Chapter 15: Living Together with Shen Ruoxi

Seeing her pitiful state, Song Qiao was stunned for several heartbeats before she could speak.

“What happened here?”

Pei’er seemed to find a pillar of support and burst into tears.

“I went to collect coal as usual and happened to see Steward Yang distributing new maids to the household. I thought Linglong Pavilion was short-handed, so I mentioned it to him. Unexpectedly, he got angry, saying he couldn’t make decisions himself, refused to give any coal, and that it required Madam Shen’s approval.”

Favoritism and scheming were common in the estate, so Song Qiao was not surprised. “Now that Madam Shen’s steward is in charge, of course, you must show her proper respect. Go and report to her. How did you end up with these injuries?”

“That’s the worst part. I went to find Cui He in Madam Shen’s quarters, but she wouldn’t even let me in and sent me away. She said Madam Shen was too busy and everything must follow the rules without exception. But Linglong Pavilion already had no coal to use today. I asked for some leniency, but she accused me of deliberately making things difficult, spoke ill of you behind your back, and I couldn’t bear it, so I fought back.”

Song Qiao could already guess what came next. “Outnumbered, so you took the loss?”

Pei’er wiped her tears. “I was the first to strike, so it’s not about winning or losing. But I couldn’t stand hearing you unfairly slandered—they said such terrible things...”

Though loyal and protective of her mistress, this maid was assigned to serve Song Qiao, who was out of favor. She must have either offended someone or come from a poor background.

At first, Song Qiao had worried she might be a spy planted by the Song family, but now her doubts were completely dispelled.

Song Qiao took out her medicine kit to bandage her wounds. Around dinnertime, she brought Pei’er to Shen Ruoxi’s courtyard.

Lacking clothes and food was one thing, but no coal in Linglong Pavilion was enough to freeze them to death. She could not just sit by and do nothing.

The two of them almost barged in forcefully, and as soon as they entered, warm air greeted them.

Song Qiao deliberately glanced at Shen Ruoxi’s bed; even the bedding was thin.

It was clear someone was deliberately obstructing the coal supply.

When Shen Ruoxi saw her arrive, she paused briefly while looking at her account book, then sat calmly without moving.

“Does the young madam have business with me?”

Mu Yi had told her not to bother with formalities toward Song Qiao. Since then, Shen Ruoxi had not bowed or greeted her again.

Given that, Song Qiao didn’t bother with politeness and plopped down squarely.

“The nights are long and lonely. I came to keep you company.”

The maids in the room were stunned, and Shen Ruoxi was somewhat surprised.

She glanced at the bruised and battered Pei’er, her sharp eyes seeming to see through everything.

“If you have nothing urgent, you shouldn’t disturb me. If the young madam needs anything, just say so.”

“That word ‘need’ is really inappropriate,” Song Qiao said without mentioning the day’s events. “You and I are equals. Saying that makes it sound like you’re trying to look down on me.”

On her own turf, Shen Ruoxi feigned ignorance with ease. “If the young madam doesn’t want to speak, then suit yourself. I have accounts to review.”

“You’re not a guest, so no need to entertain you.” Song Qiao took the bundle from Pei’er and kindly reminded, “Staying up late harms the body. Madam Shen shouldn’t overwork herself. I’ll wash up first and wait for you in the bedroom.”

Shen Ruoxi didn’t expect her to be so serious. “Does A Yi know about this?”

“My health has been poor lately, and the marquis has to stay in the palace to take care of me, so he can’t return to the estate.” Song Qiao smiled back at her. “But I’ve already reported to the matriarch. She supports me staying with you.”

“You—”

Shen Ruoxi clearly didn’t know Mu Yi was detained in the palace. This sudden announcement caught her completely off guard.

Born a refined lady, Shen Ruoxi was skilled in reasoning, but when it came to stubbornness, it was like a scholar facing a soldier—logic didn’t always prevail.

So Song Qiao confidently settled in with Pei’er at Tongxin Pavilion.

When tired, she slept; when hungry, she ate—making it completely her own place, even brewing medicine as if she were alone.

The pungent aroma of herbs filled the entire courtyard. The maids disapproved of Song Qiao’s behavior and grumbled behind her back, hoping Shen Ruoxi would expel her.

But Shen Ruoxi secretly competed with her, planning to wear her down until Song Qiao begged for mercy, so she ignored the rumors.

Song Qiao pretended not to hear the gossip outside. What did reputation matter? If she yielded now, even more injustice would follow.

Besides, Song Yuan had never had much of a reputation to begin with.

After three days of this ‘disturbance,’ Mu Yi finally finished his palace duties and returned.

Shen Ruoxi received word from a servant and went to the gate to greet him. Song Qiao, knowing her place, did not butt in.

Having suddenly moved into such a warm room, she was unaccustomed and showed signs of a cold. Sweating profusely, she took advantage of the courtyard’s emptiness to freshen up in the adjoining room.

Unexpectedly, she heard the door open and thought Pei’er had returned with hot water, but when she turned, her eyes met Mu Yi’s directly.