Song Qingrui’s maternal grandmother was the Princess Consort of Prince Li Zheng.

It was said she was born a noble in the Qin Kingdom.

She placed great importance on the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children.

Song Qingying and Song Qingrui’s mother was born to one of the Prince’s concubines and was considered illegitimate.

Thus, she was never favored by the Princess Consort.

The Princess Consort always thought of them as too petty.

During every holiday, when they visited the Mansion to greet her, they would be met with indifference.

Nevertheless, Duke Huan’s family still clung tightly to the Prince Li Zheng Mansion.

Bai Zhi’er considered the relationship and couldn’t blame the Duke and his wife for trying every way to marry Song Qingrui to the Princely Heir Ming Yang.

A marriage would unite them closely with the Prince Li Zheng Mansion.

However, with a Princess Consort so focused on lineage, it might be very difficult for Song Qingrui to become a daughter-in-law of the Mansion.

Bai Zhi’er considered this and then nodded, "Alright, I’ll go with you to take a look."

She could also check on what kind of transaction Prince Li Zheng planned today.

She turned her head and quietly spoke to Feng Fuce, "Brother Ce, you’ll observe at the gentlemen’s section for a while."

Saying this, Bai Zhi’er left with Song Qingrui.

After she left, Feng Fuce gazed among the crowded guests within the Mansion.

Today, many Xiu Luo Envoys disguised as guests had come to the banquet.

Prince Li Zheng probably invited many unfamiliar noble ministers to facilitate his actions.

Blending in was quite easy.

Similarly, with so many people, Prince Li Zheng and Duke Huan found it easier to conduct their transactions.

Upon receiving a glance from the Marquis, the Xiu Luo Envoys concealed themselves in the depths of the Mansion to gather information.

Over there, the maids recognized the Song sisters and led them toward the inner courtyard.

Along the way, Bai Zhi’er admired the exquisite and elegant pavilions and towers adorned with dragons and phoenixes.

Artificial mountains and peculiar rocks were everywhere.

Indeed, Prince Li Zheng was the foremost authoritative official of the Qin Kingdom.

Arriving at the main courtyard of the Princess Consort, the maid said, "Please wait here for a moment, and I will inform the Princess Consort."

Song Qingrui nodded repeatedly.

Song Qingying, however, pulled out a piece of broken silver from her sleeve and handed it to the maid.

"Thank you, Miss Cui Ying."

The maid named Cui Ying only smiled and didn’t accept the silver, turning to enter the room.

Song Qingying’s hand holding the silver hung awkwardly in the air, and she reluctantly withdrew it.

Bai Zhi’er observed all of this closely.

Compared to Song Qingying’s shrewdness, Song Qingrui seemed less "clever."

At the moment, her thoughts weren’t focused on pleasing the Princess Consort.

Instead, she pointed excitedly at a pot of flowers in the corner of the courtyard, "Sister Jing, look, that was my New Year’s gift last year. I didn’t expect grandmother would still have it displayed here."

Bai Zhi’er glanced at it.

The flower was in the most inconspicuous corner, likely never receiving enough sunlight every day.

It’s fortunate it managed to survive until now.

Bai Zhi’er couldn’t help but say, "Next time you could give something else. Flowers displayed in the courtyard can’t be seen by the Princess Consort every day."

"If she doesn’t see them every day, she won’t think of you often. Maybe gift a pair of Jinli housed in round ceramic tanks indoors."

"Gather water and wealth, bringing longevity and blessings."

Song Qingrui’s eyes lit up, "Sister Jing, you’re so clever! Next New Year, I’ll follow your suggestion!"

Song Qingying chuckled softly, her tone elusive, "If grandmother doesn’t like it, even if it’s Jinli, it might not be kept indoors."

"Perhaps, they’ll be instructed to put them directly into the pond."