Chapter Thirty-Six: The Unreliable Fourth Son of the Song Family

Madam Lu stumbled away from the Hall of Spring Radiance, her heart filled with dread. She couldn’t shake the feeling that Song Ci’s words had been meant for her, a subtle warning in disguise.

Had Song Ci known what her daughter-in-law was thinking, she would probably have slammed her fist on the table in exasperation. Some people just loved to let their imaginations run wild, casting themselves in roles that existed only in their own minds.

Unable to fathom the changes in Song Ci, Madam Lu decided to seek answers from someone who might understand her better. This led to another encounter with the First Lady of the Song family.

The First Lady hesitated briefly before saying, “Imperial Physician Lu has already explained. Mother’s stroke has changed her temperament somewhat, and we can only accommodate her wishes now.”

Madam Lu frowned. The First Lady took a delicate sip of tea, glanced sidelong at her sister-in-law, and said, “Mother’s memory isn’t what it used to be. She no longer brings up those unpleasant matters from the past.”

Madam Lu choked back her discomfort, forcing a strained smile as she raised her teacup to hide her embarrassment.

The First Lady didn’t linger on the subject, instead changing the topic with a smile. “Mother has always been thoughtful. You should take some rest yourself. Li Changsheng has already gone to the dock to meet Fourth Young Master and the others. They should arrive by late afternoon, and tonight’s family banquet will be at the Hall of Spring Radiance. Just bring the children along when you come.”

Madam Lu nodded with a polite smile.

…

Tongtian Dock.

A government vessel drew slowly alongside the pier, and a stream of elegantly dressed nobles began to disembark.

“Fourth Master, Young Master!” called a steward in official livery, spotting two young gentlemen and eagerly waving to catch their attention.

The two young men hurried over. One was about fifteen or sixteen, the other a couple of years younger, perhaps thirteen or fourteen. They were none other than Song Zhiyu, the beloved Fourth Young Master of the Song family, and Song Lingsu, the legitimate eldest son of the current Right Chancellor.

Those who recognized them quickly stepped forward to pay their respects, eager to curry favor or retreat to avoid any offense.

Song Zhiyu, shedding his usual air of idle arrogance and playfulness, asked the steward with urgency, “Li Changsheng, how is my mother now?”

Song Lingsu’s face was equally anxious; both looked pale, clearly having been worried sick since receiving the news.

Li Changsheng reassured them, “Please don’t worry, Fourth Master. The Dowager has already awakened. She’s eating well, sleeping soundly—she’s in very good spirits.”

Song Zhiyu finally let out a sigh of relief, but still fixed Li Changsheng with a stern look. “Are you telling the truth? Don’t you dare try to placate me with sweet words. If I find out you’re lying, you’ll pay for it.”

Li Changsheng clutched his chest in mock alarm. “Oh, Fourth Master, even if you offered me a thousand wild beasts’ courage, I wouldn’t dare deceive you!”

At this, Song Lingsu added, “Fourth Uncle, Grandmother must be truly well. They wouldn’t dare lie to us about such a thing.”

Song Zhiyu snorted at his nephew’s retort. “Whose side are you on? I’m your fourth uncle, remember?”

Song Lingsu was left speechless.

Yes, you are. You’re that unreasonable fourth uncle of mine.

“I know they wouldn’t dare deceive us,” Song Zhiyu replied, smacking his lips. “But I’m just reminding him—never try to fool me, not now, not ever.” He paused, then added, “Even though Mother is all right, I can’t rest easy until I see her myself. She must have fallen ill from worrying about me, her dearest youngest son. Li Changsheng, bring out a horse. I’ll ride back myself. Only when I see her well with my own eyes will I be at ease.”

Li Changsheng hurried to have a horse brought over.

Song Zhiyu swung himself onto the horse with practiced ease. “A’Sù, you take the carriage. Your fourth uncle will go ahead. Hyah!” With a flick of his whip, he galloped off, his attendants scrambling to keep up.

Covered in dust, Song Lingsu’s face darkened. He should have known his fourth uncle was unreliable—once again, he was the one left behind.