Song Chaoyu knew this in her heart, but Tiaohong and Qiouqing had never dared to tell her directly.
At this moment, seeing Tiaohong lowering her head and Qiouqing frowning, Song Chaoyu understood a little more.
She couldn't help but sneer, "I didn't care about anything before, but now I see these people are too troublesome. I'm afraid if they continue to talk about me like this in the future, it will also affect the Prince. Go and investigate for me who has been instigating and directing this matter outside. If no one led others to speak of my identity, why would they only focus on me among so many matters in the capital?"
Qiouqing and Tiaohong immediately understood Song Chaoyu's meaning. They both nodded and assured Song Chaoyu that they would find the person behind it.
However, Song Chaoyu also guessed that Mu Hansu might have a hand in this, right?
Otherwise, they were in Yuezhou, and there were still people gossiping. Where did this gossip come from?
Naturally, Song Chaoyu would handle this matter herself, and she didn't need to trouble Mu Changxi any further.
However, Song Chaoyu also realized one thing: they would probably have to stay in Yuezhou City for some time.
If they relied solely on Mu Changxi to handle matters outside, he would likely be exhausted to death.
Although in official matters, men were mostly in charge.
But how could a man's side be without a woman?
Thinking of this, Song Chaoyu instructed Zhuzhu, "I will personally write a few invitations later, and you deliver them to the female family members of the prominent official families in Yuezhou City. Say that I will invite them to the Prince's mansion for a meal tomorrow. Even the female family members of officials who are residing in Yuezhou City but are not currently employed should not be missed, understand?"
Zhuzhu quickly nodded, assuring her that she would handle the matter well.
—
When Mu Changxi returned in the evening, he was also a little surprised to hear that Song Chaoyu was going to proactively host the noble ladies of Yuezhou City.
Song Chaoyu quickly explained, "Don't worry, I won't be too extravagant. We will serve them what we have been eating along the way. It won't cause you trouble, nor will it cause others to say anything about them."
Looking at Song Chaoyu's earnest explanation, Mu Changxi felt a little uncomfortable.
He also reached out and stroked Song Chaoyu's shoulder, "It's fine. The disaster has been settled, and Yuezhou City is in the best condition. You can serve them whatever you wish to."
Knowing that he was comforting her, Song Chaoyu also smiled and leaned her head on Mu Changxi's shoulder, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. You just focus on your work outside."
Mu Changxi understood that Song Chaoyu wanted to help.
He simply reached out, pulled Song Chaoyu into his arms, and then sighed, whispering, "There's some not-so-good news from the capital."
News that Mu Changxi felt was not good, and he told her, it must be extremely bad news, right?
Song Chaoyu's spine stiffened.
She heard Mu Changxi's voice grow even deeper, "Granny Han is missing."
Granny Han was the nanny who had been taking care of Han Xi on the estate, and one of Song Chaoyu's closest confidantes.
They had not seen Granny Han since they left the estate.
Song Chaoyu had also asked Mu Changxi, and he said that Granny Han had been sent to a safe place. She would be brought back to the capital in a few years and then serve Song Chaoyu.
Song Chaoyu knew what Granny Han meant to them!
Mu Changxi was a sentimental person. Granny Han had taken care of him for many years, almost like family.
Moreover, whatever he, the Noble Consort, thought and planned, Granny Han must have known all of it.
Granny Han was so good to Mu Changxi, and she wouldn't disappear without reason.
The only thing Song Chaoyu could think of now was that someone, following some clue, had found Granny Han and abducted her!
This was probably the worst thing. If Granny Han didn't speak, she would surely be tortured. But if Granny Han spoke, it would undoubtedly give others leverage over Mu Changxi and the Noble Consort.
Song Chaoyu frowned, thinking of a countermeasure.
Mu Changxi saw her like this, and his heart stirred slightly, "Look, this is the look I fear the most. Don't think too much. The incident happened a few days ago. No matter what the people who took Granny Han want, they won't be able to hold out until we return to the capital. Alas..."
He sighed again, seeming a little annoyed, "I thought bringing you out to see the world would allow you to relax a little. But we've been tense all along, and you still have to worry about me. If you frown again, I'll feel even more guilty."
Yes, these words were exactly what Han Xi used to say.
Song Chaoyu lowered her head and smiled faintly, trying her best to calm her mood, "I'm fine. I'm very happy to be able to come out and travel like this."
She also remembered that when they were on the estate, she had joked with Han Xi.
She said that one day, they would travel through all the beautiful rivers and mountains of the dynasty.
At this moment, it could be considered that a small wish had been fulfilled.
—
The next morning, when Song Chaoyu got up, she was once again the spirited Princess of Chang.
She set the banquet for noon.
Zhuzhu had delivered the invitations to every lady yesterday, even to the ladies of the more capable merchant families in Yuezhou City.
However, Song Chaoyu got up early, looked at herself in the dressing table, and said to herself, "I'm afraid even half of the people invited will show up today."
"Ah?"
Tiaohong was confused, "You are the Princess of Chang! Won't people come?"
Song Chaoyu shook her head, "If it were a few days ago, it might still be good. But I had a confrontation with Madam Han a few days ago. She has the highest prestige among the noble ladies in Yuezhou City. If she gives an order, naturally some people will follow her lead. And me? Even though I am the Princess of Chang, in the eyes of others, I still have the identity of an illegitimate daughter, don't I? It's reasonable for them not to give me face."
"Alas—"
Hearing this, Tiaohong's head drooped dejectedly, "Then why did you still invite them, Princess? Aren't you afraid of becoming a joke in Yuezhou City? Isn't this just causing trouble for yourself?"
This girl is really too straightforward!
Song Chaoyu gave a helpless wry smile, "If I cared about my reputation outside, I wouldn't be able to do anything. Since I have no reputation to speak of, I might as well stir up this muddy water of Yuezhou City even more! What is there to fear?"
Song Chaoyu's words always made Tiaohong feel reasonable.
Her previously drooping head perked up again, "The Princess is right!"