In the twenty-first year of Shengping, the first snowfall of the winter ca a bit late; by the ti the snow fell, it was already November.
Since Emperor Chu ascended the throne, the Prince Min Mansion, which had never opened its doors to guests, for the first ti opened its doors to welco a crowd. Exquisite carriages and horses, along with a tinkle of jade ornants, the won entered the mansion with charming silhouettes and a waft of fragrance.
"What a fragrance, achoo." Song Ci sneezed twice, almost driven to tears by the various perfus assaulting his senses.
Nanny hurried to secure his hood, not caring about the disarray of the vermillion hairpin, for what mattered was that Madam not catch a chill.
"These noblewon must have ard themselves with perfus from head to toe, it feels like the air is made of perfu." Song Ci pitied his poor nose and wiped away a tear of sympathy.
Nanny Ji said, "With winter’s onset and the first snow falling, the clothing and incense will surely linger long."
"And this is just outside; inside, it might be even more stifling." Song Ci shivered.
A well-dressed maid approached Song Ci and curtsied, "Madam Song, the Dowager sends to welco you, please follow this way."
Song Ci assud her noble deanor, "Thank you for the trouble."
As she settled into the soft sedan chair, Song Ci leisurely admired the scenery of Prince Min Mansion. The previous night’s lively first snow had adorned the mansion in silver, the pavilions and towers draped in a bright white layer of snow.
As for Nanny Ji, as usual accompanying Song Ci to such banquets, she inquired with the maid about the attending guests.
Song Ci was indifferent to who showed up, focusing instead on the scenery of the mansion, as this was an authentic historical site, pure and original, sothing impossible to see preserved in future generations.
However, as snippets of conversation reached her ears occasionally, her eyebrows still arched slightly.
The position of Princess Consort Min was indeed in demand, judging by the number of attendees, and Princess Consort Ji must be quite pleased with herself.
After half an hour in the sedan chair, they arrived at the warm pavilion where the winter feast was held, already bustling with people, filled with laughter and soft spoken words.
Song Ci alighted from the sedan, allowing Nanny Ji to tidy up her appearance before taking Hong You’s hand to enter the pavilion.
With her esteed status, as a first-rank Imperial Decree-holder, and favored by the Empress Dowager, many stood to greet her.
"No need for formalities." Song Ci gently raised her hand, sweeping her gaze around, noticing a few who remained seated, such as Princess Consort Ji, Princess Anping, certain commandery princesses, and a couple of unfamiliar faces.
Song Ci curtseyed to Princess Consort Ji and Princess Anping, the only remaining princess of the previous emperor in the capital, as the others had either deceased or been married off.
Princess Anping, not one to stand on ceremony, rose to return Song Ci’s courtesy, with a warm deanor, inviting Song Ci to sit beside her.
Princess Consort Ji’s eyes flickered, and she said with a seemingly amused smile, "Anping seems quite familiar with Madam Song."
Princess Anping replied with a smile, "Madam Song often visits the palace to chat with Mother Empress. I occasionally see her there while paying my respects, and we’ve had conversations. You may not know, but Madam Song is quite the conversationalist."
Princess Consort Ji retorted, "How could I not know? I’ve indeed experienced firsthand how formidable Madam Song’s eloquence is."
The crowd perked up, sensing a slight tension beneath their words.
Song Ci chuckled, feigning embarrassnt, saying, "Your Highness, there are so many people here, you’re praising too much—it makes feel a bit embarrassed!"
Princess Consort Ji: "..."
Crowd: "..."
Harumph, that old fox really has a thick skin!
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