Chapter 111

Chapter 111

Jiang Chun and Zhong Wenjin escorted Madam Xiao and the others to the flower hall before returning to fetch the rest of the guests.

Before long, the first floor of the flower hall was filled with quite a few young ladies.

They gathered in small groups, whispering among themselves.

A lady dressed in a peach-red gold-woven satin jacket whispered, "Have you heard? Yesterday, Madam Song argued with Old Lady Song and, in a fit of anger, climbed onto the roof and sat there.

Master Song and Lady Song tried to persuade her for over an hour, but she refused to come down until Old Lady Song offered to compensate her with a thousand taels of silver."

The Song family’s former servants had been sold to distant places. Although Song Shian had borrowed help from Crown Prince Li Junxing, he had only managed to retrieve a small portion of them.

As for those sold to the far north or the deep south, it wasn’t worth the trouble to search for them across great distances.

Therefore, the current servants of the Song family were mostly those Madame Zhuang had urgently purchased from outside, as the family was in desperate need of manpower.

They couldn’t risk hiring people who didn’t know the rules, as that would only add to the chaos. Thus, Madame Zhuang could only select those who had experience working in official households.

For example, Gui Zhi and Gui Ye, who were by Jiang Chun's side, had previously worked for a retired high-ranking official. Hence, they not only understood proper etiquette but were also literate.

The advantage of this approach was that the newly purchased servants could be put to work immediately without needing to be taught from scratch, which saved a great deal of time and effort.

The downside was that these people were mostly acquainted with servants from other official families, and many of them were even relatives. As a result, whenever something happened in the Song family, the news spread quickly.

And as it spread, the story often became distorted.

The lady sitting next to her in an apricot-colored embroidered short jacket immediately chimed in, "I heard, I heard. It was such a big commotion that I couldn’t help but hear about it.

Sigh, who doesn’t know Old Lady Song?

She’s famously strict with rules and traditions. For Madam Song to clash with her was like an egg trying to smash a rock.

Yet, Madam Song actually won…

Tsk, it seems Madam Song is quite capable."

Another lady dressed in a sapphire blue cross-collared short jacket scoffed disdainfully, "Capable? What kind of capability is climbing walls and sitting on roofs?

She’s just relying on her status as the wife of Young Master Song. The Song family can’t divorce her, so she feels bold enough to throw tantrums."

The red-clad lady sighed enviously, "Just think about it. She was a countryside pig butcher girl, yet she managed to marry someone like Young Master Song, who is exceptional in appearance, talent, and character.

It’s like she hit the jackpot!"

Another lady, who had been silent until now and was wearing a pink standing-collar embroidered long jacket, also couldn’t help but comment, "It’s true what they say—different people, different fates!"

Which of these young ladies hadn’t once dreamed of marrying Song Shian, the pride of the Song family, when they were still unmarried? Who didn’t envy Cheng Wenyuan’s good fortune?

But as the saying goes, the heavens are unpredictable. The Song family was suddenly raided, and the Cheng family hastily broke off the engagement in a panic.

Then, when Prince Yan was named Crown Prince, the Song family was exonerated, and Song Shian returned to the capital with his pig butcher wife, whom he had married in the countryside.

Now, they all turned their envy toward Jiang Chun’s good fortune.

As they chatted, the topic inevitably shifted to Cheng Wenyuan.

The red-clad lady said, "I thought with Miss Cheng’s strong-willed nature, she’d never agree to marry that butcher-born Fan the Butcher."

The lady in deep blue clothes spoke bluntly, "What can be done if she doesn't agree? After such a scandal, marrying Fan the Butcher would be the only way to save face.

If she doesn't, not only will her own reputation be completely ruined, but the reputation of the other young ladies in the Cheng family will be dragged down too."

The lady in pink spoke evasively, "There's something strange about Eldest Miss Cheng's situation from beginning to end, but unfortunately, we don't know the inside story and don't dare to speculate."

Since they were originally close friends, they wouldn't be sitting together otherwise.

Although they said they didn't dare to talk nonsense, in reality, they dared to say anything.

