The Young Madam Qiu was actually annoyed. Her younger sister-in-law had received joyous news, and her mother wasn’t helping to keep it a secret; instead, she wanted to make a grand occasion of it with a spring banquet, clearly wanting to show off. That was one thing, but inviting people over and then putting on airs?
Mother was truly being foolish. Who was this visitor? A First Rank Lady, the real mother of Prime Minister Song, also on good terms with the Empress Dowager, tremendously esteemed. Wasn’t she worth the Young Madam of a Fifth Rank Imperial Decree personally welcoming her?
Yet, she dared to leave this esteemed lady waiting at the second gate, only sending a maid to welcome her. How bold of her.
Upon receiving the news, she rushed over, and sure enough, upon hearing what Old Madam Song had said, she realized this guest was indeed offended.
"Look at what you’re saying; isn’t this going to embarrass me to death? Old Madam, please come inside to have some tea." Lady Qiu approached with a smile, wanting to assist her personally.
Song Ci, however, just smiled, "No rush. Isn’t this for a flower viewing banquet? I heard there are two precious peonies of the highest quality. To be honest, my old man is a peony fanatic, deeply devoted to them. I wanted to see just how beautiful these two peonies are in your esteemed residence, on his behalf."
Old Master Song: It seems she’s using me as a pretext now.
Lady Qiu’s heart skipped a beat, and even the nearby Nanny Zhao was stunned.
"Old Madam, those peonies aren’t going anywhere. We’re in no hurry. You’ve traveled a long way and must be tired. Why not come inside to have a sip of tea to moisten your throat?"
Lady Qiu said with a smiling face.
Song Ci shook her head, "Actually, I already drank a lot of tea in the carriage on my way here; my stomach is full of water. Didn’t you invite me over for flower viewing? Let’s go. I’m quite eager."
"But my mother should be waiting for you..."
"No rush. She is the head of this household; being busy isn’t a problem, and I can understand. Let’s go, let’s enjoy the flowers." Song Ci actively took her by the hand.
Seeing Song Ci’s insistence, she gave Nanny Zhao a glance, and the latter quietly withdrew, then swiftly headed towards the main courtyard.
Good heavens, this Lady Song doesn’t play by the rules; she’s here to stir things up.
Nanny Gong saw this and discreetly gave Song Ci a thumbs up.
Song Ci beamed, not showing a hint of anger on her face.
Reputation is self-earned. You’re a Fifth Rank Madam inviting me to your residence to view flowers. Even though my rank is lower than yours, I’m higher than your concubine daughter, and even your elder. Do you dare put on airs with me?
That depends on if I cooperate. Newest update provıded by 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝✶𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖✶𝕟𝕖𝕥
Since you’re putting on airs, fine, I’m here. I just won’t go to your room. Let’s see what you do if guests are already here. More so, I’ll make sure you lose face.
Song Ci showed no embarrassment, while Lady Qiu was dying inside; today’s banquet in the mansion would definitely become a laughingstock.
Madam Bai really was getting carried away. After all, she’s now the mother-in-law of Prince Zhou; her daughter is bearing the illegitimate first son of the prince, naturally elevating her position. Look at the madam trying to ingratiate herself; isn’t she clearly seeing the situation?
As for Lady Song, she hadn’t forgotten how she used to be rebuked in the past. But things are different now; her family is no longer nameless. Who cares about offers of courtesy?
"Didn’t they say Lady Song has entered the residence? Why isn’t she seen?" a military general’s wife asked, looking at the entrance.
Some people’s eyes flashed as they glanced at Madam Bai sitting at the head, leisurely sipping tea while hiding a mocking smile under her cup.
Madam Bai was also puzzled. Didn’t Lady Qiu go to greet her? Why was it taking so long?
She looked up, seeing Nanny Zhao entering with urgency on her face, her expression slightly changed—could something unexpected be happening?