Meng Qi couldn't sleep. She kept thinking about what would happen at the Qianqiu Banquet tomorrow, or whether it would happen at all. She was both excited and a little worried. After turning over again, she simply stood her pillow upright and lay down gently.
Meng Qi meticulously recalled everything that had happened since her rebirth, or more precisely, since she married into Prince Rui's mansion. Based on the limited and valuable memories she had from her past life, she was relatively satisfied with her current performance.
But she only had a vague understanding of many things, only knowing the beginning but not the end, so she couldn't say too much to Song Chengze about things without evidence. Even if Song Chengze's attitude towards her was very different from that in her previous life, she couldn't say much and could only produce evidence one by one.
Regardless of whether Fanghua would cause any trouble at the Qianqiu Banquet tomorrow, she was prepared to create her own opportunities. First and foremost, the best target would be Princess Duan. She already held a strong grudge against her, and it would be easy to provoke a conflict with her. If that didn't work out, Princess Jing was a backup option, and the reason was already there: Hongzhe was about to marry Meng Juan.
Every time she entered the palace, those who watched her laugh would bring up Hong Zhe, and she believed this time would be no exception. Tomorrow, no matter who said it, as long as she directed her anger at Princess Jing, even if the Queen Mother didn't want to intervene, Concubine Xian would not let her daughter-in-law suffer.
Perhaps hearing the noise, Yuan Dong's voice came from outside, "Princess? Do you need anything?"
Ever since Song Chengze went to Bibo Hall, he hadn't stayed overnight in Jing'an Garden. Yuandong and the others resumed their night watch, but instead of staying in the inner room, they slept on the footstool of the large kang by the window outside.
Yuan Dong gently lifted the bed curtain and saw Meng Qi half lying there. The dim candlelight outside could not clearly see the expression on her face.
Seeing Yuan Dong standing on the ground in her jacket, Meng Qi moved inwards and said, "Come up quickly, don't get cold."
Yuan Dong asked softly, "Can't you sleep? Do you want me to make you a bowl of soothing soup?"
Meng Qi waved her hand and said, "Come sit up and talk to me."
Yuan Dong nodded, first took the water from the warm bucket on the small table and poured a cup for Meng Qi. After watching Meng Qi drink it, he took off his shoes, got up from the kang and sat down, facing Meng Qi.
Meng Qi shook the quilt and signaled Yuandong to cover herself with it.
"I asked you to prepare, are you ready?"
Yuan Dong nodded. "Princess, how long will we be gone? Do we need to prepare so many things?"
"I don't know either. Just remember, if they dislike you bringing too much when you enter the palace, you can take out the other items, but you absolutely cannot leave out those few items."
Yuan Dong hummed, "Don't worry, Princess. I have sewn them into the pockets of your underwear."
"I think we won't be able to leave the courtyard. If we really go to Hanyuan, remember..."
Meng Qi didn't know when the two fell asleep. When she woke up, she heard footsteps outside the tent.
Today is the Empress' birthday, and although it's a casual one, the Emperor has taken it very seriously thanks to Princess Fanghua's involvement, and has inquired about it several times. It's said that Princess Duan and Princess Jing have already visited the palace several times to offer their assistance, not to mention that the Empress's biological daughter-in-law, Princess Cheng, moved into Kunning Palace with her children yesterday.
Every year on the Emperor's birthday, officials of the third rank and above in the capital were required to bring their families to the palace to celebrate, a day-long event. However, the Empress didn't have to do that. Besides the full birthday, casual celebrations were usually celebrated with the royal family and the imperial concubines, plus the Empress's family members.
As usual, the banquet was held in the evening. Meng Qi had not entered the palace since that day. She really did not have the time to show her courtesy to the queen, but she could not go too late today.
Meng Qi yawned. She had been chatting with Yuan Dong for too long last night and her eyes were very sore. She would have to ask Guyu to put on a few more layers of powder for her, otherwise her complexion would look bad and others would think she was disrespectful to the Queen.
After we cleaned up and had breakfast, the sky was gradually turning white. Mother Liu came in and said that the children were all there.
When Mrs. Li saw Meng Qi coming out, she brought everyone to greet her. The children were all dressed neatly. The youngest, Song Bairan, was dressed like a dumpling. His red jacket set off his smiling face, making him look very festive.
Meng Qi looked at Song Baimo, who looked much older than other children his age, and said softly, "Today is your royal grandmother's birthday. Your aunt Fanghua has found a place for you children to play alone. You are the older brother, so you can play with your cousins. You must take good care of your younger brothers and sisters."
The palace had sent word back early that after the grandchildren had paid their respects during the day, they didn't have to wait for the evening banquet. After all, it was still cold, and the children were mostly young. It was said that Prince Cheng's concubine's newborn son was only six months old, so there was no way he could stay in the palace all day.
After hearing what Meng Qi said, Song Baimo stepped forward and said respectfully, "Yes, son, I've made a note of it. Please rest assured, mother."
Meng Qi nodded. Ever since the child was planning to move to the outer courtyard and Xiao Lin was confined to her room, she felt that she was in much better condition than before.
In fact, Meng Qi's thoughts on these children were very simple. She didn't plan to stay for a long time, so there was no question of developing any relationship with these stepchildren. As long as she sat in this position, it would be fine as long as they were safe and sound.
Meng Qi then instructed the two female historians, "Your task today is to look after several young masters. There will also be maids from Concubine Lian's palace to help you."
Ms. Zhang stepped forward with a smile, "Don't worry, Princess. We will do our best. But Princess doesn't want us to follow her, is that okay?"
Upon hearing what Lady Zhang said, Lady Li looked up at Meng Qi. She had assumed Meng Qi would assign Lady Zhang to look after the young masters and have her stay by her side, but she hadn't expected the instructions she'd received yesterday to be for Lady Zhang and her to accompany the young masters. Could it be that the princess wanted her to be alone?
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