She didn't try to hide her words, even with several ladies around her. After hearing her words, the way they looked at Song Yaozhu became somewhat strange.

Come to think of it, it makes sense. My mother and sister had just recovered from a serious illness, yet they were hosting guests in the courtyard. No matter how bright the winter sun was, it was still cold outside. They were both wearing thick coats, with fox fur cloaks over them, and carrying hand warmers. Even dressed like that, they would still feel a bit cold, let alone those recovering from a serious illness.

When Granny Qin looked at Song Wenyue, she suddenly realized that the fourth young lady of the Song family had changed. The fear in her eyes was gone, replaced by an air of arrogance.

I don't know where they got their confidence from.

"What do you mean by that, Fourth Miss? Our Princess has prepared a screen and a charcoal brazier, so how could it be cold? The Princess's intention is to let everyone bask in the sun and get rid of their illness."

Upon hearing Qin Mama's words, the other ladies were first shocked by the extravagance of the Prince's Mansion. Burning charcoal in such an open space as the courtyard—how many charcoal braziers would be needed to keep it warm? And what Mama Qin said was right; what if the sick people in the house still had lingering illnesses and they caught it?

"Miss Song, the Princess is only thinking of your and Madam Song's health. How can you think of your sister like that?"

"Yes, yes, the princess's intentions were good. If there was anything inappropriate, you, as her sister, should have spoken to her privately."

Song Wenyue hadn't expected these ladies to speak up for Song Yaozhu. They clearly weren't happy about sitting outside either!

To put it bluntly, it's because her status isn't high enough. Once she marries the Third Prince, these people will treat her very differently!

Madam Song patted Song Wenyue's hand and said, "Your sister did the right thing. I've been cooped up in the house these past few days, and I'm getting really bored. It's good for me to sit outside for a while."

Song Wenyue was extremely unhappy. Even her mother, who had always doted on her, was siding with Song Yaozhu!

Madam Song was also unhappy. Song Wenyue was always sensible, so why did she speak so thoughtlessly today? Wasn't she hoping that Song San would help her marry a prince?

Little did she know that in Song Wenyue's dream, she married the Third Prince without relying on Song Yaozhu, so she no longer wanted to flatter Song Yaozhu!

"Alright, alright, let's not stand here talking. Didn't the princess set up a charcoal brazier in the courtyard? Let's go there and warm up!"

These words sounded like a way to defuse the situation, and the group entered the backyard of the Prince's mansion without much expectation.

The pavilion in the courtyard was surrounded by several layers of screens, behind which was a charcoal brazier. After passing through the first screen and then four or five more, one could finally see Song Yaozhu lying in a rocking chair in the center of the courtyard, basking in the sun with her eyes closed.

She wore a bright red dress, which made her skin appear even whiter and smoother. A pink handkerchief was draped over her face, which she removed only when she saw people approaching.

Several ladies bowed to her, but the expected coldness was not present; instead, the ladies were so intoxicated that they all took off their cloaks.

They never expected that the princess would know how to enjoy life so much!

"I never imagined that placing the charcoal brazier like this could be so warm," the lady said with a smile.

Song Yaozhu lay lazily in the rocking chair and said with a smile, "You guys can try it when you get back."

They wouldn't dare; who could be as extravagant as her without an elder to keep them in check?

"We don't have the same good fortune as the princess!"

Several ladies were praising Song Yaozhu, while Song Wenyue sat to the side, feeling incredibly jealous.

Why didn't I dream about my past life sooner? If I had married into the carefree Prince's mansion, I would have been the one enjoying happiness!

Everyone says Xie Liwei is cruel and heartless, and many of his concubines in the harem have suffered terrible fates. How come Song Yaozhu is still alive and well?

Thinking of this, Song Wenyue said, "Third sister, I've always heard that there are two concubines in the Prince's mansion who are exceptionally beautiful and deeply loved by brother-in-law. Why didn't I see them today?"

The expressions of those present changed, and they thought to themselves, "This Song Si isn't here to wish his sister a Happy New Year; he's clearly here to cause trouble."

Your Highness, please don't let your anger affect them!

"It's not that I don't allow them to come out and entertain guests, but that I have never seen these two concubines since I entered the manor."

The ladies were puzzled.

Qin, the old nanny standing to the side, said, "The prince has released the two concubines."

"The prince is truly deeply in love with the princess!"

"A prodigal son who returns is more precious than gold; Your Highness's kindness is truly enviable!"

As everyone praised Song Yaozhu, Song Wenyue became so angry that she twisted her handkerchief so tightly that she almost tore it to shreds.

"This screen actually blocks out the view from the courtyard. I'm going out for a walk." Song Wenyue got up angrily.

She had just reached the second screen when she heard a lady say, "Madam Song, didn't Miss Song say that she was too ill to be exposed to the wind? Why is she not taking care of her health? If she worsens her condition, won't people say that the Princess is not treating her guests well?"

Madam Song knew she wasn't well-liked. After all, everyone present was a wife of an official of the fourth rank or higher, while her husband was only a fifth-rank official...

Although she was Song Yaozhu's mother, Song Yaozhu hadn't called her "mother" once since she entered the courtyard! These shrewd people naturally knew how to play the game.

Madam Song said awkwardly, "I'll go find her."

When Madam Song found Song Wenyue, she was looking around in the flower hall.

"What are you looking at?" She went up and grabbed her daughter.

Song Wenyue was startled. Seeing her mother's probing gaze, she naturally couldn't tell her that she was hiding something from Xie Liwei.

She really couldn't understand why Xie Liwei was so good to Song Yaozhu. Was it just because of her face?

He keeps someone who looks exactly like his sister by his side and even shares a bed with her. Doesn't he find that disgusting?

Or is he just a perverted person all along?!

"Just browsing."

"Let's go back. You've just recovered, you can't catch a chill again."

Song Wenyue nodded and walked back with Madam Song.

As soon as they reached the screen, they heard several ladies say, "I heard that when they were discovered, the bottom was still connected!"

"I wonder which unlucky soul stumbled upon this scandal; they're probably going to be dealt with in secret, right?"

"Sigh, this matter can't be discussed openly, but everyone knows about it in private! The Empress has lost so much face, she will definitely get revenge."

"With the investiture just around the corner after the spring, this scandal means there's probably no going back."

When Madam Song heard this, she immediately understood! They were talking about the scandal of the First Prince's affair with a eunuch!

And it was she who stumbled upon it!

She's been living in constant fear these past few days because of this incident!

"Speaking of what happened on New Year's Eve, Miss Song was sent back to her residence the next day. It's said that the Imperial Concubine favored her and let her stay overnight. Your Highness, is this true? If so, wouldn't your sister have a chance to marry into the royal family?"

There was a moment of silence inside the screen, then Song Yaozhu spoke softly: "Well... it depends on fate."

Behind the screen, Song Wenyue clenched her fists. What did Song Yaozhu mean?

She must be trying to stop me from achieving great success!