The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 922: Chapter 922: Subtle Undercurrents of Verbal Sparring

Similar conversations to those between Prince Xiao and Consort Xiao also occurred with the other princes and princesses. However, unlike the reluctance of Consort Xiao, Princess Wu and Princess Yan were quite willing, having already gone to fawn over Empress Dowager Wang early on, each with her own son in arms.

When Consort Xiao arrived, Princess Yan was holding her son and telling Empress Dowager Wang that he had murmured as if calling the Great Grandmother.

Ha, a child only a few months old supposedly calling the Great Grandmother! Might as well shoot for the stars! Truly, telling lies without a draft, such exaggeration.

Consort Xiao, maintaining a dignified and graceful smile, approached with a radiant smile to pay respects to Empress Dowager Wang. Upon seeing the gathering, she realized that quite a crowd had assembled in this palace of Empress Dowager Wang today.

”You all seem to be quite complete here. Could it be that you smelled it early on, knowing that tributary lychees from Lingnan are here, and thus gathered to share in some fresh taste?” Empress Dowager Wang said with a laugh.

Consort Xiao quickly spoke before Princess Yan, ”Indeed, we caught the scent, knowing Great Grandmother has delicious treats, so we shamelessly brought Chu Ge’er along. Great Grandmother, please don’t mind us mother and son.” Saying so, she personally took the child from the nursemaid’s arms and gracefully saluted Empress Dowager Wang.

”No wonder everyone praises Eldest Sister-in-law as the most virtuous and magnanimous. Look at how close Chu Ge’er is to you, genuinely like a real mother and son,” Princess Yan said, covering her mouth with a cheerful laugh.

Consort Xiao was inwardly furious, wishing she could scratch Fang Shi’s face, feeling she was too audacious.

”Fourth Sister-in-law, you’re overpraising. Chu Ge’er is the child of me and the prince, naturally, we are real mother and son. He even calls me Consort Mother.” Consort Xiao said with a smile, then inquired with feigned concern, ”By the way, I heard Madam Fang is tending to Matron Fang and didn’t come to the Summer Palace this time. I wonder if Matron Fang is feeling any better?”

Princess Yan’s smile froze, her eyes nearly popping out.

Everyone knew that Matron Fang, her great-grandmother, was on her deathbed, and Zhong Shi intentionally used this needle to prick her heart.

Princess Yan was about to lose her temper when Empress Dowager Wang coughed, immediately making both women compose themselves.

”Lian Qiao, arrange seats for the princesses. Too many children make my eyes dizzy. Sit down and try some lychees; they were delivered fresh by fast horse over land,” Empress Dowager Wang said.

Consort Xiao and the others immediately stepped back down the steps with smiles and gave thanks.

Platters of lychees were brought by palace maids, placed on small tables for every two people.

Empress Dowager Wang certainly did not have to do it herself; palace maids peeled them personally, placing them on clean plates, accompanied by small silver forks.

Empress Dowager Wang speared one and bit it, the sweet juice spreading in her mouth, causing her to beam with delight.

”These lychees are indeed excellent, very sweet. Lian Qiao, remember to pack a basket and send it to the Prime Minister’s Mansion, so Madam Song can also have a taste.”

Lian Qiao smiled and curtsied, ”Yes.”

Expressions subtly shifted among those present, each secretly pondering. Madam Song indeed enjoyed the Empress Dowager’s favor; see how this fresh delicacy was exclusively gifted to her, no one else.

Consort Xiao brought up Empress Dowager Wang again with a playful reference, mentioning a relative married to a concubine of Song San in the Song Mansion, who often praised Madam Song for her kindness and generosity.

”It seems that proximity to virtue makes one virtuous. Madam Song surely learned from Great Grandmother.”

Empress Dowager Wang also enjoyed compliments on Song Ci, saying, ”Madam Song is broad-minded and tolerant in how she conducts herself. If you could learn even a fraction of her ways, it would be your fortune.”

”Great Grandmother is quite right,” Consort Xiao said, noticing Princess Yan’s dismissive expression. She smiled and asked, ”Could it be that Fourth Sister-in-law disagrees with Great Grandmother’s words?”

Princess Yan stiffened.