Chapter 130: Various Ambitious Souls Losing Their Way

In grand households, unsavory affairs typically unfold in the rear quarters—this was a widely accepted truth. Schemes to climb the social ladder were endless; some girls, with ambitions as lofty as the sky but lives as fragile as paper, would risk their reputations for a better future.

Take, for example, the banquet at the Song residence.

It was also an opportunity for some young ladies to “advance” themselves.

The arrival of princes and noble sons was something that could not be concealed. There were always those who managed to find out and anticipate such occasions. When the chance presented itself, would one fight for it or not?

Of course, one must fight. To become a prince’s concubine was an honor beyond words.

Thus, at the Moon Gate leading to the male guests’ banquet, two young ladies were quietly intercepted by servants—secret guards who made no fuss, only saying, “This is the gentlemen’s area.” The ladies could only obediently withdraw without a word.

After all, mere contact was one thing; if one made a scene before even making contact, it would be courting death.

Similarly, several young noblemen were stopped. “Hey, you’re drunk. Come, come, come, we have a special place for you to sober up. It’s not the place for meeting ladies.”

These groups were inwardly fuming, stomping their feet in frustration. The Song Prime Minister’s mansion was an impenetrable fortress, not a single loophole to exploit. It was almost impossible to sneak in.

A few of the princes, having some insight, suspected the tailing guards were there precisely to keep them in check.

The Second Prince, Chu Hongkun, felt an itch as if clawed by a cat—both sour and ticklish. He couldn’t help but stop and glance back at the people following him.

“Third Master Song, Your Highness may explore on your own. There is no need for you to be accompanied,” one said.

Song Lingzhao grinned broadly. “Guests are guests, and the Second Prince is a distinguished guest indeed. How could I let you wander the mansion alone? If outsiders find out, wouldn’t they laugh at the Prime Minister’s household for its lack of etiquette? Please, explore at your leisure and pretend I do not exist—I’ll listen to your orders from afar. Oh, but please don’t go past that gate. I heard my grandmother is there with a group of ladies watching a play.”

Chu Hongkun was speechless.

He sighed deeply, bitterness swelling in his chest.

Even his own mother, the Consort, did not wholeheartedly seek a suitable match for him. With his background, the only way to rise was to rely on a powerful wife’s family—like the Song Prime Minister’s mansion.

He glanced toward the rear courtyard, his gaze darkening.

Sigh.

Meanwhile, at the Yongping Marquis’s mansion, Third Master Shen Ming, along with the Fourth Prince Chu Hongqing, had finally shaken off their persistent tail, Chu Lingjie, and arrived at a small hill on the back mountain.

“Fourth Prince, see that waterside pavilion over by Moon Lake? It’s where the noble ladies gather. From this small path, you can get there,” Shen Ming said, wiping sweat from his brow.

“Is Miss Song the Second there?” Chu Hongqing asked.

“Naturally. As you know, there are only three young ladies in the Song household. The eldest is already married, the Second Miss is at the prime of her youth, and the Third Miss is only eight years old. She surely entertains those noble ladies.”

Chu Hongqing’s heart burned with passion. “Let’s go.”

He had to make sure the Second Miss saw him.

As they descended along the path, just as they were about to leave the artificial rockery, someone suddenly appeared.

“Hey, Fourth Prince, Third Master Shen, are you lost? I told you, the Song mansion is vast. Without a guide, it’s easy to get lost. See? Wasn’t I right?” Song Lingjie smiled and waved cheerfully. “Come with me, I’ll take you back.”

Chu Hongqing was speechless.

Shen Ming was inwardly fuming.

As if we need you to lead the way!

Elsewhere, Chu Hong listened to whispered words from his companions and sneered, “One or two fools, thinking the Prime Minister’s residence is that easy to infiltrate?”

Truly, the ancestress is fierce. Everyone, please remember to bookmark: The Ancestress is Truly Fierce, Absolute Tang Sect updates the fastest.