The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

In November, joyous events were endless. First was the Crown Prince’s inauguration ceremony, formally announced to the world, with the Great Qing’s Crown Prince appointed, and meanwhile, a general amnesty was granted.

Immediately following was the joyous occasion of the marriage between the eldest Princess Jiayi and Prince Consort Cui. Invitations for various weddings and childbirth celebrations were sent to the Prime Minister’s Mansion.

Song Ci, however, did not attend many banquets. When the first snow fell, her frail body caught a cold again, leaving her weak and deciding to feign illness and stay in.

Outside, snowflakes drifted gently, while inside, it was as warm as spring or summer, the air filled with the aroma of roasted chestnuts and peanuts. Infants giggled playfully on the heated brick bed.

Song Ci lounged lazily on the large pillow, unwilling to move, while keeping an eye on Dange’er and Yuanyuan playing with building blocks, and casually chatting with a few daughters-in-law who came to pay respects.

”...I heard that the King Wu submitted a memorial to the Emperor, asking to be sent to his vassal land, which shocked the court. From what those Madams say, they seem to think King Wu is foolish.” Madam Song first brought up matters at court, of course gathered from gossip among women during gatherings.

Jiang remarked, ”I don’t quite agree with that, as the Crown Prince has been appointed, it’s normal for a Vassal King to move to his land. Staying in the capital only brings more trouble.”

Song Ci nodded silently; this reasoning made sense.

A Vassal King having his own fief, with the Crown Prince established, moving away from the center of disputes to be a small sovereign in his land isn’t sweet?

Lu added, ”But this way, upon leaving the capital, it’s as if he’s truly cutting ties with the power center, permanently distancing himself from that position.”

The distance from the vassal land to the capital is vast; any news sent would become cold like stale food.

Jiang glanced over and said, ”All you need to consider is that governing your own land can be quite enjoyable. In fact, given King Wu’s position, even if he doesn’t go to his land, he wouldn’t have a chance at the throne. His origin is clear, even the Sixth Prince might be stronger than him.”

Lu laughed awkwardly, covering her mouth with a handkerchief, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Mentioning origins made her feel inferior by a few degrees.

Seeing this, Song Ci coughed lightly, saying, ”Mind your words, be careful of walls with ears.”

They quickly composed themselves and rose to apologize.

Song Ci continued, ”King Wu requesting to move to his land was a clever move; as long as he lives peacefully and doesn’t chase unattainable things, a lifetime as a wealthy idle prince is assured. What’s important is to have self-awareness; seeking what one isn’t meant for isn’t bravery, it’s recklessness.”

”Mother is right.”

Song Ci merely mentioned it in passing and didn’t elaborate further. After all, topics related to the Imperial Family’s affairs were often taboo, so she changed the subject, looking at Madam Song, ”Su’er’s good day has been sent to Duke Dingguo Mansion.”

Madam Song smiled, ”It’s already sent, and in a few days, I’ll visit again to discuss further, ensuring it is set in March so Mother can soon enjoy the daughter-in-law’s tea.”

”As we are proposing, it’s okay to lower our stance a bit, the most important thing is to let the other party feel the sincerity of our family.”

”Yes.”

”Congratulations, dear sister-in-law. Soon, you’ll have a daughter-in-law to serve at your side.” Jiang beamed with happiness.

”Congratulations to you too.” Madam Song glanced at her sideways, ”You and Madam Fu have exchanged glances several times, isn’t it about time to make it clear?”

Jiang covered her mouth and chuckled, ”I was thinking of waiting a little longer, and then inviting her to the temple to offer incense and make it clear.”

Madam Song nodded, ”That’s appropriate. The Fu family’s status is noble, and Miss Fu San is virtuous and refined, a good alliance indeed.”

Lu listened on one side, feeling increasingly sour inside, squeezing her handkerchief.