After talking with Song Chaoyu for a while longer, the Empress Dowager, feeling weary, finally dismissed her.
As the Empress Dowager watched Song Chaoyu depart, she quietly asked the Empress, "I used to think she was rather common. But now, looking at her, she seems quite composed. Much better than that Ning King's Consort. What do you think now?"
The Empress nodded, "She is a good one. Having her by Chang King's side puts my mind at ease."
"Mmm—"
The Empress Dowager slowly nodded. "Then, from now on, I won't make things too difficult for her. As long as she can safely give birth to Chang King's child. You've seen the situation in court now. If you still want the Crown Prince to stand firm, have him get closer to the Chang King's estate. I used to think Ning King was also a good child. But now, it's clear his ambition cannot be hidden!"
Empress nodded, "Your Majesty's teachings are understood."
—
Song Chaoyu felt that her visit to the palace for greetings this time seemed to be much better than before.
However, as she left the palace, Song Chaoyu received an invitation from Song Yanjiao.
It stated that all the noble ladies in the capital were invited to the Ning King's estate in three days to admire the flowers.
The Ning King's estate had a pear blossom forest, which Song Chaoyu had heard was the best in the capital.
Now that she was pregnant, she originally did not want to go.
But Song Yanjiao addressed her as "sister" in the invitation. Outside, they were both daughters of the Song family, so Song Chaoyu did not refuse.
Indeed, the invitation was not only sent to Song Chaoyu but also to Song Yanrou.
When Song Chaoyu returned to the Chang King's estate, Song Yanrou was already waiting for her.
The current Song Yanrou was very different from before.
Having become a mother, she was even more gentle and kind.
Moreover, she was about to remarry. Although the man was not from a wealthy family, he was very good to them, mother and daughter. And it was Mu Changxi who found him for her, so she was naturally grateful to Song Chaoyu.
Seeing Song Chaoyu return, she stepped forward, "Sister, did you also receive Second Sister's invitation?"
Song Chaoyu nodded, "I did."
Song Yanrou threw her invitation on the ground, "If you ask me, she has ill intentions! The meaning of this invitation is that we have no choice but to go. What kind of invitation is this?"
She patted her chest and said to Song Chaoyu, "Rest assured. Since she invited even me, when we get to the Ning King's estate, I will stay by your side! If she wants to harm you, she'll have to get past me first!"
If the Song Yanrou of the past was like this, would she have endured those two years of hardship?
Song Chaoyu chuckled slightly, "She wouldn't necessarily want to harm me now. I'm afraid she has another purpose this time."
Song Yanrou nodded, "No matter what she wants, I'm here to tell you that you have me. We're not afraid of her!"
Song Chaoyu understood Song Yanrou's feelings and felt a warmth in her heart.
And this banquet hosted by Song Yanjiao could be described as "grand."
Almost all the female relatives of the influential families in the capital were invited by Song Yanjiao.
When the day of the banquet arrived, it was a beautiful day. Soon, many noble ladies gathered at the entrance of the Ning King's estate.
When they saw Song Chaoyu arrive, they were all very warm towards her.
After all, who in the capital didn't know how "precious" Song Chaoyu was now? Even the Empress Dowager treated her with more courtesy than before!
Although Song Chaoyu was attending the Ning King's estate banquet today, she did not dress too ostentatiously.
She was dressed in her usual manner, not extravagant, but generous and elegant. They entered the Ning King's estate together. Everything in the Ning King's estate was ready.
Ning King Mu Hansu was still not present today. It seemed that ever since Song Yanjiao became pregnant, he had not returned to the estate for days.
He claimed to be busy with political affairs outside, but everyone knew he just didn't want to be bothered by Song Yanjiao and found her annoying.
As Song Chaoyu walked in, she heard people nearby already gossiping about Song Yanjiao and Mu Hansu: "Look, the Ning King is not here again today! I heard he went to the Hua Man Lou yesterday afternoon and booked the most popular courtesan there. He's probably in the arms of a beauty right now, isn't he?"
Some were confused, "That shouldn't be right! By all accounts, there are many servants in this estate. The Ning King's Consort is known for her generosity in our capital! Since entering the Ning King's estate, she has taken in so many women as concubines and secondary consorts for the Ning King! Why is His Highness tired of them now? Why not have the Consort take in a few more? Why go to places like Hua Man Lou? It's vulgar! If the Emperor were to return, he would surely be displeased. How can a king frequent places of pleasure day and night?"
"Isn't it simple?"
But it made it even clearer what was happening in the Ning King's estate: "You haven't heard, have you? Since the Ning King's Consort became pregnant, how arrogant has she become? Let alone the concubines in the estate, even the secondary consorts are treated like servants by her! The Ning King's intentions are obvious, he needs a son. And didn't the Ning King's Consort also have people check, and it's a son in her womb? Even if she causes trouble in the estate, the Ning King can't punish her, can he?"
The person sneered, seeming very disdainful, "Since he can't punish her, why not just not return to the estate? It's better to see nothing than to see her. He can talk about it after the son is born. Isn't that what the Ning King is thinking?"
Indeed... The Ning King's estate had long become a joke in the capital, hadn't it?
While those people were talking, someone approached Song Chaoyu, "Chang King's Consort and Ning King's Consort are both daughters of the Song family. Seeing the Ning King's Consort like this now, tell us, what exactly is going on?"
Song Chaoyu did not want to become their topic of conversation.
She smiled and shook her head, "You all know that my King is not in good health, and I am also... I am too busy taking care of the large estate every day. It's true that as a sister, I haven't been diligent enough. I don't know what my sister is like, and I truly don't know the situation of the Ning King's estate, which makes you laugh!"
She had, in a way, saved Song Yanjiao's face, causing others to look at each other awkwardly and not dare to ask further questions.
Fortunately, they soon reached the back courtyard, and Song Yanrou protected Song Chaoyu, making it difficult for others to pester Song Chaoyu with questions.
Song Chaoyu and Song Yanrou chose a corner seat, seeking some peace and quiet.
However, as soon as they sat down, a maid from the Ning King's estate came and placed two boxes in front of them: "These are gifts from our Consort to all the guests. Please accept them!"
Song Yanrou pouted and opened the box with disdain, but then gasped, "Oh... Isn't this the Hu Chou tribute from the north this year? I heard the Emperor bestowed it all upon the Ning King's estate, and no other estates received it. She gave me a whole bolt? This is truly overwhelming!"