Song Ci had been here for quite a while, attended a few banquets, and basically, the entertainnt in the rear courtyard always included listening to that monotonous Huangi opera.
Like now, sitting in the theater pavilion of the Duke Mansion, sipping tea and watching the opera, it bored her to death.
She also wanted to go over to where the girls were, to see if there was anyone she could coerce and find soone suitable for her family’s fourth young master.
The Madam of the Duke Mansion saw Song Ci looking utterly disinterested and said, "Is it that this opera does not please the Lady’s taste? Shall we change to another one?"
Song Ci shook her head, "Not really, it’s just that I don’t have much interest in watching operas. To , it’s just a noise."
Pfft.
"The Lady truly has a way with words. In this opera, there are lyrics and words, yet to you, it’s just noise?" Little Mrs. Liao covered her handkerchief as she laughed secretly, feeling disdainful in her heart.
Though newly noble, she couldn’t rid the earthy air, having not a shred of elegance.
Song Ci glanced at her, "That’s right, to , it’s just noise, so what?"
Little Mrs. Liao was montarily silenced, sowhat embarrassed.
As she was about to say sothing, the Madam of the Duke Mansion glanced at her indifferently, causing Little Mrs. Liao’s expression to change slightly. She forced a smile and said, "Of course, it’s just that I didn’t expect the Lady not to like watching operas."
"You’re still young, there’s a lot you won’t expect." Song Ci’s voice was cool.
Little Mrs. Liao forced a laugh and used her handkerchief to wipe the corner of her mouth.
At this mont, the Heir’s wife, Mrs. Lu, smiled as she approached and reported to the Madam of the Duke Mansion, "Mother, the Commandery Princess Dongyang has arrived."
The Madam of the Duke Mansion was a bit surprised, "The Princess actually graced us with her presence?"
Song Ci was also quite surprised, "That lass actually ca to this kind of banquet?"
Upon hearing this, the Madam of the Duke Mansion recalled the rumors in the capital about Song Tai Madam and the Commandery Princess Dongyang having lively conversations.
"Our Lord and Prince Dingbei have so old ties, and this ti I took the opportunity of my birthday to invite her over to play. I didn’t expect her to actually co. I heard Madam and the Princess also know each other; it is quite a coincidence."
As they were speaking, Commandery Princess Dongyang was led over, notably wearing a dress, followed by a maid carrying a gift.
"Pan’er wishes the Madam of the Duke Mansion a peaceful and auspicious birthday." Commandery Princess Dongyang saluted the Madam of the Duke Mansion and then accepted the maid’s gift, "A small birthday gift, inadequate as it is."
The box was made of sandalwood, only about two palms in size. Inside might be jewelry if not other precious items.
The Madam of the Duke Mansion laughed, "Child, just co to play, why bring a gift?"
"Can’t co empty-handed." Commandery Princess Dongyang, upon seeing Song Ci, had a genuine smile in her eyes and bowed slightly to her, "Greetings, Lady."
Song Ci laughed and teased, "This old woman has been enlightened, you actually wore a dress. It seems only the Madam of the Duke Mansion has the prestige to have you wear a dress to a banquet."
She wore a dark purple dress, with her hair tied into a small braid secured with pearls and jade, with the remaining strands fastened at the end with a ribbon of the sa color. Her jewelry was understated, lending her a softer and more noble aura compared to her usual sharpness.
Commandery Princess Dongyang seed a bit shy and said, "With the Madam’s birthday, it wouldn’t do to co with a sword and long whip."
The weapons she usually carried had seen a lot of blood, carrying an air of murder, which wouldn’t be appropriate for blessing the elderly’s birthday and might spell disrespect and ill on.
The Madam of the Duke Mansion said, "The Princess is considerate, co, take the seat of honor."
The other ladies all stepped forward to greet the Commandery Princess Dongyang; upon seeing her outfit, their eyes flickered slightly.
Commandery Princess Dongyang waived the ceremony, very familiarly sitting beside Song Ci and chatted with her, while everyone looked on, inevitably with a bit more calculation in their minds.
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