A hint of sarcasm appeared on her face: "My brothers are all filial, they are the Empress Dowager's own grandsons, and so are I and my sisters. That's why we've been working so hard to find a birthday gift, hoping to make the Empress Dowager happy."
"But I've heard that Madam He, this mere imperial physician, is also scheming to find birthday gifts for her own future, and has even made quite a few laughable mistakes!"
Princess Jingyue's sudden outburst instantly silenced the previously lively atmosphere. Everyone recalled the rumors they had heard before, and each had their own thoughts.
But Princess Jingyue continued aggressively, saying, "She was cunning and manipulative, with ulterior motives, and desperately wanted to climb the social ladder. Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned. All her efforts to please others ended in vain; she gained nothing!"
As soon as Princess Jingyue finished speaking, the entire pavilion fell into complete silence.
Consort Li touched the tip of her nose with a handkerchief, her expression somewhat strange, but she remained silent. Consort Liang, on the other hand, did not stop her daughter's harsh behavior at all, but deliberately indulged it.
Song Xizhi was thrust into the spotlight in an instant. Liang Yongshu grabbed her hand, frowning as he tried to speak.
But Song Xizhi shook his head at her calmly, signaling her not to speak.
Among those present was a lady who had previously received treatment from Song Xizhi, who couldn't help but speak up for him: "The Empress Dowager and Lady He formed a bond at the Fengshan Ceremony, and she even declared that she would recognize Lady He as her goddaughter..."
"Although the matter didn't ultimately come to fruition, it's probably because of this connection that Madam He wanted to find a fine birthday gift to please her, which is a good thing! It's not like she's racking her brains or going to great lengths to please him..."
The lady originally only wanted to say something nice for Song Xizhi so that she wouldn't be so embarrassed, but Princess Jingyue became even angrier when she heard this.
She gave a cold laugh, her gaze shooting towards Song Xizhi like a sharp arrow:
"I'm curious, since Song Xizhi didn't become a princess and can't present a birthday gift to the Empress Dowager in person like her brother, what kind of gift will she give, being so filial?"
"Could it be more filial than what my elder brother sent? If I settle for second best, wouldn't that seem insincere?"
Upon hearing this, Consort Zhen glanced at Song Xizhi with some concern.
But Song Xizhi remained calmly seated, as if Princess Jingyue wasn't targeting him at all.
Despite being in the eye of the storm, she still had the leisure to drink tea, even slightly raising her head to meet Princess Jingyue's gaze, and even... giving a gentle smile.
When Consort Zhen saw that look in her eyes, her heart, which had been clenched tightly, inexplicably relaxed.
Princess Jingyue also felt Song Xizhi's gaze.
After saying all that, most people would have knelt down at her feet and begged for mercy, but Song Xizhi was different. She sat there quietly, not only not begging for mercy but also laughing.
That look in her eyes didn't seem like respect at all; it was more like a provocation.
Princess Jingyue felt as if she had punched cotton, making her so angry that she almost vomited blood.
What was Song Xizhi so arrogant about? What was he so proud of?
In the palace, she was pampered by her grandmother and father. No matter what she did, it didn't matter. Others would kneel at her feet, crying and begging for mercy!
So she stood up abruptly: "Someone! Bring me the list of birthday gifts! This princess wants to see for myself what good things she sent!"
"If the item is truly of high quality, it would be fine for her to present it to the Empress Dowager in person!"
Because of Zhao Qingshu's previous instructions, and because the Empress Dowager always doted on her beautiful and delicate granddaughter.
His Majesty has been involved in her entire life since she was born, always playing the role of a loving father. He has never said a harsh word to Princess Jingyue, and his attitude towards her is completely different from that of the other princes and princesses.
Therefore, Consort Liang did not stop Princess Jingyue's behavior.
Consort Li, feeling displeased that the Empress Dowager wanted to adopt Song Xizhi as her goddaughter, was even more pleased to watch the drama unfold.
So the palace maids around Princess Jingyue actually went to the Ministry of Rites to get the list of gifts that Song Xizhi was sending.
Feeling the tense atmosphere, Song Xizhi, that scoundrel, was about to be in trouble!
Song Ruoan sat there, then looked up and met Zhao Qianlan's gaze. Both of them saw a sense of utter satisfaction in each other's eyes.
Wonderful! Wonderful!
Although Song Xizhi is putting on a brave face, he must be feeling terrible inside.
But it doesn't matter, the show she specially arranged for Song Xizhi hasn't really started yet!
Thinking about it, Song Ruoan looked up pitifully at Song Xizhi, tears welling up in her eyes: "Sister! Although you've never been good with words, please don't keep quiet!"
"Quickly kneel down and beg forgiveness from the princess, saying that everything that happened before was a misunderstanding, that you never intended to climb the social ladder or deliberately curry favor with the Empress Dowager... Speak quickly!"
"If you beg the princess for forgiveness, she is very magnanimous and will surely forgive your past despicable acts!"
Zhao Qianlan also feigned tears: "My daughter has always been this snobbish and mean-spirited. It's all because I didn't discipline her properly in the past. Please forgive me, Your Majesty..."
Song Xizhi remained seated quietly, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Why should I beg for mercy?
She finally managed to utter her first words, but everyone was taken aback by them.
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