Some speculated that Eldest Miss Cheng had peculiar tastes and happened to like 'rough' men like Fan the Butcher, who was strong and robust. Others thought that Eldest Miss Cheng was forced into the marriage by her family and deliberately caused the scandal to ruin the family's reputation. There were also those who suspected that Eldest Miss Cheng was framed, with the intention of helping someone else's wife.

The first two speculations were one thing, but the last one, everyone knew exactly who it referred to.

The lady in red retorted, "It's unlikely. Even if Eldest Miss Cheng orchestrated the incident where Lady Zhang deliberately provoked her, at the end of the day, it was just an argument. Would anyone really ruin someone's reputation over something so trivial? That's too much."

The previously silent lady in pink finally spoke up, "An argument? You're thinking too simply. Eldest Miss Cheng's schemes go far beyond this."

Since this lady's husband worked in the Imperial Guards, everyone understood from her tone that she knew the inside story and immediately began to flatter her, coaxing her to reveal the truth.

After basking in her friends' praise, the lady in pink lowered her voice and continued, "Do you know where Fan the Butcher recently bought his new house?"

The other three shook their heads.

The lady in pink said mysteriously, "It's quite a coincidence. His new house was bought on Shengping Street, and the neighbor next door is the Jiang family."

The other three widened their eyes in surprise.

After a long silence, the blue-clad lady snorted and laughed, "No wonder she ended up with a butcher. It turns out the butcher was actually meant for Madam Song."

They were not fools, and after hearing the lady in pink's words, they immediately understood the intricacies of the situation.

If Eldest Miss Cheng, or rather the Cheng family, planned to use Fan the Butcher to seduce Madam Song, once Song Shian found out, it made perfect sense that he would turn the tables and match Eldest Miss Cheng with Fan the Butcher.

The lady in apricot-colored clothes sneered, "The Cheng family really has no shame. They are too self-important, thinking Young Master Song has no temper.

In my opinion, even if they had successfully schemed against Madam Song, Young Master Song would never take a former fiancée who broke off the engagement as his second wife."

The blue-clad lady agreed, "Exactly, Young Master Song is such a cold and proud person, how could he endure such humiliation?"

The lady in pink said calmly, "Money talks. Besides Young Master Song's own promising future, the Song family is also flourishing. Even if Eldest Miss Cheng wasn't tempted, her family would be."

After this remark, there was a silence, and no one spoke again.

Because they too couldn't help but be tempted.

With such an exceptional match and such a prestigious family, who wouldn't be tempted?

The difference was that while they only dared to secretly yearn in the dead of night, if the Cheng family felt tempted, they would scheme and act.

And then they received their comeuppance.

After a long silence, the lady in pink finally spoke, "What I say stays between us. Make sure not to spread it."

The others readily agreed.

Within days, the news spread throughout the wealthy and noble households of the Imperial City.

Of course, that's another story.

*

Jiang Chun was chatting with Princess Xinchang.

Although the Song family had sent an invitation to Princess Xinchang's mansion, it was unlikely that she would attend. Princess Xinchang rarely went out and hardly participated in any banquets throughout the year, so it was uncertain whether she would come today.

Unexpectedly, she did come, and quite early at that.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Jiang Chun smiled and said, "I got a set of mahjong from abroad and was thinking of sending it to you, Princess. But I thought you might be too busy with the holiday celebrations, so I didn’t dare to disturb you."

Princess Xinchang raised her eyebrows and asked, "What is mahjong?"

Jiang Chun smiled and replied, "It’s a fun game that you can play just for enjoyment or with small wagers. It’s quite interesting."

Pausing for a moment, she added, "My second sister-in-law helped me purchase it from a foreign merchant. We only managed to buy two sets.

It’s because she is familiar with those foreign merchants. If it were someone else, even if they offered a large sum of money, those foreign merchants might not sell it to them."

Jiang Chun seized the chance to give credit to Zhong Wenjin, who had helped her get the mahjong.

Once the mahjong was delivered to Princess Xinchang's mansion and played a few times, it would become well-known.

