Chapter 631: The Supporter

Chapter 631: Chapter 631: The Supporter

Song Ci entered Ming Garden in the midst of chaos, accompanied by Madam Song and Lu Shi, along with Lin Qing from the Duke Mansion, and the Princely Heir’s wife, Lu Shi.

In truth, with Song Ci’s status, for something like a granddaughter’s miscarriage, there was no need to come personally. It would have sufficed to wait for Madam Song to return and report the events.

However, upon receiving the news, Song Ci feared that Madam Song, overwhelmed with grief, might act inappropriately, potentially creating chaos at someone else’s domain, making Song Ruqi’s future life in her husband’s family difficult.

As it later proved, when it came to causing a scene, Song Ci’s formidable presence made it unnecessary for Madam Song to do anything.

Upon seeing the disarray in Song Ruqi’s courtyard, Song Ci raised an eyebrow, glancing at Madam Song.

Before marrying, Song Ruqi often managed household affairs with Madam Song. How could things become so disorderly after marriage? If something truly important happened, others would easily take advantage of it.

Madam Song frowned at the mess but couldn’t focus on it, anxious to see her daughter.

One of Song Ruqi’s dowry maids, Wang Ma, quickly approached, her eyes red, to greet Song Ci and the others.

"How is your third mistress?" Madam Song asked anxiously.

Wang Ma was about to reply when several people arrived at Ming Garden’s entrance, including the Duke’s wife and the second master’s legitimate wife, Second Madam Xiao Liao Shi.

"Grand Old Madam, In-law." The Duke’s wife forced a smile, bowing to the two.

Though frustrated, Madam Song returned the greeting to the Duke’s wife, her face filled with pain as she asked, "In-law, Qi’er was fine, how did this suddenly happen..."

She was so emotional that tears fell like a flood, uncontrollably.

Shu Mo had already mentioned upon returning to the mansion that the lost child was a well-formed male infant.

Oh, heavens.

The Duke’s wife also wore a face full of sorrow, saying in a mournful tone, "It’s the child’s unfortunate fate..."

Upon hearing this, both Madam Song and Lu Shi Song Ci’s faces darkened. What unfortunate fate? As the Duke’s wife, how could she speak like that?

Impatient, Song Ci interrupted the Duke’s wife, saying, "Let’s first go in to see Qi’er."

The Duke’s wife’s voice faltered.

Wang Ma replied, "The third mistress fainted again a moment ago, and the house doctor is attending to her."

Everyone’s hearts tightened with worry.

Without further words, Song Ci moved inside. After only a few steps, she suddenly paused, her gaze falling on a frail figure under the veranda.

It was a woman, seemingly around twenty years old, with a delicate oval face, hair styled in a married woman’s bun, wearing a set of blue clothes, her body appearing exceedingly frail.

Her looks weren’t exceptionally striking—more like a well-bred girl of modest refinement—but her fragile, windblown demeanor might easily evoke protective instincts in a man.

Song Ci’s eyes narrowed slightly. In this courtyard, could it be Qi San’s old concubine? What was her name, Qing, Su Qing?

The woman seemed to sense Song Ci’s gaze, raising her head to meet it. Her body trembled, and she immediately looked down, kneeling instinctively.

Madam Song also followed Song Ci’s gaze, seeing a woman with a married woman’s hairstyle, suddenly recalling something, her expression turning icy, as she let out a heavy snort.

Song Ci withdrew her gaze and proceeded inside, where Qi Zhen came forward, seeing her, bowing his hands, "Grandmother." Then greeted Madam Song.

Madam Song acknowledged him indifferently, impatiently hurrying into the sleeping quarters, where soon, the sound of weeping filled the entire room.

Song Ci’s heart skipped a beat, looking at Nanny Gong, gesturing for her to approach and whispered a few instructions.

Nanny Gong nodded, immediately calling several people to leave. Standing beside the Duke’s wife, Xiao Liao Shi’s eyes flickered abundantly; having someone backing you is truly advantageous.