Song Ci accompanied Princess Anping to change clothes. In fact, it was just that the two bigwigs found a place to talk privately.
The garden was also equipped with side rooms for the female guests to change and freshen up. At this mont, the two sat down by the southern window in the east side room, each holding a cup of tea. Through the clear glazed window, due to the terrain, they could see the entire garden’s scenery without any obstruction.
"The Princess Anping looks a bit tired. Are you worn out, or haven’t you been resting well these days?" Song Ci asked, looking at Princess Anping.
Even though she wore makeup, the weariness on her face was sothing that even makeup could not conceal.
Princess Anping held the warm teacup, sighed, and said, "I suppose you know that the prospective Prince Consort, Master Cui, encountered an assassination attempt over in Fujian and is now missing. The Emperor has sent an imperial envoy to search for him."
Song Ci understood imdiately. She also knew that the person sent was Princess Anping’s prospective son-in-law, the Princely Heir of Marquis Jing’an. She smiled and said, "So, are you worried about your future son-in-law?"
Princess Anping heard her teasing and revealed a wry smile: "Even though I’m letting you see as a joke, I’m not afraid to say it. The wedding date is set, and to say I’m not worried would be a lie. Not to ntion when they’ll return, or if they’ll make it back before the wedding. Since Master Cui also encountered an assassination attempt, one can see the dangers over there. We must find out who is behind it; knowing that is the crux of the matter."
"Are you worried that Lord Lu might follow in the young Cui’s footsteps?"
Princess Anping nodded and, lowering her voice, said, "How could I not be worried? In a few months, he’ll be married. If sothing were to happen... Shou Ning has already co to terms with having an imperfect husband, but if anything unfortunate happens to him, I’m afraid she’ll be heartbroken."
Poor are the hearts of parents under heaven.
No matter how noble Princess Anping’s status, she is still a mother concerned for her children.
"Think positively. Look, even though Lord Lu has lost the use of one hand, the Emperor still trusts him. What does that show? It shows that the Emperor sees his value and won’t let his inconvenience overshadow his talents," Song Ci comforted. "Going to Fujian is risky, true, but success often lies in peril. If he returns safely with the Prince Consort, it will be rembered, adding feather to his cap on this career path, don’t you think?"
"You make a good point. Am I just being overly sentintal?" Princess Anping blushed and smiled.
"These things are beyond our control. You have to adjust your mindset and shouldn’t show worry in front of the Commandery Princess. Otherwise, she’ll get worried just like you, which won’t be good," Song Ci laughed. "We, who dwell in these big residences, are powerless in such matters. The only thing we can do is pray to Buddha and perform more charitable deeds to accumulate rit and good fortune."
Princess Anping said, "You really speak to my heart. With winter approaching, I’m already planning to distribute aid to the refugees at the Charitable Hall in the na of the Princess Mansion."
"With the Princess’ benevolence, the son-in-law will surely return safely, kneel respectfully, and call you ’Mother.’"
Princess Anping laughed. Looking out the window at the delicate young girls, her heart stirred, and she asked, "The banquet is held, but from your deanor, you don’t seem very impressed with Miss Wen and seem to favor Miss Guan Liu?"
Song Ci gave an "ah," and said sowhat bewilderedly, "Miss Guan Liu, I just admire her personality and emotional intelligence, but I didn’t think you ant it in that regard!"
Miss Guan Liu as a granddaughter-in-law? Is that even possible?
Princess Anping: "..."
So, was she completely misunderstanding?
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