The Hot Spring Palace estate of the Imperial Palace is not something that can be compared to the estates of ordinary nobles. It exudes luxury and nobility everywhere, as Song Ci would say, it has a rich nouveau riche vibe.
Look at how the palace is built, with glazed tiles for the roof. The architecture within the estate features white jade with coiled dragon motifs, and the carvings beneath the eaves are intricately crafted, lifelike.
The vast expanse of the palace estate is enormous, built upon the mountains, designed beautifully and grandly. The hot spring pools are draped with white veils, which flutter lightly with the rising steam, truly like a fairyland.
If one does not wish to bathe in the open air, they can do so indoors. Indoors, there are hot spring pools paved with white jade, bringing authentic hot spring water, ensuring privacy while enjoying the spa. Some of the rooms even have views of the mountains, with excellent scenery.
Song Ci knows that this area of the palace is famous for its hot springs. Aside from the palace, there are also a few small estates nearby, all private properties of notable figures from the capital. Even the Song Family has one near the palace.
Otherwise, why would Song Zhiyuan not come for a day or two? Actually, he doesn’t stay at the palace; he only resides at his own estate. As a minister, he must be discreet, after all, on this excursion, besides Empress Dowager Wang, there is also a concubine named Li, and another noble called Yu, as well as the eight-year-old Fifth Prince, Chu Hongye, and the six-year-old Sixth Prince, Chu Hongxuan.
Aside from the young princes, there is Duke Cheng’en, Wan Yicheng, and Qi Ruize from the English Duke’s family.
Among the girls are the eldest Princess Chu Mingyue, titled Princess Jiayi, the third Princess Chu Mingxin, titled Princess Cheng Yang, and Lu Yuyun from the household of Duke Jing’an.
At that time, with Wan Yicheng acting as an intermediary, Chu Hongye and the others had already become playmates with the Song family’s treasured grandson, building snowmen, having snowball fights, as wildly as untamed horses.
On the girls’ side, Lu Yuyun, Song Ruqi, and Song Ruwei accompanied the two princesses, chatting softly from the side.
Song Ci observed this setup, her eyes half-closed.
It has the sense of selecting playmates for the Imperial children. Indeed, this vacation is not an ordinary vacation.
After some diplomatic engagements, Empress Dowager Wang was no longer inclined to watch over the children. She left the scene to the two concubines and Madam Song and the others, and took Song Ci to soak in the hot springs.
Being older, they dared not freeze outside, so they chose a beautifully scenic room indoors, donned light bathrobes, and entered the water.
Soaking in the hot springs, it was not merely about soaking, especially since it was the Empress Dowager enjoying it. Song Ci felt like she was tagging along.
Look at these exquisite and delicious snacks, along with the neatly cut pieces of fruit and cherries, the floral tea with a refreshing aroma. If she weren’t worried that prolonged soaking would raise her temperature and accelerate her heartbeat if she drank wine, Song Ci would love to sip a glass of fruity wine while soaking.
Alas, age limited her indulgence.
Song Ci took a sip of tea and asked, "Shouldn’t Princess Jiayi be selecting a Prince Consort by now?"
"Yes, she is of age now. Her father, the Emperor, mentioned that by next year, the Prince Consort should be chosen,"
Song Ci was not surprised. Despite the saying that an Emperor’s daughter has no worries about getting married, in reality, it’s more the Emperor’s daughters who worry. Choosing someone involves much deliberation, and finding someone exceptional is indeed taxing.
It’s crucial to make the right choice.
And Princess Jiayi is especially noble, the legitimate eldest princess, of extraordinary status, requiring even more careful selection of her Prince Consort.
"Aren’t you going to ask if I have anyone in mind?" Empress Dowager Wang waited for a while and didn’t see Song Ci asking, so she looked over.
Song Ci was fiddling with rose petals in the water and upon hearing this, she said, "Can I even ask that?"
Isn’t this a royal family secret? She knows her boundaries, okay!