Chapter 3: When Rivals Meet

Her unexpected visit caught Song Qiao completely off guard. Given Mu Yi’s deep affection for Shen Ruoxi, he could easily have ignored Song Qiao’s nominal status as the “young mistress,” yet Shen Ruoxi showed no arrogance toward Qiao at all. Upon entering, she respectfully bowed to her.

“I am Shen of the Shen family, paying respects to the young mistress.”

This gesture left Song Qiao both surprised and uneasy. But since she was currently bearing Song Yuan’s identity, she accepted the bow. Afterwards, she instructed Pei’er to help her up.

Shen Ruoxi thanked her and spoke again with a tone that couldn’t hide her concern, “I see the young mistress looks unwell. If you are feeling ill, you must promptly see a doctor.”

“Thank you for your concern, Madam Shen,” Pei’er said deliberately, not wanting Song Qiao to be made a laughingstock. “Last night, after learning the young mistress was awake, the marquis already brought a doctor to examine her. There is no serious problem. A few days of rest will suffice.”

Shen Ruoxi, either oblivious to Pei’er’s intent or simply indifferent, smiled and nodded. “That’s good. I happen to have some ginseng here. If the young mistress does not mind, please accept it to help restore your health.”

The ginseng was exquisite, a whole root, not some cheap token.

As the saying goes, one should not strike a smiling face; with her bow and gift, Shen Ruoxi was showing proper courtesy by all standards.

But Song Qiao dared not relax. “I appreciate the kindness, but the gift is too precious. You should keep it yourself.”

Mu Yi had strictly forbidden anyone from entering Linglong Pavilion, yet Shen Ruoxi came in with ease, demonstrating her high standing in the marquis’s household.

At this moment, Song Qiao was utterly powerless; anyone could end her life with a mere gesture.

“Please don’t be so formal with me. I’ve just arrived and may have been remiss in some way. I hope the young mistress will kindly advise me,” Shen Ruoxi said, adopting a humble tone.

From the moment Pei’er mentioned that Mu Yi’s military merits had only secured her favor, Song Qiao had been curious about this new madam. Seeing her today, she was indeed extraordinary.

It was autumn now. Shen Ruoxi wore a pink cloak, adorned with a simple yet valuable step-shake hairpin. Even with minimal makeup, she exuded dignity and nobility.

Her face was stunning, with bright eyes and white teeth—no wonder Mu Yi adored her. Any man would be hard-pressed to resist.

Yet such a breathtaking beauty was only a minor wife, a fact that seemed somewhat unfair.

“I don’t deserve your guidance. You only came yesterday. At this hour, you should be paying respects to the matriarch. Why have you come to me instead?”

Song Qiao leaned against the headboard, having taken the medicine prescribed by the doctor. She was much better than last night.

But she was incomparable to Shen Ruoxi.

A maid attended Shen Ruoxi as she sat down. “Young mistress, you may not know, but a distinguished guest has arrived at the matriarch’s chambers. So I came ahead to pay respects to you first.”

Pei’er hadn’t caught on and prepared tea as if nothing had happened, but Song Qiao finally understood Shen Ruoxi’s purpose.

Grasping the embroidered quilt tightly, she asked, “Has someone come from the Song family?”

“You’re truly astute, young mistress,” Shen Ruoxi smiled, showing admiration. “Master Song and madam came to visit. I overheard at the door—they seem intent on having you return to their home for a few days.”

Return to their home?

Could it be they had decided to reveal the truth?

Song Qiao struggled to sit up, barely containing her excitement. “Is the marquis present?”

“Yes,” Shen Ruoxi replied sharply. “Do you wish to see your family?”

More than just wish.

“Pei’er, inform the matriarch’s courtyard immediately. Have the master and madam come at once.”

Pei’er took the order and was about to leave when Shen Ruoxi stopped her. “Young mistress, don’t rush. The guests just arrived and won’t leave anytime soon. You’ve been unconscious for years, and many things have happened. Please give me a moment to speak.”

Everything was just speculation; though burning with anxiety, Song Qiao feared ruining things by acting hastily.

Shen Ruoxi spoke softly, “I won’t beat around the bush. When I was brought here, the Song family strongly opposed me. Now that you have awakened, Master Song will likely be even less tolerant of me. As a fellow woman, I understand your situation. But I am not one to rely on favor or behave arrogantly. The marquis and I have known each other since youth and endured many hardships to be together. For the rest of our lives, I only seek peace. You need not see me as an obstacle.”

Song Qiao was bewildered. “What exactly are you trying to say?”

“It’s done. Whether it’s divorce or separation, neither the marquis nor I will agree. If you are willing to live in harmony with me, we will be like sisters. But if the Song family insists on making trouble,” Shen Ruoxi stated firmly, “in the end, they will only entangle themselves.”

So she and Mu Yi had already reached an understanding.

The Song family held considerable influence at court, especially since Song Yuan’s elder brother had been appointed general, greatly enhancing their status. That was why a mere scholar dared to challenge Mu Yi’s attention.

A strong alliance was beneficial but also a restraint. It seemed she and Mu Yi had long planned this.

Song Qiao didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Shen Ruoxi’s pretense of negotiation was actually a firm ultimatum.

No wonder she was the granddaughter of a founding statesman—she was not to be underestimated.

“I understand your meaning. I won’t let the Song family cause trouble over this matter.”

Satisfied with the answer, Shen Ruoxi smiled. “From the moment I saw the young mistress, I knew you were intelligent.” Then she shifted her tone. “Though Linglong Pavilion is quiet and suitable for convalescence, it is remote. Furong Pavilion is still vacant. I will have it cleaned for the young mistress to stay.”

She wielded authority with a mix of kindness and command, fully embodying the role of the lady of the house.

Pei’er’s eyes lit up with enthusiasm, hoping her mistress would accept. Furong Pavilion was a prime location, just a step from the main courtyard, making it easier to meet the marquis later.

But Song Qiao declined without hesitation. Shen Ruoxi did not press the matter, saying only to inform her if needed, then took her leave.

“Why won’t you move there, young mistress?” Pei’er asked after seeing her off, seeking an explanation.

Song Qiao smiled quietly; the girl was thinking too simply.

Shen Ruoxi was not so kind-hearted. In just one conversation, she had tested her twice—first, whether she wished to return to the Song household; then, offering a new residence.

Ultimately, she sought to know if Song Qiao intended to compete for favor.

Song Qiao did not claim great intelligence, but having grown up in the inner quarters, she was accustomed to such schemes.

However, Shen Ruoxi had misjudged her. She harbored no desire for her husband. Now, she only wished to regain her freedom and reunite with her only family in this world.

The last time she saw Master Song, his tuberculosis had improved but not cured.

Her coma must have haunted him day and night. She wondered how things stood now.

But fate was not on her side. After waiting all day, the person she longed to see did not come. Instead, Mu Yi appeared in her room.