By then, the noblewomen in the capital would definitely come to Zhong Wenjin to place orders.

Well, it looks like a celebrity endorsement is in the making.

Princess Xinchang huffed lightly, "Such a good thing, is it worth your exaggeration?"

After a moment, she coughed lightly and said, "After the Winter Solstice banquet is over, bring the mahjong to me personally."

Jiang Chun grinned and said, "Of course I’ll bring it personally. I also need to teach you how to play mahjong."

Princess Xinchang was finally satisfied.

Just as Jiang Chun was about to retreat and continue attending to other young ladies, Princess Xinchang spoke again, "I heard that Princess Jincheng and Princess Fortunes fought over you?"

Jiang Chun: "???"

She immediately took a step back.

One can eat recklessly, but one must not speak nonsense.

What do you mean they fought over me? If anyone heard this, they might think something inappropriate.

Don’t think that people in ancient times didn’t understand this. They understood it very well.

Ancient people even coined terms like 'passion for the sleeve' and 'pleasure of the mirror' to describe such relationships.

She hurriedly denied it, "No, no, no…"

She almost blurted out the word "nonsense," but fortunately, she reacted in time to stop herself.

The other person was a princess, of noble status, so she couldn’t say that the princess was talking nonsense.

Jiang Chun considered her words and added a few more, "say that."

Seeing Jiang Chun's strange expression and her hesitant speech, Princess Xinchang frowned and pondered for a moment, causing her mouth to twitch.

What kind of improper thoughts does this girl have?!

Has she been reading too many scandalous stories?

Isn't Song Shian going to discipline her?

She replied, sounding annoyed, "Both of them want to punish you, and neither is willing to back down. They even fought over it—isn't that the truth?"

Jiang Chun grinned, "If you put it like that, then yes, it is indeed the truth."

After a pause, she said innocently, "When it comes to this matter, I am truly wronged.

The imperial consort had someone lead the two of us sisters-in-law to the plum garden in the imperial garden to appreciate the plum blossoms. It was clearly empty when we arrived, but Princess Jincheng claimed she had rented out the plum garden and that our presence was an offense to her. She ordered the nanny to give each of us forty slaps as punishment.

Princess Fortunes was even more absurd. I ate a plate of jujube paste and yam cake in the East Palace and found it delicious, so I asked the imperial consort for another plate. She sent someone to the imperial kitchen to bring another plate.

But then Princess Fortunes accused me of stealing the jujube paste and yam cake meant for Consort De and wanted to drag me to Consort De to confess my crime.

I am truly... at a loss for words.

When someone wants to pin something on you, they'll always find a way. I think from now on, I should visit the palace less. If I can't provoke them, I can at least avoid them."

In any case, Song Shian told her not to enter the palace recently, so what she said wasn't exactly a lie.

Princess Xinchang snorted with a smile, "Since you said that those who wish to blame you will find a way, do you think staying away from the palace will help you avoid their trouble?"

Jiang Chun pouted and said with a aggrieved expression, "What else can I do? I can't very well beat them up, can I? Assaulting a member of the royal family isn't exactly a minor crime, is it?"

Princess Xinchang, like a witch luring an innocent girl, whispered devilishly, "Simple. As long as you acknowledge me as your godmother, with me protecting you, who would dare to bully you?"

Jiang Chun: "..."

At thirty years old, she was being asked to call a thirty-year-old woman her godmother, who would also be the godmother of her nineteen-year-old self.

That would mean that Song Shian, at twenty-four, would also have to call her godmother.

Was that reasonable?

Princess, shouldn't you consider how absurd this sounds?

So, you're not actually a fan of Song Shian, but rather a motherly admirer?

Even so-called 'mother fans' are just nominal, not like you who wants to be his actual godmother!

Before Jiang Chun could open her mouth to refuse, Princess Xinchang said calmly, "Don't rush to refuse. Think it over carefully. After all, this is such a rare opportunity, and once it's gone, it's gone.

I know you are strong and are learning martial arts from Coach Yu. Ordinary people are no match for you.

