The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Song Ci’s eyes widened when she saw Princess Consort Ji.

In less than a year, this woman who originally appeared to be in her early forties, had become a decrepit elderly figure, aged sixty or seventy, her hunched back even more severe than her own.

It seemed that the removal of the poisonous insect had truly nearly cost her life; she was merely lucky to be alive.

It was also pitiable.

Song Ci sighed slightly, wondering if her return to the capital this time was fortunate or unfortunate. If she had not returned, such a tragic event probably wouldn’t have happened, living a lifetime in illusion.

Oh, that’s not quite right.

If she hadn’t returned, Xia Yu would not be able to keep up the pretense indefinitely, and the truth would eventually be revealed, which would be a fatal blow then.

While Song Ci was lost in her thoughts, Princess Consort Ji also felt a tinge of emotion.

She had thought she would never enter the palace again to attend a grand banquet like the New Year’s Eve feast, yet unexpectedly this year she could return.

Princess Consort Ji let out a breath.

Everyone’s eyes were on Princess Consort Ji, drawing in a breath of surprise like Song Ci, with buzzing whispers arising lightly.

Earlier in the year, the Dowager was still quite a sight, yet by year’s end, she had become so wan and elderly.

Truly, things have changed.

However, beyond Princess Consort Ji, people’s curiosity and gossip swirled more around the Princess Consort of Min.

The abdomen, though covered in spacious palace attire, was unmistakable to those experienced; the Princess Consort of Min was clearly pregnant, more so when the belly was visibly showing.

Since Prince Min ”recognized his ancestors,” he had been confined in the Prince Mansion, leading Princess Consort and others to remain behind closed doors. Rumors spread that the Princess Consort seemed to be pregnant, but rumors are not enough, without seeing her themselves they remain just hearsay.

But now it seems, the rumor might just be believable.

Gossip filled everyone’s eyes.

Could it be that Prince Min and his Princess Consort, these two awkward individuals, actually developed feelings for each other?

Princess Anping paid respect to the Empress, smiling as she claimed she was late.

”Mother Empress is probably still grooming herself, so it’s not late,” the Empress responded with a smile, rising to make a half-bow to Princess Consort Ji, saying, ”It has been some time since I saw you, Dowager, how is your health?”

”Whether good or not, the Empress can see for herself,” Princess Consort Ji replied coolly, sighing, ”I thought I had been stripped of my title as Dowager; arriving at Kunning Palace, not many came to pay their respects, only the Empress is understanding. Oh, former Emperor, your deep affection for this concubine might just be laughed at by others.”

Song Ci almost choked on her own saliva.

Princess Consort Ji remained as she was, having undergone significant changes, even rarely appearing in public, yet when showing up in the arena again, still displayed formidable prowess.

With her words, she forced the concubines and Madams who initially remained seated to rise and pay her respects.

Even if her words bore a hated tone, one fact remained undeniable: Princess Consort Ji’s title had never been revoked by the Emperor despite the issue with Prince Min.

The Dowager title remained, proving her standing as Imperial Concubine still existed, being the concubine of the previous Emperor; among those present, whether Empress or concubines and inner commanderies, all were the younger generation and had to pay respect, otherwise, it would be disrespecting the former Emperor and dishonoring the Royal Family.

No one dared shoulder such a charge.

With her chin raised defiantly, Princess Consort Ji had long thought it over, pretending to be pitiable, letting those from prominent families laugh, since her title still stood, she simply adopted a high posture.

See? Now the effect is apparent.