her temples, and a pale yellow ribbon added a touch of playfulness.
When Zhang Mama looked at Song Yue, she was like a completely different person; she was no longer the withered, thin, and drab little girl she used to be.
There was no timidity in his brows, and his every move exuded an air of nobility.
With his imposing presence, no one would believe he grew up in a village.
Song Yue glanced at the time: "Let's go, it's time to pay our respects to Grandmother."
Granny Zhang asked nervously, "Miss, are all these clothes alright?"
She was terrified. The madam wanted nothing more than to tear the third young lady to pieces. What if she had poisoned her clothes?
Seeing Zhang Mama's anxious expression, she smiled slightly: "The clothes are fine."
Upon hearing this, Granny Zhang breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Miss, when I went to collect these clothes, I heard Madam say that she wanted to embarrass you, and that there was some kind of poetry competition to embarrass you. The eldest young master was also there at the time, and he said that the Prince of Zhennan's heir would also be there."
After saying this, Granny Zhang lowered her head.
It wasn't that she was unwilling to serve the madam, but rather that the third young lady was too frightening, killing people at the drop of a hat.
Therefore, she could only be loyal to the Third Sister.
"What else did Song Hengchuan say?" Song Yue asked gently, a smile playing on her lips.
But Zhang Mama felt a chill run down her spine. She found it hard to speak of what Song Hengchuan had said, and stammered for a long time: "The eldest young master said that you are shameless and only steal things from the second young lady. He also said that he would stand up for the second young lady and teach you a lesson for being so arrogant."
Granny Zhang had already been quite subtle, but Song Hengchuan's words were actually even more vulgar and offensive. Song Yue's lips curled up, not surprised at all: "I know about this matter."
As they walked from Yuehua Pavilion toward Ninghui Hall, Yun Dong hesitated several times, her eyes reddening. Song Yue turned around and comforted her, "It's nothing serious, I didn't take it to heart."
"This servant is indignant on your behalf. If the young lady had grown up in this manor, she would surely be just like the second young lady, well-educated, reasonable, and multi-talented."
Song Yue didn't take it seriously. She couldn't even get enough to eat, so how could she have the mind to learn any skills?
However, since Song Hengchuan repeatedly helped Yuan Fuling and her daughter to deal with her, Song Yue decided to fight back.
Just then, a mocking laugh reached my ears.
Looking up, I saw Song Hengchuan's smug face.
Their eyes met, and Song Hengchuan's eyes showed undisguised disgust. His heart pounded, and he patiently said, "Song Yue, if you leave the Duke of Jingguo's mansion and obediently go to the country estate, never to come out again, I can guarantee you a life of comfort and I will not hold anything against you for the past."
This was the last chance he was giving her.
Song Yue narrowed her eyes; "To never leave and be trapped on the estate to die?"
Song Hengchuan nodded earnestly: "You are illiterate and rude. You can learn some manners at the manor. You won't have to worry about food and drink. Isn't that enough?"
She chuckled, suddenly realizing that this solution might not be bad for Song Hengchuan either.
"What? Still not satisfied?" Song Hengchuan frowned and threatened in a low voice, "Don't think that your father is indulging you now. Once I inherit the Duke's mansion, I will not let you off the hook. So if you know what's good for you, you should quit while you're ahead. I can still treat you well because we are siblings."
In his view, this was the best arrangement for Song Yue.
Song Yue sneered repeatedly, too lazy to pay any attention to Song Hengchuan. She lifted her foot and walked towards Ninghui Hall. Song Hengchuan was embarrassed and clenched his fists: "Since that's the case, then don't blame me for turning my back on you."
After the two paid their respects inside Ninghui Hall, the steward delivered two invitations as if timed perfectly: "Madam, these are invitations from Minister Shen's residence, inviting the Second Miss and the Third Miss to visit our residence."
"The Shen family mansion?" The Grand Madam frowned.
The Shen family and the Jingguo Duke's family have an excellent relationship. The two families have been in close contact over the years. Moreover, Shen Ruyun, the eldest daughter of Shen, and Song Hengchuan have been childhood sweethearts since they were young. The two families have already privately discussed marriage, and the wedding date has been set for the spring of the year after next.
If Song Yao were invited to go out, she wouldn't say anything. However, if Song Yue were brought along, the Grand Madam would have some concerns, worried that Song Yue might cause some embarrassment to the Duke's mansion.
When the Grand Madam was in a dilemma, Song Hengchuan stepped forward and said, "Grandmother, my third sister has not yet attended any banquets since returning to the capital. After all, she is the legitimate daughter of the Duke's mansion. She can't always hide in the mansion in a timid manner. She should go out and see the world."
“But…” The Grand Madam looked at Song Yue. Although she had changed her clothes, she still remembered Song Yue’s dusty and grimy appearance.
Wouldn't someone like that be laughed at when visiting others?
She hoped that Song Yue would refuse her in person.
Song Yue lowered her eyes, ignoring the gaze and not responding to a single word.
Seeing this, the old lady felt a lump in her throat and had no choice but to compromise: "Alright, then go. Madam Shen is a kind and understanding elder. Yue'er, you must know how to behave properly."
Song Yue raised her head and said to the Grand Madam, "Grandmother, I don't have to go. I can attend the banquet after I finish learning the etiquette. It won't make a difference if I wait a little longer."
"No!" Song Hengchuan exclaimed anxiously.
"Why is Brother so agitated that I'm not going to the banquet?" Song Yue feigned confusion as she looked at him. Seeing Song Hengchuan's ever-changing expression, she forced an explanation: "Minister Shen has a good relationship with us. He specifically asked you to go. If you don't go, wouldn't that be disrespectful to the Shen family?"
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