The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

The Imperial Concubine Ji looked around triumphantly, feeling refreshed and all her grievances dissipated.

However, when her gaze fell on Song Ci, her sense of triumph immediately diminished, and her expression turned sour.

Goodness, even the Empress is standing, yet she is sitting as if she’s more prestigious than the Empress?

But she dared not lash out at Song Ci, as this old lady was the Empress Dowager’s close confidante, even the Emperor privately respects her as an aunt; otherwise, why would she be granted the privilege to be excused from bowing?

Song Ci looked at the Imperial Concubine Ji with a full smile, thinking that bowing was out of the question, and as for the Empress, she would most likely be the future Empress Dowager, deserving of face.

As for the Imperial Concubine Ji, so what if her title remains untouched, the Prince Min Mansion has already seen its downfall. Now they can still participate in palace banquets, but considering the Emperor’s meticulous nature, how can the Prince Min Mansion make a comeback?

Being able to retain the status of a Commandery Prince is considered lucky; who knows, when the child in the Princess Consort’s belly is born, the Prince Mansion might become a Duke Mansion, and then a Marquis Mansion, diminishing with each generation.

As long as Emperor Chu is on the throne, and even if the Crown Prince succeeds, Prince Min Mansion can never rise again.

In this way, the Imperial Concubine Ji is just a toothless old tiger, and she is not afraid.

Oh, the most important thing is that she has privileges.

The Imperial Concubine Ji snorted and said, ”Everyone, sit down, do not let my presence spoil the joy of your conversation, or else you’ll have to blame this for my fault.”

Consort Fan sat down and chuckled lightly, ”Dowager, you’re so imposing, how dare we blame you?” She turned her gaze to the Princess Consort Min, covering her mouth with a handkerchief, ”How many months along is the Princess Consort Min? It’s really been a while, and it’s nothing but good news from the Prince Manor.”

The Princess Consort Min touched her belly lightly and said blandly, ”Thanks to Lady’s luck, it’s been five months.”

”Oh, in that case, by next year’s Poison Month, the birth should be around that time. Dowager, you’re truly blessed, this will be your legitimate grandson, perhaps a turn for the better is in order for you.”

The Imperial Concubine Ji glanced at the Princess Consort Min’s belly and said, ”As long as the Princess Consort gives birth to a golden grandson, that indeed is worthy of the phrase ’a turn for the better’. It’s not too late for Consort Fan to speak then.”

Consort Fan sighed, ”Whether it’s a golden grandson or not, a safe birth is enough to be called a turn for the better. It’s well known that this child is now coming at such a turbulent time, one wonders if it’s fortune or misfortune. Hopefully, it will bring good fortune to the Prince Min Mansion.”

The Imperial Concubine Ji felt infuriated, wasn’t this implying that the child was ill-timed?

Just as she was about to flare up, Consort Fan changed the subject, looking towards Song Ci, and asked, ”Madam Song, don’t you think so?”

Song Ci smiled faintly, ”What do you mean, yes or no? I am old, frail, and deaf, I didn’t quite catch what Consort Fan was saying.”

Consort Fan: ”...”

She glanced at her little follower, Beauty Zhong, signaling with her eyes.

The latter secretly lamented, forcing a smile, ”Consort Fan is saying it’s a rare joyous event for the Prince Min Mansion to have heirs, she is asking if you agree, Madam.”

Madam Song was a bit anxious, seeing these two digging a pit for the old lady!

Just as she was thinking of what to say, Song Ci smiled.

”That’s why I say, all of you, still being young, unlike this old body of mine that’s nearing the grave, the least fond of twilight but rather delights in new life.” Song Ci pointed with her finger, ”Not to mention if the Prince Min Mansion having heirs counts as a joyous event—in this world, no matter whose family it is, having offspring is a great joy. Why? Because the arrival of new life proves that the Great Qing is prosperous in numbers and full of vitality. Therefore, it’s undoubtedly joyous.”