But Song Shian is the dream of all the young ladies in the capital. Countless young ladies yearn for him. The conflicts between noblewomen can't always be resolved with brute force.

Moreover, some of them are of noble birth, and there is an inherent gap in status between you and them. Whether you're in the right or not, using brute force against someone of higher status is a grave offense."

Jiang Chun fell silent.

Princess Xinchang's words were indeed reasonable. She could casually fight with someone like Lady Zhang or Lady Wang, who were of similar status, and at most, the consequence would be a visit to apologize.

But she could never strike someone like Princess Jincheng or Princess Fortunes, who were of royal blood.

If she did, the consequences would be dire.

If Crown Prince Li Junxing had already ascended the throne and Song Shian had become the powerful Prime Minister, even if she had beaten a princess or Princess Fortunes, she would not be punished, at most receiving a verbal reprimand.

But the old emperor was still alive.

If I dared to beat his daughter and his niece, he would definitely punish me severely to maintain the dignity of the royal family.

Even if Song Shian pleaded on my behalf, it might not make a difference.

After all, the Crown Prince's position is not yet stable, with the third prince lurking around, constantly running to the old emperor to file complaints against him.

As the brother-in-law of the Crown Prince, Song Shian wouldn't receive any special treatment from the old emperor.

But things would be different if I were to acknowledge Princess Xincheng as my godmother.

Princess Xincheng is the old emperor's own sister, and they are a full thirty years apart in age. It can be said that the old emperor watched her grow up, treating her like both a sister and a daughter.

Once I acknowledge her as my godmother, my status will rise accordingly, making me a semi-royal lady.

Then, if I were to beat a princess or a county lady, it would just be a fight between ladies of the royal family, without any implication of insubordination.

This would finally allow me the freedom to beat anyone I want.

The prospect was truly tempting...

Jiang Chun almost couldn't resist the temptation and was about to kneel down and call her godmother.

A ten-year difference isn't a big deal. As long as Princess Xincheng can save face, even if she were younger than me but insisted on making me her goddaughter, I wouldn't have a problem with it.

Isn't there a saying that goes, "After all, 'a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush'"?

However, Jiang Chun couldn't make such a big decision without consulting Song Shian first.

So, she hedged her answer: "This is a big decision, and I can't make up my mind right away. Please give me a few days to think about it, Your Highness."

Princess Xincheng smiled kindly: "Of course, take your time to consider."

She could clearly see that this was just an excuse, and in reality, Jiang Chun needed time to consult Song Shian.

Princess Xincheng smiled slyly.

In fact, whether or not Song Shian agreed wasn't really the issue. As long as Song Shian wasn't foolish, with such a rare opportunity presented to his wife, he wouldn't reject it.

Hmph, many would be honored to be my goddaughter.

They'd better not be ungrateful...

Otherwise, I'll just persuade them a few more times.

*

As it turned out, Princess Xincheng's understanding of her idol was quite profound.

In the evening, after Song Shian finished his work, Jiang Chun immediately brought up the matter to him.

Song Shian's eye twitched, and his expression became quite strange.

Princess Xincheng wanted to adopt Jiang Chun as her goddaughter? This had never happened in his previous life.

Jiang Chun had actually caught her eye?

But there were so many benefits to this that he really had no reason to refuse.

Still, given that Jiang Chun is about ten years older than Princess Xincheng, calling her godmother wouldn't seem too out of place.

But she is only six years older than I am. It’s a bit embarrassing to call someone just six years older than me my godmother.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, then forced out, “I suppose it’s doable.”

Although it was a bit embarrassing, he thought he could put up with it so that Jiang Chun wouldn’t be wronged.

“Ah?” Jiang Chun exclaimed.

She had thought she would have to persuade him for a long time before he agreed to this. After all, Song Shian had a cold and arrogant personality. The act of recognizing the Princess Xinchang as his godmother—such a blatant attempt to curry favor—was something he would definitely disdain and not allow her to do either.

To her surprise, he agreed without hesitation.

This made Jiang Chun instinctively reach up to check his forehead and mutter to herself, “He doesn’t have a fever, though…”

Song Shian: "..."

