The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Madam Shen noticed that Song Zhiqing was somewhat off today. No, everything was fine before the banquet began, yet the banquet hadn’t fully dispersed when he returned, appearing extremely sullen.

Could it be that he heard something unpleasant at the banquet, leaving him upset?

But why did he call for Li Sheng?

Ordinarily, he would command Cheng Yong more often, but now he’s calling Li Sheng.

Madam Shen was still pondering when she heard Song Zi had arrived. She quickly rose to greet her.

“Why has the grand aunt come?” Madam Shen greeted Song Zi with a half-curtsy, smiling.

Song Zi hurriedly took her hand, performed the curtsy together, and smiled, saying, “Since you are my sister-in-law, I should be the one giving you courtesy. It’s not right to burden my younger sister with such ceremony.”

Madam Shen welcomed her into the room, had the maids serve tea, and jested with a smile, “The grand aunt is always a cherished guest and cannot be neglected.”

Song Zi smiled faintly. Indeed, there is a difference between people. Previously, she didn’t care for that concubine named Bai, but Madam Shen?

Perhaps it’s due to their different status. Though Madam Shen was a concubine, she never took it lightly, adhered to rules and etiquette, never stirred trouble, and was extremely understanding and polite. It’s precisely because of this that she was liked and able to quietly live life in the inner quarters.

“Has the banquet in the front ended?” Madam Shen asked.

Song Zi shook her head, “Not yet, but it’s about to. I came here under the pretense of changing clothes to avoid the flattery of some people.”

Madam Shen covered her mouth with a smile, “Zhilan has been chosen. Sister, you have also become an object of affection among the circle of noblewomen.”

Song Zi sighed lightly, “The world favors those who succeed and tramples on those who fail; it’s a common occurrence. Their enthusiastic flattery leaves me quite uneasy. You’ve served in the palace, so you know this best. I fear that the higher you climb, the harder the fall might be, and you’ll end up with broken bones.”

“Don’t think too much, sister. You are wise and naturally understand the ways of social engagement.”

“I know, just that I fear Zhilan doesn’t understand. The girl got chosen, and now she might be on cloud nine, but she’s only been made a good concubine and can’t hide her excitement. Alas, who knows if being chosen is a blessing or a curse. Her father and I never expected her to be chosen, yet here we are…”

Madam Shen said, “Since she’s been chosen by the Heavenly Family, it is surely a great blessing for Lan’er. Her happiness stems from the Crown Prince being exceptional, and youthful infatuation is quite normal.”

“I hope she doesn’t fall in love, purely seeing the other as a husband. You know, the Crown Prince’s status is quite significant. If she develops feelings for him, later in the harem, she might find herself lamenting in solitude.” Song Zi’s expression carried some anxiety.

In the harem, falling in love is most terrifying because that person is destined not to be yours alone, but shared among many women. Once deeply in love, inevitably, one will suffer emotional trauma, succumbing prematurely.

Madam Shen understood this principle too and said, “Teaching slowly will do. This child is still young and will come to understand with time.”

“If not for the fact that the palace has already sent a matriarch to teach the rules, I would have wanted you to teach her more, so she at least knows how to survive in the harem.”

“Teaching rules by palace matriarchs is good too. As for the unsavory bits, sister, you actually understand them, and you can always advise her more.” Madam Shen then said, “Since Master’s health isn’t good, I can’t leave often. If there’s an opportunity in the future, I’ll help guide her a bit more.”

“That would be great.” Song Zi smiled contentedly.

Madam Shen also smiled subtly. Since Lin Zhilan was chosen, she was willing to help ensure the other’s favor and steady position, teaching her some inside skills wasn’t much. If she appreciated this gesture and cared a little later, then her son would have more prospects and confidence.

“Why are you here?” Song Zhiqing turned back in his wheelchair, glancing at Song Zi.