Early the next morning.
Song Ci came to the Wei Family’s manor. The Wei Family’s Madam greeted her with a smile and said in a lively manner, "A magpie was chirping at my window early this morning, and I knew an honored guest would come. Look, my old friend, you’re here."
Just yesterday she had sent someone to deliver a message that she would visit, so it was obviously her. Madam Wei’s flattery seemed a bit unnecessary.
Looking at her expression again, perhaps when one encounters joyous events, their spirits are lifted. The Wei Family’s Madam was full of joy, but it was uncertain if she would still be smiling with wrinkles when she found out Song Ci’s purpose for visiting.
The Wei Family’s Madam brought Song Ci into the room to sit down, served tea, and then asked people to summon a few young ladies to greet Song Ci.
"No need." Song Ci pressed her hand, saying, "I’ve just come to say a few words to you, after which I’ll leave. Commandery Princess Dongyang is still a guest at my manor."
The Wei Family’s Madam was momentarily stunned. If that was the case, why did she come? Intuition told her that Song Ci leaving her guest to come here was not good news.
Song Ci sipped her tea, saying, "Old sister, we are familiar with each other, so I’ll get straight to the point to save time."
The Wei Family’s Madam’s heart pounded nervously, she forced a smile and said, "Old sister, what brings you here in such haste? Just tell me."
"Then I’ll say it. It’s about Man’er’s marriage. You must be more cautious and investigate further. I’ve heard that the eldest son of the Wei Family may have some unspeakable secrets." Song Ci lowered her voice.
A sudden heaviness gripped Madam Wei’s heart as she tightly clutched the edge of the table and glanced at her trusted nanny.
The trusted nanny immediately retreated to the door, dismissed other maids, and guarded the door herself.
"Old sister, what do you mean by this?"
If Song Ci came in person to inform her, it surely wasn’t good news.
"I only heard my youngest son say that Wei Cheng seems to be one of those who favors Longyang, seen outside in an unclear relationship with a young man."
The Wei Family’s Madam swayed, her voice sharp: "What?"
Oh my, what had she just heard? This was like something out of a fantasy. That Wei Cheng, appearing so dignified, how could he be a lover of Longyang?
"Old sister, is this a misunderstanding? That child seems very proper, how could it be..." Madam Wei began to ramble incoherently.
Song Ci held her hand, squeezing it firmly, and said, "You must steady yourself. If you panic, what will happen to Man’er?"
The Wei Family’s Madam indeed panicked. With Song Ci’s reminder, she took a deep breath to calm herself, saying, "I know, I mustn’t panic."
She picked up the tea on the table and drank two gulps, saying, "Is this what your fourth son said?"
"Yesterday, he saw him with a young man, appearing somewhat intimate." Song Ci paused and said, "Of course, there were many people at the temple yesterday, perhaps he saw wrong, there’s no certainties. My point is that you should be cautious, the best approach is to investigate thoroughly, as this concerns the child’s lifelong matter."
The Wei Family’s Madam’s eyes revealed a cold determination as she said, "I understand. If this is true, then the Wei Family has gone too far."
Song Ci did not wish to elaborate further, simply saying, "I also hope I am unjustly slandering, and this isn’t true. But if it is, then... it all depends on how you handle it."
The Wei Family’s Madam grasped her hand in return, sincerely saying, "Old sister, if this is really the case, I thank you on behalf of Man’er. In the future, I’ll have her bow to you."
If it were unfounded, then it would be a false alarm. But if there was any truth, wouldn’t she almost have sent that poor child into the fire?
Filled with rage, the Wei Family’s Madam’s eyes blazed with anger.