Chapter 451: You Truly Deserve It
Side Hall.
Consort Li smiled gently as she engaged in small talk with the noblewomen. In truth, compared to the many concubines in the palace, she was not particularly favored, though her beauty was unparalleled. Her nature was extremely gentle and gracious, which endeared her to the Empress Dowager. Thus, she was chosen to accompany the Empress Dowager on this trip to the palace.
The third princess was born under her name.
Consort Li was actually quite satisfied with having only given birth to a princess. Having a prince would easily lead to disputes. She preferred to stay wise and protect herself in the treacherous palace, so when the princess was born, she truly breathed a sigh of relief.
Now, she felt quite content, having a princess under her name, being valued by the Empress Dowager, and having the Empress see her favorably. Her days were calm and uneventful.
"The Empress Dowager has arrived."
Consort Li quickly put down her teacup and stood up, looking toward the entrance and walked over.
Indeed, the Empress Dowager emerged in a simple court dress, with Song Ci two steps behind her. Consort Li approached, supported the Empress Dowager’s hand, and led her to the chief seat.
The noblewomen all knelt down to pay their respects and greet her.
Song Ci glanced over, seeing that Madam from Prime Minister Fan’s Mansion, the wife of the Prime Minister’s son, the Madam from Chief of Staff Li’s family, and the Dowager Madame of Uncle Mingyang were present. Beside her was a stunningly beautiful woman, slightly voluptuous and enchanting, though Song Ci did not recognize her.
The Empress Dowager called them to rise and granted them seats.
Everyone stood up.
The Empress Dowager’s gaze passed over the older madams like Madame Fan and landed on the young women.
"Whose daughters are these?"
Consort Li smiled serenely and looked toward Noble Lady Yu, who had a lively disposition. She stepped forward, curtsied, and said, "Empress Dowager, shall I introduce these lovely young ladies to you?"
"Alright, you are indeed a curious one." The Empress Dowager smiled and nodded at her.
Noble Lady Yu then introduced them one by one: Fan Minting, the twelve-year-old youngest daughter of Madame Fan; Li Su, the fourteen-year-old granddaughter of Madame Li; and several more from Uncle Mingyang who were illegitimate granddaughters, Zhao Yuxian, Zhao Yuying, Zhao Yusi.
A row of lovely young ladies, each like a budding flower, their skin so tender that it seemed one could squeeze water from it. Slim and graceful, if unaware, one would think they were selecting concubines.
Song Ci’s gaze fell on the illegitimate granddaughters from Uncle Mingyang’s Mansion, appearing to be around thirteen or fourteen. Zhao Yuying and Zhao Yusi were twins, strikingly beautiful, with a mole at the corner of their eyes. Despite their young age, their figures already hinted at an alluring grace.
Such a pair of sisters, as beautiful as they were, why did they seem to be trained for a particular side?
Wait a moment, Uncle Mingyang’s Mansion, oh, that was Zhao Mingyao’s maiden family, so these were her half-sisters?
What was Uncle Mingyang’s Madam up to, bringing such young granddaughters here?
Song Ci raised an eyebrow, feeling as though she’d stumbled upon some sordid gossip.
Even the Empress Dowager was staring at these twin flowers. The more she looked, the more it annoyed her, until she couldn’t help but remark, "This pair of girls are indeed quite beautiful."
Madam Mingyang was delighted, and the concubine beside her was even more overjoyed, just as she was about to say something.
"Like those dancers, specifically trained? Can they sing and dance?"
Madam Mingyang turned pale with embarrassment.
Song Ci was astonished, looking at her old friend and thinking, truly you’re unmatched, criticizing without hesitation!
Madame Song maintained a calm demeanor as she lifted her teacup, taking a sip to hide her sarcastic smile.
Some people are truly desperate to climb the ranks, daring to bring anyone before the Empress Dowager. Madam Mingyang is reputed to be foolish, allowing her son to favor a concubine over his wife, and now it seemed she was indeed utterly foolish!