Chapter 1635: The Bustling World Seeks Profit

What does "an aging blade remaining sharp" mean? It likely refers to Song Ci’s sharp tongue. His skill in cutting remarks has not waned with age; instead, his words pierce with precision and sting everywhere.

Comparing Madam Bai to a parrot may not mention her by name, but who doesn’t understand the implication?

Madam Bai turned blue and red in the face, swelling with humiliation, having nowhere to hide.

It’s too much; is this the Song Family’s way of treating guests?

She wanted to say something, but Song Ci didn’t give her the chance and instead had Madam Song lead everyone to the banquet hall.

"After all this talk, surely everyone’s hungry; let’s have a meal," Song Ci said with a smile.

Everyone thought to themselves, is the underlying meaning of this to keep certain mouths shut by stuffing them with food?

Madam Bai felt resentful but dared not act out, even Madam Fan cast her a warning glance.

Madam Bai: "..."

For whom am I playing this villain role?

Madam Zeng dabbed the corners of her mouth with a handkerchief, lowering her gaze, her eyes inscrutable.

...

At the banquet, not only was the Jiang family daughter-in-law the center of attention, but Song Zi, who returned as a guest, was also surrounded by several well-status ladies, some of whom ranked higher than her, all praising her with sweet words.

Song Zi wasn’t overly surprised by the attention, rather she marveled at it. These ladies, who normally looked down on her, now smiled brightly, all because her daughter Zhilan was chosen as Crown Prince Consort by the Empress despite being just a Fifth Rank official’s daughter.

Being Crown Prince Consort might seem insignificant now, but once the Crown Prince ascends the throne and rewards the harem, even if she doesn’t become one of the four concubines, she could secure at least a Fifth Rank titled lady position, conservatively speaking.

Old acquaintances may not be as refreshing as new arrivals, but with the Crown Prince’s benevolence, old acquaintances could become more favored simply for their loyalty, having been with him since he was just a prince.

Thus, the current Consort is destined for a favorable spot in the future, so it’s wise to establish good relations in advance.

The bustling world is drawn by personal interests; it’s human nature.

Song Zi felt like someone of high status but didn’t dare flaunt it; instead, she was apprehensive. Her daughter’s selection wasn’t her wish, as her family’s foundation wasn’t strong enough to offer support.

Rely on the maternal family?

In her maternal family, only her uncle Prime Minister Song Zhiyuan had influence, and if Zhilan herself lacked merit, would Song Zhiyuan regard her highly?

Song Zi’s advantage is recognizing her own role, avoiding trouble, which earns her family members’ affection and support. However, she is herself, and her daughter is a generation removed. To have her maternal uncle and cousins willing to support her, she must prove her worth.

Therefore, Song Zi is anxious, wishing to instill all her insights into her daughter, fearing she might become complacent due to her favor and sabotage herself.

Not only was Song Zi anxious, but with the male guests, Lin Guangxiong’s face was tense from the flattery.

"In terms of fortune, Lord Lin is the luckiest, with such a daughter becoming the Crown Prince’s father-in-law—the envy of others," they said.

Lin Guangxiong’s spine felt a chill, he quickly cut off the conversation: "Lord Du, please don’t flatter me so; I dare not claim to be the Crown Prince’s father-in-law, only fortunate to be related to him."

Just shut it, would you? I’m still dazed from being hit by this jackpot; I don’t ask you to help me, but don’t add fuel to the fire, alright? With the Duke of the state listening, can I still wear my official hat?