"You've only known him for a few days, yet you're already harboring such malicious thoughts about the Song family's relationships. This shows your heart isn't much better. Ziyao, come here quickly. Don't associate with this kind of woman; she'll corrupt you." Song Laoye's gaze towards Song Ziyao had lost its initial affection, gradually tinged with a hint of threat.
The more he acted like this, the more frightened Song Ziyao became. He slowly walked behind Wu Caiwei, lowering his head to avoid his father's eyes. Song Laoye was furious. He stood up and, in three quick strides, grabbed his son's arm, attempting to pull him to his side.
The next moment, he felt his grip loosen. This woman, using some unknown trick, had made Song Ziyao return behind Wu Caiwei.
"You have a son and a daughter. You don't plan on taking a liking to my son, do you? If you like children, you can have another. Haven't you been getting quite close to that sickly fellow from the Hu family recently?" Song Laoye looked at her with disdain.
"I advise you, Mr. Song, to watch your mouth. You know, disaster comes from the tongue." Although Wu Caiwei's expression was calm, Song Laoye felt an inexplicable pressure, something he hadn't experienced even from the Prefect. He scrutinized her again, confirming that this oppressive feeling emanated from her.
While he was hesitating, Madam Song arrived, having heard the commotion. Upon seeing Wu Caiwei, she quickly stepped forward, intending to take her hand.
Wu Caiwei disliked being touched by strangers and swiftly withdrew her hand. The other woman stood there awkwardly, then, as if nothing had happened, said gratefully, "You must be Madam Zhou. Thank you for taking in our Ziyao."
"So you are Madam Song. I thought I was mistaken. You don't recognize me, but I saw you in the prefectural city. I know you met Ziyao and inquired about the two of us in the city. I expected you to come personally to take Ziyao home. I didn't expect that even after we've come to Yuzheng, you're pretending this is our first meeting."
If Song Ziyao were alone, he would never expose such things. But Wu Caiwei had no reservations; she wanted to strip these people of their masks and tell the truth.
Madam Song's smile faltered for a moment, and she quickly denied it, "Madam Zhou must be mistaken. I've been visiting my maternal home recently, and my family can attest to that."
"Madam Zhou, what you say is laughable. Aren't your family members all on your side? Whatever you say, they'll echo. If you don't want anyone to know, don't do it. Everything done leaves a trace. If Mr. Song wishes to investigate the truth of my words, he can summon Madam Song's attendants and maids for questioning. Then you'll know who is lying." Wu Caiwei looked at him with confidence.
Seeing her composed demeanor, Song Laoye began to have doubts. Could what she said be true? Then he thought, why would she lie to him? If she were lying, why would she invite an investigation? He glanced at Madam Song again. Although she tried to remain composed, a flicker of panic crossed her face. Based on his understanding of his wife, he knew that what the other woman said was likely true.
"Madam Zhou, speak cautiously. My wife is very virtuous, and I personally accompanied her to her maternal home. How could she have gone so far?" Even so, he chose to defend his wife.
"You two are truly a devoted couple. To protect Madam Song's reputation, Mr. Song has openly lied. Seeing this, I am even less likely to let Ziyao return home with you. He is very kind and still young; he is no match for you. If he were to quietly die in the Song family's backyard, it would be too late for regrets."
Wu Caiwei sneered as she looked at them. Her words were not unfounded. From Mr. Song's tone, she could tell he actually believed her but still chose to protect his wife. This showed Madam Song that Song Ziyao did not hold a particularly important place in his heart. It was likely that even if he died, Mr. Song would only punish some unimportant individuals or fly into a rage before letting it pass.
"Madam Zhou, are you openly trying to snatch my son? Aren't you afraid we'll report you to the authorities?" Song Laoye finally revealed his trump card. In his mind, going to court was the most troublesome thing. The Song family's vast wealth was common knowledge, something everyone knew. Therefore, every time he needed them to do something, it would cost him. Thus, the moment he learned of his son's whereabouts, his first thought was to have a good talk with Wu Caiwei.
"Is that so? It would be good to let the magistrate investigate the reason for Ziyao's disappearance and Madam Song's whereabouts. Oh, I forgot to tell you, Mr. Song. I heard that the day before yesterday, Madam Song summoned all the doctors in the city to her residence to treat her. She wasn't ill; in fact, she was planning to harm Ziyao, but I discovered it and poisoned her in return. She wanted to see if any doctor could identify the poison in her system. Unfortunately for her, she was disappointed. She will be under my control for the rest of her life." Wu Caiwei knew that with their conversation having reached such a stalemate, he would definitely try to deal with her once she left. Although she wasn't afraid, she had only recently arrived in Yuzheng and didn't have enough manpower. Any slight oversight could harm those around her.
Madam Song looked at her husband's disbelieving gaze. She wanted to loudly refute Wu Caiwei's words, but she was also afraid of offending Wu Caiwei. If Wu Caiwei didn't give her the antidote, she would have no choice but to die. She hadn't forgotten the agonizing pain of that night; even now, thinking about it made her tremble all over.
Song Laoye looked at his wife's bowed head and knew that this time, he had been outmaneuvered by the other party. He closed his eyes. Having navigated the business world for so many years, this was the first time he was utterly helpless against a woman.
When he opened his eyes again, he was much calmer. He looked at Song Ziyao with a gentle smile. "Dad knows he has failed you over the years. I was often away on business. If you insist on staying with this lady, Dad won't force you. But you must be obedient and visit the Song residence often."
"Father agrees?" Song Ziyao's face immediately lit up with surprise. He had thought his father, who had come with such determination, would definitely take him away. He hadn't expected his mother to ultimately win. He looked at her with admiration.
Song Laoye hesitated for a moment, then reluctantly nodded. After giving some instructions, he left with his wife.
Madam Song lagged a step behind Song Laoye and watched as he got into the carriage. The carriage left without even waiting for her, heading directly towards the Song residence, almost running her over.
This was the first time her husband had been so angry since they were married. Madam Song felt wronged. She was already poisoned and panicked, but when her husband found out, instead of comforting her, he blamed her.
She didn't believe he was unaware of her actions over the years. In the beginning, she had only engaged in minor mischief, testing his reaction. Unexpectedly, he played ignorant, and Madam Song's boldness grew.