When Song Zhiqing rushed to the Plum Garden, Mistress Lu was going over the private accounts of the Plum Garden with Song Ruwei, the mother and daughter whispering closely, occasionally letting out low chuckles, which came off as grating to Song Zhiqing’s ears.

He forcefully lifted the curtain, glaring at Mistress Lu with a face full of resentment.

Someone has died, and she’s happy about it, her laughter more joyous?

How could this person have no sympathy at all?

Mistress Lu’s smile froze at the corners of her mouth as she stood up.

Song Ruwei also stood up, giving a salute to Song Zhiqing, "Father."

Song Zhiqing looked at her outfit and said, "What’s with this attire? Although Aunt Bai was your stepmother, now that she’s gone, even if you don’t want to mourn her properly, you shouldn’t dress so flamboyantly and laugh so merrily. What would people say if word got out?"

Song Ruwei’s face turned pale. She glanced down at her clothing — a set of pink and white brocade robes, not overly bright, just with skirt patterns embroidered with butterflies amidst flowers, her hair styled in two top knots adorned with pearl flowers.

"Father, I..." Song Ruwei’s eyes reddened, tears welling up.

Mistress Lu bristled and pulled Song Ruwei behind her, saying, "Wei’er, you go back to your room, and make sure to balance the account carefully and provide the details to me later."

Song Ruwei bit her lip, nodded, embraced the account book, and bowed to both of them, saying, "Daughter takes her leave."

It was only after watching her leave that Mistress Lu, like a mother wolf protecting her cub, bared her teeth at Song Zhiqing, "Song Zhiqing, have you gone mad to speak to your daughter like that... ah."

Smack.

She clutched her face, looked at Song Zhiqing in disbelief, her eyes wide open. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

Standing outside the door, Song Ruwei hadn’t left yet. Hearing the sound of a slap, she was startled and immediately wanted to rush back, but was held back by Mama Zhou.

"Miss, don’t go. Leave the adults’ affairs to them," said Mama Zhou.

Tears couldn’t help but slide down from the corners of Song Ruwei’s eyes as she looked at the curtain swayed by the wind, her eyes showing worry.

"Miss, go. I’m here; it’ll be fine," Mama Zhou sighed.

Song Ruwei turned her head and ran out.

Mama Zhou immediately had her personal maid chase after her, then looked back at the curtain, Mistress Lu’s voice was sharp and piercing.

"You hit me again?" Mistress Lu lunged forward, her hands claw-like, and her sharp nails instantly left several bloody scratches on Song Zhiqing’s face.

Song Zhiqing, in pain, grabbed her hands, and shouted, "You shrew, won’t you stop?"

"I won’t stop, so what? I’ll fight you to the death if I have to! If you’ve got the guts, hit me back. Go on, beat me to death and see if you can still hold your office. You wretched coward," Mistress Lu shouted as she kicked and pummeled him despite having her hands held.

Song Zhiqing, his heart boiling with anger, pushed her forcefully, causing Mistress Lu to fall onto the ground.

"Have you had enough of your madness?"

Mistress Lu sat on the ground, glaring at him angrily, "Madness? Yes, I went mad a long time ago, driven mad by you."

She got up from the ground, only to feel pain in her ankle, likely sprained but she paid it no heed, angrily glaring at him as she reprimanded, "You call me mad, but who really is the mad one? What has Wei’er done to bother you? How could you speak to her like that, Song Zhiqing? She’s your legitimate daughter, the daughter you once cherished and called your own."

Song Zhiqing felt some guilt, but argued, "What did I say, really? I only pointed out her inappropriate attire. Did I say anything wrong? Aunt Bai was her stepmother. Even if she doesn’t mourn her, dressing simply shows a little respect, don’t you think?"