CHAPTER 583: CHAPTER 187: WISHING LONGEVITY_4

So this year is no exception; the only change is that the three granddaughters who had married were called back to celebrate.

The Duke Mansion’s courtyard was still lively and festive.

Even though Xiao Qinghui disliked banquets, the Duke Mansion was still meticulously decorated, looking opulent and beaming with joy.

Early in the morning.

The entire Song Family, including Song Yuanzhong, Ming Yufang, along with Song Yanqing, Xie Ruotong, and Xie Ruilin, took a carriage to the Duke Mansion.

Then, Xie Ruiyao arrived.

As the Princess Consort to the Prince of Chu, Xie Ruiyao’s entourage was naturally even grander.

Her arrival was escorted by numerous maids and guards—a truly impressive sight!

The Duke and his wife personally welcomed her at the doorway.

Of course, the Song Family did as well.

Xie Ruilin watched as Xie Ruiyao dazzled brightly and felt somewhat jealous nonetheless.

She hadn’t expected that Xie Ruiyao would truly have an affair with the Prince of Chu.

In her heart, it was certain that the Prince of Chu would marry Bai Mowan.

She never thought that the Prince of Chu would end up with Xie Ruiyao.

Now Xie Ruiyao, transformed, has become the most radiant individual of the Duke Mansion.

After years of overt and covert battles at home, she never had the upper hand; with just one move, she was trampled under Xie Ruiyao’s feet.

But upon reflection.

The Prince of Chu must not like Xie Ruiyao; her marriage was a forced one, and she certainly wouldn’t be happy.

As long as she becomes the young madam of the Song Family, she’ll live better than Xie Ruiyao.

That thought brought her some balance of mind.

The moment she felt balanced, anxiety suddenly hit her.

Yesterday, Xie Ruiyao came to the Song Residence to find her.

The ostensible reason was to discuss the birthday celebration they would present for their grandmother today.

But in truth.

After settling the matter, Xie Ruiyao pulled her aside alone.

She said she couldn’t bear to see her so aggrieved in the Song Residence and that the position of the young madam of the Song Family should have been hers, not letting Xie Ruotong be the first to snatch it away.

After all, the two sisters had grown up together, they were even twins; their relationship became much more genuine once they were married and no longer had conflicting interests.

When they reached the depths of their sentiment.

Xie Ruilin let down her guard a bit and vented all her dissatisfaction with Xie Ruotong to Xie Ruiyao.

Xie Ruiyao solemnly told her that the only reason she hadn’t been able to oust Xie Ruotong was that she hadn’t found her Achilles’ heel.

And that Achilles’ heel was their grandmother, Xiao Qinghui.

Xie Ruiyao did not hide from her, saying that even the Prince of Chu had reservations about Xie Ruotong; because of some involvement between Xie Ruotong and Ye Qichi, the Prince of Chu was inclined to have Song Yanqing divorce Xie Ruotong to put her in place. The only concern was grandmother—if something happened to grandmother...

Xie Ruilin was indeed frightened by Xie Ruiyao’s words.

She had never even considered doing anything to her grandmother.

In fact, she dared not.

Just the thought of her grandmother’s presence filled her with terror.

Xie Ruiyao said that their grandmother was old and always in poor health; a sudden death would not raise suspicion.

Xie Ruiyao even mentioned that she had persuaded their mother.

These years, their mother had suffered under grandmother’s oppression for most of her life; if something happened to grandmother at home, mother would know how to handle everything without arousing suspicion.

Xie Ruilin, of course, did not agree.

Such a grave matter was far too bold for her.

Xie Ruiyao did not pressure Xie Ruilin.

But as she left, she gave her a medicine pill.

She only mentioned that once the pill dissolves in water, it becomes tasteless and colorless.

And once consumed.

Within two hours, it would cause unconsciousness and death.

Xie Ruilin couldn’t help but touch the medicine pill she kept in her sleeve.

And thought of the child in her belly that she could no longer keep.

In recent days, if the doctor hadn’t been using medicine to stabilize her condition, she might have miscarried long ago.

She thought about framing Xie Ruotong for the miscarriage, but what would that accomplish even if she did?

With grandmother around.

Song Yanqing had no way of divorcing Xie Ruotong.

Moreover, according to Xie Ruiyao, even the King of Chu would be wary of her grandmother, so the Song family would be even less likely to go against grandmother.

At that thought.

Xie Ruiyao’s gaze tightened further.

Surrounded by a crowd, Xie Ruiyao entered the Duke Mansion.

King Chu Xiao Jinsen did not come.

He was said to be occupied with important matters assigned by the Emperor.

Naturally, people from the Duke Mansion would prioritize state affairs to give face to Xie Ruiyao.

And of course, Xie Ruiyao would be tactful in return.

She brought countless treasures as gifts for grandmother’s birthday, all said to have been carefully prepared by Imperial Concubine Guihe and the King of Chu.

Those treasures were obviously beyond what Xie Ruotong and Xie Ruilin could offer.

For the moment.

Xie Ruiyao was once again in the limelight.

Deep down, Xie Ruilin couldn’t help but feel envious.

Watching Xie Ruiyao being flattered by the family, she couldn’t help feeling a bit bitter.

Xie Ruotong, on the other hand, wasn’t too emotionally affected.

She never cared much about these things to begin with.

What she really wanted now was to see her grandmother and spend more time with the elder.

This time returning to the Duke Mansion, she heard that her grandmother’s health was getting worse.

She was truly afraid that one day she’d return and no longer be able to see her.

After spending quite some time in the main hall, Xie Ruotong finally had a moment to visit her grandmother’s room.

Grandmother also dressed up meticulously today.

Possessing a poised and elegant demeanor that was no less than that of the ladies in the palace, her aristocratic grandeur and grace as an elder princess were fully showcased.

"Grandmother." Xie Ruotong approached and hastily paid respects.

"Tong’er." Xiao Qinghui looked at her granddaughter, unable to hide her joy.

The two exchanged many words inside the room.

The Chief Maid came in and announced that the opera stage was set up and invited them to watch the performance.

In recent years, Xiao Qinghui’s only hobby was watching opera.

She had Xie Ruotong accompany her to the stage to enjoy the show.

Xiao Qinghui naturally took the seat of honor.

According to their status, Duke Xie would definitely sit next to her, and logically, Xie Ruiyao should have been the one closest to Xiao Qinghui.

Instead, Xiao Qinghui had Xie Ruotong sit beside her.

Xie Ruotong could clearly see a hint of malice in Xie Ruiyao’s eyes.

Xiao Qinghui whispered earnestly to Xie Ruotong, "In the Song Family, you need your grandmother to back you up. Don’t be afraid, with grandmother here, no one can bully you."

Xie Ruotong’s eyes welled up.

She quietly sat next to Xiao Qinghui.

As the one with the least standing, Xie Ruilin naturally took a seat at the very edge.

Seeing the closeness between grandmother and Xie Ruotong.

Xie Ruilin’s face became extremely unsightly.

She could even perceive that grandmother’s reason for keeping Xie Ruotong close was as a message to the Song family, as a warning to her.

To show the Song family, to show her not to dare bully Xie Ruotong.

Xie Ruilin’s eyes hardened.

Today you deny me comfort.

I shall, be ruthless in return!