Duke Huan returned home, utterly despondent.

He informed his wife of the truth.

Madam Wei, upon hearing her son was to be executed, was so shocked she fainted on the spot.

When she woke up a while later, she hurriedly prepared to dress and pay respects to the Princess Consort.

Prince Li Zheng was her father; although she was illegitimate, if she were to kneel and plead, she believed Prince Li Zheng would not remain indifferent.

However, when Madam Wei returned to the Imperial Mansion, she didn’t even get to see the Princess Consort.

The servant said the Princess Consort was resting, to which Madam replied, "Then I’ll wait in the flower hall."

However, that wait lasted two hours.

Not even a cup of tea was served.

Eventually, the Princess Consort did wake, but still refused to see her.

The servant said, "The Princess Consort remarked that given this situation, Madam, you should reflect on why you failed to educate your child properly." 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

"Had proper rules been established earlier, today’s events would not have occurred."

"Due to the gravity of the situation, the Princess Consort will not see you. She hopes that if Madam knows courtesy and obeys rules, you should return."

Madam Wei knelt at the door, kowtowing and crying out, "Mother, help me, my son, he’s the only one left."

Yet the Princess Consort had the servant shut the door, refusing to meet her no matter what.

In the end, Madam Wei had no choice but to return home in tears.

Song Qingying and Song Qingrui kept vigil at their mother’s door.

They too had heard about their brother’s arrest.

Seeing Madam Wei return, Song Qingrui hurried to her, "Mother, how did it go? Did grandmother agree to save brother?"

Madam Wei shook her head, her face pale.

Seemingly too exhausted to say anything else.

Song Qingying shoved Song Qingrui aside.

"Sister, now do you see clearly? You’ve been calling Sister Jing, yet she brought disaster to our family!"

"Now, because of her and Song Yingchuan, brother may die!"

Song Qingrui widened her eyes, "Brother’s accident was because he recklessly injured someone with a horse; what does that have to do with Sister Jing?"

Song Qingying shot her a venomous glance.

"Don’t you understand by now? Song Yingchuan is a jinx, accompanied by Jing Zhi and a gang of odd individuals."

"If not for them, how would the Emperor become personally involved in our mansion’s affairs?"

"Originally, brother could have survived, and Song Qingrui, you’ve not only harmed brother, but you’re also trusting the knaves!"

Song Qingrui felt indignant at her words.

"Brother was convicted because he erred; I didn’t even know he’d caused harm. I thought he’d gone to the gambling house as usual!"

"Sister, saying this is even more wrong; if he erred, what does it have to do with others?"

Song Qingying frowned, "Mother, look at sister, she’s hopeless, even now speaking for outsiders."

Madam Wei felt her already troubled mind was about to explode at their bickering.

She angrily rebuked, "Enough! Do you need more chaos at home? If you want to argue, do it outside!"

Song Qingrui and Song Qingying simultaneously fell silent.

"I’m exhausted, I need to rest for a while. Your father has gone out again, seeking help, hoping for a turn of events."

Before entering the room, Madam Wei turned back and cast a deep look at Song Qingrui—

"Qing Rui, regardless, your brother’s error is undeniable, but he is your kin."

"Right over logic, should be your conscience. I’ve raised you to this age, and those words just now truly made my heart sink."

With that, Madam Wei closed the door.