The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 114: Chapter 114 Fooled by the little old lady Song Ci

You see, people really need exercise. Just take a look at Song Ci. When she first arrived here, she had to stop to catch her breath after walking a few steps. But after practicing Tai Chi for about a month?

Look at her now, keeping up with Madam Fan in fast walking without trembling legs.

Madam Fan nearly wanted to shake off Song Ci’s hand. Oh dear, this little old lady walks so fast, she almost tripped over her own skirt.

Glancing at Song Ci, who showed no signs of redness or breathlessness, Madam Fan thought to herself, perhaps this little old lady was pretending to be sick. Even after recuperating, could someone really walk briskly without a hitch like this?

As for herself, she was led into a brisk pace by Song Ci, throwing her breathing into disarray.

Sly, this little old lady must be playing tricks on her.

Song Ci didn’t have mind reading techniques to discern what this old lady beside her was thinking. She indeed walked a bit faster, but her neck was increasingly bending under the pressure.

There was no help for it; the golden crown on her head was quite heavy. She had to hold it up, or how could she still be considered a royal?

Upon entering the main hall, Song Ci lifted her gaze, and saw a middle-aged beautiful woman wearing a phoenix crown and dress, sitting upright on the phoenix throne.

This was the mother of the nation, Empress Gongsun Jing.

Song Ci subtly took a deep breath and, recalling her memories and the etiquette crash course from the palace nanny, bowed tremblingly before Empress Gongsun.

”This humble woman greets the Empress, wishing Your Majesty peace and prosperity.”

”Please rise, Madam, and be seated,” Empress Gongsun said with a smiling gesture.

Song Ci stood up with the help of the palace nanny and sat on the cushioned seat brought by the palace maid, straightening her back as she looked at the Empress.

The Empress was clad in a phoenix dress without a wrinkle, who knows for how long it had been ironed. Her hands rested calmly on her lap, sitting perfectly straight. Her oval face might not be exceedingly stunning, but she was certainly dignified, graceful, and appropriately composed.

Such is the demeanour of an Empress.

Song Ci secretly thought, the Empress of a nation should possess such grace—not excessively beautiful, but definitely grand and poised.

While Song Ci was silently evaluating, Madam Fan was already engaged in polite conversation with the Empress.

”Has Madam Song fully recovered? You must be tired?” Empress Gongsun inquired with a smile, looking at Song Ci.

Song Ci snapped back to attention and replied with a smile, ”I do not feel tired, Your Majesty. It’s been many days since I last entered the palace to pay my respects, and now seeing Your Majesty looking even more radiant than before, I can’t help but be entranced.”

Empress Gongsun was somewhat surprised; Madam Song was offering compliments.

Madam Fan pinched her fingers, secretly thinking, ’Flatterer.’

”The Empress Dowager has always been concerned about Madam Song. Upon hearing of your well-being, she issued an imperial decree inviting you for a conversation. It won’t be long before she sends someone to invite you.” Empress Gongsun said with a smile.

Song Ci quickly stood, bowing in the direction of the Cining Palace: ”It’s a sin for this humble woman to trouble the Empress Dowager with her concerns. I shall properly seek her pardon later.”

Empress Gongsun: ”...”

Madam Fan: ”...”

Who said Song Ci was a coarse, foot-washing farmer that made her way into high society? Look at political and social skills displayed by this cunning little old lady, deceiving everyone.

”Your Majesty, Lian Qiao from the Cining Palace, under the orders of the Empress Dowager, has come to escort Madam Song there, asking you to proceed slowly with the other ladies,” a palace maid reported respectfully as she walked in with small steps.

Empress Gongsun hastened to have Lian Qiao invited in, not daring to neglect her, as she was her mother-in-law’s trusted aide.

Lian Qiao came in, performed a formal greeting, and then repeated the Empress Dowager’s instructions, which were simply to pick someone up.

Song Ci thought to herself, the Empress Dowager cherished her with some kinship and sought to grant her favor.

Madam Fan, filled with jealousy, thought sourly: they were both first-rank titled ladies, and as the Prime Minister’s mother, yet the Empress Dowager favored the other over her.