The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 923: Chapter 923: Wives and Concubines at Odds?

The Princess Yan naturally didn’t think much of Song Ci, after all, her family and the Song Family were political adversaries, constantly looking for ways to undermine each other, adding obstacles for their sworn enemies.

Just like now, wasn’t her grandfather fully committed to grasp any weaknesses of Prime Minister Song?

Prime Minister Song surely was doing the same.

Thus, how could she possibly approve of Madam Song’s conduct, though regardless of her disapproval, would she dare to say so in front of the Empress Dowager?

She might as well wish to be banished to the Cold Palace, and never favored again.

Damn Consort Xiao, the barren hen who couldn’t bear sons, always digging little pits for her.

Despite her arrogance, the Princess Yan had proper upbringing. As she lifted her head, a trace of melancholy appeared on her face, and she said, ”How could my sister-in-law say such a thing? Why wouldn’t I agree? It’s just that when grandmother mentioned Madam Song, I couldn’t help but think of my great-grandmother.”

The crowd fell silent.

Both were of Imperial Decree-ranked status, yet Madam Fan was old enough to be Song Ci’s mother, and her daughter-in-law, the Princess Yan’s grandmother, the current Madam Fan, was about the same age as Song Ci.

Once Madam Fan passed away, Prime Minister Fan would have to observe mourning. At his age, what more could he accomplish even if he resumed his position?

Moreover, Prime Minister Fan was part of the conservative old ministers faction, and the Emperor had long been covertly wanting to deal with him, perhaps his return to position would be filled with trivial matters.

No wonder the Princess Yan was melancholy, uncertain prospects are indeed worrisome.

Some sympathized, some secretly rejoiced, hoping that mourning duties would quickly come, which would reduce Yan’s support.

With Princess Yan having said this much, Empress Dowager Wang had to respond and thus bestowed a basket of lychees to the Prime Minister’s Mansion for Madam Fan, as a good treat before departure.

The crowd: ”...”

Better not to reward at all, right? That’s heart-wrenching.

Consort Xiao did not say more than necessary; she made her point and refrained from speaking too much to avoid mistakes, instead mentioning some capital anecdotes to amuse the Empress Dowager Wang.

”The Dowager arrives.”

Princess Consort Ji arrived at this moment.

With her noble status, aside from Empress Dowager Wang, everyone stood up, gently smiling, saluting, and inquiring for Princess Consort Ji’s well-being.

Palace maids brought over an embroidery stool placed at Empress Dowager Wang’s left, and Princess Consort Ji seated herself gracefully, promptly getting the maid to peel a few lychees for her, evidently treating herself as the host.

”These lychees are indeed fresh, only Empress Dowager Sister’s face can receive them, while we hardly see a trace of them.” Princess Consort Ji quipped sarcastically as she spit out seeds.

Empress Dowager Wang replied, ”They were just delivered today, probably not yet registered, but rest assured, once you return you’ll catch sight of them. But a few lychees, look how they tempt you.”

The crowd remained silent, not daring to glance at Princess Consort Ji.

Princess Consort Ji, though pierced by the remark, pretended not to understand its undertone, saying, ”Empress Dowager Sister’s words I disagree with, it’s not the lychees I crave; I’m clearly reminiscing the past. Back in the day when the tribute came, first ranking emperor knew my fondness for them and would send them first to my quarters. Now...”

She pinched a pearl-like lychee between thumb and forefinger, offering a look of sorrow, and continued, ”These days, things have changed, the first ranking emperor is gone; now if I want a taste, I must queue.”

Is this a spectacle, a play?

Rivalry among wives?

Everyone looked towards Empress Dowager Wang, wondering if it was time to make an excuse and take their leave.