"What happened to your sister? Why is she acting like this?" Prime minister Song Myun asked, his sharp gaze fixed on Song Jae, who clung tightly to their father's arm.
Tears streamed down her delicate face as she sobbed into their father's chest. "Appa, I missed you so much! I was really scared today," she cried, her small hands trembling.
Song Myun and Song Ji exchanged stunned glances. This… wasn't like her at all. Song Jae had never been the type to seek comfort, let alone act cute in front of their father.
Her usual demeanor was anything but soft—harsh words, cruel punishments for the servants, and a sharp tongue that could cut like a blade. It was easy to forget she was just a twelve-year-old child.
Yet now, she clung to their father like a frightened little girl.
Song Myun quickly took control of the situation. The curious stares of the crowd lingered on them, and this was not a matter to be discussed in public.
"Let's go inside and talk," he said, taking Song Jae's hand and leading her into the residence. The others followed in silence, tension hanging heavy in the air. When they reached the main courtyard, he guided them into the waiting room.
Once the doors shut behind them, Song Myun turned to face his younger sister. "Alright, now tell me what's going on."
Before Song Jae could open her mouth to speak,
"Father," Song Ji spoke up instead, his voice firm. "Let's go to your study. I don't want another fake rumor about my sister to spread." The room grew still.
Song Nabi, who had been quiet until now, stiffened at his words. She immediately countered, her voice laced with indignation.
"Oppa, what do you mean by that? Are you saying my mother and I have been spreading fake rumors about Song Jae?"
Silence. Song Ji hadn't mentioned anyone. Yet here she was, defending herself before an accusation was even made.
Madam Jin's expression darkened. Foolish girl.
She had always considered Nabi her most intelligent daughter, yet lately, the girl had been making reckless mistakes. It was as if her mind had dulled overnight, speaking before think when she needed to think first.
After all, no one had pointed fingers at them, wasn't Nabi's reaction an outright confession?
Sensing the growing tension, Madam Jin quickly forced a pitiful expression, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She reached out towards Song Ji, her voice trembling as though wounded.
"Song Ji, how could you think that about your mother and sister?" She dabbed at her eyes delicately, the picture of a wronged woman. "Everyone knows how I have treated Song Jae. I have never bullied or mistreated her."
Song Ji let out a cold laugh. "You didn't mistreat her, but you didn't educate her properly either." He turned to look at his father.
"It amazes me how well-mannered and humble Madam Jin's daughters are, yet my own sister—" He glanced at Song Jae, who was still clutching their father's sleeve.
"She's the complete opposite. If she stood beside them, she'd seem like a spoiled and useless young miss in comparison."
A sharp intake of breath. "Song Ji!" Prime Minister Song interjected, his voice firm. "That's enough. You shouldn't speak that way about your mother."
"And Nabi," Prime Minister Song Myun added, his tone colder than before. "You will not speak to your elder brother like that again."
A heavy silence fell over the room.
Song Myun exhaled and turned toward his father. "Let's continue this conversation in the study."
Madam Jin turned to her husband, her voice trembling. "Are you suspecting me too?"
Prime Minister Song Myun's gaze was cold, his expression unreadable. "Don't think I'm oblivious to why you've been indulging Song Jae and agreeing with her on everything all this time."
His tone was laced with restrained anger, each word carrying a weight that pressed down on the room. "You know what you've done in the past few years. I won't argue with you about it, but don't think you can continue playing those tricks in the future."
Madam Jin's heart clenched. She took a step forward, desperation clear in her eyes. "Husband, listen to me!"
But Song Myun had already turned away. Without another glance, he strode toward the study, his steps firm and unyielding. Song Ji said sister you go and rest in your country yard I will explain everything to father. Song Ji said before leaving. The door shut with a decisive thud, cutting off Madam Jin's frantic plea.
Meanwhile Song Jae remained behind she lowered her gaze, hiding the flicker of satisfaction in her eyes. Her father was finally starting to suspect the second madam. A seed of doubt, once planted, would grow—twisting, consuming, and making him question everything Madam Jin did.
Behind her, Madam Jin stood frozen in place. Then, as if realizing the situation she was in, she sank to the floor, her delicate frame trembling.
Tears streamed down her cheeks, her sobs soft and pitiful. She looked every bit the victim, a woman wronged and misunderstood. Any man would feel compelled to comfort her, to protect her.
No wonder Father always favored Madam Jin over her mother the first wife.
Song Jae's lips curled into a cold smile. Which man wouldn't prefer a woman who seems delicate, affectionate, and dependent—rather than one who stands aloof, keeping her heart guarded?
