Tiao Hong's eyes grew increasingly serious. "Miss, your maid knows you have your own plans. But I only have one thing to say to you: no matter what you do, you must ensure your own safety. Then, whatever you do, your maid will help you!"
This was the difference between Tiao Hong and Xun Lu, wasn't it?
Song Chaoyu stepped forward and took Tiao Hong's hand. "You'll have to endure a little hardship these days. Make Xun Lu feel that I don't care about you that much, and she won't care about you either. Later, when this courtyard is clean, my back will be entrusted to you."
Tiao Hong nodded. "Miss, your maid understands your intentions!"
Song Chaoyu looked out the window, knowing in her heart that it was time to act!
—
For many days that followed, Song Chaoyu acted very warmly towards Zhu Zi.
At least, that's how it appeared to Xun Lu.
Although Song Chaoyu still didn't write to Zhu Zi often, their meetings became much more frequent.
Sometimes, late at night when everything was quiet, Song Chaoyu would even meet with Zhu Zi.
As their interactions continued, Zhu Zi began to develop his own ideas and even started to propose some "improper" thoughts to Song Chaoyu.
In Zhu Zi's words, it was love that ran too deep to be contained.
Song Chaoyu's consistent excuse for refusal was: "I am a daughter of the Song family. Even if I truly decided on you, we would still need to plan carefully. We cannot do anything out of line right now."
However, Song Chaoyu never refused too decisively, always stirring Zhu Zi's desires and keeping his hopes alive.
As for Song Yanrou, Song Chaoyu had also observed her.
She remained the same every day, sometimes even beaming with joy.
This proved that Zhu Zi's interactions with Song Yanrou had not ceased.
Meanwhile, Tiao Hong had also figured out Xun Lu's current thoughts.
Xun Lu had visited the First Madam's courtyard more than once or twice.
Tiao Hong had followed her on two occasions, and on another occasion, Tiao Hong had personally seen Xun Lu meet with the First Madam's personal maid. Hiding by the wall, Tiao Hong had also overheard snippets of their gossip.
However, Tiao Hong was certain that Xun Lu had already informed the First Madam about the "interactions" between Song Chaoyu and Zhu Zi.
The First Madam was also preparing to find an opportunity to properly "punish" Song Chaoyu, preferably by sending her directly to the estate!
But since Xun Lu had not found any concrete evidence, the First Madam naturally wouldn't act rashly.
Hearing this, Song Chaoyu felt no surprise at all.
However, as she worked on arranging flowers, she accidentally snipped off a branch that wasn't entirely superfluous. "I understand the First Madam's intentions. If I can be dealt with, then she can control my concubine at will. Currently, our Painting Academy is like an impenetrable fortress, and her people cannot infiltrate it. But if I make a mistake, she can seize the opportunity to arrange for people to enter the Painting Academy. At that time, my concubine and the child in her womb would be at her mercy, wouldn't they?"
Seeing Song Chaoyu like this, Tiao Hong sighed. "The First Madam was worried that our concubine's son would replace Eldest Brother's position. But now that Eldest Brother has woken up, why is she still unwilling to let us go?"
Song Chaoyu's eyes darkened slightly. "Once twisted desires in a person's heart begin to run wild, and all their plans are in place, how can they easily give up? Moreover, in this vast Song family, it's not just the First Madam who is watching my concubine and her child."
Song Chaoyu gave a cold smile. "Now the First Madam is waiting for an opportunity, waiting for something to happen between Zhu Zi and me, so she can logically have Father deal with me. You watch, something big is about to happen in our Song family! As soon as I show the slightest hint, Xun Lu will be the first double-dealer. But I've almost finished acting this scene."
Discarding the now-damaged flower arrangement, Song Chaoyu stood up. "Go call Xun Lu over."
—
Xun Lu came to Song Chaoyu's place with great joy. Upon entering, she asked Song Chaoyu, "Does Miss want to see Zhu Zi again?"
Song Chaoyu nodded, glancing shyly at Xun Lu. "Go tell Zhu Zi that this time... we will meet later. Have him choose a quiet time and place, and be sure not to let anyone else know. You must be careful, do you understand?"
The joy was almost overflowing from Xun Lu's eyes.
Song Chaoyu did not forget to instruct Xun Lu. "Have him send me messages using the old method, and don't write the time and place too clearly. He is exceptionally talented; I believe he can do it! Hurry back, I'm afraid I can't let such a good match go to someone else!"
Xun Lu nodded repeatedly and then happily ran out.
In just a moment, she presented Song Chaoyu with a poem written by Zhu Zi himself on a handkerchief.
The handkerchief still carried a strong fragrance, and the poem was filled with endless tender affection: "Dragon gold adorns kingfisher feathers, with phoenix as the head, setting off lotus flowers with double jade hooks. At midnight, the moon rises high over jade peaks, water murmurs down the winding corridor. Through flowered paths, ascend the small building, leaving behind faint dust and narrow imprints for others to lament."
Such a poem made Song Chaoyu feel nauseous.
But in front of Xun Lu, she had to suppress her disgust and carefully put away the handkerchief, deliberately smiling. "So, it's in the wooden bridge culvert under the waterside pavilion's corridor in the backyard at midnight! I understand. Xun Lu, go find me the most vibrant dress. None of you are allowed to follow me tonight; I'll go by myself!"
Xun Lu's eyes darted around, and she happily agreed.
Song Chaoyu, meanwhile, sat before her dressing table. While Xun Lu was fetching clothes, she handed the handkerchief to Tiao Hong and quietly said, "Take this handkerchief to Third Sister."
Tiao Hong left the Painting Academy silently with the handkerchief. Song Chaoyu also looked at the sky outside. "It's still early today. I need to visit Third Sister. Help me prepare what I need, and then you can go about your business. I want to do my own makeup today."
Xun Lu was eager for the time, smiling so widely her mouth almost couldn't close.
Song Chaoyu, carrying the recipe that Fan Jiangyue had long prepared for her, went alone to Song Yanrou's courtyard. Midway, she met Tiao Hong and told her that the items had already been delivered.
Since Song Yanrou was still under house arrest, she hadn't expected Song Chaoyu to visit so suddenly.
Upon entering, Song Chaoyu saw Song Yanrou beaming with joy.
Song Yanrou couldn't hide the happiness at the corners of her mouth but still spoke coolly to Song Chaoyu. "Why have you come?"
Song Chaoyu smiled. "I thought you must be bored to death under house arrest here, Sister. I didn't expect to see you in such good spirits. It seems that Grandmother asking me to come here to keep you company was a wasted effort!"