Chapter 326 - 130: Not an Arrogant and Domineering Little Goblin (3)

Chapter 326: Chapter 130: Not an Arrogant and Domineering Little Goblin (3)

Song Yunzhao’s words were a clear warning to Madam Ding Nanbo: Chu Yuying wasn’t marrying into some obscure, nameless family. She was marrying the eldest legitimate grandson of the Marquis Yongjia Mansion, and if Marchioness Yongjia decided to bring her into the palace, she absolutely could.

This meant Song Yunzhao would indeed have opportunities to see her. And given Chu Yuying’s temperament, she would never give Madam Ding Nanbo the satisfaction of putting on a display of motherly affection and daughterly piety.

Madam Ding Nanbo’s expression collapsed. She was seething with rage. ’No wonder my sister can’t stand this daughter. Who could possibly like a personality like that!’

Watching this scene, Madam Song felt a deep sense of satisfaction. She immediately rose and said, "It’s getting late. I should take my leave so as not to delay Song Jieyu from attending the banquet." Then, looking at Madam Ding Nanbo, she asked, "Will you join me, Madam?"

With a stiff expression, Madam Ding Nanbo rose to leave. She knew this visit had been utterly pointless.

Once outside the gates of Wangyou Palace, Madam Ding Nanbo turned to Madam Song. "Why must you sow discord, Madam? Does the Song Family truly benefit from a strained relationship between my sister and Song Jieyu? You should take a longer view. What grudges can truly last within a family? Let bygones be bygones."

Madam Song’s anger flared at her words. Looking at Madam Ding Nanbo, she smiled and said, "I hear Ding Nan Bo is preparing a petition to have his eldest son from his first marriage named the Princely Heir. A woman as virtuous and magnanimous as you, Madam, would surely not object to that, would you?"

Ding Nan Bo’s eldest legitimate son was from his previous wife. Mrs. Cai had only managed to give birth to a son five years after marrying into the family, and she doted on him completely. How could she possibly have no designs on the title of Princely Heir for her own son?

’Her trying so desperately to reconcile Mrs. Cai and Yun Zhao now... isn’t it all just to use Yun Zhao’s favor to interfere with the succession of the Princely Heir?’

’In her dreams!’

"The affairs of my household are no concern for you to worry about, Madam Song."

"And yet you seem to know all about the affairs of other households," Madam Song retorted, then turned with a flick of her sleeve and departed.

’The nerve!’

Madam Ding Nanbo’s face was a mask of humiliation as she watched Madam Song walk away. How could she not understand the jab? The woman was calling her a meddling busybody.

On the day of the palace banquet, fragrant carriages lined the roads outside the palace, carrying a steady stream of dignitaries. Inside, the grounds were teeming with people, and palace attendants scurried about their duties. The area outside Qinghua Hall, where the evening banquet was to be held, was particularly bustling.

The banquet had yet to start, but numerous noble women had already arrived, gathering in small groups of two and three to chat and laugh. Bamboo curtains hung along the corridors to shield them from the wind, their tassels swaying gently in the evening breeze. Amidst the elegant shadows cast by the lamps, women in high coiffures and splendid gowns filled the air with incessant laughter.

The moment Madam Song stepped inside, Mrs. Han pulled her over and, introducing the women beside her, said with a laugh, "What took you so long? I’ve been waiting for you. Come, let me introduce you to a few of the other wives."

Madam Song immediately put on a perfectly appropriate smile and addressed the women beside Mrs. Han. "My apologies. I should have arrived earlier to pay my respects to you all."

’Her husband’s official rank was low; everyone here was of a higher status. If not for Yun Zhao, how could she possibly be standing here?’

’So, she had to maintain a perfect demeanor and not give anyone cause to criticize Yun Zhao.’

Mrs. Han was the mother of Han Jinyi. Her daughter was under Song Yunzhao’s care in the palace, and for this banquet, she had sent a message asking her mother to look after Madam Song.

How could she possibly refuse? For the sake of her daughter’s well-being in the palace and for the Han Family, it was a necessary courtesy. Besides, she had met Madam Song once before and had formed an excellent impression, so she was more than willing to lend her a hand today.

"This is Mrs. Lu, and this is Mrs. Feng," Mrs. Han introduced with a smile.

Mrs. Lu was the mother of Lu Zhixue, and Mrs. Feng was the mother of Feng Yunjin.

Mrs. Lu had a gentle face, and her soft, calming gaze had a way of putting people at ease. "When your son won third place in the imperial examination, I wanted to visit your home to share in the good fortune. I’ve always regretted being unable to make the trip. Now that I’ve met you, Mrs. Song, I finally understand why your son is so exceptional."

’This Mrs. Lu is so well-spoken,’ Madam Song thought. ’How did Lu Pin end up with a personality like that? The contrast between mother and daughter is vast.’ Aloud, she said, "You flatter me, Madam. I am unworthy of such praise."

Mrs. Feng chimed in, "How could that be flattery? It’s the truth. One doesn’t simply become a third-place scholar by chance."

Madam Song simply smiled at this, then proceeded to praise the children of each of the other families in turn. As she spoke of the younger generation, the atmosphere grew warmer and more familiar.

Mrs. Han observed from the side. ’No wonder Song Jieyu is so close with Madam Song,’ she thought. ’She is truly an impressive woman.’

Elsewhere, Mrs. Qin watched the lively group, her expression filled with displeasure. It was because of that Song Jieyu that her own daughter’s life in the palace had become so difficult.