Chapter Ninety-Nine: An Arrow Pierced the Heart

Wang Qiuman was taken by Song Ruqi to her Floating Melody Pavilion, and naturally, Song Ci and the others found out.

Madam Wei let out a sigh of relief and said, “It’s a bit unexpected that this child gets along so well with Qi’er.”

Song Ci replied, “Why? Is she usually very introverted? I think she seems quite composed.”

Madam Wei leaned slightly to the side, looking at Song Ci as she said, “Old sister, we’ve known each other for a long time; there’s no need to hide it from you. I suppose you’ve already inquired about my grandniece’s situation.”

“She’s an orphan, isn’t she?”

A flicker of bitterness and sorrow crossed Madam Wei’s face as she nodded. “She is my maternal uncle’s granddaughter and comes from an official family. Her father was the prefect of Huzhou. Six years ago, during an official trip to the countryside, my nephew was ambushed by bandits and lost his life. Upon hearing the news, her mother died of grief on the spot.”

“So deeply in love?” Song Ci’s eyes widened as she swallowed hard. To die for love—that takes immense courage.

“Indeed. She fulfilled her own vow of loyalty but never considered how difficult life would be for little Qiuman left behind.” Madam Wei wiped away a tear. “After her parents passed, she lived with her grandfather. Two years ago, my old brother also passed away, leaving her truly all alone.”

“So, the family line is completely extinct?” All gone except for her. Such a fate is not just tragic—it’s a living testament to hardship in ancient times.

“Exactly.” Madam Wei glanced at her awkwardly. “Old sister, I know Qiuman’s background is troubled, and she’s not the ideal choice for a daughter-in-law. But I brought her here for you to see, partly out of selfish hope that she might find a good family and a home, and partly because I truly believe she’s a fine girl—intelligent and sharp.”

Song Ci tugged at the corner of her mouth and sipped her tea. “She’s seventeen now, right? My fourth son is only sixteen.”

Madam Wei’s expression was unreadable as she smiled. “A daughter older by a year is considered a treasure. Didn’t you marry three years older than the old master? Look at how well you all live now—endless wealth and glory, and your eldest son is still the prime minister.”

Song Ci scoffed, “How can you compare me to that old man? I was a child bride, there was no choice. But my fourth son wasn’t; he was born with a silver spoon and has never known hardship. Besides, he said he wants a wife with exceptional beauty.”

Wang Qiuman was well-shaped and had a pleasant face, steady and poised, but she still seemed a bit short of Song Zhiyu’s high standards of beauty.

“Heh, those who rely on beauty for influence eventually lose both when beauty fades. Besides, the lady of the house doesn’t need to be a great beauty. What matters most is managing the household competently, being virtuous and capable enough to run the home smoothly. My grandniece, I’m not boasting, aside from her unfortunate background, is top-notch at managing affairs. Do you know, even though she’s the only one left, she has guarded every asset left by her parents and grandfather.”

Song Ci raised an eyebrow. “Guarded everything?”

If that’s true, she must be quite resourceful and resolute. After all, as an orphan without siblings, to protect such wealth single-handedly would require a remarkably clever mind and a calculating heart.

“Of course.” Madam Wei looked proud. “When my niece-in-law married my nephew, her dowry alone was thirty to forty thousand taels. She knew how to manage it, and over the years it has doubled to several tens of thousands, not to mention my nephew’s family assets. Can you imagine how many people have their eyes on that fortune? But do you want to know how Qiuman handled it?”

Song Ci licked her lips. How she did it, she didn’t know. All she knew was that her heart had been pierced with a sharp pang. A young girl barely out of high school was already a little wealthy lady. It was enough to make anyone feel envious.

The legendary matriarch truly is extraordinary. Please, everyone, save this story: The Legendary Matriarch Is Truly Extraordinary. The Unrivaled Tang Sect updates at the fastest pace.