Chapter 84
Palace Banquet

Song Yunning was anxiously waiting in the palace, with Shen Qianbai sitting upright beside her. As soon as they saw Song Wan, they both stood up.

“Wan’er.” Song Yunning walked over to Song Wan and held her in place before she could bow. “Why are you dressed so plainly? Didn’t I give you plenty of jewelry and hairpieces last time? Didn’t you like any of them?”

“Caiji, go to my dressing box and bring the jeweled hairpin and the gilded flower crown…”

“And bring the palace dress that was made yesterday.”

Song Yunning caressed Song Wan’s cheek, feeling heartbroken.

Even in the palace, she had heard the widespread rumors. Thinking about the girl she had raised being bullied in the Marquis Mansion made Song Yunning’s heart ache.

“Bai’er, come and greet your sister.”

“Aunt.”

Song Wan quickly pulled her hand away and hurriedly bowed to the Third Prince.

“Sister, there’s no need for such formality among family. It only creates distance.” Although Shen Qianbai was not yet ten years old, he was very well-mannered and extremely intelligent.

He gently helped Song Wan up and smiled. “If I accept this bow, Mother will surely punish me.”

“You little rascal.” Song Yunning patted the Third Prince’s cheek and pushed him to find something to do.

“Bai’er is cheerful and respectful, much like your brother was at his age.”

“If only he were as easy to manage as your brother.” Song Yunning led Song Wan to the dressing table, removed the hairpin from her head, and personally placed the gilded flower crown brought by Caiji on her.

Looking at Song Wan in the bronze mirror, Song Yunning’s eyes suddenly filled with tears. “I didn’t want you to marry back then, but you insisted. Do you regret it now?”

“No regrets.” Song Wan smiled, her eyes showing a softness and playfulness that only appeared when she saw Song Yunning.

“Regret is the most useless thing in the world. I never look back, only forward.”

“And with Aunt’s protection, I’m not afraid.”

Song Yunning forced a smile. “If I could protect you, you wouldn’t still be struggling in the Marquis Mansion.”

Both women understood each other’s difficulties and swallowed their sorrows to avoid upsetting their loved ones.

After helping Song Wan change into the palace dress, Song Yunning sighed. “What happened when Eunuch Duan visited the Marquis Mansion? How did he suddenly die? I heard from the palace eunuchs that when he was found, it was as if something had drained his essence. Overnight, he lost all his vitality, and his body was shriveled, completely different from how he looked during the day.”

Song Wan looked up in surprise, not expecting such a strange occurrence. She lowered her eyes and remained silent. Seeing this, Consort Yun dismissed everyone around them.

Song Wan recounted what happened when Duan Yiting visited the Marquis Mansion and how she had soaked the shawl in red and blue flower water. After explaining, she worriedly said, “I don’t know if it was me…”

“Ridiculous.” Song Yunning sneered. “If such a simple trick could harm Eunuch Duan to that extent, he would have died many times over the years. Don’t be afraid; it has nothing to do with you.”

“From what you said, nothing unusual happened that day. It seems he was ambushed somewhere else. Such a gruesome scene. Who knows whose handiwork it was.”

Gently patting Song Wan’s hand, Song Yunning’s eyes were filled with worry. “Everyone in the palace is on edge. How can I not worry about you in the Marquis Mansion?”

“I have ways to protect myself, Aunt. Don’t worry about me. But Consort Jiang is becoming more favored, sometimes even overshadowing the Empress. With the current situation, who knows how she will deal with you.”

“Don’t worry about palace matters. Just take care of yourself.”

After dressing Song Wan up again, the young girl now had bright red lips and sparkling eyes, looking a hundred times more beautiful than when she arrived. Song Yunning felt a bit more at ease and led her out of Changxin Palace.

“Jiang Man couldn’t compete with me in the palace, so she decided to meddle in the Marquis Mansion and trouble you. Wan’er, watch how your aunt helps you vent your anger today.”

Song Wan obediently followed behind her, not trying to comfort her, letting Consort Yun vent her frustration.