Now, she truly understood.
The host mother had been utterly defeated by Madam Jin not because she lacked beauty, but because she lacked the means to stir a man's deepest instincts.
Even now, despite being in her late thirties, Madam Jin radiated the allure of a woman in her early twenties—a woman who could effortlessly capture a man's heart and the man would never let go.
When Song Jae first read the novel's plot, she was struck by a particular irony—her host mother had been an undeniable beauty, even more captivating than Madam Jin.
However, while her host mother's face remained perpetually cold and unreadable, Madam Jin had mastered the art of charm, effortlessly swaying others with her coquettish ways.
A gentle smile curved Song Jae's lips as she approached the weeping Madame jin. "Don't cry, Second Madam," she said, her tone filled with mock reassurance.
"I'm sure Father didn't mean what he said. After all, everyone knows how much you love me—more than your own children, right? And you've always given me everything I wanted."
Madam Jin's breath caught in her throat. The subtle sarcasm in Song Jae's voice sent a shiver down her spine. This child… she's changed.
In the past, Song Jae had been nothing more than an arrogant girl, always demanding and throwing tantrums. But now… there was something chilling about her calm demeanor.
Without waiting for a response, Song Jae turned and left.
As she walked toward her Pear Courtyard, exhaustion settled over her like a heavy cloak. I just want to sleep. The events of the day had drained her completely—especially after dealing with that wicked prince.
Meanwhile, in the Main Courtyard, Madam Jin still sat slumped on the floor, her cries having long since quieted. She had wept until her tears dried up, her body trembling from grief and frustration.
But what pained her most was the stark reality before her—Song Myun hadn't even sent a servant to check on her, let alone come himself.
He's serious this time.
For years, he had turned a blind eye, never once questioning her motives. But that was only because Song Jae had been distant, and Song Ji had never spoken against her.
Now, with Song Ji analyzing everything and whispering suspicions into his father's ears, the prime minister had finally started to doubt her.
A warm hand rested on her shoulder. "Let's go back for now, Mother," Song nari said. "I'm sure Father didn't mean what he said."
Madam Jin lifted her teary eyes and saw both her daughters standing beside her, concern etched on their faces.
Their presence, at least, was a comfort. With their support, she wouldn't completely fall. Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to stand, refusing to make a further spectacle of herself in front of the servants.
She was grateful for them—her daughters. Unlike her two sons, who were utterly useless.
While other mothers had sons who would shield and protect them, hers were of no help at all. Song Geon was too cold, barely sparing her a glance, while Song Chul was far too soft-hearted, incapable of taking a stance in any argument.
Truly unreliable.
With a deep sigh, she gathered herself and made her way back to her Moon Palace—her private quarters within the courtyard.
Meanwhile, in the study, Song Ji sat opposite his father, their conversation drawing to a close.
"By the way," Song Ji added before standing, "before you leave for court tomorrow, I ask that you take a moment to visit my sister.
She was deeply shaken by today's events, and I believe she would appreciate some comfort from you."
Prime Minister Song Myun stare at his eldest son in silence. It wasn't often that Song Ji made personal requests.
After a moment, he sighed. "Very well. Song Jae is my daughter. It's my duty to see to her."
Even as he spoke, a flicker of frustration stirred within him. His son's tone was too formal, too distant. It reminded him of the growing rift between them.
"I know," Song Myun muttered, his voice lower now, "I haven't been a good father to you and your sister. But I'm making a promise to you now—from this day forward, I'll do better."
Song Ji grip tightened on the armrest of his chair. "I don't expect anything in return… Just knowing that you'll be there for my sister while I serve in the army gives me some peace of mind."
Song Ji remained expressionless, but there was a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes.
Without another word, he bowed slightly and took his leave, heading back to Peace Courtyard, the place his mother had named as his own country yard before her passing.
The next morning, Song Jae awoke to the soft glow of daylight streaming through her windows. Stretching lazily, she slipped out of bed and made her way to the door.
"Song Sena," she called, her voice still drowsy.
The maids arrived swiftly, assisting her in dressing for the day. Not long after, Song Mi Cha entered, setting down a tray of steaming breakfast dishes.
Song Jae ate slowly, savoring the warmth of the meal, when a sudden voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Miss, the master has arrived," Song Min announced from outside.
Her chopsticks paused mid-air.
Straightening her posture, Song Jae quickly rose to her feet. Her father actually came to visit her.
Composing herself, she stepped forward, ready to meet the father who, was said in the novel not to be close to the original song jae