Song Yunzhao understood. It was meant to be a showstopper.

In those days, women would gather and compete over their literary talents, their clothes and jewelry, and their family’s heritage. The Song Family had some heritage, but not much was left.

When it came to literary talent, Song Yunzhao had committed to the persona of feigning weakness, so she’d never made a name for herself.

As for clothing and jewelry... Song Yexi had been right. After arriving in the Capital City, her collection had grown by a few pieces thanks to her aunt. Linlang had also bribed her with a few items, and her father had given her some as well. But when it came to quality and value, that one bracelet was indeed more substantial.

This gave Song Yunzhao a headache.

Looking at Song Yexi, she said slowly, "Thank you for the reminder, Ms. Xi."

Song Yexi didn’t get a definite answer from Song Yunzhao, but she wasn’t surprised. This younger cousin of hers was very opinionated. She had only offered a well-intentioned reminder; she didn’t need to press for a firm commitment.

’Song Qinghan already resents me for flaunting that bracelet, implying her mother is less generous than Third Aunt, who couldn’t even part with one for her. Now that Qinghan has a bracelet from her own mother, it’s no fun to show mine off in front of her. But if Yun Zhao can get her hands on Third Aunt’s other bracelet, Song Qinghan will probably die of vexation. Now *that’s* what I want to see.’

After Song Yunzhao and Song Jinxuan left Song Yexi’s quarters, Song Jinxuan whispered to her on the way back, "Are you really going to ask for the bracelet? Mrs. Cai might not be so generous with you. You should think this through."

Although she had fanned the flames earlier, it was just an act for Song Yexi. She didn’t actually want Song Yunzhao to go and cause a scene.

They were in the same boat now. The better things went for Song Yunzhao, the better it would be for them. She didn’t want to see her run into misfortune.

Song Yunzhao sneered. "Who cares about that? I’ll have something even better."

Huh?

Song Jinxuan was completely baffled. "What do you mean, ’something better’?"

"Just you wait and see." Song Yunzhao waved a hand at her and walked on ahead.

Song Jinxuan stomped her foot in frustration. That Song Yunzhao was getting more infuriating by the day, always speaking in riddles and leaving her hanging. It was maddening.

Song Yunzhao returned to her own courtyard and took a nap. Once she was fully rested, she confirmed that her father had returned home from his government office. She changed into her plainest set of clothes and pinned the pearl flower her father had once given her into her hair. After studying her reflection carefully in the mirror, she selected a plain silver hairpin from her jewelry box—one that Mrs. Cai had given her as part of her allowance long ago—and tucked it into her hair as well. Only then did she head for the study at the front of the residence.

The Third Master was reading. His current official rank in the Capital City was near the bottom. The Ministry of Imperial Stables was considered a low-to-mid-tier post, and he had no desire to spend the rest of his life in such a quiet government office. Therefore, whenever he encountered something he didn’t understand regarding his duties, he would study up on it at home.

He had only read a few pages when a young servant announced that his youngest daughter had arrived. He rubbed the bridge of his nose and said, "Let her in."

Song Yunzhao entered carrying a cup of Nourishing God Soup. Behaving very obediently, she placed it on her father’s desk and said with a smile, "Father, I had the kitchen make this especially for you. You work so hard for this family. This is to help you recuperate."

The Third Master actually picked it up and took a sip. The taste... left much to be desired. He disliked these kinds of soupy concoctions, but he couldn’t refuse his daughter’s kind intentions and risk upsetting her. He downed the rest in one gulp before asking, "Why the sudden soup? Did you get into trouble again?"

Song Yunzhao was indignant. "The way you say that, it makes me sound like a walking disaster."

’But you are,’ the Third Master thought to himself. He didn’t say it out loud, lest he provoke her into throwing a tantrum on the spot. "Of course you’re not," he said instead. "I was just joking. So, what is this about?"

’In any case, she wouldn’t have come for no reason. She’s definitely here to lodge a complaint.’

Song Yunzhao met her father’s knowing gaze and fell silent for a moment. Then, deciding to be direct, she recounted the entire incident from start to finish. She swore she didn’t embellish a single detail.

"Father, do you think Mother will give the other bracelet to me?"

The Third Master fell silent. The items his own mother had given to his wife were, naturally, his wife’s to manage as she saw fit. How could he interfere?

’For his daughter to ask this, she must already know that his wife won’t give it to her.’

The Third Master looked up at his daughter. "What kind of bracelet do you want? I’ll buy one for you."

Song Yunzhao sighed wistfully. "I just feel so humiliated. Ms. Xi is laughing at me, and Second Sister is pitying me. In this family, I’m like a wilting cabbage in the corner of the field—a poor, pitiful thing that no one values. Even the servants in the residence..."

"Alright, alright, I understand." The Third Master quickly cut her off. If he let her continue, she’d probably claim that even the dogs in the manor were barking at her out of disrespect.