The Imperial Garden was filled with the fragrance of flowers, with not only the concubines of the six palaces present but also the noblewomen and young ladies from prominent families in the capital, all dressed in their finest. It was truly a scene of a hundred flowers in bloom.

As soon as Song Yunning entered, many people gathered around to greet her.

Jiang Man sat beside the Empress, coldly watching the two.

“Consort Jiang arrived so early?”

“Your servant greets Consort Yun. May you live a thousand years.”

Song Wan stood behind Consort Yun, smiling as she greeted Consort Jiang.

“Wan’er, why are you only arriving now? I’ve been waiting for you for a long time.” Affectionately pulling her to her side, Consort Jiang smiled and said, “You haven’t been to the palace for a long time. It’s harder to see you than to see the Emperor. But now that I see you looking well, I’m relieved.”

She had a maid bring a cushioned stool and warmly invited Song Wan to sit beside her.

Song Yunning smiled brightly. “Consort Jiang cares for you more than I, your own aunt. Even though you haven’t paid your respects to her since marrying into the Marquis Mansion, she has never blamed you.”

“And knowing you’re weak, she doesn’t let you worry about the many affairs of the mansion. The business outside is managed by a concubine, and palace maids handle the inner courtyard. Even I, your own aunt, couldn’t do that.”

“Hurry, thank Consort Jiang. You’ve been married into the Marquis Mansion for so long and haven’t served her tea. Truly, you lack manners.” She had Caiji bring a cushion, which she handed to Consort Jiang with a half-smile.

Song Wan lifted her skirt and knelt, and Caiji brought a cup of tea. “Wan’er greets Consort Jiang. May you live a thousand years…”

Jiang Man’s face darkened as she looked at the tea in front of her for a long time without moving.

The people around seemed busy with their own affairs, but they were all secretly watching.

Seeing Song Wan kneeling before Consort Jiang, several noblewomen silently thought that Consort Jiang was young and impetuous, unable to keep her composure.

Having lost face to Song Yunning a few times, she couldn’t even maintain appearances. Forcing Song Wan to serve the tea that should have been served six years ago in such a public setting was incredibly foolish.

They also disdained her for meddling in the inner affairs of the Marquis Mansion as an outsider.

Jiang Man forced a smile and took a sip of the tea.

“Help the Marchioness of Chengyang up.”

Caiji helped Song Wan up, and Song Yunning sighed. “Consort Jiang loves the Marquis and extends that love to you. She even treats the concubine who disgraced all women with great kindness. Not only did she not blame her, but she also gave her money to open a shop.”

“If the Emperor knew, he would be pleased with Consort Jiang’s kindness and harmony with the people.”

Jiang Man’s eyes narrowed, showing displeasure.

It was improper for a consort to meddle in business affairs, and she had no defense.

Song Yunning continued to sigh. “I heard that woman knows some magical techniques, which made both Consort Jiang and the Marquis value her highly. The things she makes are excellent.”

“Making ice in summer is one thing, but the products from Huan Yan Zhai are truly amazing. It’s said they’re hard to come by, and even with money, they’re not easy to obtain.”

Jiang Man’s face grew darker. “If Consort Yun likes them, I’ll send you a set.”

Song Yunning said, “How can I take Consort Yun’s things for nothing? And with the Empress, Consort De, and Consort Xian present, how can I monopolize them?”

Jiang Man clenched her fists and forced a smile. “There’s nothing the Empress can’t get. Huan Yan Zhai is just a small cosmetics shop, not worth the Empresses’ attention. But since Consort Yun mentioned it, I’ll send some to the Empresses tomorrow for their enjoyment.”

“Thank you, Consort Jiang.”

Song Yunning smiled and said to Song Wan, “Look, Consort Jiang is always so straightforward. I really like her personality.”

“The Marquis must have learned from Consort Jiang. After six years of hardship at the border, he could have stood out upon returning to the capital, but he humbly worked hard every day and finally seized the opportunity to join the Shen Shu Camp.”

“Such twists and turns, yet he never showed any difficulty. I’m truly happy for you to have such a husband.”

Someone snickered, and the Empress, seeing that the two had argued enough, finally invited everyone to take their seats.