The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure-Chapter 1530 - 1527: Overdid the Brainwashing

Not only did Song Hong find it difficult to understand, but Wang Yongzhu was also puzzled.

Looking at Lady Gao’s face, it clearly said, "Don’t even think about it! If you want to dismiss the Eldest Brother’s wife, you’ll have to do it over my dead body."

Wang Yongzhu felt a mix of emotions and couldn’t help but speak, "Madam—"

Lady Gao quickly turned her head and comforted Wang Yongzhu, "Eldest Brother’s wife, don’t be afraid! As long as I’m here, no one can dismiss you as long as I, the mother-in-law, don’t say so!"

Song Hong almost fainted on the side. It was unbelievable!

It’s already good enough if other noble mothers can show some kind of superficial kinship with the sons by concubines and their wives, but what about Lady Gao, being so protective?

Those who know will understand it’s the noble mother-in-law protecting the son by concubine’s wife; those unaware might think it’s a biological mother protecting her own daughter.

Could it be that he had been too worried in the past about Lady Gao having prejudice against Song Chongjin, this son who returned midway, resulting in him brainwashing her too much whenever there was a chance?

Thinking about the things he had said in past days, he spoke of establishing Song Chongjin as the Princely Heir, supposedly for the good of Lady Gao, making sure that if he walked ahead of Lady Gao, leaving her alone without a biological child, how would she be?

Other sons, if they inherited the Duke’s Mansion, their biological mothers were still alive; by then, wouldn’t Lady Gao’s life be difficult, looking good only on the surface?

In the end, it was still most suitable for Song Chongjin, whose biological mother had died early. If he inherited the Duke’s Mansion in the future, Lady Gao’s life would be more comfortable.

Moreover, Song Chongjin’s couple wasn’t ungrateful. If treated sincerely, as time went by, they wouldn’t have hearts of stone, and real feelings would eventually develop, leading to sincere filial piety towards her, just like with their biological mother.

His initial intent was to placate Lady Gao, dissuading her from making a fuss, genuinely considering her to some extent.

But he hadn’t expected Lady Gao to take his words to heart, truly planning to exchange heart for heart, yearning for such a large son and daughter-in-law for free?

Now it all made sense.

Recalling the time after Song Chongjin was assigned to the outside, others aside, Lady Gao kept regular correspondence with them, and no fine items from the residence ever missed the Eldest Brother’s family.

Others outside would even say he married a good woman, the very epitome of virtue and decorum.

But now, was this truly virtue and decorum? Clearly, it’s superficial insight!

If Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu had not become involved in this inner palace, or to put it bluntly, if the Prince in the Imperial Noble Consort’s womb was not in the current situation, he would have no complaints about Lady Gao’s treatment towards Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu.

But what’s the present situation?

The Imperial Noble Consort, the candle in the wind, has few good days left. With her current favor, when the day comes, if His Majesty were to painfully lose his beloved consort and child, wouldn’t he be furious?

Would a wrathful Emperor not demand blood, confiscating a few properties to cool his anger? Could any action ever soothe the pain for His Majesty over his beloved Imperial Noble Consort and the Prince’s tragic deaths?

Not to mention, Duke Qiguo and other old coots, who don’t get along with him, wouldn’t let go of this opportunity, looking for ways to thoroughly drag the Duke Weiguo Residence into the mud?

Even for him, if the roles were reversed, he would seize the opportunity to crush his adversaries dead.

Song Chongjin, this son, he couldn’t bear to give up, but Wang Yongzhu, this daughter-in-law, was never to his liking, so naturally, he had no qualms about letting her go.

Dropping an unloved daughter-in-law to ensure the safety of the whole family was the most unerring path for Song Hong.

Even if Song Chongjin didn’t understand now, someday he would understand his painstaking efforts.

A few years would pass; Song Chongjin would accumulate enough merit in Chicheng County, return to the Capital City, and countless high-born daughters would vie for his hand, wouldn’t they?

