When it comes to the art of speaking, one must look to the Song family.
Li Chenjiao's words were merely a veiled criticism of the servants serving the Fujin (Madam's wife) for not being attentive enough, but Song's words can be described as an open mockery.
It was practically a direct mockery of the Fujin (principal wife) for not having any real power over the household and being unable to even manage the servants in the main courtyard.
Sure enough, the princess consort, who was leisurely dressing up in the back, gritted her teeth upon hearing what was said from the front.
"You bitch!"
The Fujin rarely lost her temper and cursed fiercely. Being stripped of her power to manage the household had been a constant source of pain for her recently, and now that Song Shi had brought it up, how could she not hate it?
The Princess Consort originally intended to wait until everyone arrived before scolding the maids for not serving her properly and then let the matter drop.
It was not wise to wait for everyone to arrive any longer, so the Princess Consort gritted her teeth and ordered, "Go and serve them the best silver charcoal."
Jade should be like that.
As for the front, Li Chenjiao, while calculating the time, saw the servants in the main courtyard diligently lighting charcoal fires. She covered her face with a handkerchief, looking deeply moved.
"It must be that the Princess Consort is kind to people; it must be the servants below who have deceived her."
Madam Song added, "Yes, the Fujin is the kindest of all."
As the two were talking, Princess Wu arrived.
Half a month later, Princess Wu seemed to be in better health, and the lilac winter clothes she wore gave her a somewhat luxurious look.
When Li Chenjiao saw her, she almost dropped the handkerchief in her hand.
Her gaze swept over Wu's abdomen, then, seemingly casually, she quickly looked away.
Perhaps because she was too far along in her pregnancy, Li Chenjiao could only picture an undeveloped fetus in her mind and couldn't distinguish between the sexes.
It's only been half a month.
The Fourth Prince had not visited Wu Gege's courtyard since the first day she entered the manor, which suggests that Wu Gege was indeed pregnant.
Aside from some surprise, Li Chenjiao wasn't particularly excited; she wasn't prepared for the good news yet.
She knew all too well what she would face if she were to become pregnant at this time.
At present, it is no exaggeration to say that Li Chenjiao is the most favored person in the mansion. Even if new people enter the mansion after the New Year's selection, Li Chenjiao is confident that she will not lose favor for a while.
When a favored princess is pregnant, it is definitely not good news for the wife.
Li Chenjiao wished more children would be born in the manor, so that when she had a happy pregnancy, it wouldn't be so conspicuous.
Nothing is more important than self-preservation.
When the princess came out from behind the screen above, the room was already quite warm because of the charcoal fire.
“I just heard about the charcoal incident from the maid. She was ignorant and I have already had her punished.”
As soon as the princess finished speaking, everyone heard the mournful voice of the maid outside.
Li Chenjiao wasn't really in the mood to act at the moment, and simply covered herself with her handkerchief again: "The Princess Consort has been misled by the maids below, and we servants are only grateful to the Princess Consort for her keen insight."
Song Gege responded, "The Princess Consort is very perceptive."
Wu Gege chuckled lightly and said nothing more.
The princess smiled and quickly turned her attention to Princess Wu.
"I heard that Princess Wu has been going to Granny Xu's place quite often lately. It must be hard for you to keep running around like this in the winter."
Li Chenjiao didn't turn her head, but she was quite curious about how Wu Gege would answer.
"You flatter me, Madam. Before I entered the manor, Your Highness specifically instructed me to learn more from Granny Xu. So this snow and wind is nothing."
Wu Gege stood up and answered with neither servility nor arrogance.
Li Chenjiao found it amusing to herself, but showed no sign of it on her face.
As long as Consort De is around, Princess Wu will always have something to say about everything, at least enough to leave the Fujin speechless.
Sure enough, the princess consort sitting above her heaved her chest upon hearing this, barely suppressing her anger: "Since it is what Your Highness said, next time I go to the palace, I will convey your eagerness to learn to Her Highness, so that Your Highness will have some compassion for you."
Princess Wu nodded slightly: "Then this servant thanks you, Madam."
The princess consort immediately lost all interest in criticizing anyone else. She casually said a few words and then told everyone to disperse.
When Li Chenjiao came out of the main courtyard, she walked together with Wu Gege because they were going the same way.
"Does Princess Li know where the things Princess Bai Jia used were eventually traced back to?"
Once outside the main courtyard, Princess Wu became noticeably more talkative.
"Wasn't it said that she brought it in when she entered the manor?" Li Chenjiao got up early today, and after leaving the main courtyard, she started to feel sleepy again.
Princess Wu smiled meaningfully: "It's not that easy to bring those things into the manor."
Li Chenjiao tugged at her cloak, clearly uninterested in such matters: "Who knows?"
Wu Gege, though embarrassed by her own foolishness, maintained a polite smile: "First it was Song Gege, then Bai Jia Gege—Li Gege, aren't you afraid?"
Li Chenjiao finally understood Wu Gege's intentions; she wanted to win her over and pit her against the Fujin (the wife of the deceased).
Li Chenjiao stopped and stared back at Wu Gege, her beautiful eyes sparkling: "How can Wu Gege be so sure that you won't be next? Before worrying about others, you should think about yourself."
Li Chenjiao would never be with anyone; she knew all too well what the Fourth Master hated.
Although favor is an ethereal thing, once obtained, it is the most secure thing.
With the Fourth Prince's favor, Li Chenjiao wouldn't bother with any more power or influence.
To avoid losing everything.
After saying goodbye to Wu Gege, Li Chenjiao raised her hand, yawned, and walked towards the east courtyard.
Her silhouette resembles snowflakes drifting in the wind today, seemingly impossible for anyone to grasp.
Princess Wu really didn't expect that someone would not want power.
She felt that Li was really not smart. She didn't seize the opportunity to gain more power while she was in favor, because she would be left with nothing when she lost favor.
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