Madam Song felt somewhat apologetic as she addressed Ji Xinhe, "I hope you won’t think less of me due to my lack of proper guidance for my daughter."
If she had known, she wouldn’t have brought Song Ya Lan out today, disgracing herself in public!
If merely hearing the sharp and unkind words from earlier were the only issue, it would simply be a matter of improper upbringing. Yet, to hear such crude and offensive language, outsiders would undoubtedly ridicule the Song family for their lack of decent virtues!
Which Lady would carry such words in their mouths all day?
Thinking about it made Madam Song regret her decision.
However, Xin He smiled in response, "There’s no issue, Madam Song. I see that you did teach your daughters quite sufficiently. They are all well-mannered. Miss Song, in particular, is very composed, a true example of a refined and cultured lady. I’ve never seen a young lady as dignified and graceful as her."
Xin He’s words helped to restore some face for the Song family, which eased Madam Song’s concern slightly. She smiled and said, "Lady Mu, you’re being too generous with your praise."
Thankfully she brought Song Ya Lin along. Otherwise, all face would have been lost. The other daughters were obedient and well-behaved, at least there wouldn’t be any issues there.
Song Ya Lin faintly curled her lips and bowed her body respectfully.
"However...." Xin He paused before raising her gaze to inquire, "Madam Song, if Miss Song dislikes me so much, why bring her for this visit?"
It couldn’t be that Madam Song intentionally brought her along. Afterall, she too has her pride. Ji Xinhe could tell that Madam Song was incredibly reluctant to bring Song Ya Lan along.
Unless Song Ya Lan herself had insisted on coming.
A hint of unease flitted across Madam Song’s eyes as she forced a smile, "She most likely wanted to seize this chance to get out and have some fun. After all, she is still a child at heart."
As Xin He carefully observed her face, she did not miss the brief expression of uneasiness. This made her suspect that there was more to the story.
Before she could dwell on this further, Shulan hurried in. She went over to Xin He, giving a respectful bow before saying, "My lady, the master has returned."
Xin He was taken aback, "Why has he come back suddenly? Didn’t he have something to do today?"
Shulan shook her head, "I don’t know."
Upon hearing the exchange, Madam Song laughed and said, "If Master Mu has hurried home, surely there must be important matters to attend to. Will Lady Mu need to go and attend to him?"
Much to everyone’s surprise, Marquis Mu strode in, pushed the bead curtain aside, and entered the room. The sound of the falling bead curtain matched his heavily pounding footsteps.
Compared to the commotion he normally causes, this was significantly greater. While bystanders may not be able to discern anything from it, assuming that most men were rough and unrefined, Ji Xinhe knew something must have upset him.
Upon seeing Marquis Mu entering directly, Shulan quickly bowed to give her respects, "Greetings, Master."
The women and daughters of the Song household seated in the room grew even more alarmed. According to tradition, men are not supposed to see women, especially unmarried girls, not even for meals.
Now, in this sudden intrusion, even Madam Song, usually calm and collected, was somewhat flustered and unsure of how to react.
"This...I..." Madam Song looked to Ji Xinhe for help, visibly flustered.
Ji Xinhe offered a reassuring smile, then stood up to greet him, "Why have you come back so suddenly?"
Although her question was mild, Xin He shot Marquis Mu a silent glare.
Marquis Mu, however, ignored her disapproval and said coolly, "I heard there was some trouble at home, so I rushed back."
Ji Xinhe was startled, then understanding dawned on her – no wonder he was so angry!
She turned her questioning gaze towards Shulan.
Shulan hastily waved her hand, indicating she wasn’t the one who sent the message.
It only then occurred to Xin He that there were likely many secret guards hidden throughout the residence taking orders directly from Marquis Mu. How could she control them all?
Even if Shulan did not report, those men would immediately send word at any sign of trouble.
Xinhe quickly said, "It was just a small matter. Miss Song got out of line, and Madam Song punished her accordingly. She’s already been sent back to her family’s residence for further discipline. It’s hardly a significant issue that would require your immediate return."
When Madam Song heard Marquis Mu’s words, her face reddened slightly. Wasn’t she now being regarded as a troublemaker in his home?
The young ladies of the Song family lowered their heads in embarrassment. This man was indeed handsome, but his domineering presence was simply too terrifying!
Marquis Mu asked, his voice cold, "Oh? They’ve already been sent away?"
Madam Song reluctantly managed to appear calm. Managing a weak smile, she said, "Yes, she has always been a bit disobedient. I’ll teach her a lesson."
"Madam Song should indeed teach her well. And if you cannot, I would not mind lending you a hand." Marquis Mu’s face was expressionless.
Upon hearing these words, Ji Xinhe felt a chill. She understood what Marquis Mu meant. If Madam Song had not decisively sent Song Ya Lan back for discipline, this girl might have been seriously punished by Marquis Mu.
Ji Xinhe did not like his provocations. Their current situation called for more discretion, so she tugged at his sleeve, urging him to stop.
However, Marquis Mu ignored her and continued icily, "My wife is now five months pregnant and must avoid any form of stress. If such a thing were to happen again, I will not let it pass easily!"
Let it pass easily, but who exactly wouldn’t he let off easily?
Marquis Mu did not clarify, but the warning he gave while looking at Madam Song seemed to be directed towards the entire Song family.
His presumptuous words, coming from this ’small household’ man, did not seem out of place at all to Madam Song. Instead, she felt a chill running down her spine, leaving her stunned.
She felt that this man inherently exuded an air of nobility that sent shivers down one’s spine.
Such an odd feeling indeed.
Madam Song stammered, "Of course, it won’t happen again."
Marquis Mu gave a cold grunt before he finally let the matter rest. He reached out and squeezed Xin He’s hand, "Now that you are pregnant, you should rest more instead of always busying yourself with irrelevant people, unnecessarily tiring yourself out." 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂
"I know! You should go about your business, don’t delay the important matters!" Xin He replied, with a touch of resignation.
Marquis Mu shot her a stern look and whispered, "If you don’t like them, send them all away. Don’t leave them hanging around here as a nuisance!"
After delivering these words, he turned to Shulan and coldly instructed, "Take care of my wife properly. Do not let any accidents occur, otherwise you’ll have to answer to me."
Shulan hurriedly responded, "Yes, I understand."
Then Marquis Mu gave the Song family members one last cool glance, before turning and exiting the room.
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