These words were not only surprising to Concubine Liu, but even to Song Chaoyu.
Could Song Yuan, a man so cold and detached, ever develop an attachment to anyone?
The Old Madam smiled at their questioning eyes. "Yuan'er is a heartless man, but he is not without a heart. Perhaps, for him, what he cannot obtain is always the best. When you all used to surround him, he never cherished what was before him."
The Old Madam, being Song Yuan's mother, saw many things with clarity.
She was now very fond of Concubine Liu. "Most of the affairs in this manor are managed by you. Unlike the First Madam, you never obstruct him. Your greatest wisdom is that you can do everything perfectly. After managing everything properly, you not only ensure Yuan'er lives comfortably but also grant him the greatest freedom, something the former First Madam could not achieve."
Song Chaoyu believed her concubine aunt had such capabilities.
The Old Madam now also held Concubine Liu in high regard. "Furthermore, you have never acted recklessly just because you have authority within the manor, which is also something others cannot do. I believe Yuan'er now entrusts all household matters to you, likely feeling more at ease than before!"
It was rare for the Old Madam to praise someone so highly, and Concubine Liu blushed slightly.
The Old Madam sighed. "So please return quickly! It has been many years since I last saw him so restless. Now that you always stay at the Prince Chang's manor, it's not good for people outside to talk. However, if you truly are unwilling to return, I can speak with him and let you stay a while longer. But you must eventually face this vast manor, mustn't you?" The Old Madam's words had hit the mark.
Song Chaoyu looked at Concubine Liu, only to find her expression calm.
Before Song Chaoyu could say anything, Concubine Liu stepped forward and knelt before the Old Madam.
The Old Madam was startled by her kneeling. "What are you doing?"
She tried to help Concubine Liu up, but Concubine Liu refused. "This concubine knows that the Old Madam has always been very good to me. This concubine is grateful to the Old Madam, but please allow this concubine to speak a word, won't you?"
The Old Madam felt uneasy and looked at Song Chaoyu. "What is happening today?"
Even Song Chaoyu gently shook her head at the Old Madam. "Grandmother, please listen to Aunt's words!"
The Old Madam finally nodded, allowing Concubine Liu to continue.
Concubine Liu's eyes reddened slightly as she spoke with determination, "Actually, this concubine has returned this time to seek a favor from the Old Madam. I wish to ask you... to release this concubine from the Song manor!"
"What?!"
Upon hearing this, the Old Madam did not even understand what Concubine Liu meant. "What do you mean, release you from the Song manor? How can you be released from the Song manor?"
Concubine Liu gave a bitter smile. "This concubine knows her status is humble and does not expect anything else. I only ask for a letter of divorce from the Master, to be divorced from the Song manor, and this concubine will be content!"
"Are you mad?!"
Even the Old Madam, a seasoned person who had lived so many years, had never heard a concubine say such a thing.
She was utterly shocked. "Do you know what you are saying?! Nothing like this has ever happened in this world! You have committed no wrongdoing, so how can Yuan'er divorce you? Moreover, you are a concubine; even if you were to leave the manor, you wouldn't need a letter of divorce!"
The Old Madam's words were all correct, but they made Concubine Liu feel even more desolate.
So Concubine Liu slowly said, "Actually, this concubine has long regretted it. Although life on the estate was a bit difficult, at least one was happy. But after returning to the Song family, everything changed. This concubine wanted her child to have a better life, but in doing so, she also caused Ah Yu so much suffering. This concubine always held onto hope, hoping her lord would be a responsible person, a good husband, and a good father. Unfortunately... he is not."
Even the Old Madam could not refute Concubine Liu's words.
She could only watch as Concubine Liu continued, "The incident when Xiao Qing'er was born truly brought me to the brink of despair. It's not that this concubine has no feelings for the Master! Otherwise, I wouldn't have insisted on following the Master, knowing that the Song family could not accommodate me. In fact, back when I was in the opera troupe, I was a popular performer. If I wanted to find a merchant to entrust my life to, I wouldn't have to go hungry."
Actually, Song Chaoyu had never thought of this before.
Yes, if Concubine Liu hadn't fancied Song Yuan back then, why would she have willingly married him?
But even after saying this, Concubine Liu no longer cried.
Because her tears had probably all dried up.
She simply raised her eyes and looked earnestly at the Old Madam. "The Old Madam must know what happened later. He is truly not a responsible person, neither as a husband nor as a partner. This concubine is not afraid of suffering, but only fears that the suffering has nowhere to hide, that it is constantly in life, and that one can never escape it."
She finally lowered her gaze and sighed, her tone almost pleading, which was deeply moving. "So this concubine begs the Old Madam to make the decision and have him divorce me! This concubine has given half her life to him, to the Song family. Now, this concubine also wants to have her own future. In this life, one must live for oneself at least once. I beg the Old Madam to grant this wish!"
Even Song Chaoyu felt that Concubine Liu's words were truly heartbreaking.
Having lived half a life like this, she now only sought peace.
The Old Madam was silent for a long time before sighing, "I only know that you have lost all confidence in Yuan'er. I never imagined you would have such a bold idea."
She turned and looked at Song Chaoyu. "Since you knew about this, why didn't you try to persuade your aunt?"
Song Chaoyu, as always, remained close to the Old Madam, no matter what Concubine Liu said.
She stepped forward and gently placed her hand on the Old Madam's arm. "As a daughter, your granddaughter has watched her aunt reach this point, and knows her difficulties better than anyone. She merely wishes to live for herself; why should your granddaughter persuade her? Your granddaughter knows that Aunt regrets it deeply. If she were given another chance, she probably wouldn't want to return to the Song family, wouldn't want to have done what she did back then."
In this life, how many people can take responsibility for all their choices and say, "I have no regrets"?
The Old Madam's brows furrowed deeper and deeper. "You are all too audacious! What about Xiao Qing'er? He is still so young, must he lose his mother? Have you considered Xiao Qing'er?"
The Old Madam would certainly consider Xiao Qing'er.
Therefore, Concubine Liu already knew how to phrase her request. "Xiao Qing'er is a member of the Song family; would the Song family not treat him well? Moreover, this concubine is only seeking to leave the manor, not that she has truly committed any wrong. I imagine if she wishes to return to see Xiao Qing'er, or to have him stay with her for a couple of days, that would be permissible, wouldn't it?"
"Heh—"
Upon hearing this, the Old Madam let out a cold laugh and even rolled her eyes at Song Chaoyu. "You all think this matter is too simple, don't you? Fine, even if I, this old woman, sympathize with you and can understand your thoughts, will Yuan'er? Do you think you can withstand his wrath?"
The Old Madam shook her head, almost unable to imagine it. "If Yuan'er knew of your idea, he would likely think you were mad, and that I was also going mad with you! Concubine Liu, in this life, how one lives is still living. Why must you leave the Song manor? Even within the Song manor, there is always a place for you!"
Song Chaoyu knew the Old Madam would react this way.
But Concubine Liu remained steadfast, never showing any intention of backing down. "Old Madam, this concubine is truly tired. This concubine would rather leave Xiao Qing'er than not make this choice. The Old Madam must know my resolve; please grant this wish for me!"