Song Qingrui immediately said, "Sister, that’s not right. It’s the thought that counts, and how it’s arranged is up to our grandmother."

Song Qingying glanced at Song Qingrui.

This sister, actually speaking up for outsiders, really lacks sense!

At this moment, the maid Cui Ying, who had just gone to help report, lifted the curtain and came out.

"You’ll have to wait, two cousin misses. A few legitimate misses from the Princess Consort’s family are attending the banquet, and they’re talking inside now."

The maid finished speaking and walked out of the courtyard.

Bai Zhi’er was somewhat surprised.

She knew that the Princess Consort did not favor the illegitimate children, but never expected not to provide even a resting pavilion!

Just standing in the courtyard waiting idly like this.

Song Qingrui seemed accustomed to it, not the least bit angry.

From time to time, she thought of something amusing and shared it quietly with Bai Zhi’er.

Talking and laughing to herself.

Her sister, Song Qingying, however, looked somewhat uneasy standing at the door, her eyes darting around.

Before long, the maid Cui Ying returned, holding a tray with a teapot and four cups on it.

Song Qingying stepped forward quickly: "Miss Cui Ying, let me take it. I’ll carry it in for you."

The maid sidestepped: "No need, miss, I can take it in myself."

However, Song Qingying went ahead and picked up the teapot.

She smiled and said, "I’m afraid you’ll slip, and it wouldn’t be good if it fell. I’ll help you carry it, it’s more secure."

Cui Ying hesitated a moment, then nodded: "Alright, thank you, miss."

Thus, Song Qingying followed Cui Ying in.

Seeing this, Song Qingrui blinked and seemed somewhat envious.

"That’s great, once sister goes in, grandmother will surely keep her to talk."

"If only I were as smart as sister, I would have insisted on helping carry things earlier too!"

Bai Zhi’er shook her head: "I think not necessarily, Qing Rui, you’re the legitimate miss of the Duke Mansion."

"Serving tea and water are tasks for the servants and maids, and your grandmother values legitimacy and etiquette."

"If you do what maids should do, you’ll probably be laughed at by others."

Song Qingrui listened, nodded thoughtfully: "Sister Jing is absolutely right, then I’d better wait honestly for grandmother to summon me."

Just then, Song Qingying, who had gone in earlier, actually came out with a gloomy face.

Song Qingrui was surprised: "Sister? Didn’t grandmother keep you to talk?"

Cui Ying, following behind Song Qingying, explained: "The Princess Consort said that since Miss Song was there to serve tea, she could leave after serving."

"Fifth Miss, please follow me inside, the Princess Consort summons you."

Just as Bai Zhi’er predicted!

Song Qingrui was even more astonished.

Grandmother sent Song Qingying out and wanted her inside?

So, Song Qingrui quickly pulled Bai Zhi’er into the room.

Passing by Song Qingying, Bai Zhi’er clearly felt her staring gaze.

After entering the room, they first smelled the pleasant Heavenly Water Fragrance.

Behind the Crystal Curtain, clear laughter resonated.

"I just fear not coming often, that Aunt would forget me."

Immediately after, a dignified yet smiling female voice said: "Zi’er can come whenever she likes; if you don’t come, there’s no one to keep Aunt company."

The maid Cui Ying stepped forward to report: "Princess Consort, Miss Song is brought."

Passing through the Crystal Curtain, Bai Zhi’er immediately saw the Princess Consort seated on the longevity chair.

At nearly sixty, yet well-maintained, her brows displayed an air of majesty.

Upon seeing Bai Zhi’er’s appearance, she suddenly began, her eyes slightly widening as if somewhat incredulous.