Song Ci and Princess Anping had an unrestrained and intimate conversation about Princess Consort Ji, who was ’recovering’ in the household, before moving on to discussing the daily happenings in the capital.
Princess Anping naturally brought up the notable events related to Song Ci: "You don’t know, everyone applauds and gives a thumbs-up when your accomplishnts are ntioned."
The saying "swift as a tiger’s leap" refers perfectly to Song Ci.
Song Ci chuckled, "People must be gossiping about how coarse and clueless I am, behind closed doors."
"Do you care about such remarks?"
"Of course not, at my age, there aren’t many years left to live; I certainly do not want to live under others’ judgnt and prefer to do as I please. Reputation is important, but being too shackled by it would make life terribly stifling." Song Ci paused, then added, "Naturally, I act recklessly because of my age and status; young ladies, though, should be a bit more cautious."
Ah, the double standard reveals itself yet again.
Song Ci would not dare let the won of this era engage in shocking conduct; after all, this is ancient tis. Of course, how others live is their own business, but how she chooses to live is her own choice.
"Actually, there’s nothing to it. Concubines are ant for pleasure and servitude; in the end, it’s all the sa. If you ask , serving soone like you isn’t necessarily worse than serving a man." These playthings dedicated to serving others, once their novelty fades, are passed around by n, traded from one to another, who knows how many tis.
It’s not that n are heartless, but how many actually take a Yangzhou concubine as more than a temporary amusent?
Of course, there are foolish ones, but the more foolish a person is, the more heartless they tend to be. Tiring of them and trading them away is the least of it; the real fear is being given away to those with peculiar fetishes—such a life is hopeless and without daylight.
Serving Song Ci only involves showcasing a bit of talent, with als to eat, drinks to drink, and a place to rest—surely better than drifting aimlessly.
Song Ci smiled warmly and extended a hand to Princess Anping.
Anping: "???"
Song Ci grasped her hand, speaking with complete satisfaction: "Princess, you and I are truly of one mind, I believe the sa."
Anping’s trusted aide, Nanny Deng, glanced at Nanny Gong, the latter wearing an expression of ’please pardon us’.
Even Princess Anping was left sowhat speechless.
Once Song Ci had had her fun, she withdrew and said, "Why don’t I see your commandery princess? She usually loves lively events like this. Didn’t she co?"
ntioning her daughter, Princess Anping’s expression dimd slightly, "She ca, talking with her little friends now. If she doesn’t, there may not be such lively occasions for her to enjoy in the future."
Song Ci was slightly stunned, then tentatively asked, "Could it be that the commandery princess is engaged?"
Princess Anping nodded slightly.
Seeing her expression devoid of joy, Song Ci felt a pinch in her heart and quietly asked, "What’s the matter? Is the suitor not to your liking?"
This shouldn’t be the case; whether or not a marriage is agreeable is important for an engagent, and Princess Anping only has Commandery Princess Shou Ning as her legitimate daughter, so arranging her marriage should be handled with utmost care, there shouldn’t be any dissatisfaction.
Song Ci didn’t press further, rely curious who the engagent was with.
Unexpectedly, Princess Anping pursed her lips in a certain direction, her voice faint: "The betrothal is with the princely heir of Jing’an Marquis. After the festival, my elder brother will likely issue the decree for the marriage."
Song Ci was taken aback for a mont. Who is this outstanding heir of Jing’an Marquis? Following Anping’s gaze, she saw a young man in a dark red robe, his hair bound with a Jade Crown, with a firm and cold face. She blurted out, "Quite handso..."
But her voice faltered as her gaze fell on his arm.
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