He pulled her hand down from his forehead, held it in his, and said with a smile, “Don’t curse your husband, saying I have a fever for no reason.”

Jiang Chun looked at him askance. “If you’re not sick, why did you agree so easily to me recognizing Princess Xinchang as my godmother?”

Song Shian brought her hand to his lips, kissed the back of it, and chuckled softly, “Why wouldn’t I agree? There are only benefits and no downsides for you to recognize her as your godmother.”

Jiang Chun weakly said, “But she’s only six years older than you, husband...”

Song Shian chuckled. “So what? In the previous dynasty, there was a high-ranking official in his fifties who recognized a thirty-year-old eunuch in control of the court as his godfather. At least Princess Xinchang is older than us.”

Jiang Chun: "..."

He made a good point, and she couldn’t refute it.

She looked at him askance and said with a grin, “If you put it that way, husband, then I really will recognize Princess Xinchang as my godmother, alright?”

Song Shian became serious and said, “Recognizing a godmother is a big deal and cannot be taken lightly. Tomorrow, you should inform Mother about this and let her handle the ceremony.”

Jiang Chun nodded. “Alright.”

Then she gloated, “Wow, if I really do become Princess Xinchang’s goddaughter, won’t I be able to strut around both inside and outside the palace?”

“I’ll really be able to conquer the world, won’t I?”

Song Shian twitched the corner of his mouth, reached out, and scraped her little nose, saying with a smile, “Be careful. If Princess Xinchang gets tired of cleaning up after you, she might kick you out.”

“No way,” Jiang Chun said confidently, “The princess likes me a lot. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have taken the initiative to propose making me her goddaughter.”

Before Song Shian could respond, she added in a low voice, “Do you think the princess might have an interest in women and have ulterior motives for me, which is why she wants to take me as her goddaughter?”

Song Shian: "..."

Silence fell like the osmanthus tree on this quiet night.

After a long while, he said helplessly, “Stop thinking about such strange things. Thank goodness the princess wasn’t here, or she’d have been furious!”

Apart from being obsessed with his calligraphy and having a somewhat unreliable personality, Princess Xinchang didn’t have any bad habits.

The thought of her having an interest in women—Jiang Chun really knew how to come up with things!

Jiang Chun still felt uneasy and asked again, “Princess Xinchang really doesn’t have an interest in women?”

Song Shian said resolutely, "No."

In his previous life, the Crown Prince's secret guards were directly under his command, and he knew many confidential matters of the royal family, none of which included Princess Xinchang having a preference for mirror-polishing.

Jiang Chun felt completely relieved.

After all, when someone starts being overly nice, they're either up to something or after something.

She leaned into Song Shian's arms, lifted her eyelids, and looked into his eyes, smiling as she asked, "Husband, is your wife really that adorable?"

Princess Xinchang certainly didn't want to adopt her as a daughter just because she was adorable.

She clearly had her eye on Song Shian and wanted to be his biggest fan—his "mom fan."

But that didn't matter.

Song Shian glanced at her big, round eyes, straight nose, and full lips, then nodded. "You really are adorable, wife."

Jiang Chun's face immediately bloomed with a smile, cupped her own cheeks, and giggled, "Oh wow, what can I say? How did I end up with such a cute face that everyone adores?"

I wish I could be more low-key, like someone who blends into a crowd, but apparently, that's not my destiny.

Alas, life is just so helpless.

Song Shian was left speechless.

Unable to hold back, he burst out laughing.

"You," he said, poking Jiang Chun's cheek with his slender finger, laughing helplessly, "Luckily, we're not dining right now, or I would definitely lose my composure."

Jiang Chun said nonchalantly, "Losing composure is no big deal; I won't judge you for it."

If I really found fault with you, I wouldn't be kissing you at all.

Song Shian pulled her into his arms, feeling warmth in his heart. "You're so good to me, wife."

Jiang Chun grinned, "Of course! How great am I? I even got you a godmother who's only six years older than you!"

Song Shian was left speechless.

"Let's not count that one, okay?"