The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Song Zhiyu’s brief stay at the Prime Minister’s Mansion brought some liveliness to the place. Niu Pan’er, enjoying a rare break, spent her time chatting with her mother-in-law and entertaining her, or gossiping with her sisters-in-law about various household matters.

During Laba Festival, the palace sent Laba porridge, marking the official beginning of the festive season. Song Ci was summoned by Empress Dowager Wang to the palace to discuss, naturally, Princess Consort Ji wielding her Death Exemption Token, and of course, to gripe about the late Emperor’s favoritism.

Song Ci played along cheerfully, though she was wise enough not to openly criticize the late Emperor, choosing instead to echo Empress Dowager Wang’s complaints.

”...She’s thinking of using the token to manipulate me, but it’s a pity I didn’t give her a chance. I hear she’s still unwell now, serves her right, thinking she could be so clever.”

Song Ci leaned against the table with a smile and said, ”You are formidable indeed, without needing to show your hand, one subtle move was enough to make her lower her flag and withdraw, turning her words back.”

Princess Consort Ji came into the palace flaunting her Death Exemption Token, hoping the Emperor would lift the house arrest on the Prince Mansion. Unfortunately, her plan backfired, leaving her guilty of overstepping bounds.

Empress Dowager Wang chuckled, ”I wasn’t pretending; I was truly angered, thinking how the late Emperor was biased.”

”Indeed, aren’t all men like that? My own family shows preference for the eldest son yet favors the illegitimate ones, secretly sending countless gifts in the past,” sighed Song Ci.

Thinking of Old Master Song, Empress Dowager Wang considered him a rogue who led a charmed life, truly enjoying his days, never enduring hardship.

”Let’s not talk about these men. At least if we outlive them, we’ve won.”

”Indeed.”

Lian Qiao approached with a smile, reporting, ”Princess Anping has come to greet Your Ladyship.”

”Anping is here too. Quickly, let her in,” Empress Dowager Wang said to Song Ci. ”This child is truly filial, visiting the palace every few days, and it hasn’t been in vain.”

”Is Mother Criticizing me? My ears are red like shrimp!” Princess Anping entered with a smile, greeting Empress Dowager Wang with a bow, followed by one to Song Ci, ”The Honored Madam is here too, what a coincidence!”

Song Ci said, ”It shows we are meant to meet.”

Empress Dowager Wang remarked, ”With all the preparations for the year-end, why aren’t you busy at your Princess Mansion but coming into the palace?”

Princess Anping replied, ”It’s cold outside, with nowhere else to go, I might as well come into the palace to hear your Buddhist tales.”

Empress Dowager Wang pointed at her, ”You rascal.”

They chatted and laughed, sharing idle gossip, until Empress Dowager Wang showed signs of fatigue, prompting Song Ci and Princess Anping to jointly take their leave from the palace.

”I see some worry on your face. Were you really here to see the Lady?” Song Ci inquired.

Princess Anping gave a wry smile, saying, ”Nothing escapes your keen eyes. As the year-end approaches, you know my daughter Shou Ning is set to marry on January 18th. With the date nearing, there’s still no word on the groom’s return. Seeing my daughter grow thinner day by day worries me. That’s why I thought of coming to the palace to inquire with my brother.”

”What did the Emperor say?”

Princess Anping replied, ”He only told me to rest assured, without further comment. I’m hesitant to press him, since my brother has many worries of his own.”

Song Ci nodded, ”You are right. If he assures you, it means the Princely Heir Lu has not lost contact, though his return date is uncertain. If he hasn’t returned by the wedding day, what about the ceremony?”

Princess Anping pursed her lips, ”Since the marriage is a decree from the Emperor, without a counter-order, the wedding will proceed as planned, even if he’s absent.”