Song Wenyue turned her head away with an expression that said, "I knew it." She snorted and said, "I know, don't worry. We're in the same boat now, I wouldn't dare to turn your boat upside down."
Song Yaozhu corrected, "They're in the same boat."
Song Wenyue: "......"
Song Wenyue had just changed her clothes when Consort Shu's people arrived.
"Your Highness Consort Zhen, Your Highness Consort Shu requests your presence in the Imperial Garden to receive guests!"
Song Wenyue lowered her eyelids and responded, then turned to look at Song Yaozhu.
Seeing that she was about to leave, Song Yaozhu asked, "Have you sent someone to take good care of the little prince?"
Song Wenyue was taken aback. "Today is a state banquet."
Even if Consort Shu wanted to make her lose her son, she wouldn't have chosen today to do it, would she? If something goes wrong, she will be held responsible.
But after Song Yaozhu's reminder, she realized what was going on. It was precisely because she was undeniably culpable that she was even more determined to strike today, so that no one would suspect her of being the murderer!
"I'll have the wet nurse bring the little prince out." Although he wasn't her biological son, he was still her means of survival in the harem.
"Have someone send the young prince to the Emperor."
After a moment's thought, Song Wenyue did as she was told. If she took the little prince with her today, and the child had any minor ailments in the future, it would all be her fault today.
After sending the child to the Qiankun Palace, Song Wenyue felt a weight lifted from her shoulders. The two sisters, unusually harmonious, walked together towards the Imperial Garden.
In the Imperial Garden sat many young women, who fawned over Princess Tuoba Hongyun of Beiqing. Although they were kind to her, a closer look revealed a hint of impatience in the eyes of many of the noble ladies.
It seems that not many people really like this arrogant Tuoba Hongyun.
Tuoba Hongyun spoke arrogantly, her face also showing disdain for these noble ladies.
"This princess is truly looking forward to the contest with the eldest princess. Among the women of your Great Chen, I reckon only the eldest princess can rival me!"
The noble ladies of Da Chen replied perfunctorily, "Yes, yes, Her Highness the Eldest Princess is a role model for women in our Da Chen. We are truly envious that the Princess has the opportunity to compete with her."
"How could we compare to Her Highness the Princess? Unlike the Princess, who is skilled in riding and archery, we women can only dabble in books, music, and chess. Oh, Princess Tuoba is so capable, she must also be proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, right? I've heard that the erhu is very beautiful. I wonder if the Princess would allow us to witness her skill?"
"How could I, a princess, do such a thing as a courtesan!" Tuoba Hongyi said angrily.
"Ah! I'm so sorry, so sorry!" The girl looked startled and repeatedly begged for forgiveness. "It was my rashness. We women of official families in the Great Chen Dynasty are expected to be proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and I assumed that the same was true in Beiqing. My knowledge was shallow; please forgive me, Princess Tuoba!"
Tuoba Hongyun was furious at these words. If she agreed to the performance, how could she, a princess, be a musician for these people! If she didn't agree, wouldn't that be admitting that she was not good at music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and was just a good-for-nothing?
Song Yaozhu could only laugh when she heard this. She wondered which official's daughter she was from, but she was really clever.
Unfortunately, Song Yaozhu didn't see what happened next. Upon seeing them, the noble ladies all rose and bowed.
Where is Consort Shu?
The young eunuch leading the way said, "Her Majesty went to the theater to entertain them. Her Majesty said that Princess Beiqing is a distinguished guest of our Great Chen, and asked Consort Zhen to treat her well."
Song Wenyue sneered. Judging from Tuoba Hongyun's unruly manner, Consort Shu was deliberately passing this hot potato to her.
"I know, my sister and I are here with you, esteemed guest."
The young eunuch finished his task and left, glancing at Song Wenyue a few times before he did.
Tuoba Hongyun looked up at Song Wenyue, her gaze finally settling on Song Yaozhu beside her. She had witnessed the entire incident that occurred in the main hall during lunch earlier that day.
Does this princess really look so much like Empress Jingxian?
As he watched, Tuoba Hongyun couldn't help but think, if the emperor of the Great Chen slept with a minister's wife and it became a big deal, how could the internal affairs of the Great Chen remain stable?
She didn't think her idea was despicable at all, after all, they were on different sides. If it were Yuwen Xian, he might have done the same.
Having formed an idea, she decided to first try and get closer to this carefree princess. According to what they had heard, this carefree princess was a woman who gained the favor of the carefree prince by imitating Xie Wanqing. It was said that she had suffered a lot in the past, which was why she was trying to please men in this way.
Hmph, she's just a lowly woman trying to survive, so coy and timid.
Song Yaozhu was unaware of Princess Tuoba's thoughts about her. She sat down next to Song Wenyue. No sooner had she sat down than Princess Tuoba spoke, "This young lady just mentioned that the daughters of officials in the Great Chen Dynasty are skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. I've heard that Princess Xiaoyao also comes from a scholarly family. May I ask what the Princess is proficient in?"
Song Yaozhu: "......"
No way, are the people from Beiqing and Donglin out of their minds?! What business is it of hers if you cause trouble for the Yuwen royal family?!
Song Yaozhu's smile froze, and she looked at Tuoba Hongyun with a forced smile.
"Hmm? Does Princess Tuoba intend to compete with me? I am a few years older than you, so if I win, it wouldn't be considered bullying the younger one."
Tuoba Hongyun scoffed inwardly at this carefree princess's jokes. Everyone in the capital knew about her background; a little inquiry would reveal all.
How could someone who grew up in the countryside suddenly learn the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting?
"I would certainly like to learn a thing or two from the Princess, but I wonder what the Princess is good at?"
Song Yaozhu frowned, feigning confusion to hide her panic.
"I know the same things as everyone else, nothing I'm particularly good at."
"Then why don't we have a musical contest? Just now, the ladies and I were talking about it."
The young ladies were twisting their handkerchiefs, forcing smiles. They had originally intended to tease Tuoba Hongyun and make fun of her, but little did they know she would take the opportunity to drag Song Yaozhu into the mess!
They all knew that Song Yaozhu had only been back in the Song family for a few months before getting married, and even though she was now capable of handling things on her own and was a princess of a royal family, the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting were not something that could be mastered overnight! Every young lady present had started learning these skills from childhood, and each of them had endured considerable hardship to earn their current praise.
“There’s no need for the Princess to do it herself. Why don’t I have a contest with Her Highness the Princess?” A noblewoman stood up with a look of grim determination.
If she loses, it's because she's not skilled enough, and she'll be the only one who suffers; but if Song Yaozhu makes a big fool of herself, then everyone present might not be able to escape the consequences.
Tuoba Hongyun didn't even glance at her. "You think you're worthy?"
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