Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress-Chapter 607 - 604: Building Relationships_1

Otherwise, the First House was likely to sink with the ship of the Fu family.

Although the First House and Fu Ruoxi’s Second House had already separated, the Princess of Zhen was willing to lend a hand; she could still save the First House.

As Madam Fu of the First House was about to get up, she heard a report from outside that the Dong family had come to offer condolences.

Madam Fu’s heart leaped with joy. She craned her neck to look outside, and sure enough, saw Lord Dong, Minister of Honglu Temple, leading his family.

Lord Dong was the uncle of the Princess of Zhen, and his wife, Mrs. Song, was the princess’s aunt. If she accompanied Mrs. Song to have tea in the back, it would be only natural to engage with the princess. This way, the princess would know that they, the First House, were the Dong family’s in-laws and deserved clemency and care. In fairness, the princess should be looking out for their First House.

Dong Qingping offered incense. After the people of the Fu family reciprocated, Fu Ruoxi’s brother personally escorted Lord Dong to the rear hall for male guests to rest and have tea. Inevitably, in conversation with Dong Qingping, he lamented the fickleness of human relationships and repeatedly thanked Dong Qingping and the Princess of Zhen for coming to the Fu family’s aid at such a critical juncture to mourn the Old Madam.

Bai Qingyan also came to the Fu family, which was entirely within Dong Qingping’s expectations; the Bai family had always been known for their forthrightness.

Moreover, today, Dong Qingping had instructed Mrs. Song that, upon seeing Bai Qingyan, she must invite her to the Dong Mansion, as he had important matters to discuss with her.

When Mrs. Song and Dong Tingyu had offered their incense, they expressed their condolences to Madam Fu and the Third Madam. Madam Fu hurriedly pulled her son to pay respects to Mrs. Song.

Seeing her son’s sullen and reluctant demeanor, Madam Fu hastened to invite Mrs. Song to the resting place for female guests in the back.

Not seeing Dong Tingfang, Madam Fu specially inquired, "Why didn’t Tingfang come? The Princess of Zhen, the Second Madam of the Bai family, and the Seventh Miss have all come. I thought Tingfang hadn’t seen the princess in a long time and could have a good chat."

Mrs. Song, aware of Madam Fu’s little schemes, showed a slightly displeased expression, smiled briefly, and said, "Tingfang fell ill three days ago. Today, she’s not only not getting better but worsening, so I didn’t bring her. I hope Madam Fu will forgive us."

Though usually quite dissatisfied with this particular daughter-in-law, Madam Fu expressed some concern: "The weather in Dadu City has been cool in the mornings and evenings but hot at noon. Tingfang has always had a weak constitution; she should take care."

Mrs. Song nodded. "Madam Fu is exactly right."

When Madam Fu brought Mrs. Song over, Bai Qingyan had already returned. Seeing Mrs. Song enter, she stood up to greet her, "Aunt..."

By rules of hierarchy, Mrs. Song should have been the first to greet Bai Qingyan. However, seeing Bai Qingyan showing such respect to her, Madam Fu’s little schemes activated again. "The Princess of Zhen and Mrs. Dong are so close, valuing their sisterly bond. Once Tingfang marries, the princess will treat our Fu family’s First House as her own family and visit often."

Bai Qingyan smiled discreetly but said nothing. Dong Tingyu stepped forward and greeted Bai Qingyan, "Cousin."

"Mrs. Dong..." Second Madam Liu also stepped forward to greet Mrs. Song, "Long time no see."

Mrs. Song returned the greeting with a smile, "Indeed, it’s been a while!"

After speaking, Mrs. Song turned to the still-standing Madam Fu, "Madam Fu, you’re busy today; you don’t need to go out of your way to entertain us. We can sit here and chat on our own."

Madam Fu kept glancing toward Bai Qingyan, and seeing no one else around, she knelt down in Bai Qingyan’s direction, eyes brimming with tears. "Princess of Zhen, I know you are favored by the Crown Prince. Although Fu Ruoxi’s crime of drawing a knife on the Crown Prince is unforgivable, our First House separated from the rest of the family long ago. Please, Princess, for the sake of our in-law relationship with the Dong family, intercede with the Crown Prince. The misdeeds of Fu Ruoxi are unrelated to our First House. Please ask His Highness to spare us!"

Mrs. Song was startled, and Second Madam Liu decisively stepped in front of Bai Qingyan, almost pulling Madam Fu up rather than supporting her. She said with a forced smile, "Madam Fu, everything has its due process. Even though our eldest daughter is the Crown Prince’s cousin in name, this time she protected the Crown Prince in loyal service to the country. Matters of state and governance are absolutely beyond her say! Rather than beseeching our eldest daughter here, it would be more appropriate for Madam Fu to appeal directly to His Highness!"

"Exactly!" Mrs. Song was put in an awkward position by Madam Fu’s sudden act. She pulled Bai Qingyan’s wrist, shielding her behind, and said with a smile, "How could the Princess of Zhen, being only a girl, have any say in state affairs when Jin Kingdom has laws governing everything? Madam Fu, please don’t make things difficult for the young lady! Besides, as Madam Fu said, your First House has already separated, and Minister Lu of the Court of Judicial Review would surely investigate thoroughly. Madam Fu doesn’t think Minister Lu would be unjust in his rulings, forcing difficulties upon your First House, right?"

Momentarily taken aback and having hoped Mrs. Song would speak for her First House, Madam Fu quickly realized Bai Qingyan was firmly protected by Mrs. Song and Second Madam Liu. She could only mutter a low "thank you" before heading to the mourning hall.

With her aunt Mrs. Song and Second Madam Liu both shielding her, Bai Qingyan’s eyes smiled even more deeply. "Aunt, Second Aunt, there’s no need to be so protective. I can handle Madam Fu."

Mrs. Song turned, grasping Bai Qingyan’s hand, scrutinized her, and then pulled her to sit down. "Yesterday, your uncle wanted me to visit the Bai Mansion to see you, but I thought you deserved a good rest after returning. Yet, seeing you now, it seems you haven’t recovered; your eyes are still shadowed."

"It’s because my cousin has such fair skin that the shadows appear more noticeable!" Dong Tingyu whispered.

Mrs. Song stroked Bai Qingyan’s hands, her eyes filled with a blend of amusement and sorrow, yet she said nothing. Since the news of Dong Changlan’s death reached Dadu, fearing it might affect Dong Changyuan’s spring examinations next February, Dong Qingping and Mrs. Song had forbidden anyone in the Dong family from discussing the matter.

The affair between Dong Tingfang and the Fu family’s legitimate son was well-known. Now, everyone looked down upon the Dong family, and Dong Tingfang’s suicide by hanging to prove her innocence made her seem even more calculating in others’ eyes.

Mrs. Song, as the main wife, although not having diligently guided her, couldn’t stand by and watch a girl from the Dong family be wronged and drag down her legitimate daughters, Dong Tingzhen and Dong Tinglan. She had to explain, though it seemed like covering up for the Dong family.

Ever since the scandal between Dong Tingzhen and King Liang nearly escalated beyond control, misfortune after misfortune struck the Dong family, leaving Mrs. Song utterly exhausted.

.

The Fu family’s funeral saw not only the Bai family and Dong family making short visits but also the maternal brothers of Mrs. Luo, Fu Ruoxi’s wife, who came in the afternoon. The Fu family thus truly experienced the fickleness of human relations.

Madam Fu was solely focused on preserving the First House, trying to forge a connection with the Princess of Zhen.