The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Nanny said lightly, ”To be honest, from a traditional standpoint, Miss Song’s looks aren’t particularly favored by men. The Harem is filled with beauties, and with such looks, it’s impossible to stand out.”

Song Ci nodded; she held the same opinion.

A slightly plump girl like Song Xin, though she might feel pleasant to touch, would hardly be stunning at first glance from a male perspective. However, mothers-in-law tend to have a special fondness for them.

With a slightly plump and full figure, and a round face, she is the very image of bringing prosperity to husband and children, perfect for family life, which mothers-in-law certainly appreciate.

”But then again, there’s a saying: each to their own, and perhaps someone might be especially fond of her type. Back in the day, wasn’t the Late Emperor particularly fond of Princess Consort Ji? The young Princess Consort Ji’s figure was not much different from Miss Song’s now.”

Song Ci immediately recalled the young Princess Consort Ji’s portrait and couldn’t help but cough, saying, ”I see that nowadays, the concubines in the Harem are mostly slender.”

Nanny smiled and said, ”Those who become concubines and want to rise and be favored primarily cater to the Emperor’s preferences.”

”So, the Emperor’s preference is for the slender type, then?”

”Most likely, but men often crave novelty. When used to delicacies, they may suddenly crave something simple like vegetables. After seeing so many beauties, someone different might catch their eye. So, if she gets chosen, whether she’ll be favored, I dare not say.”

Song Ci said, ”What you say makes some sense.” She sighed again, ”It’s good to be a man; no matter how old they are, they can choose the women they like to accompany them.”

Nanny saw she was about to get jealous again and timely handed over a headband embroidered with a Five Blessings design, a gift from Song Xin to Song Ci. The embroidery was exquisite, and it was said that all the female members of the mansion, even the ladies, prepared gifts, be it the wallet or handkerchief, as a gesture of goodwill.

The Prime Minister’s Mansion, Xiu Fang Garden.

Song Xin sat on the Arhat bed by the south window, took a sip of the clear tea handed by her personal maid Yun Luo, and let out a long sigh.

”Miss, the Prime Minister’s Mansion is truly grand and luxurious, at least twice as grand as our own mansion,” Yun Luo exclaimed.

Song Xin smiled lightly and said, ”The Prime Minister’s Mansion is noble; it’s naturally not something our small household can compare to.”

Yun Luo laughed and said, ”I never thought Miss would have such a day to shine; truly, heaven sees everything. If you really get chosen, it would be a fortune of a lifetime. When we headed to Shangjing, Second Miss’s face was nearly twisted. Hmph, let her snatch your...”

”Cough.”

Yun Luo immediately closed her mouth, looking at her cautiously.

Song Xin frowned and said, ”It’s all in the past; let’s not mention it. Everyone has their fate.”

Yun Luo whispered, ”I was just feeling indignant for you; how can Second Miss behave like this as a sister? But you’re right, everyone has their fate. If she hadn’t insisted on snatching, perhaps it would have been her coming to the capital for selection today.”

That’s why, when heading to Shangjing, Song Qing’s face was so twisted. She wanted to take the spot but could she? She was already involved with that person. If she dared to come and got discovered, it would be a crime of deceiving the Emperor punishable by death, and Master realized this too, which is why he didn’t act rashly.

Song Xin lowered her eyes, gazing out the window: ”Entering the palace walls is like entering the deep sea; entering may not necessarily be good. After all, the Harem is full of intrigue and treachery. Given my looks, how can I stand out? Not to mention, the Emperor’s age is also...”

Yun Luo was taken aback, thinking of Emperor Chu’s age, and couldn’t help but press her lips together.