The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Dan Ge’er received a New Year’s gift from Song Ci and happily stuffed it into the bosom of his waistband, then wished everyone prosperity, amusing everyone greatly.

Deng Shi laughed and said, ”Young Master, he woke up early, saying he wanted to kowtow to you. No matter how much I tried to persuade him, he wouldn’t listen, so I had no choice but to bring him here.”

”Children are like this, impulsive. It’s not a big deal to go out, but in this cold weather, make sure he’s wrapped up warmly; catching a cold is not good.”

”Rest assured, Madam, I know how to handle it.”

Dan Ge’er added, ”Tonight, I want to stay up with Grandmother to watch the New Year and sleep with her.”

”The bed here at Grandmother’s place is hard and not comfortable to sleep in,” Song Ci pinched his nose and said, ”Your room is full of good things, much better suited for sleep.”

Dan Ge’er shook his head, pouting, ”No, I just want to be with Grandmother. Her room smells nice, I like it.”

Song Ci’s heart softened, and she said, ”Alright, alright, as you wish.”

Actually, this boy is raised here with her, and as the supreme ancestor, she protects and dotes on him, so everything he uses is of the finest quality, even a diaper is meticulously chosen.

To be honest, among so many children in the family, Dan Ge’er had the toughest birth, but he truly was born into wealth.

As for whether he would become a spoiled rich man with extravagant tastes, as far as the Song Family is concerned, so what if he does, as long as he’s not committing any heinous acts.

”Young Master, the Madam is about to enter the palace in full attire for the banquet, you need to come down now,” said the palace nanny with a smile.

Dan Ge’er understood this, let Deng Shi carry him down, but still didn’t leave. He stood by watching Song Ci apply her makeup, even pointing out which jewelry to match, making everyone laugh.

...

The Crown Prince was newly appointed, and this year’s Kunning Palace was livelier than usual on New Year’s Eve. Nearly everyone was speaking to the Empress, leaving the mothers of a few children feeling annoyed, twisting their handkerchiefs almost into pickles.

The Empress looked toward Consort Fan, noticed her reclining arrogantly on a chair with disdain, and couldn’t help but curl her lips slightly.

She dabbed the corners of her mouth with her handkerchief, gazing over the packed Kunning Palace, her internal excitement gradually calming.

No matter how much these people praised her, she wondered how many of them internally wished for her downfall.

”Madam Song has arrived.”

Kunning Palace quieted for a moment.

The Empress smiled and said, ”Please let Madam Song come in.”

Song Ci entered, supported by Madam Song and Lu Shi, and approached the phoenix throne, making a motion to bow.

”No need for such formality, Madam. The Emperor has already exempted you from bowing as a privilege due to his care,” the Empress said, raising her hand.

Song Ci smiled and said, ”The Emperor and Lady are considerate, but I dare not become arrogant due to favor. You are the mother of the nation; on New Year’s Eve, you deserve a bow from me.”

Saying this, she gave a slight, respectful curtsy.

Madam Song and Lu Shi, however, did not have this privilege and followed the palace etiquette, bowing formally.

This act by Song Ci gave the Empress much face; after all, Emperor Chu had decreed that apart from him and the Empress Dowager, Song Ci had a special exemption from bowing.

The Empress granted her a seat, positioned closer to the front, which was a significant mark of honor.

Song Ci had just sat down, directly facing Consort Fan. Consort Fan looked over with a smile and said, ”Madam Song is the most decorous. I remember, Song Daying also hails from the Song family village, considered your grandchild. Song Daying’s manners should follow this heritage, yet when she saw Madam, she didn’t step forward to pay respects?”

Song Ci: ”...”

Here it comes, the long-missed palace intrigue!