All the tactics of palace intrigue were ones Song Ci had seen before.
The auspicious sign was said to have appeared in Prince Xiao’s fief, and most importantly, it appeared the night before the Commandery Princess was born, naturally linking it to the little Commandery Princess.
No matter how contrived it seemed, people would still say that a scenario doesn’t fear being old-fashioned, as long as it’s effective.
The move by Prince Xiao certainly proved effective. Emperor Chu was very pleased, and thus bestowed the little Commandery Princess the title of "Fortune", to everyone’s delight.
Everyone knew this was pre-arranged by Prince Xiao. Even Emperor Chu might have realized it, but who would point it out?
Prince Xiao achieved his goal, and Emperor Chu maintained his enigmatic imperial demeanor.
No matter the process, a satisfactory outcome was all that mattered.
A month later, Madam Song brought an invitation to the Prince Dingbei’s Mansion to see Song Ci.
"The full moon banquet for the Commandery Princess Fortune?" Song Ci glanced at the invitation with little interest: "Do I have to go?"
Madam Song was taken aback.
"Mother doesn’t want to go?"
"I really don’t want to. These banquets are all the same, drinking, listening to opera, gossiping, quite boring." Not to mention how easily one could step into a trap or encounter some shady business at these gatherings.
Madam Song laughed, "It’s not that you have to go. I just thought you haven’t gone out in a while, afraid you’d be bored, and maybe meet some old friends."
"Don’t worry about me. I’ve actually been quite comfortable at Prince Dingbei’s Mansion, doing different things every day. Just yesterday, I went boating and picked lotuses." Song Ci said proudly.
Madam Song feigned jealousy and said, "Seeing your glowing face, you must be doing well. You don’t even want to come home."
Song Ci: "Just think of it as me traveling."
Madam Song was at a loss whether to laugh or cry.
"Then what about this invitation?"
"Just leave it be. I’ll go if I really want to. Besides, Pan’er is experiencing severe morning sickness, so there’s my excuse if I don’t go." Song Ci said nonchalantly.
Hearing this, Madam Song didn’t press further and instead started talking about other things, including matters of the old home.
Song Lingsu would be participating in the provincial exam this year, and he would have to return to his hometown for the arrangements.
Upon hearing this, Song Ci immediately said, "Su’er going back home for the provincial exam, you should arrange for a few more people to accompany him. I heard from Pan’er just yesterday that a violent band of water bandits emerged in the Sanjiang area, robbing and even killing passing merchants."
Madam Song was startled: "Is there really such a thing?"
"Even in prosperous times, some still turn to banditry. It’s nothing surprising. Just have more guards accompany him." Song Ci didn’t seem alarmed. Get full chapters from 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩·𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖·𝘯𝘦𝘵
There are always truly malicious people in the world, willing to risk their lives.
Madam Song nodded solemnly, "I will discuss it with the Prime Minister later."
Su’er was her only son, and also the rightful eldest son of the Song Family. His safety was paramount.
Song Ci just nodded and, after a brief conversation, Madam Song took her leave.
"Nanny Gong, why do I feel like the eldest son’s wife doesn’t seem as calm as she used to be?" The dignified Madam of the Prime Minister’s Mansion was so easily frightened, pale-faced just from hearing about a bandit problem.
Nanny Gong, fanning herself, said, "When you care, you become chaotic. The Young Master is the only son of Madam and the Prime Minister, he’s as precious as their own eyes."
Song Ci wisely kept her mouth shut.
She understood. She was just a surrogate mother, only wearing the facade of motherhood, not a real one, so she could remain rational.