Song Yalin felt a wave of panic in her heart, not knowing what to do. The oppressive feeling lingered even after Ji Xinhe had disappeared from her sight. It lingered in her heart, a forbidding fear casting a shadow over her, leaving her no way out.
As Xinhe left Luoxia Garden, she said lightly, "Has Madam Song been invited in?" Her voice was calm, but it carried an icy chill that hadn’t quite dispersed.
Xiaoyu replied respectfully, "She has been invited to the East Warm Chamber in Pingque Terrace."
Although the rule of the royal mansion was to receive guests in the front hall of the outer courtyard, acquaintances or close friends of Xinhe would be directly invited to the inner courtyard’s Pingque Terrace by dutiful servants. This was their kind of honor.
Madam Song was one of them. At least up to this day, she was still treated as an honored guest in the Pingyang Prince Mansion.
Xinhe nodded slightly and said, "Hmm."
Then she made her way to the Pingque Terrace.
As soon as Xinhe entered the Pingque Terrace, she unsurprisingly saw Madam Song’s face, slightly anxious and unsettled.
Xinhe curved her lips, "Why has Madam Song come here?"
Madam Song was initially restless as she waited, but upon seeing Ji Xinhe, words that had been on the tip of her tongue were suddenly choked back, unable to be voiced.
She stared at Ji Xinhe somewhat uncomfortably, her wavering eyes revealing a hint of guilt and remorse.
Madam Song quickly paid respects to Xinhe, saying, "Greetings to the princess."
Xinhe responded lightly, "Madam Song, there’s no need to be formal, please have a seat."
Having said this, Xinhe calmly took her seat. Her countenance betrayed no anomaly—it was as if time had not changed anything. This left Madam Song, who had a lot to say, quite at a loss about how to start the conversation.
Madam Song reluctantly sat down, her hand in her sleeve constantly twisting a handkerchief. After much consideration, she hesitantly asked, "Has the princess been... well recently?"
Xinhe replied, "I’m fine. I presume Madam Song’s visit is not merely to check on my well-being. Speak your mind; there’s no need to beat around the bush with me." 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖
Even if she didn’t ask, Xinhe knew what she wanted to say. Why beat around the bush?
Madam Song’s face turned slightly red as she said awkwardly, "I came to ask if... if Lin Lin is fine."
Suddenly, Song Yalin entered the Pingyang Prince Mansion, becoming the first woman to disrupt the establishment’s single female ruler scenario, the envy of the whole Da Qian region. Just in these few days, the Song Family’s doorstep was almost trampled flat by the people visiting.
Everyone came with jubilant congratulations, saying, "Song Yalin has been granted marriage by the emperor. Entering the Pingyang Prince Mansion as a side consort, that is indeed a great joyous occasion! Truly befitting the title of the first unmarried girl in the Yu State. She is indeed worthy of such good fortune!"
"Indeed, the Princess has not yet given birth to a son. Once she enters the mansion and gives birth to a son, he will surely be the heir. The glory and wealth of the future are beyond measure! I’ve always said that Song Yalin is indeed extraordinary, destined to become a magnificent phoenix!"
"Of course, Song Yalin is destined for a luxurious life. The marriage with the Great Prince that fell through means nothing. Entering the Pingyang Prince Mansion and becoming the second lady of the mansion, that is her true great fortune!"
The sounds of sycophantic flattery almost made them forget how these people had reacted when Song Yalin’s marriage to the Great Prince was delayed for five years and then called off.
Master Song was puzzled and originally upset at Song Yalin acting on her own accord. However, with all the compliments lavished on her, he even forgot the dangerousness of the situation. He started feeling self-satisfied, thinking that with the marital tie to the Pingyang Prince Mansion, the future of the Song Family was limitless.
The Pingyang Prince Mansion would surely value the Song family greatly!
But Madam Song didn’t share his optimism because she had interacted frequently with Ji Xinhe over the years. She had personally seen how the Marquis Mu was deeply in love with Ji Xinhe and also seen the Marquis Mu’s ruthlessness and cold-heartedness towards others. That’s why she knew Marquis Mu was an uncommon man, and Ji Xinhe was no ordinary woman.
It was impossible for anyone to easily get between them.
If it were indeed possible, why had Ji Xinhe’s position remained unshaken over the years despite only giving birth to a single child, a low-ranking princess, in all these years?
Having entered the mansion as a side consort, Song Yalin’s title would inevitably remain in name only. Madam Song knew this. How could Song Yalin be oblivious to it?
Each time she thought about this, Madam Song felt a piercing heartache. Why did her foolish child choose such a dangerous man to get involved with?
If she were only not favored, that might be tolerable. But knowing Ji Xinhe’s character, there was no sand in her eyes. Not only would she not tolerate a side consort in name alone, but any woman who dared to covet Marquis Mu would also not be spared. Wasn’t the fate of Song Ya Lan, five years ago, a perfect example?
And now, Song Yalin had recklessly thrown herself at Ji Xinhe. How could this possibly put Madam Song’s mind at ease? Furthermore, Madam Song was certain that if Ji Xinhe decided to deal with Song Yalin, Marquis Mu definitely wouldn’t interfere!
From the day the news of Song Yalin’s granted marriage broke out, Madam Song had been suffering from insomnia. Over these days, she felt increasingly uneasy and, unable to sit still, finally decided to pay a visit.
Xinhe held the teacup, slender fingers lightly tracing the lid on the rim of the cup. Casting her gaze downwards, she said indifferently, "Some people, despite being spoiled, feel that their lives are not good enough. Others manage to fill their stomachs every day and feel that their lives are fulfilled. Ultimately, what constitutes a good life is a judgment only she can make. How can I be certain?"
Cold sweat began beading on Madam Song’s forehead. Chapped lips parted to ask, "May I see her?"
Xinhe looked at her and replied, "No."
Madam Song’s heart suddenly sank, and she quickly stood up, saying, "I know that Yalin’s rash entry into the mansion as a side consort has offended you. But perhaps she was forced into it. After all, no one can defy the Emperor’s granting of marriage. Could you..."
Xinhe watched Madam Song with a faint smile, interrupting, "She is your flesh and blood. You should understand her better than I do. Would she really let things come to this if she was unwilling? Or, what do you think she’s been rejecting proposals, trying to become a nun, and even going missing for that matter?"
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