The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant-Chapter 1008: Fooling Ghosts

After expressing their thoughts, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law shifted the conversation.

Song Ci mentioned Bai Shuilian and looked at Lu Shi, saying, "I heard that Aunt Bai caused trouble again?"

Lu Shi quickly stood up, full of apology, saying, "Yesterday, my husband took her out. It is said they went to Prince Xiao’s Mansion to enjoy the lantern festival. I felt she broke the rules by leaving the mansion without permission, so I punished her by making her kneel for an hour."

Song Ci frowned and said, "Taking her to Prince Xiao’s Mansion to enjoy lanterns? Has the third son lost his mind? There’s no logic in taking a concubine as a guest. He’s utterly confused; he’s regressing as he lives."

Lu Shi showed a bitter expression, lowered her head, and said nothing.

Jiang Shi and Madam Song exchanged glances, both silently staring at their teacups.

"I heard that Consort Xiao has a low-born aunt who became a noble concubine of Magistrate Luo in Shanxi, and she gets along well with Bai Shi. Consort Xiao is concerned about that aunt, so she summoned Bai Shi for a chat."

Song Ci laughed and said, "This is nonsense intended to fool people. If Consort Xiao is truly concerned about her aunt, why not directly send someone to bring her back for a visit? And saying that the aunt gets along with the official wife’s cousin—no one would believe that. Clearly, it’s just an excuse..."

Saying this, she frowned again and said, "The third son went with Bai Shi, so he also went to drink with Prince Xiao?"

"That’s what’s said to have happened."

Upon hearing this, Madam Song could not help but frown.

Being the wife of the Prime Minister, she understandably has some sensitivity to political matters.

Could it be that the third son is trying to align with Prince Xiao by bringing a concubine along to mingle?

The Song Family hasn’t separated, so would outsiders think they’re aligning with Prince Xiao because of this behavior from the third son?

Considering this, Madam Song felt uneasy and frequently looked at Song Ci.

Song Ci was also thinking about these matters and said, "In the future, if Consort Xiao sends people again, say that Bai Shi is praying for me and copying scriptures; she can’t go out. Don’t let her leave."

Lu Shi was delighted and bowed her head, saying, "Yes." 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

"You all may leave, Gu Shi, stay."

Jiang Shi and Lu Shi stood up, bowed to Song Ci, and left.

Once the two sisters-in-law left, Madam Song could no longer hold back and said, "Mother, the third son’s actions are very inappropriate. With the Crown Prince not yet established, all the princes are secretly competing and trying to win over officials. The third son..."

Song Ci fiddled with the sandalwood prayer beads in her hand and said, "We in the inner courtyard shouldn’t discuss politics. I’m sure the eldest son understands these matters; leave it to him."

Madam Song nodded upon hearing this, knowing that the affairs of the mansion could not escape the Prime Minister’s notice.

"Don’t worry too much. Focus on nurturing your health. Su’er is at the age for marriage proposals, and you need to evaluate them. Without good health, where would you find the energy?"

Madam Song was immediately distracted and asked, "The Prime Minister mentioned that Mother met that Miss Wen last night? How did you find her?"

"I only met her once; what can you discern from that? But she’s received praise from the Empress, so she can’t be too bad. However, more evaluation is needed. I’m considering sending an invitation to some people to admire chrysanthemums in the mansion in a few days. You’ll know then." Song Ci neither criticized nor praised, refusing to make a definitive statement.

"That sounds great! When is Mother thinking? I can make some preparations." Madam Song was eager to judge Miss Wen’s character.

Seeing this, Song Ci said, "I’ll check the almanac later, but don’t overextend yourself. If it turns out she’s not suitable, it would embarrass both parties."

Madam Song quickly apologized, smiling awkwardly, "Being the first daughter-in-law, I am overly concerned."

Song Ci held her tea indifferently.