The notion that having power allows one to do as they please is beside the point; rather, power and wealth enable people to tear away the facade of decency, commonly known as shalessness.
But why is this the case?
After news spread that Prince Min, just returned to the capital, was choosing a consort, several Noble Ladies, who were already betrothed, suddenly declared that their engagents were off, for various reasons.
Those with insight knew they were all aiming for the position of Princess Consort to Prince Min.
Princess Consort Ji was smug, thinking: see, her son is in such high demand; even those betrothed are eager to pursue him!
Unbeknownst to her, those with clear minds secretly mocked—choosing such Noble Ladies would truly invite ridicule.
Having already been betrothed yet voluntarily breaking it off for the sake of climbing the royal ladder—could they be any good?
What, the Royal Family can do this—favoring a young da or squire from a family, using power to make them break off engagents—why couldn’t ordinary officials’ families do the sa?
In the era of royal supremacy, you ask why not?
In Song Ci’s words, the Royal Family is like the Big Boss. "I can do it, you can’t; simply because I belong to the Imperial Family!"
"I underestimated the allure of the Princess Consort position; it’s astonishing how shaless so people can be." Song Ci clicked her tongue as she listened to the gossip shared by her daughters-in-law.
Madam Song remarked, "The Princess Consort is of the highest rank, naturally coveted, but our Song Family, so girls are already married, and others are still too young; otherwise, we might compete too."
As she spoke, she looked at Madam Lu, her eyes showing a bit of regret.
Madam Lu also felt a bit of regret; her daughter was only nine, still a child—how could they possibly wait until she grows up!
But Madam Jiang snorted lightly, "What’s there to regret? Being a Princess Consort is prestigious, but don’t forget, even though Prince Min doesn’t have an Official Wife, his rear court is full of concubines, and there’s already an illegitimate child for each. What good is it being a stepmother?"
Ah, the voice of reason!
Song Ci laughed and said, "Jiang, you’re truly clear-minded; indeed, marrying into such chaos, what good is it?"
"Indeed, that’s true, but being a Princess Consort is what matters. As for illegitimate children, as soon as a legitimate heir is born, could they possibly surpass him? As a Princess Consort in her rightful place, could she not suppress a few concubines?" Madam Song believed that as long as one secured the position of Princess Consort, those issues wouldn’t matter.
Madam Lu agreed with Madam Song’s view, but thinking about the illegitimate children and concubines, her regret dissipated a lot—after all, her daughter Wei’er was not eligible.
This demonstrates each person’s values.
Song Ci didn’t say her daughters-in-law’s views were wrong. After all, she was born in the modern era, inherently carrying modern thoughts, whereas the ancients, in these tis valuing royal power, believed nothing was more important than holding power.
"Mother, regarding the invitation from Prince Min Mansion, do you plan to attend?" Madam Song asked.
Song Ci replied, "It was sent specifically for . I’ll go, why wouldn’t I go?"
Madam Song suggested, "Shall Wei’er accompany you?"
Madam Lu was delighted.
The Song Family currently had no girls of appropriate age to accompany their elders out, except for Song Ruwei—who else could it be?
"If it were a different event, she could co along. But this ti, going to Prince Min Mansion, clearly for a consort selection, Wei’er should not get involved in this spectacle—it’s unsuitable!"
Madam Lu’s delight faded away.
Madam Song thought of sothing, nodded, and said, "Indeed, Wei’er is still young; bringing her to such occasions would be inappropriate, making it seem like the Song Family is eager to vie for the Princess Consort position."
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