The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant-Chapter 835: Deliberate Favor

Song Ci didn’t ask Madam Shen why she would be willing to come to the Song Family as a concubine, such a foolish question. First, it was the Emperor’s decree; second, living out her days in the palace, not many truly wish for that.

Madam Shen’s choice, however, allows her to leave the palace walls and glimpse the outside world. Though she becomes a concubine, she is a Noble Concubine. If fortunate, she may even bear a child, achieving a life that is quite complete and beautiful.

Another reason Song Ci didn’t ask is that everyone has her own choices. For Madam Shen to be standing here, it must be her carefully considered decision.

Why ask?

No need to ask.

Just as they were speaking, Madam Lu and Song Zhiqing entered together as a couple.

Madam Shen and Bilu stood up. As the pair entered the room, they paid respects to Song Ci, who then spoke, allowing Bilu to congratulate Song Zhiqing.

Madam Lu listened to Aunt Bilu’s words, her smile gentle, her gaze landing on Madam Shen’s lowered face.

Upon closer inspection, she was a different type than Madam Bai, who resembled a lotus emerging from dust, while this one was an orchid.

Madam Lu chuckled self-mockingly inside, yet harbored some implicit expectation for the future, unsure what surprises Madam Shen might bring her.

Song Zhiqing’s gaze also fell on Madam Shen, a hint of astonishment passing through his eyes. Remarkably, this Madam Shen had some fair looks and held the seventh rank, more esteemed than Madam Bai upon considering.

The world’s hustling and bustling is all for profit.

Song Zhiqing was a man driven by profit. Upon contemplating Madam Shen’s status and potential benefits, his gaze softened, less resistant than upon first hearing the news.

Song Ci had been observing the expression on Song Zhiqing’s face, watching him transform from surprise to delight, and inwardly spat.

Bah, scoundrel!

If Bai Lianhua were here, would she clutch her heart like Xi Shi, lamenting in pain?

Aunt Bilu relayed the oral directive: "...Lady Empress also mentioned that in the future, everyone follows the third Madam in serving the Dowager, keeping all ceremonies simple. Madam and Doctor Song have received Yulu’s tea; the etiquette is thus complete. What does the Dowager think?"

Song Ci said, "Let’s follow Her Majesty’s intent."

The palace nanny listened, personally brewed the tea, and brought the tray to Madam Shen’s side. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Madam Shen first took a cup of tea, gracefully approached Song Zhiqing, and raised the cup high: "Madam Shen offers Yulu tea to Master."

Song Zhiqing, feeling awkward and uneasy under others’ observant gaze, awkwardly accepted the tea and sipped it.

It wasn’t him being pretentious; he currently felt as though being forcibly partnered with a newcomer, surveyed by others, profoundly uncomfortable.

Madam Shen then presented a cup of tea to Madam Lu: "Madam Shen offers Yulu tea to Madam."

Unlike Bai Shuilian, Madam Lu readily accepted the tea and drank it, then slipped a jade bracelet from her wrist onto Shen’s, gently saying, "Good sister, from now on we are sisters; let’s get along well."

Madam Shen, somewhat flustered, shyly thanked her for the gift.

Meanwhile, Song Zhiqing felt somewhat displeased, recalling when Lian’er joined the household, Madam Lu hadn’t shown such a demeanor, reluctant even with tea, let alone offering any meeting gift.

Now?

This woman so overtly favored one over the other, seemingly eager to push him away.

Madam Lu personally assisted Madam Shen up, smilingly addressed Song Ci: "Mother, from now on Madam Shen is part of our Third Household. Shouldn’t we host two tables of wine to celebrate, so everyone can recognize each other, considering her esteemed concubine status?"

This intentionally aims to elevate Madam Shen.