Song Hong truly thought he had put his heart and soul into the family, for the sake of his son and Lady Gao, losing himself in worry.

But unexpectedly, Lady Gao turned out to be a stupid teammate!

A mouthful of old blood almost choked him to death.

He also knew of Lady Gao’s temperament, gentle yet stubborn in her beliefs.

If she could not be swayed, dumping this daughter-in-law would indeed be impossible.

Upon consideration, there was still time before the Imperial Noble Consort gave birth, some month and a bit; dismissing Wang Yongzhu today outright would carry a nasty reputation.

Instead, waiting a few days, finding some fault in Wang Yongzhu, even Lady Gao’s protection would be futile by then.

Resolving this, Song Hong bothered no more with Wang Yongzhu, merely closing his eyes, waving his hand, signaling everyone to leave.

Lady Gao still wanted to speak but was pulled by Wang Yongzhu, who gently shook her head.

Only then did Lady Gao close her mouth, bowing slightly to Song Hong, as she supported Wang Yongzhu and walked out.

Before they even exited the courtyard, there was a loud crash from the room, seemingly a table or something toppled over, followed by Song Wu’s soothing voice, "Master, calm down, calm down—"

Lady Gao’s pace halted for a moment, as if contemplating returning, but ultimately controlled herself, instead quickening her steps out of the courtyard.

Outside the courtyard, a group of servants stood trembling at the entrance.

Though separated by the courtyard, the noise from inside was loud enough to be faintly heard outside, leaving them anxious over exactly what transpired between the masters, hearts pounding.

Seeing Lady Gao and Wang Yongzhu emerge safely, the servants first sighed in relief.

But looking at the somber expression on Lady Gao’s face, their anxiety resurfaced.

Lady Gao walked silently a few steps ahead, seemingly regaining some composure, managed a forced smile, "The evening is late, we should have dinner. How about coming to my place, and we eat together as mother and daughter?"

Wang Yongzhu had countless questions of her own, naturally nodding in agreement.

They went together to Lady Gao’s courtyard.

The lower servants, unaware of what transpired, noticed the two mistresses didn’t look well and behaved doubly restrained.

They spoke softly and walked on tiptoes, fearful of triggering the mistresses’ discontent.

Soon, dinner was served.

After the commotion, Lady Gao lost her appetite, barely eating a few bites after holding the bowl for a while.

Wang Yongzhu had eaten the palace chef’s cuisine earlier in the afternoon and wasn’t hungry.

Moreover, feeling disturbed by Song Hong, she also lacked appetite, eating sparingly.

A table full of dishes, scarcely touched when removed.

The attending maids exchanged glances, holding their breath, discreetly served tea, and quietly retreated outside.

Lady Gao and Wang Yongzhu sat across from each other, holding teacups in silence for a long time.

Finally, Wang Yongzhu broke the silence, "Madam, I am very grateful for your protection today, but there is no need to create discord with Lord Duke because of me. It’s not that easy for Lord Duke to dismiss me—"

Lady Gao set her teacup down decisively, fixing her gaze on Wang Yongzhu’s eyes, speaking sternly, "Eldest Brother’s wife, things have come to this point; clearly, we need to be truthful. Is there really no hope for the child in the Imperial Noble Consort’s womb with the umbilical cord around the neck?"

Wang Yongzhu quietly nodded, "Even Director Du from the Imperial Medical Bureau was powerless, and the Imperial Physicians skilled in obstetrics and midwives from the bureau had no solution—"

Lady Gao understood.

She hesitated, then asked, "And you? Last time, when the Imperial Noble Consort nearly couldn’t preserve the fetus, the Imperial Medical Bureau was helpless. It was because of the Fetal Protection Pill you provided that the royal fetus was saved. Does the Imperial Noble Consort still want you to enter the palace to keep her company? Do you have any other way?"