But who would have thought that the Ninth Princess would appear, causing her heart to be tormented to this extent. It was truly a sight that brought pain to her heart.
"Father, Ye He is right. I only have this one child. If this continues, I won't be able to bear it either," Song Minghui said, looking at her daughter with distress.
"If that's the case, then treat his fiancée well when she arrives," said the third master, Song Qijia, who had been silent until now.
Just as the eldest master Song was about to speak, he was pulled back by the eldest madam. The old master Song then spoke, "Third brother is right. When Xiuyuan's fiancée arrives, treat her exceptionally well, dote on her immensely."
The Song family members were astonished. What did "dote on her immensely" mean?
The second master Song, Song Qihe, suddenly slapped his thigh. "Yes, dote on her immensely. Send everything to Xiuyuan's fiancée first. If the Ninth Princess asks, tell her she is Xiuyuan's legitimate wife."
The members of the Song family understood at this moment. However, their thoughts varied. Could such a daughter from a farming family truly suppress the Ninth Princess? They were all somewhat disbelieving.
When Xue Xingyue resumed her female attire, Qin Erniang was greatly surprised and pointed at her, exclaiming, "You... you are a woman?"
Wu Hen rolled her eyes at Qin Erniang and said, "My master never said she was a man either."
Qin Erniang's small face contorted, appearing very conflicted. "I..."
"I wore male attire before simply for convenience. Is it not acceptable for me to wear female attire?" Xue Xingyue said, looking at Qin Erniang.
Qin Erniang quickly shook her head. "I didn't mean that. I just find it hard to process." Could she say that if she was a woman, why did she tease her so much, making her think she was betraying her brother?
Xue Xingyue looked at Wu Hen, who was busy beside her. "You are responsible for staying here and taking care of Feng Qing."
Wu Hen heard this and replied, "Impossible. How can I leave you?"
Xue Xingyue looked at Wu Hen and said, "Qin Erniang and I are going into the Song manor."
"Your subordinate..."
"Wu Hen, this is an order. Your mission is to take care of Feng Qing," Xue Xingyue said, looking at Wu Hen.
Wu Hen was taken aback, then nodded. "Yes, your subordinate obeys!"
"Don't worry, your master is very capable," Qin Erniang said.
Wu Hen glanced at Qin Erniang and said coldly, "If I find out you have any ulterior motives towards my master, I will not let you off."
Qin Erniang felt a mix of amusement and distress. If it were the handsome young man from before, she might have had some thoughts, but now, facing Xue Xingyue in her female attire, she had no interest whatsoever. She liked men, alright? She didn't have any taste for the company of men.
They left the inn, and Qin Erniang looked at Xue Xingyue. "May I ask how Miss Feng intends to proceed?"
"From now on, you are my maid. You will do as I say in everything." Xue Xingyue turned to look at Qin Erniang, her gaze as cold as ice.
Qin Erniang's body trembled, then she lowered her head. "My lady, please rest assured. Qin Erniang will keep her word."
Xue Xingyue nodded. "Watch what I do later and adapt accordingly."
Upon arriving at the Song manor, Xue Xingyue took a deep breath, then sat on the ground and began to cry and shout loudly, "Husband, how could you abandon me? Although I am just a farmer's daughter, I followed you with a pure heart. How could you marry someone else? You are abandoning your wife of humble beginnings."
As Xue Xingyue cried and shouted, she listened to the movements within the Song manor, feeling a sense of triumphant revenge. Wasn't Song Xiuyuan the one who had clung to her back then?
Now, she would let him taste that feeling as well.
Before she could cry out many times, there was movement within the Song manor. Soon, the manor gates were opened.
A group of people emerged, led by a man dressed in opulent clothing, with a serious expression and white hair. He said to an equally elegantly dressed old woman beside him, "Quickly, help up my grandson's fiancée!"
The old woman stepped forward, followed by several young women. They helped her up. The old woman took her hand and said affectionately, "Granddaughter-in-law, you've arrived. Grandmother has been waiting for you for a long time. Come in quickly, you must be tired. Eldest, go call for a palanquin."
Finally, Xue Xingyue entered the Song manor, seated in a palanquin, with a grand procession accompanying her.
Her head was a little dizzy. How had things turned out like this? She had prepared so many lines, such as what to do if the Song manor refused to acknowledge her, she would weep bitterly. But all her preparations were useless, as she was simply carried into the Song manor.
Unexpectedly, could Song Xiuyuan have known in advance? She quickly dismissed the thought. Even if he knew beforehand, it was unlikely he would welcome her with such a formal reception.
After alighting from the palanquin, before she could even set foot on the ground, the old madam Song had already taken her hand and said, "Good granddaughter-in-law, accompany Grandmother to the ancestral hall." With that, she pulled her towards the ancestral hall.
Xue Xingyue was startled. What was the purpose of going to the ancestral hall?
Seeing her hesitate, the old madam Song smiled and said, "Don't be afraid. As long as you pay respects to the ancestors of the Song family, you will be acknowledged as my Song family's granddaughter-in-law."
Xue Xingyue was shocked. It was this easy? She was acknowledged by the Song family without any effort?
She found it somewhat unbelievable, but for the sake of the Dragon Pendant, she followed the old madam Song into the ancestral hall.
Thereafter, Xue Xingyue did as the old madam Song instructed.
It was past noon when they emerged from the ancestral hall. They returned to the rear courtyard and arrived at the old madam Song's residence, where she saw young faces of similar age to her own.
The old madam Song pointed to the younger generation. "These are the children of your two uncles."
Before she could finish speaking, a maid hurried in. Her eyes widened as she spoke, and a commanding voice was heard from outside, "I heard that Xiuyuan's fiancée has arrived. Why was I not informed?"
Accompanying the voice, a figure appeared at the entrance. Her fiery red attire immediately illuminated the somewhat dim room, bringing it to vibrant life.