The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Upon hearing the name Consort Zhou, Wen Zishan’s smile slightly waned, yet she responded politely, ”The Princely Heir has been unwell these days, causing the Princess much concern and compelling her to attend personally, despite being unable to leave. So, this Consort accompanied the Prince to the banquet.”

”I see, the Princely Heir’s illness is a delicate time, requiring the utmost care. It’s indeed a testament to Consort Zhou’s deep love for her child,” Song Ci sighed.

”Indeed. Those who haven’t been mothers wouldn’t understand. As the saying goes, when the child is hurt, the mother’s heart aches. When the child encounters adversity, mothers find it hard to rest easy, wishing they could suffer in place of their child. It’s truly a deep, compassionate love Consort Zhou has for her child,” echoed someone.

Wen Zishan’s smile froze at the corners of her mouth, her hand resting on her knee clenched slightly.

Was this person subtly targeting her?

It has been over a year since her entry into the Prince Mansion, yet she has not become a mother nor received any good news. However, this month’s cycle is two days late.

Wen Zishan instinctively touched her abdomen.

Song Ci noticed this gesture and couldn’t help but raise her eyebrows, pondering whether this signifies something or expresses regret.

Today is a joyous occasion at Song Minister’s Mansion. Even if Wen Concubine has arrived, no one deliberately provokes or speaks ill to avoid displeasing the Song Family. They continue exchanging pleasantries until the time passes and the dowry enters.

”Sitting here is tedious, let’s go admire the dowry,” someone suggested.

Song Ci laughed and said, ”Go ahead, all of you go.”

Once everyone left, Song Ci returned to her room to change clothes, not forgetting to instruct the Nanny, ”If Wen Concubine comes, let her be attended carefully as well. Whether she carries news or not, let’s be careful not to offend her, avoiding blame on our mansion.”

The Nanny expressed surprise, ”If she carries news, wouldn’t she abstain from coming?”

If there is any news, she wouldn’t comfortably attend such a joyous event, especially considering the possible repercussions among those wary of conflict.

”Who knows what she’s thinking? Anyway, we don’t feel embarrassed—the embarrassment would only be hers,” Song Ci responded calmly with a smile.

Indeed.

...

Chenxiang Pavilion, in order to provide more space for their son’s young couple, along with Guan Shuyan’s ample dowry, Madam Song sought permission from Song Zhiyuan to dismantle the surrounding walls of the adjacent courtyard and merge it into Chenxiang Pavilion, effectively doubling the size.

As the beloved youngest daughter from the Duke Mansion, Guan Shuyan’s dowry is as copious as 136 trays, each abundantly filled. Now displayed in the specially arranged courtyard and guarded by onlookers, it dazzled everyone, eliciting admiration and envy.

”Being a Noble Lady from Duke Mansion, her noble origin truly shows. Indeed, this dowry is impressive, bringing great fortune to the Song Family.”

”Indeed.” Someone glanced at Wen Concubine and pretended to lower their voice, ”Previously, the Song Family contemplated other families, but it appears Guan Miss is the better choice, tsk tsk.”

That person likely holds some grudges against the Wen Family, chuckling behind a concealed mouth, saying, ”Haven’t you heard the saying, ’Losing a horse, how can one know it’s not a blessing’?”

”Giggling.”

The sound of this conversation reached the ears of Wen Madam and her daughter, causing them to feel a burning embarrassment.

Wen Zishan clenched the handkerchief in her hand, softly bit her lip, a hint of humiliation showing in her eyes.

Wen Madam’s slightly cold voice reached her ears.

”You honestly shouldn’t have come; it’s just self-humiliation.”

Wen Zishan’s complexion suddenly changed, looking at her mother in disbelief. The other returned her gaze, eyes revealing a trace of disappointment.