Madam Song could only swallow her anger in the end.
Third Madam and Song Ya Lan sighed in relief. Fortunately, they were not sent to the family temple, otherwise, it would be no different from being driven out of the house!
Madam Song glared at Song Ya Lan fiercely, then left with a flick of her sleeves.
Song Yalin hurriedly followed.
Not until they returned to Madam Song’s courtyard, did Song Yalin say, "Mother, you shouldn’t have been so impulsive just now. If you really punished Fifth Sister now, I’m afraid the gossips outside would spread more. Although Fifth Sister’s fainting act was exposed today, there were still people who saw her being forced to jump into the lake. There will always be those who deliberately try to tarnish Mother’s reputation."
Madam sighed and took a deep breath: "Don’t I know that? I just can’t swallow this anger."
"Mother, you should prioritize the bigger picture. Father usually doesn’t interfere with the matters of the inner courtyard. Today, he even sent an old woman to deliver his message to avoid Mother’s impulsiveness. The marriage alliance with the Great Prince is in sight now, and it would be a loss for us if we ruin our reputation over a little Song Ya Lan," said Song Yalin.
Madam sighed, "You are more thoughtful than me, I was impulsive."
"Mother, don’t feel wronged. After all this fuss, Fifth Sister’s reputation might be completely ruined. Even if she stays in the family, it will be difficult for her to have a good future," Song Yalin continued to console Madam Song.
Only then did Madam Song coldly say, "I just hate that this still benefits her. In the future, if I catch her again, I will not let her go!"
——
Ji Xinhe didn’t know about the drama in the Song Family. She was busy with many things. The embroidery competition held by Winding Pavilion had ended, and she finally had time to look at the submitted works. At last, she selected ten winners, ranked them, and handed the list to Manager Jin.
Under the temptation of money, everyone gave their best. There were many exquisite works that Xin He had picked for the upcoming summer collection.
Additionally, Flower House had just introduced ten new ladies, so the business was booming, and there were many things to be busy with.
Today, Xin He made a special trip to Flower House to check on things.
Madam Chen was in a cheerful mood, and judging from her smiling face, the profits of Flower House in the past few days must have been great.
"Madam Chen, don’t always focus on the guests. Pay more attention to the girls too. With the introduction of new girls, the old ones will inevitably feel neglected. Be sure to balance things in between and not let the old ones be disappointed." Xin He instructed.
Madam Chen nodded repeatedly: "Don’t worry, I understand what to do."
"Where is Ah Lian? Where is she now?"
"She’s in her room. Do you need her for something, Boss?"
"Yes, a little matter."
Xin He went straight to Ah Lian’s room.
When Xinhe opened the door, she saw Ah Lian was lying on a beauty couch resting. A little maid was carefully massaging her legs. Hearing the sound, Ah Lian lazily opened her eyes and smiled, "Boss, have you come to see me?"
This enchanting voice would likely make any man lose control at this sight.
Xin He smiled, "I came to see you."
Ah Lian sat up on the soft couch, looked at Xin He’s belly, and smiled, "With Boss bearing a child, you still care about me. I’m sure you’re not just here to see me?"
Xin He smiled, as she was a smart woman. Talking to a smart person didn’t require too much beating around the bush.
"The news about the Great Prince being furious for a beauty has spread throughout Yu State a few days ago. I’m just curious, what does Miss Ah Lian think?" Xin He smiled.
Ah Lian chuckled, "So you came for that."
"How did you meet the Great Prince?"
"I know many men in the capital. Wanhua Tower is a popular place for men of noble families and high reputation to visit. Knowing me is nothing special. The Great Prince used to be a regular guest of mine." Ah Lian casually said, "This time he came to Yu State and visited me. Coincidentally, Flower House was being challenged, so I asked him to help. Who would have guessed? His work is still as unreliable as ever."
Ah Lian said with a hint of mockery at the corner of her lips.
To her, men were probably just toys, whether they were princes or commoners.
Especially foolish men, she probably looked down on them even more.
Xin He said, "So that’s how it is. I heard that the Great Prince came for a marriage alliance on this trip."
"Yes, with the third daughter of the Song Family. I know."
Xin He’s eyes brightened, and she smiled, "Miss Ah Lian sure knows a lot."
She initially operated Flower House with the intention of establishing an intelligence network. It seemed that its future development had potential.
But it wasn’t time yet, so let’s wait.
Ah Lian laughed, "Don’t worry. I know my place. What, do I think the Great Prince would marry me? I won’t be foolish." 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦
She guessed the reason for Ji Xinhe’s visit was to make sure she wouldn’t be foolish.
Xin He was slightly startled, then laughed and said, "That’s good."
Actually, she just wanted to ask some questions about the Great Prince.
"What do you know about the Great Prince?" Xin He asked.
Ah Lian said casually: "He has a gentle nature and is indecisive. He’s not very fond of women; besides me, there don’t seem to be any other women, not much to worry about."
Ah Lian was probably the only person in Lian’an Town who knew Xin He’s true identity. Naturally, she knew what Xin He wanted to find out for with these questions.
Xin He listened carefully and nodded, "So, what do you think is the probability of his marriage alliance this time?"
Ah Lian’s seductive smile grew wider: "The Great Prince’s visit to Yu State shows his sincerity. As long as the Song Family has the intention, the chances of success will be high. But..."
Ah Lian paused and looked at Xin He’s eyes with a hint of cunning, "If you want the possibility of this marriage alliance to be smaller, there is a way."
Xin He’s eyes brightened, "Then, I’ll have to trouble Miss Ah Lian."
Ah Lian laughed, "Given your kindness to me, this little favor is nothing. Give me half a month, and I’ll show you the results."
"Deal!"
——
It had been many days since Song Ya Lan returned from Lian’an Town. She had been locked up in the ancestral hall, either losing her temper or crying nonstop. Even the meals sent to her were thrown away, and the old ladies and maids who brought the food were scolded and abused by her. It was unbearable.
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